Iksan Chrysanthemum Festival 2026 (Oct 23-Nov 1): Free Entry, Night Lights, KTX Tips

Every autumn, the city of Iksan in Jeonbuk fills a whole park with chrysanthemums. The 23rd Iksan Ten Million Blossom of Chrysanthemum Festival runs from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Jungang Sports Park (322 Hana-ro, Iksan). This year's theme is "GLOW IKSAN". Entry is free, and Iksan is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Seoul by KTX, so it works as a day trip.

Why it's worth a visit

• Flowers on a big scale: the organizers list about 600 chrysanthemum sculptures, 60,000 pots of chrysanthemums and other autumn flowers, and about 200 chrysanthemum bonsai.
• A night garden: about 100 light sculptures are on display, and the night lighting stays on until 23:30, well after the stage program ends.
• Something on stage every day: the main stage has shows from morning to evening, from children's puppet plays to live bands.
• Food and local products: a food hall near the main gate and farm-produce stalls sell local snacks and crops.
• A heritage city: Iksan was a royal capital of the Baekje kingdom. The festival leaflet also points to nearby sights such as the Mireuksa Temple Site and the Wanggungni Site.

When to go

- Dates: October 23 - November 1, 2026 (10 days)
- Hours: 10:00-21:00, with night lighting until 23:30
- Stage highlights from the official leaflet (the schedule may change on site):
- Sat Oct 24, 17:00-21:00: Jeonbuk Redcon Music Creation Center 10th anniversary showcase
- Sun Oct 25, 20:00-21:00: EDM party with DJ DiGi x LipHip
- Thu Oct 29, 19:00-20:00: Letters Band live, then an EDM party from 20:00 to 21:00
- Fri Oct 30, 18:00-21:00: Dongchun Circus
- Sat Oct 31, 19:00-21:00: Iri Orak Festa, a talk-and-music show with young local performers
- Sun Nov 1, 17:00: closing ceremony

Weekday mornings are quieter for photos. If you want both the flowers in daylight and the lights after dark, arrive in the late afternoon.

Cost

Entry is free (Korea Tourism Organization festival listing). Food, craft booths and shopping cost extra.

Getting there

• By KTX: Yongsan Station to Iksan Station takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. From Seodaejeon or Gwangju, it takes about 1 hour.
• From Iksan Station: take bus 1 at the Jungang Market entrance stop (toward Seo Elementary School) and get off at Eoyang e-Pyeonhansesang Apartment.
• From the intercity/express bus terminal: take bus 1 at the stop toward Pyeonghwa-dong Community Center and get off at the same apartment stop.
• By car: there are 8 parking lots around the park, plus 3 more on weekends (lots 9-11). Parking is limited, so public transport is easier on weekends.

Tips

• Weekends are the busiest. Go early in the day, or come for the evening lights.
• The grounds are large. Wear comfortable shoes and pick up the leaflet map at an information desk.
• Wheelchair rental and a lost-child center are available on site.
• Late October evenings get cold. Bring a warm layer if you stay for the lights.
• Check your train back before the evening program starts, and leave time for the bus to the station.
• The official website is in Korean only. Use a translation app and check its notices for schedule changes.

Going alone?

omeetu has a meetup spot at Iksan Station. Open a meetup there to find others heading to the festival, or join one on the same KTX 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 office: 063-859-4321
• Emergencies in Korea: 112 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance), 1330 (travel hotline with English support)

Official site: Iksan Chrysanthemum Festival