"Enjoy Bread and Noodles..." Delicious Chungnam Welcomes You to Its Autumn Festivals

Autumn is often referred to as the season of 'Cheongomabi,' meaning 'the sky is high and horses grow fat.' This phrase describes a time when the sky is clear and high, and the land is abundant enough for horses to thrive. As the season of harvest, autumn is also known as the 'season of festivals,' with unique celebrations taking place in each region. In South Chungcheong Province (Chungnam), a variety of festivals are held this autumn. These include the nation's largest bread festival, the 2025 Daejeon Bread Festival, the Yesan Market Samguk Festival where visitors can enjoy Yesan noodles, and the Myeoncheon Eupseong Festival, a historical and cultural event in Dangjin.

■ Korea’s Largest Bread Festival, Daejeon Bread Festival
Daejeon, which has earned its reputation as the 'city of bread' thanks to Sungsimdang, will host the nation's largest bread festival, the 2025 Daejeon Bread Festival, on the 18th and 19th at Soje-dong Cafe Street and the Daedongcheon area. Now in its fifth year since its launch in 2021, the festival has more than doubled in size compared to last year, living up to its name as Korea’s first and largest bread festival.
The Daejeon Bread Festival is a nationwide event featuring both well-known brands and local bakeries. This year, 102 bakeries will participate. Sungsimdang, which established Daejeon as a bread mecca, will be joined by Honey Moment, Jellypoe, Doan Bakery, Jeongdong Munhwasa, Puding, Hare Hare, Slow Bread, Cafe Mayday, Kkum1993, Neulguum, and many others, offering a wide variety of baked goods.
Visitors can look forward to a range of events such as the Bread Jam Olympics, lively busking performances, the Crispy Sweet and Salty LIVE Broadcast Station, the Bakery 100 Gallery, Kkumssi Family Exhibition & Photo Time, flea markets, and the Bakery Studio. In addition, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and KORAIL Tourism Development have introduced the 'Bread Festival Train,' a special train package allowing festivalgoers to travel to the event by rail, which has become very popular.

■ Chrysanthemums, Gukbap, and Noodles: Yesan Market Samguk Festival
Blending the aroma of chrysanthemum flowers and the warm atmosphere of a local market, the Yesan Market Samguk Festival will take place from the 23rd to the 26th for four days at the Yesan Permanent Market.
The Yesan Market Samguk Festival, themed around the 'three guk'—chrysanthemums, gukbap (rice soup), and noodles—is the signature autumn festival of Yesan County in Chungnam. Now in its ninth year since its inception in 2017, the festival has continued without interruption, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, by strengthening online content and adopting untact (contactless) methods. Recently, the festival has also received positive reviews for its eco-friendly programs, such as upcycling experiences and a zero-waste station.
To fully enjoy the festival, start by visiting the Gukbap Road & Food Zone, where you can savor a hearty bowl of gukbap made with local agricultural specialties. After exploring the festival grounds, a bowl of noodles makes for the perfect snack to round out your day.
The Chrysanthemum Road features over 20,000 chrysanthemum sculptures, fresh flowers, and bonsai, filling the entire exhibition area with vibrant colors. At night, the Milky Way Light Path and a spectacular drone light show illuminate the festival, delighting visitors.

■ Overflowing with Culture and Excitement: Myeoncheon Eupseong Festival
The Myeoncheon Eupseong Festival, a historical and cultural event planned and organized by local residents, will be held over two days, November 1st and 2nd, at the Myeoncheoneupseong Walled Town in Dangjin. Historical figures closely associated with Myeoncheoneupseong, such as Park Jiwon (Yeonam) (1737–1805) and Unyang Kim Yun-sik (1835–1922), will be brought to life through immersive content.
What makes the Myeoncheon Eupseong Festival special is the active participation of local artists and citizens in all aspects, including planning, directing, performances, and operations. Unlike a typical spectator event, this is an interactive festival where visitors can become historical figures themselves and take part in various programs. Through storytelling experiences such as the parade of Park Jiwon (Yeonam), who served as governor of Myeoncheon from 1797 for three years, traditional performances by Sehan University students, reenactments of civil service exams, and traditional tavern scenes, visitors are transported back in time for a truly unique experience.
Adding to the deepening autumn night, singer Choi Baek Ho will hold a special concert, and the 'Night of Light and Sound' media art show will take place against the backdrop of the Myeoncheoneupseong fortress walls. Especially, the 'Night of Light and Sound,' featuring lighting, sound, and media art, is expected to be the grand finale of the festival.

jsm64@fnnews.com Jung Soon-min Reporter