Gongju Baekje Cultural Festival in October: Family Fun and Autumn Travel Itinerary

The 2026 Baekje Cultural Festival is currently taking place in Gongju, Chungnam, from October 3rd to October 11th. The festival spans across Geumgang Shingwan Park, Mireu Island, Gongsanseong Fortress, and the entire royal city area of Gongju. The opening ceremony featured celebratory performances by Huh Gak and Le Sserafim, a drone show, and fireworks, drawing significant attention. With various hands-on activities and food options for children, it is particularly popular among families.

Admission to the festival grounds is free, though Mireu Island has a separate entrance fee, which includes a 3,000 won coupon redeemable within the festival. The Baekje Cultural Festival offers a rich array of participatory programs beyond mere performances, such as rural sensory experience zones, pottery wheel throwing, and oranda making. Additionally, major attractions in Gongju like the UNESCO World Heritage site Gongsanseong Fortress, the beautiful red spider lilies at Magoksa Temple, and the Na Tae-joo Grass Flower Literary House are recommended for autumn travel itineraries.

Bloggers praise the Baekje Cultural Festival for its continuous entertainment throughout the day, making it ideal for families with children. They note that Gongsanseong Fortress offers stunning night views of the Geumgang River and the Ungjinseong Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, adding to the autumn evening ambiance. Magoksa Temple's serene atmosphere and spider lilies provide a unique autumn travel experience. A 2-night, 3-day camping trip to Gongju, enjoying local specialties and restaurants, is also highly recommended.