The Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival is a history festival held every summer in Tongyeong to commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s victory at the Battle of Hansan Island. The 65th edition ran August 12–16, 2026. With elementary kids, pick the headline event your family most wants to see: the naval commander’s procession (12th), the fireworks (15th) or the citizens’ parade (16th). Venues are spread across downtown Tongyeong, so choose lodging and parking based on the programs you’ll watch.
Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival at a Glance
The 65th Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival ran August 12–16, 2026, across Tongyeong. The 2026 theme was “The Admiral’s Sea, the Tears of the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary).”
Key dates announced on the official website in 2026:
- August 12: Samdo Naval Commander’s procession
- August 13: Joseon Navy rowing contest
- August 14: late-night dance music party
- August 15: Tongyeong fireworks show
- August 16: citizens’ street parade
Start times and exact venues are released in each year’s schedule, so check the official website before you go.
Who It Suits
It’s ideal for elementary kids interested in Admiral Yi, turtle ships and the Imjin War. They can connect the Battle of Hansan Island from their textbooks with the real sea and the naval headquarters.
Kids sensitive to big drums and fireworks should stay back from the stage and the Gangguan railings, and bring kids’ earplugs.
Suggested Route with Kids
Suggested route: Tongyeong City Museum at 10 a.m., lunch around Jungang Market and Gangguan at noon, check in and rest in the afternoon, a walk at Samdo Sugun Tongjeyeong or Gangguan, head to the festival after 5 p.m., watch your chosen procession, show or fireworks, then walk back to your lodging.
Tongyeong City Museum is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. Admission is free; it closes Mondays, on Seollal and Chuseok days and the day after public holidays.
Read kids a line from the Nanjung Ilgi beforehand, then have them find Joseon navy ships, weapons and signal systems on site.
Parking and Public Transport
Official Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival venues include the Gangguan Culture Yard, Hansan Battle Plaza, Yi Sun-sin Park and Mujeon-daero. Venues differ by program, so enter the actual venue as your destination rather than just the festival name.
Temporary parking and road closure maps are released just before the festival, so check them before you go. On fireworks night, roads around Gangguan get congested, so leave your car at a downtown hotel and walk or take a taxi.
From Tongyeong Bus Terminal, take a city bus or taxi to the venues. If you have a set bus home, allow plenty of time after the fireworks.
Key Programs Around Opening Day in 2026
- Student turtle ship rowing contest: August 12, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Jungnimman Bay (Naejukdo Park)
- Memorial rite: August 12, 3:30–5 p.m., Chungnyeolsa Shrine
- Black Eagles air show: August 12, 5–5:20 p.m., Hansan Battle Plaza
- Naval commander’s procession and military roll call: August 12, 5:30–7 p.m., Tongjeyeong and aboard a panokseon warship
- Opening ceremony and special performances: August 12, 7:30–9:50 p.m., Hansan Battle Plaza
- Percussion performance: August 12, 7:50–8:50 p.m., floating stage
- Goyang City exchange performance: August 12, 9–9:50 p.m., floating stage
- Opening fireworks: August 12, 9:50–10 p.m., around Tongyeong
- Joseon navy experience zone, Hansan Battle exchange zone and Joseon navy water play area: August 12–15, 6–10 p.m., around Gangguan
Check that year’s detailed schedule and fees on the official website.
What to Pack for Kids
Bring hats, water, a handheld fan, a light jacket, a power bank, kids’ earplugs and a small cushion. For the fireworks, use a wristband with your phone number and set a family meeting spot.
Rest at the museum or your lodging at midday and start outdoor plans late in the afternoon. Hold kids’ hands near the Gangguan railings and roads.
Food and Cafes
Gangguan and Jungang Market offer Tongyeong food like chungmu gimbap, grilled fish and seafood. Rather than one specific restaurant, check kid-friendly menus, wait times and parking.
For cafes, pick one with a Gangguan view or near your lodging rather than several along the way.
Pros and Cons
The upside of the Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival is combining history, traditional performances, sea views and night events in one trip.
The downside is that events are spread out, and detailed schedules and road closures come out only just before the festival. Fireworks and parade days get crowded.
Things to Know
Sea programs and fireworks may change for heavy rain, strong wind or typhoons. Check official notices and the weather forecast on your visit day.
FAQ
- When is it held? Every summer; the 2026 edition ran August 12–16.
- When are the fireworks? In 2026, an opening fireworks show on August 12 and a fireworks show on August 15 were announced. Check each year’s schedule for times.
- Is there one venue? No. Programs run across Gangguan, Hansan Battle Plaza, Yi Sun-sin Park and more.
- Are all programs free? As of August 2026, fees and booking terms for all programs hadn’t been released, so each had to be checked separately.
- Is a day trip possible? For daytime programs, yes; for fireworks or night shows, a night downtown is easier.
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
- Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival : Dates, Fireworks, Parking and Tips for Kids
- Seocheon Heritage Night Tour with Kids: Hansan Fortress by Lantern Light
- Hanwha Resort Yeosu: Family Ocean View Junior Suite Hotel with Pool in Yeosu Travel Guide
Schedules and prices can change, so check the VISITKOREA official tourism site before you go.