Gangjin Bay Dancing Reed Festival 2026 (Oct 24-Nov 1): Free Reed Walks, Shows and Shuttle Guide

Golden reed beds, tidal flats and wide bay views: the 11th Gangjin Bay Dancing Reed Festival (강진만 춤추는 갈대축제) runs for nine days at Gangjinman Ecological Park in Gangjin, South Jeolla, until Sunday, November 1, 2026. Gangjin County hosts it, with about 70 programs of guided walks, crafts, concerts and local food. Entry to the park is free.

Why it's worth a trip

• Reeds at their autumn best. The park sits where the Tamjin River meets Gangjin Bay, with long reed beds and clean tidal flats. Gangjin County lists otters and whooper swans among the protected species found here.
• Guided reed walks every day. The Reed Forest Eco Explorers program (갈대숲 생태탐험대) runs daily during the festival. Nature guides walk you through the reeds and explain the wetland and its wildlife.
• Easy, low-key fun. There is a multi-colour stamp tour around the site, a "trash exchange" where you swap litter you pick up for a small souvenir, eco crafts, a kids' zone and a sports play zone.
• A very calm contest. "Galdae Baragi" (갈대바라기) on Oct 25 and Oct 31 looks for the person who sits most peacefully while gazing at the reeds. Sign up on site.
• Local food and crafts. Look for the local food hall, a farmers' market, Gangjin celadon sales and auctions, and wild tea tasting.

When

- Festival dates: Saturday, Oct 24 to Sunday, Nov 1, 2026.
- Program hours: the official timetable runs from 10:00 to 19:00 each day.
- Stage highlights:
- Oct 25 (Sun): a talk concert by Kim Je-dong 17:00-18:00, then singer Song Ga-in at the Gangjin Reed Music Concert 18:00-19:00.
- Oct 31 (Sat): a Robocar Poli sing-along show for children (two sessions), and the Autumn Scent Concert with The Vocal (KCM, Ko Yu-jin, The One) 17:00-19:00.
- Nov 1 (Sun): the final of the "Reed Forest Star" song-and-dance contest, with guest singer Lee Hyun, 16:00-18:00.
- Weekdays have smaller local stage shows and busking. Programs can change, so check the official site before you go.

Cost

• Entry is free. Gangjin County lists Gangjinman Ecological Park as free to enter, with free parking.
• Most activities on the leaflet have no fee listed. One craft class (succulent pots and sock-loop doll keyrings) is marked as paid.
• Bring a card or some cash for food and market stalls.

Getting there

- Address: Gangjinman Ecological Park, 510 Nampo-ri, Gangjin-eup, Gangjin-gun (강진군 강진읍 남포리 510).
- Festival shuttle bus: it loops between Gangjin Sports Complex (강진종합운동장), Gangjin County Office (강진군청), Gangjin Bus Terminal (강진버스여객터미널), Gangjin Station (강진역) and the festival site.
- Weekdays: 10:00-20:00, every 30 minutes.
- Weekends: 10:00-21:00, running continuously.
- The organisers say times may change depending on conditions on the day.
- By bus: get off at Gangjin Bus Terminal and take the shuttle.
- By train: Gangjin Station is also on the shuttle route.
- By car: parking at the park is free.

Tips

• Concert evenings are the busiest. For a quiet reed walk, try a weekday morning.
• Plan your way back. The shuttle ends at 20:00 on weekdays and 21:00 on weekends. Check your last bus or train out of Gangjin before the evening shows start.
• Dress for the bay. Wear comfortable shoes for the boardwalks, and bring a warm layer, as it gets cool and windy after sunset.
• Respect the wildlife. Stay on the marked paths and boardwalks, and do not chase or touch birds or tidal-flat creatures.
• The official site and leaflet are in Korean only. A translation app helps with signs and the timetable.

Going alone?

The nearest omeetu meetup spot is Gwangju Songjeong Station in Gwangju. Open a meetup there to find others heading to Gangjin, or join one going on the same day. Meet first in a busy public place, and keep chats inside the app. Teen members have limits on meetups between 22:00 and 06:00, so plan to head back early.

Questions on the day

• Festival team (Gangjin County): 061-430-3413
• Emergencies in Korea: 112 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance), 1330 (travel hotline with English support)

Official site: Gangjin Bay Dancing Reed Festival