October 03, 2026 – October 07, 2026

Seoul's annual city festival spanning Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and Han River parks. Street performances, free outdoor concerts, cultural exhibitions, and food markets run across the five-day programme. The opening night parade along Sejong-daero is the set-piece event. Fully free — no tickets required.

The Festival

Hi Seoul Festival is Seoul’s flagship city-wide cultural festival, transforming central Seoul into an open stage across multiple districts (May 1–5). The festival is free and designed around public participation — outdoor performances, street parades, cultural programs, and interactive installations spread across Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Plaza, and surrounding neighborhoods. It is one of the largest urban festivals in Asia by attendance, drawing hundreds of thousands over five days.

What to Expect

Programming spans traditional Korean performing arts, contemporary music stages, international cultural groups, street theater, and participatory art. The Gwanghwamun area serves as the main festival hub, with additional satellite programs across Seoul. All main performances are free. The festival coincides with Korea’s Golden Week (May 1 Labor Day, May 5 Children’s Day), making central Seoul especially busy — expect large crowds throughout.

Getting There & Tips

• Main hub: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5) or Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)
• Free entry: All main stages and performances are free; some special programs may require reservation
• Golden Week overlap: May 1 (Labor Day) and May 5 (Children’s Day) are public holidays — central Seoul is especially crowded on these dates
• Program guide: Download the official Hi Seoul Festival app or check the Seoul Metropolitan Government website for the full schedule