39th Insadong Traditional Cultural Festival

Held annually, the 39th Insadong Traditional Cultural Festival, officially titled the 2026 Insadong Antique & Art Fair, is scheduled from October 1 to 4, 2026, in Seoul's Jongno District. Key venues such as Insa Art Plaza and Anyoung Insadong will host a diverse range of activities across indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces.

The festival begins on October 1 with an opening ceremony featuring a large-scale calligraphy performance by master artists, followed by traditional music recitals and official remarks. A central feature is the 5th Antique Fair, hosted on the lower levels of Insa Art Plaza. Recognized as Korea’s premier large-scale antique market, this showcase will feature rare Joseon Dynasty porcelain, traditional wooden furniture, antique musical instruments, and artifacts sourced from private international collections.

Higher up in the Insa Art Plaza complex, a parallel art fair will bridge generations by placing traditional "minhwa" (folk painting) alongside works by emerging contemporary artists, complemented by guided gallery tours. Across the street, Anyoung Insadong hosts a dedicated tea and craft exposition, inviting visitors to sample traditional regional teas served in handcrafted earthenware. Street-level highlights include busking by traditional Korean music ensembles, live demonstrations of "pyogu" (traditional silk scroll mounting), pottery workshops led by young artisans, and interactive Korean food tasting stations.

Organized by the Insadong Traditional Culture Preservation Association and supported by Jongno District, the festival aims to preserve Insadong’s historic merchant community, strengthen local heritage businesses, and reaffirm the value of traditional Korean culture and arts, illuminating the distinct heritage that defines Insadong.