Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival Goes Nocturnal: Debut of ‘Narunan Market’, Nighttime Entertainment, and Yeogang Ghost Story

New Nighttime Attractions Unveiled for the 2026 Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival
Held at Silleuksa Tourist Site from October 23 to 25
Joseon-Era Ferry Experience by Day, Performances and Ghost Stories by Night

This fall, the Joseon Dynasty ferry terminal will be brought back to life at the Silleuksa tourist site in Yeoju. As the sun sets, the area around the tavern and the pyeongsang wooden platforms transforms into a vibrant night market filled with music, while along the Namhan River, there will be tightrope walking, fireworks, and ghost story experiences continuing throughout the night.

2026 Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival Poster. Provided by Yeoju City

On September 29, the Yeoju Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation announced that, at the upcoming "2026 Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival" to be held from October 23 to 25, new nighttime programs will be introduced, including "Narunan Market," "Nighttime Entertainment," and "Yeogang Ghost Story: Joseon's Night."

Narunanjang. Provided by Yeoju City

'Narunan Market'... Time Travel to the Joseon Dynasty by Day, Music and Elegance by Night

Debuting this year, "Narunan Market" has been organized with the sponsorship of Shinsegae Simon Yeoju Premium Outlets. The venue recreates the tavern and pyeongsang from a Joseon-era ferry terminal and will operate as a time-travel-themed rest area during the day, offering visitors food and relaxation. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional hanbok or minbok, adding to the authentic historical atmosphere across the festival grounds.

When night falls, the venue transforms into a lively, participatory night market brimming with music and excitement. Every night, a different special guest acts as the "Pungryugaek" (musical guest) to heat up the festivities. On the first night, the group Roo'ra will appear; on the second night, Yeoju's PR ambassador Pengsoo and singer Kim Seongsoo; and on the third night, Cyburger will take the stage, filling each evening with memorable festival experiences for all visitors.

Falling Flower Play. Provided by Yeoju City

'Nighttime Entertainment'... Three Exciting Evenings Blending Tradition and Modernity

The Nighttime Entertainment program features a different lineup for each of its three days.

On October 23, there will be the "Ssangyong Rope Tug-of-War and Fireworks Night," which combines the traditional Ssangyong-ga rope tug-of-war, a gugak (Korean music) b-boy performance, and fireworks.

On October 24, the festival will showcase the Baudeogi rope-walking performance and Yeoju's traditional Bonduri Falling Flower Play.

On October 25, festivities include "Yeonbun," a multimedia performance themed around a love story from the Joseon Dynasty, followed by a performance gathering, closing ceremony, and a fireworks display. Along with "Narunan Market," the three-day "Nighttime Entertainment" program will welcome visitors with unique attractions every night.

Yeogang Ghost Stories. Provided by Yeoju-si

'Yeogang Ghost Story: Joseon's Night'... A Chilling Joseon-Era Experience for a Young Audience

Newly created to attract younger audiences and outside tourists, "Yeogang Ghost Story: Joseon's Night" is an interactive horror experience inspired by mysterious legends from Yeogang and the ferry terminal of old.

Participants will enter four different ghost stories scattered throughout Yeogang and must complete missions assigned by lingering spirits. By engaging attendees as part of the story rather than just as spectators, the program aims to provide an unforgettable and uniquely spooky autumn night.

Lee Sunyeol, Chairperson of the Yeoju Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation, remarked, "This year's Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival offers immersive daytime experiences reminiscent of strolling through the Joseon era, while at night, dynamic programs have been prepared for young people and new visitors. We hope you experience Yeoju's nights, where traditional charm and modern enjoyment coexist."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.