Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival 2026 (Oct 31-Nov 8): Free Seaside Flower Show, Fireworks and Free Shuttle

Masan, a harbour district of Changwon on Korea's south coast, is where Korea's commercial chrysanthemum farming began, and every autumn it fills its waterfront with the flowers. The 26th Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival (마산가고파국화축제) runs from Saturday, October 31 to Sunday, November 8, 2026 at three seaside sites: 3·15 Marine Nuri Park (3·15해양누리공원), Happo Waterfront Park (합포수변공원) and Masan Marine New Town (마산해양신도시). Changwon City hosts it and the Masan Chrysanthemum Festival Committee organises it. Entry is free.

Why it's worth a trip

• A big flower show by the sea. The main site, 3·15 Marine Nuri Park, has eight themed chrysanthemum displays with about 100,000 chrysanthemums, plus a bonsai hall.
• Evenings on the waterfront. Happo Waterfront Park (about 20,000 chrysanthemums) and Masan Marine New Town both have a "chrysanthemum light street". At Masan Marine New Town, an outdoor chrysanthemum cinema runs every day from 17:00 to 21:00.
• Fire over the water. Opening night (Oct 31) has a multimedia fireworks show. On Nov 4 there is a *nakhwa* fire show on the sea, a Korean tradition where falling sparks light up the night.
• Snacks and side events. There are food booths at every site and a casual "pocha" food zone at Happo Waterfront Park. At the main site, chrysanthemum-shaped bread (gukhwa-ppang) costs 1,000 won.

When

- Festival dates: Oct 31 to Nov 8, 2026. The flower displays are not open before the festival starts.
- Viewing hours: 10:00-22:00.
- Opening day, Oct 31 (Sat), at 3·15 Marine Nuri Park: pre-show from 18:00, opening ceremony at 19:00, multimedia fireworks 19:30-19:42, then a concert from 19:43 until about 21:00.
- Other highlights at 3·15 Marine Nuri Park:
- Nov 1 (Sun) 13:00: Chrysanthemum Indie Music Festa
- Nov 4 (Wed) 19:00: *nakhwa* fire show on the sea
- Nov 7 (Sat) 18:30: chrysanthemum makeup contest
- Nov 8 (Sun) 15:00: dance and cheerleading; 17:00: final of the Gukhyang song contest
- Linked events: Changwon Dragon Boat Race (Oct 31-Nov 1, 3·15 Marine Nuri Park), a chrysanthemum show on Dotseom Island (Oct 31-Nov 8) and the Changdong Ramen Festival (Nov 6-8).
- Programs can change, so check the official site before you go.

Cost

• Entry is free, according to Korea Tourism Organization's festival listing.
• Food, shopping and some activities cost extra.
• Optional Chrysanthemum Tour Pass (12,900 won): it adds festival booth discounts (2,000 won per booth, up to 3 booths) to the Changwon tour pass. It is valid for 24 hours from first use.

Getting there

- Main site address: 46-3 Wolnam-dong 1-ga, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon (창원시 마산합포구 월남동1가 46-3).
- By train: go to Masan Station (마산역), which has KTX service.
- Free shuttle bus (Oct 31-Nov 8): a loop from Masan Station → Odong-dong Culture Plaza → Happo Waterfront Park (IBK Bank stop) → 3·15 Marine Nuri Park → Happo Waterfront Park (Masan Gagopa Fish Market stop) → Odong-dong Culture Plaza → Masan Station.
- Weekdays: 10:00-18:00, every 15-30 minutes
- Weekends: 10:00-21:10, every 30 minutes
- By car: about 5,500 parking spaces around the sites. Some lots, such as those near Masan Fish Market and Changdong, charge a fee.

Tips

• Crowds: weekends and opening night are the busiest. The Oct 31 fireworks at 19:30 draw the biggest crowd, so arrive early.
• Last shuttle: shuttles stop at 18:00 on weekdays and 21:10 on weekends, while the festival is open until 22:00. If you stay late on a weekday, plan a taxi or city bus back.
• Site rules: no bicycles or kick scooters inside the festival grounds, carry your pet in your arms, and keep to the right along the viewing route.
• Facilities: wheelchair and stroller rental and a nursing room are available.
• Seaside evenings in November can be cold, so bring a warm layer.
• The official site and leaflet are in Korean. A translation app helps with signs and the program.

Going alone?

The nearest omeetu meetup spot is Masan Fish Market / Changdong, in Masan's old town near the festival. Open a meetup there to find others heading to the festival, 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

• Masan Chrysanthemum Festival Committee office: 055-225-7799
• Changwon City Tourism Division: 055-225-2341 / Changwon call center: 1899-1111
• Emergencies in Korea: 112 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance), 1330 (travel hotline with English support)

Official site: Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival