JEONNAM-GWANGJU — Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City will hold the 2026 Gwangju Kimchi Festival from the 23rd to the 25th around the Gwangju city government complex under the theme "Overwhelm! Kimchi Party." This year's festival adds a youthful sensibility and creative content to traditional kimchi, and is designed as a stay-and-savor food festival where visitors can taste, learn, enjoy and buy.
Main programs include the Table for a Thousand, the Kimchi Party, a master class with kimchi artisans, a kimchi experience school, a kimchi playground, a kimchi pop-up exhibition and a kimchi market. The centerpiece is the dining space known as the Table for a Thousand, where 10 local restaurants and food service companies will present special menus made with kimchi. The festival grounds will also feature performances, hands-on activities, exhibitions and shopping, allowing visitors to sample everything from the deep flavors of traditional kimchi to trendier kimchi offerings in one place.
During the festival weekend, outside parking lots will be opened free of charge, including those at government offices near the Gwangju city complex and the underground parking lot at Peace Park in the Sangmu district.