Korea Festivals

Grand Chrysanthemum Festival

Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

Grand Chrysanthemum Festival
Grand Chrysanthemum Festival. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

Grand Chrysanthemum Festival started in the autumn of 2004. Various chrysanthemum art pieces create a beautiful autumn ambience while the festival grounds are filled with diverse programs.

Why go

This is one of Korea's longest-running chrysanthemum festivals, held annually at Hampyeong Expo Park since 2004. Large-scale chrysanthemum displays and flower sculptures fill the grounds, creating a distinctive autumn setting.

Getting there from Seoul

Take the KTX from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Gwangju Songjeong Station (roughly 2-2.5 hours). From there, transfer to a local or intercity bus toward Hampyeong-gun, then a local bus or taxi to Hampyeong Expo Park.

Tips

  • Admission is charged, so bring cash or a card for the entrance fee
  • The festival runs 10:00-18:00, so plan your visit within those hours
  • It's an outdoor event from late October into November, so check the weather and dress for cool autumn temperatures

Best for: families, photographers, flower enthusiasts.

  • Grand Chrysanthemum Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Grand Chrysanthemum Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Grand Chrysanthemum Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
  • Grand Chrysanthemum Festival
    Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Other festivals in Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

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Festivals: Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site