Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival

Picture yourself wandering through Yeoju as autumn settles in, surrounded by the aromas of cast-iron bibimbap and roasted sweet potatoes—all celebrating the region's centuries-old tradition of sending its finest harvests to the royal court. The Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival brings that Joseon-era legacy to life across three days of food, culture, and hands-on fun.

What it is

This festival honors Yeoju's agricultural heritage, tracing back to when local rice and sweet potatoes were shipped as tribute offerings during the Joseon dynasty. It's a celebration of the region's produce, traditional culture, and the stories woven into its history.

What to expect

Come hungry: you'll find bibimbap made with cast-iron-pot-cooked Yeoju rice, roasted sweet potato competitions, and local produce markets. Beyond the food, there's a Royal Tribute Parade, a Wish Paper Trail, traditional rope tug-of-war, and Nakhwanori performances—with evening programs giving the festival a completely different vibe after sunset.

Good to know

Entry is free and the festival runs 10:00–21:00 daily, so you can drop by for just a few hours or stay for the full experience. It's held at Silleuksa Temple Resort in Cheonsong-dong, and there's plenty to do whether you're into food, hands-on cultural activities, or just soaking up the autumn atmosphere.

Program

Bibimbap with Cast-Iron-Pot-Cooked Yeoju Rice, Roasted Sweet Potato Guinness, Royal Tribute Parade, Wish Paper Trail, Yeoju Heunam-ri Twin Dragon Rope Tug-of-War, Yeoju Bondu-ri Nakhwanori