Gyeongpo Performances, Ojukheon Boating and Folk Games: Gangneung Offers Plenty to See During Chuseok

[Financial News | Gangneung = Kim Ki-seop] Gangneung City is preparing a series of performances and hands-on events around Gyeongpo and Ojukheon for residents and tourists visiting during the Chuseok holiday. The diverse program includes traditional cultural performances, boating on the water and folk games for the whole family.
A visitor event will be held at and around the Gyeongpo Traveler Center for two days from the 25th to the 26th. Distinctive hands-on programs will also be offered throughout the holiday at Gyeongpo Ecological Detention Basin and Ojukheon House and Municipal Museum.
◇ Gyeongpo Traveler Center: From Traditional Performances to Tea Ceremonies and Tarot
Lively stage performances will take place in the outdoor area of the Gyeongpo Traveler Center from the 25th to the 26th. The program will begin with Gangneung's representative traditional cultural performances, including nongak and the Gwanno Mask Play, followed by musical ensemble performances, invited singers, a taekwondo demonstration and magic shows. Together, they will create an entertaining atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
An indoor space will offer hands-on activities for visitors. In addition to a tea ceremony experience introducing Gangneung's tea culture, participants can try traditional crafts such as gilding a decorative hairpin shaped like a daenggi ribbon and making knot bracelets. A tarot experience will also be available, allowing families to share wishes for health and good fortune during the holiday.


◇ Ojukheon Traditional Boating Experience: Free Snapshot Photos Against the Moonlight Art Show
Gangneung will also offer a special hands-on program linked to the Ojukheon Traditional Boating Experience currently operating at Gyeongpo Ecological Detention Basin. A best-shot photo event will be held for boating participants over three days from the 24th to the 26th. The program is designed to give tourists visiting Gangneung during the Chuseok holiday lasting memories on the water and promote boating as a signature hands-on tourism experience.
During the event, professional photographers will take free snapshot photos of participants. Visitors can capture their cruise around Gyeongpo Ecological Detention Basin, with the Moonlight Art Show as a backdrop, offering a unique experience for families, friends and couples. The event is limited to 200 teams on a first-come, first-served basis over the three days and may close early. Gyeongpo Ecological Detention Basin currently operates 15 Coffee Bean Boats, 10 Coffee Cup Boats and two traditional boats.
Starting with this holiday, Gangneung will continue its hands-on and participatory events in October. From October 8 to 11, the city will provide plogging kits and hold a prize-drawing event. From October 15 to 18, it will operate an instant-photo booth and character cotton-candy event. From October 23 to 25, in conjunction with the Gangneung Coffee Festival, the city will offer coffee and traditional tea experiences, traditional performances, a picnic area and photo zones. The Ojukheon Traditional Boating Experience will become a paid attraction starting October 1, with prices set at 15,000 won for a two-person Coffee Bean Boat, 25,000 won for a four-person Coffee Cup Boat and 30,000 won for a six-person traditional boat.
◇ Ojukheon House and Municipal Museum: Folk Games for All Generations
Ojukheon House and Municipal Museum will operate the 2026 Chuseok Ojukheon Folk Games Experience for four days from the 24th to the 27th. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be open to everyone without prior registration. Visitors can participate freely in self-guided activities divided into a traditional games area and an alley playground, depending on the type of game.
The traditional games area will feature yutnori, tuho, jegichagi, seokchigi and ring toss. At the alley playground, visitors can enjoy gonggi, four-square and ddakji-chigi, games familiar to their parents' generation. The full-moon photo zone will provide handheld signs featuring messages about health, happiness and the fulfillment of wishes, allowing visitors to take commemorative photos. Because the event is held outdoors, some programs may change depending on weather conditions. On the 25th, Chuseok Day, Ojukheon and its outdoor facilities will be open free of charge, while indoor facilities—including Yulgok Memorial Hall, Gangneung Currency Exhibition Hall and Gangneung Municipal Museum—will be closed.

[email protected] Kim Ki-seop Reporter