Gimje Horizon Festival Dates and Venue
Planning a family trip to Jeollabuk-do this autumn? The Gimje Horizon Festival is worth it because it is not just shows and food: kids can harvest rice, twist straw rope and try farming VR.
The 28th festival runs Thursday, October 1 to Monday, October 5, 2026, centered on Byeokgolje (442 Byeokgolje-ro, Buryang-myeon, Gimje). The slogan is “K-Farming Culture Shines on the Horizon,” and it is one of Korea’s government-designated honorary culture and tourism festivals. Most daytime programs run 10:00–18:00, with some paid or reservation-only activities. With 60-plus programs, focus on kids’ activities, Byeokgolje, the parade and the night lights.
Why Bring Kids
Farming culture here is hands-on, not just exhibits. At the field yard, kids harvest rice, twist straw rope and weave straw sacks, a rural way of life they rarely see. For pure fun, the Horizon Kids Park has extreme bounce houses and a carousel, plus a straw theme park and leisure activities. The “Horizon Universal Studio” offers farming VR, animation screenings and character zones, a welcome indoor break.
Start with These Activities
- Rice paddy experience: harvesting, straw rope and sacks, the festival’s essence.
- Horizon Kids Park (10:00–18:00): the dalgona character-making activity costs 2,000 won, with daily first-come prizes for completing missions.
- Stamp tour “Night at the Museum Season 3: Kongi’s Storybook”: find stamps around the grounds.
For something special, try cooking rice in a traditional wood-fired cauldron: 12,000 won for two, 6,000 won per extra person. It requires reservations.
Highlights Not to Miss
The Horizon Parade moves through the grounds daily at 13:00 and 16:00.
A giant Ssarikongi mascot stands on the embankment, and a drone photo service in the flower garden prints your family photo. Stay into the evening for “Horizon Night Painted in Light,” with night scenery and LED fire-spinning.
Parking for the Gimje Horizon Festival
The official advice is to park at Gimje City Hall (40 Jungang-ro) or Gimje Civic Stadium (220 Dojak-ro) and take the shuttle bus. On a weekday morning you might find space nearby, but on weekends or afternoons, start with the downtown lots. Byeokgolje normally has about 1,700 car spaces, but festival traffic is different.
How Much Time to Allow
Rice paddy, kids’ park, museum and VR, food and the parade take at least half a day; add the night lights and stay into the evening. With kids, do not book too many programs; focus on walk-up activities and allow for walking and waiting.
Nearby Sights
Arirang Literature Village recreates the setting of Jo Jung-rae’s novel Arirang, a good place to explain rural life and exploitation under Japanese rule. With more time, visit Geumsansa Temple at the foot of Moaksan, or Manghaesa Temple on the West Sea coast, with views toward the Gogunsan Islands.
What sets the Gimje Horizon Festival apart is that kids learn about farming and actually do it. Plan at least half a day, and remember it only runs October 1–5.
Dates, programs and prices in this guide are as of the 2026 edition. Check the official website for next year’s schedule before you go.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Children’s Day Seoul Tour: City Hall Plaza, Deoksugung Palace, Doldam Kong Banana Crepe, City Tour Bus
- Places to Visit in Seoul with Kids: Hanwha 63 Aqua Planet Seoul Aquarium and Mermaid Show
- Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan with Kids: Complete Guide to Popular Attractions and Areas
Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.