Exciting Festivals in Chungnam for 2026
충청남도 홍성군 서부면 남당리
남당리 새조개축제
As 2026 begins, Chungnam welcomes the new year with a lineup of seasonal festivals that highlight local flavors, winter scenery, and regional pride. From rare winter seafood to ice-filled landscapes and sweet spring strawberries, each festival captures a different side of the province.
These events are not just about sightseeing. They offer hands-on experiences, local tastes at their peak season, and moments that feel closely tied to everyday life in Chungnam.
Here are four must-visit festivals in Chungnam for 2026, starting in the heart of winter and continuing into early spring.
2026 Hongseong Namdanghang Saejogae Festival
The Namdanghang Saejogae Festival in Hongseong introduces visitors to one of the winter sea’s most prized delicacies. Saejogae, named after its bird-beak-shaped shell, is known for its thick texture and gentle sweetness.
Namdanghang is considered one of the best places in Korea to enjoy Saejogae, drawing seafood lovers every winter who wait specifically for this short season.
When lightly blanched in hot broth, the clam meat blooms beautifully, earning it the nickname the flower of the sea. Its smooth bite releases deep ocean flavor, making it ideal for shabu-shabu or sashimi.
As a limited-time delicacy available only from December to early spring, this festival is a highlight of winter travel in Chungnam.
Date: January 17 to February 22, 2026
Location: Special stage at Namdanghang, Hongseong-gun
2026 Winter Gongju Gunbam Festival
The Winter Gongju Gunbam Festival grows sweeter as winter deepens. This festival centers around Gongju’s high-quality chestnuts, enjoyed in their simplest and most nostalgic form.
Visitors gather around a large fire, slowly roasting chestnuts and filling bags with their warm harvest. Turning chestnuts by hand while chatting nearby creates memories that feel especially comforting in winter.
Eating freshly roasted chestnuts straight from the fire is a simple pleasure that defines the charm of this festival.
Date: February 4 to February 8, 2026
Location: Gongju Geumgang Sin-gwan Park and Mir Island
Cheongyang Chilkapsan Ice Fountain Festival
At the foot of Chilkapsan in Cheongyang, the Ice Fountain Festival transforms winter into a fantasy-like landscape. Towering ice fountains and carefully crafted snow sculptures dominate the scene.
Visitors can enjoy winter-only activities such as ice bobsledding and ice fishing, making the festival especially popular with families.
After sunset, colorful lights illuminate the ice structures, creating a completely different atmosphere that feels like stepping into a winter fairy tale.
Date: Open until the end of February 2026
Location: Cheongyang Alps Village
2026 Nonsan Strawberry Festival
The Nonsan Strawberry Festival welcomes spring with the sweet aroma of one of Korea’s most famous fruits. Nonsan strawberries, grown under rich sunlight and fertile soil, are known for their intense sweetness and fragrance.
During the festival, visitors can purchase freshly harvested strawberries at reasonable prices and enjoy strawberry picking experiences, desserts, and processed treats.
Family-friendly programs and tasting events make this festival enjoyable for all ages, while its growing scale reflects Nonsan’s ambition toward the 2027 World Strawberry Industry Expo.
Date: March 26 to March 29, 2026
Location: Nonsan Citizen Family Park
From winter seas to ice-filled valleys and finally to fields of strawberries, Chungnam’s 2026 festival calendar offers seasonal experiences that flow naturally with the year.
Plan your visits around these festivals and create memories shaped by local flavors, landscapes, and traditions unique to Chungnam.
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