Gongju is best known as a capital of the ancient Baekje kingdom, but the Gongju Heritage Night Tour shows a different side of the city. From 6 to 10 p.m., the old town around the former Gongju-eup Office, Jemincheon stream and the Banjuk-dong flagpole park turns into one big night history festival. As of the 2026 edition it ran September 4–6, and this guide follows the closing-day (Sunday) schedule.
The 2026 theme was “1926 Gongju Romantic Banquet.” The festival marked its tenth straight year, and a 1926 city map of Gongju turned 100, so the whole event recreated the town of a century ago. Baekje ruins by day and 1920s Gongju by night is the real appeal.
Gongju Heritage Night Tour Crafts for Kids
With kids, begin with activities rather than grabbing a seat at a show. In front of the Junghak-dong community center you could make heritage lanterns, color plaster air fresheners, mix natural bug repellent and get “modern Gongju” face paint. Near the youth culture center there was a 1920s beauty salon and hair accessory making; the boarding-house village offered costume photos and photo booths. At the flagpole park, kids made lotus-tile string art and goblin-tile hand mirrors, and Pulkkot Literature Museum ran bookmark making. Materials can run out, so arrive near 6 p.m.
The 1926 Map Stamp Mission
The “Finding the 1926 Gongju Map” stamp mission gives kids a reason to explore the old town during the Gongju Heritage Night Tour. Collecting nine stamps qualified you for a 3,000-won local food coupon at the info center, but coupons were limited, so treat the mission as the fun part.
Shows Worth Planning Around
From 7 to 8 p.m., the main stage at the flagpole park staged “Legend of Gomnaru,” a local madang changgeuk (open-air Korean opera) about Gongju’s old name, Ungjin, and the bear legend of Gomanaru ferry. Intangible heritage programs, including Gyeryong Baekilju rice wine, ran earlier in the evening.
For younger kids, the boarding-house village puppet show is a gentler choice. On the closing day it ran once, 7:00–7:30 p.m., telling the stories of missionary Sharp (Saerisi) and independence activist Yu Gwan-sun through a landlady and a chestnut character.
The night ended with a silent-film narration show, “Crossroads of Youth,” from 8:30 to 10 p.m., with a byeonsa narrator voicing the film live. It runs late for little ones, but older kids may find it unforgettable.
Media Facade and the 1926 Set
The media facade on Gongju First Church ran continuously from 6 to 10 p.m., so even if you miss a show you can still catch it. The lit “Moonlit Sinjangno” walk links Jemincheon with modern buildings, and walking the real old town is what makes the Gongju Heritage Night Tour special.
At Jemincheon Historical Culture Plaza, a “1926 Modern Gongju” set recreated offices and shops from the old map, with photo zones and a vintage postcard exhibition nearby. Take photos once before dark and again under the lights.
Dress Up in 1920s Clothes
A costume rental shop near the youth culture center lets you stroll the set in 1920s outfits. Rickshaw rides ran between the old office and the flagpole park, but mainly for preschoolers, seniors 65+ and pregnant visitors, so elementary kids may not qualify.
Dinner at the 147 Night Market
The 147 Night Market and a free market near the flagpole park ran until 10 p.m. Eat something light early and snack as you go, since popular food can sell out on busy evenings.
Baekje by Day, Modern Gongju by Night
Make a full day of the Gongju Heritage Night Tour: Muryeong royal tombs → Gongju National Museum → dinner → night tour, or Gongsanseong fortress → Sanseong Market → Jemincheon → night tour. Doing everything wears kids out before 6 p.m., so leave energy for the evening. During the festival, 11 historic buildings, including the old office and Gongju First Church, stayed open until 10 p.m.; some, like Jungdong Cathedral, had different hours.
Arrive Early and Keep It Simple
Weekend evenings get busy, so aim to park near the old town around 5 p.m., eat early and start activities at 6. Don’t insist on the closest lot; walking a little is less stressful. Our plan: one stamp mission, one craft, one show and one night walk. That is plenty to make the Gongju Heritage Night Tour memorable.
FAQ
- Hours? 6–10 p.m. during the festival (September 4–6 in 2026).
- Kids’ activities? Crafts, face painting, costumes, photo booths and bookmark making, while materials last.
- Need reservations? Some programs required booking, but the media facade, set, shows and night market were walk-in.
- What else nearby? Muryeong royal tombs, Gongju National Museum or Gongsanseong; pick one or two by 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.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Baekje Cultural Festival 2026 in Gongju: Dates, Parking & Best Kids’ Activities
- Gongju Baekje Cultural Festival with Kids: A Two-Day Route Through UNESCO Sites
- Seocheon Heritage Night Tour with Kids: Hansan Fortress by Lantern Light
Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.