Gwangju Chungjang Festival (광주 추억의 충장축제)

The Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection is Gwangju’s largest signature festival, originating on Chungjang-ro in Dong-gu. Built around the universal theme of memories, it is Korea’s first festival of its kind, bringing together people of all generations and backgrounds. Geumnam-ro and May 18 Democracy Square, the festival’s main venues, hold profound significance in the history of democracy. They symbolize not only remembrance of the past but also Gwangju’s journey toward a hopeful future. Recognized for its excellence, the festival has been designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as both a Cultural Tourism Festival and an Honorary Cultural Tourism Festival. It has also gained international recognition through consecutive honors at the Asia’s Pinnacle Awards and Gwangju’s designation as a World Festival City. Looking ahead, the festival aims to grow into a truly international event through collaboration with the Asia Culture Center, embracing the cultures and shared memories of Asia. In doing so, it strengthens Gwangju's role as a leading cultural city of Asia and provides a meaningful platform for communication and harmony through culture.

Event Program

Opening Show, Administrative District Parade Symbol Exhibition, Asia Culture Street, Asia Culture Show, Happiness & Passion Hanmadang, Chungjang Glow Night, Rice Ball Competition, Five-District Daedong Nori, Special Invitational Parade, Residents’ Festival, Competitions & Administrative District Parade  

Start date

2026-10-07  

End Date

2026-10-11  

Performance Time

14:00-22:00  

Venue

Geumnam-ro, Chungjang-ro, May 18 Democracy Square, and Art Street  

Fee

Free  

Host Company

Gwangju Dong-gu, Dong-gu Culture & Tourism Foundation, Chungjang Festival Organizing Committee  

Host's Contact Information

+82-62-608-4672  

Introduction

Every October, Gwangju Chungjang Festival takes place around the area of Chungjang-ro, a representative street in Gwangju where old history and fast changes exist together. The festival's main event, Chungjang World Parade, includes floats with various themes from the 13 districts of Gwangju. The street is recreated in various stages of changes between the 70s and the early 2000s. Visitors can also enjoy tea at old-style cafes or take black-and-white photos at a photo studio.

Programs

Street of memories, concert of memories, dance night, playing with flour, fire art parade, K-pop random dance, etc.