If you’re planning an autumn trip to Naju, check the Naju Yeongsan River Festival dates first. The 2026 festival runs for five days, October 7–11, at Yeongsangang Garden, and it’s not just about watching shows — there are kids’ career experiences, board games, food, garden displays and night performances that can easily fill a day. With kids, the weekend programs on October 10 and 11 really stand out.
In this post I’ll cover the 2026 schedule, activities for children, shows worth seeing, parking and free shuttles, and nearby places to visit in Naju, all organized around a travel route.
1. Naju Yeongsan River Festival Basics
- Dates: Wednesday, October 7 – Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Venue: Yeongsangang Garden area, 757-1 Yeongsan-dong, Naju
- Hours: 11:00–21:00
- Admission: free
- Phone: +82-61-339-8594
According to the official guide, entry is free. Food and some individual activities may have their own terms, so check those separately.
The best thing about the Naju Yeongsan River Festival is how different it feels by day and by night.
During the day you can stroll Yeongsangang Garden, try activities and see the Naju Agriculture Festa and family garden displays; in the evening, there are performances, lights and fireworks.
Rather than just half a day, planning 4–6 hours from the afternoon into the night gives you the most out of it.
2. Why This Year’s Festival Is Worth It
This year, every day of the Naju Yeongsan River Festival has a completely different headline program.
On opening day, October 7, there’s an original musical about Taejo Wang Geon, founder of Goryeo, and Queen Janghwa, who was from Naju. It stars Luna and Lee Chung-joo, followed by a drone light show, fireworks and an opening concert by Park Ji-hyun and Hong Ji-min.
On October 8 at 7 p.m., there’s a dramatic musical show featuring Ivy, Jo Kwon and Michael K. Lee. A wider variety of performance genres than the usual local-festival concert is a highlight this year.
October 9 is packed too. At 3 p.m., the “Naju Moksa Inauguration Procession,” with about 300 participants, sets off from the Hwangpo sailboat dock to Yeongsangang Garden. If you’re doing a history trip with kids, this day is especially good. At 7 p.m. there’s the River Wave Water Show with Giriboy, Homies and WISH.
3. With Kids, Focus on October 10 and 11
For a family trip, I think the Saturday and Sunday programs are the best.
On October 10, the Pinkfong Sing-Along Show runs twice, at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. In the evening there’s a Moonlight Symphony featuring Forestella, soprano Kim Eun-kyung and tenor Lee Ho-cheol.
On October 11, the Teenieping Sing-Along Show runs at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The closing day also features a Black Eagles air show, followed by a closing concert by Sungri and Kim Yon-ja and fireworks in the evening. Check the official announcement on the day for the exact Black Eagles flight times.
It’s not just shows, either.
KidZania in Naju and a board game area run throughout the Naju Yeongsan River Festival, along with children’s programs such as RC boat driving, a kids’ playground and a mini train.
With elementary schoolers, rather than seeing one show and heading home, do the career experience or board games first and then stay for an evening show.
4. Parking: Plan on the Free Shuttle, Not Just On-Site Parking
At a big festival, parking is the most important information.
This year, besides parking lots 1–8 near the venue, there are temporary lots at Yeongsangang Riverside Sports Park, in front of Yeongsan High School and at Yeongsanpo Railway Park.
Free direct shuttles also run on three routes:
- Yeongsanpo ↔ Yeongsangang Garden
- Naju City Hall ↔ Yeongsangang Garden
- Near KEPCO KDN in Bitgaram-dong ↔ Yeongsangang Garden
Buses run roughly every 10 minutes. The last return bus leaves around 21:50–22:00 depending on the route, so you can use them even if you stay for the night shows. There are some breaks in service, so double-check the timetable on the day.
October 10–11 in particular are packed with kids’ shows and closing programs. With children, I recommend planning for a temporary lot plus the free shuttle from the start rather than trying to drive right up to the venue.
5. Places to Visit in Naju While You’re There
There are plenty of spots along the Yeongsan River worth adding to the Naju Yeongsan River Festival.
First, Yeongsanpo Lighthouse and the Yeongsan River Hwangpo sailboats.
Yeongsanpo was once the hub of river shipping on the Yeongsan. The Hwangpo sailboat makes a round trip of about 4.5 km from Yeongsanpo to Angam Rock in about 30 minutes. Current fares are 8,000 KRW for adults, 6,000 KRW for middle and high school students and 4,000 KRW for elementary schoolers; sailings depend on weather and boat conditions, so confirm before you go.
Second, Geumseonggwan in Naju.
It’s the heart of Naju’s old town, so it pairs well with the festival for a history trip. Tour Geumseonggwan and the Naju Eupseong walled town area, eat at the nearby gomtang (beef bone soup) street, then head to the festival for a smooth day.
Third, for families with more time, Naju National Museum.
It showcases the ancient tomb culture of the Yeongsan River basin, and along with the permanent galleries it has a children’s museum and immersive digital content, making it great with kids. It’s open 09:00–18:00 and closed on Mondays, January 1, and Seollal and Chuseok days. Add the nearby Bannam Tumuli and you’ve got a Mahan history learning course.
6. How to Do the Festival With Kids
For the Naju Yeongsan River Festival with little ones, the clearest plan is to time your visit with Pinkfong on October 10 or Teenieping on October 11.
With elementary schoolers, also include programs where they can take part or connect to history, such as KidZania, board games and the Naju Moksa procession.
If you’re staying for the evening shows and fireworks, arrive in the afternoon and go activities → dinner → night show. If you can add another day in Naju, include one of the Yeongsanpo Hwangpo sailboats, Geumseonggwan or Naju National Museum for a family trip that combines an autumn festival with history and culture.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Namdangri Daehwa Festival: Prices for Flower Crabs and Large Shrimp / A Trip with My Child
- Traveling Together: The Beautiful Hyeonchungsa in All Four Seasons, Perfect for Visiting with Kids
Schedules and prices can change, so check the Naju City official website before you go.