Gwangju Festivals & Events

The Gwangju Design Biennale is the world's first design biennale and currently Asia's only design biennale. With exhibitions centered on the concept of design, the biennale combines the industrial aspect of design with cultural elements.

Every October, the Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection is held on the streets of Chungjang-ro and Geumnam-ro in the city center with the theme of memories. The themed streets exactly replicate the old Chungjang-ro with the theme of "memories of night," allowing visitors to enjoy different types of songs from the olden days. This festival, held in the heart of Gwangju, offers a wide array of events, such as nostalgic concerts, flour games, parades, and random dance performances, making it a popular attraction with plenty to see and do. ◎ Chungjang-ro, Gwangju Chungjang-ro is so famous as a fashion street that it is nicknamed the "Myeongdong Street of Gwangju." The name "Chungjang" comes from the military title of General Kim Deok-ryeong, known for his valiant acts in the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592.

The Gwangju Kimchi Festival is Korea's representative kimchi festival, offering a variety of kimchi products for purchase and the chance to taste various kimchi dishes. Highlights include the "Thousand People's Table" featuring diverse kimchi cuisine, a competition to discover kimchi masters, and a kimchi experience school with a range of engaging programs.