Hoengseong Deodeok Festival: More Than a Farmers’ Market
The Hoengseong Deodeok Festival in Gangwon-do is not just a place to buy deodeok (bonnet bellflower root, a fragrant mountain root prized in Korean cooking). Kids dig roots themselves, taste deodeok dishes and join family games. For children who rarely touch soil, it is a memorable autumn outing.
The 13th festival ran over a September weekend (September 11–13, 2026) at the Nonggeori festival grounds in Cheongil-myeon (1456-4 Yudong-ri), themed “The scent of deodeok, full of laughter.” Entry is free; roots, food and some activities cost extra. From Hoengseong IC, follow Route 19 toward Cheongil.
Why Bring Kids
Start with root digging. Kids who only know packaged deodeok find long roots in the soil and dig them out, a real nature lesson on how root crops grow. Wear shoes that can get dirty, comfortable clothes, spare socks, wet wipes and a small bag.
The family “Deodeok Olympics” gets everyone involved. Free tastings of deodeok tempura and deodeok injeolmi rice cakes (pounded with a wooden mallet) make the bitter root easy for kids. Tastings end when supplies run out, and check ingredients for allergies.
The Golden Deodeok Event
The golden deodeok hunt is not a field activity: you need a receipt of 100,000 won or more from festival purchases to enter. Do not overspend to qualify. When buying roots, check they are not dried out, bruised or soft, and ask farmers how to store and prep them.
Shows by Day
Opening day featured a giant deodeok bibimbap performance and a concert with trot singers. Saturday evening had a rural dance contest, and local school choirs, bands and dancers performed, giving it a warm village-festival feel. Closing-day shows followed on Sunday.
Tasting Hoengseong Deodeok
Stalls sell local produce and deodeok dishes. Start kids with crispy tempura before the strongly scented grilled deodeok; adults should try spicy grilled deodeok or deodeok salad. Bring water, snacks, hats and sunscreen, and a raincoat if rain is forecast.
A Realistic Family Plan
Arrive in the morning and check sign-up times for root digging and the Deodeok Olympics first. Browse produce, dig roots, lunch on deodeok dishes, then games, tastings and school performances. With little ones, do not stay from morning to night.
Hoengseong Lake Trail
Section 5 of the Hoengseong Lake Trail, the “family trail,” has gentle slopes and the Manghyang hill memorial for villages flooded by the dam. Walk just the first part with kids, before or after the festival.
Rainy Day: Anheung Jjinppang Village
Anheung Jjinppang Moraknak Village is an indoor spot with exhibits on Anheung’s famous steamed buns, bun-making, dessert classes and VR. Some classes need booking.
Active Kids: Hoengseong Luge
The Hoengseong Luge runs 2.4 km on an old highway, open through November 30, 2026 (09:30–17:30 in September). Ride first, then go to the festival; check age and height rules online.
Before You Go
Check same-day sign-up times, tasting schedules, the golden deodeok receipt rules, show times and parking or shuttle info. The Hoengseong Deodeok Festival has no rides, but kids dig roots, watch local performers and taste seasonal produce, and pairing it with the lake trail, bread village or luge makes a full day.
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.
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Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.