“The aroma of makguksu and dakgalbi fills the air” — 2026 Chuncheon Makguksu and Dakgalbi Festival bustling from day one

【Financial News Chuncheon = Reporter Kim Gi-seop】From the very first day of the 2026 Chuncheon Makguksu and Dakgalbi Festival, the festival site along the Gongjicheon Stream trail was bustling with citizens and tourists eager to sample makguksu and dakgalbi, signaling strong turnout for the five-day event.
According to Chuncheon City, crowds began gathering at the festival site, which opened at 11 a.m. on the 14th along the Gongjicheon Stream trail in Onui-dong, well before lunchtime. The long rows of tables beneath large tents were filled with visitors in groups of family members, friends and work colleagues, making it hard to find an empty seat, while lines formed at the sales booths. The expanded dining and rest areas, larger than last year, quickly filled with people sharing freshly grilled dakgalbi and chilled makguksu.
In the sales area, 19 leading local businesses—including eight makguksu restaurants and 11 dakgalbi restaurants—served food cooked on-site. Special festival prices were set at 6,900 won for makguksu and 9,900 won for dakgalbi, and visitors kept coming to enjoy both of Chuncheon’s signature dishes at affordable prices. Food orders are accepted until 9 p.m. daily.
Long lines also formed for the tasting event featuring chefs from overseas cities and the giveaway of 100 servings of makguksu and dakgalbi, both held on opening day, while busking performances throughout the venue added to the festive atmosphere. The official opening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on the waterfront stage. 


This year, the festival has greatly expanded its attractions and activities beyond food. An international pavilion featuring chefs from six overseas cities has opened for the first time, offering free tastings and cooking classes throughout the festival. The event area has also expanded beyond Gongjicheon to Myeongdong, Soyang Art Circle, Hwadong 2571 and the Uiam Lake waterfront path. On the 17th, the Makdak Road walk—from Soyang Art Circle along the Uiam Lake waterfront path to Hwadong 2571—and an after-party are scheduled. Chuncheon City was selected this year, alongside Jeju, Suwon and Gumi, for the K-Gastronomy Belt project, themed around chicken and run by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Food Promotion Institute. The city plans to use the festival as a stepping stone to the global stage.
There is also a wide range of activities for families. The program includes making makguksu noodles and catching noodles, a taste-preference test, traditional games from around the world, an eco-friendly wooden playground, augmented-reality character experiences and horseback riding. A stamp tour is also underway, with souvenirs for participants who complete hidden missions. The farmers’ market featuring produce from Chuncheon and a handmade-goods flea market are also open.
Visitors can also enjoy benefits at restaurants outside the festival grounds. Since the middle of last month, the city has been distributing discount vouchers at local administrative welfare centers and tourist information centers, among other locations. Participating restaurants offer 1,500 won off makguksu and 3,000 won off dakgalbi. The vouchers can be used through the 25th, and online discounts through Naver Reservations are also available. To reduce waste by using reusable containers and ease congestion during the festival, the city has encouraged people to use public transportation and shuttle buses.

[email protected] Kim Gi-seop Reporter