I got the opportunity to take part in the 2025 Gwangju Kimchi Festival on November 1, 2025, held in Gwangju City Hall, Gwangju-si, Jeollanam-do. This three-day event took place from October 31 to November 2, 2025 and a wide range of kimchi-related activities, including kimchi-making sessions, cooking competitions, cultural performances, stamp events for foreigners, kimchi tasting, and a day full of exciting events and entertaining games for all visitors, are offered.
Kimchi-related activities
The best part of this festival is the various flavors of kimchi offered by local sellers through free kimchi tasting, allowing the visitors to taste the product before making a purchase. It was also a unique experience for foreign visitor since it's interesting to discover that aside from Korean cabbage, there are variety of flavors and distinct taste depending on the type of vegetable used in kimchi. Aside from kimchi tasting, visitors can also try making their own kimchi at kimchi-making booths. All the fresh ingredients and tools are provided and participants can also bring home their finished kimchi.
Cultural performances
The host city has arranged a live cultural performance for the event's centerpiece. The live band's rendition of the well-known Korean folk song "Arirang" was one of the familiar performances. Additionally, the central area features a large open dining area with elegant tables and chairs where visitors may relax for a little, bring their own food, and share meals with their companions while watching in the live performances.
Stamp event for foreigners
A little booth with catchy design of Derpy, the adorable tiger from the K-pop Demon Hunters, will greet the visitor at the Global Lounge booth. The staff will distribute the blank stamp book and explain the mechanics. It's a stamp event where foreign visitors can win a prize by simply doing every task listed on the stamp book. Visiting the kimchi pop-up and playground, participate in the kimchi-making session, stamp a name in Korean alphabets, and much more are some of the few missions to complete.
Exciting fun events and freebies
Visitors can participate in a variety of entertaining programs and booths. Spin the wheel to win kimchi-designed shirts, kimchi keychains, and other interesting prizes are among the challenges. One interesting event is that participants will choose a number inside a hidden box. Then the staff will read the question, and participants have five seconds to answer the quiz. Another event is similar to darts, except instead of darts or other pointed objects, players must toss a magnetic soft toy three times to construct the word "sea food festival" on a large piece of magnetic cardboard. Additionally, there is a carnival booth with staff members dressed in vibrant carnival attire to play with all of the participants. Additionally, there is a simple prize game that is comparable to a coin slot machine where visitors can win a canvass tote bag and some free stickers.
Bonus: A Han Kang Exhibit inside the Gwangju City Hall
A familiar exhibit and a picture of a woman are located next to the Kimchi pop-up station inside the Gwangju City Hall. Han Kang, a Gwangju City native and recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, was honored by the Museum of Gwangju Literature. Inside Gwangju City Hall, a few of her well-known books and literary works, along with details on her life and awards, are on display.
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