"A Cup of Makgeolli Under the Moonlight"... Jeonju's Autumn Nights Grow Deeper

On the Nights of the 23rd and 24th at Jeonju Vision University

A Table Full of Side Dishes with Every Kettle of Makgeolli

As the cool breeze begins to blow, the landscape of gatherings over drinks changes. Instead of cold beer on hot summer nights, it is now the season for a warm bowl of Makgeolli that captures the spirit of autumn. On October 23 and 24, a festival will be held in Jeonju, blending the scenery of autumn nights, Makgeolli, and the flavors of the city.

Poster for the "2026 Jeonju Makgeolli Festival" held at the Jeonju Vision University main stadium from 5 PM to 10 PM on the 23rd to 24th. Provided by Jeonju City Hall

Jeonju City will host the “2026 Jeonju Makgeolli Festival” at the main stadium of Jeonju Vision University from 5 PM to 10 PM on October 23 and 24. Under the slogan “Under the Autumn Moonlight, Get Enchanted by Jeonju Makgeolli!”, the festival will offer tastings of Jeonju Makgeolli and traditional side dishes, live performances, and hands-on programs for visitors to enjoy.

The festival promises scenes where old friends share stories over a glass of Makgeolli, and travelers clink their cups with newfound companions. As the sun sets and night covers the city, performances continue, white Makgeolli fills every cup, and Jeonju’s autumn night deepens little by little.

This year’s festival will feature 19 participating vendors, including seven establishments from the Samcheondong Makgeolli Alley, four local breweries, and eight restaurants renowned for their side dishes.

As festivalgoers enjoy a sip of Makgeolli with a savory bite and lift their glasses again, conversations naturally arise even among those who started the day as strangers. The reason why Jeonju Makgeolli has been loved for so long cannot be explained by taste alone; it is because the culture brings together drinks, food, people, and stories in a natural harmony.

The Makgeolli Alley in Jeonju is famous for its unique food culture, where a single order of Makgeolli comes with a variety of side dishes. What begins with a kettle of Makgeolli soon sees a table overflowing with food, and people sharing drinks and conversation as they spend the evening—a hallmark of Jeonju’s culinary culture.

The festival will feature Makgeolli tastings and sales, busking performances, and participatory experiences for both citizens and tourists.

Sharing a cup of Makgeolli with an exclamation of joy and pausing to listen to a performance—these small moments, often overlooked in busy daily life, become highlights of the journey during the festival.

Now in its third year since beginning in 2024, the Jeonju Makgeolli Festival drew approximately 20,000 attendees last year.

Jeonju City hopes that the festival will encourage visitors to continue their journeys to Samcheondong Makgeolli Alley, local restaurants, and breweries even after the festivities on-site conclude.

Jeong Seungwon, director of the Living and Social Economy Division at Jeonju City Hall, stated, “We hope you’ll experience Jeonju’s unique Makgeolli culture while enjoying Makgeolli and performances on an autumn night in Jeonju. We will prioritize safety and substance to ensure that the festival benefits the local economy as well.”

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