"Universe's Greatest Kimchi Party" Gwangju Kimchi Festival Kicks Off on the 31st
Published 26 Oct.2025 13:08(KST)
Three Days Until November 2 at City Hall Area
Ahn Yooseong's Live Cooking Show and Diverse Events
Kimchi Market Offers 20?30% Discounts
Car-Free Zone Set Up in Front of City Hall
The 32nd Gwangju Kimchi Festival will be held at Gwangju City Hall and its surrounding area for three days, from October 31 to November 2, under the theme "Universe's Greatest Kimchi Party." The festival is expected to attract significant attention, as it will offer a wide array of entertainment and food options, along with immersive kimchi experiences that will engage all five senses of its visitors.
This year's festival will kick off with the "Kimchi Thanksgiving Ceremony," expressing gratitude for abundance and well-being. Notably, Master Chef Ahn Yooseong, who appeared on Netflix's "Black and White Chef," will present a live cooking show titled "Ahn Yooseong Show," featuring dishes made with Gwangju Kimchi. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste special reinterpretations of Gwangju Kimchi, themed around "Master's Knife," "Master's Kimchi Jar," and "Master's Table."
At the "Table for a Thousand" corner, guests can freely sample and purchase various kimchi and kimchi-based dishes. Over 50 diverse menu items will be available, including signature dishes from master chefs such as "Aged Kimchi Oil Pasta," "Handon Pork Belly Kimchi Jjapa," "Gwangju Kimchi Stew," and "Kimchi Meat Pancake."
One of the festival's highlights is the "K-Kimchi Party" stage, which combines traditional Korean performances with DJ NewJeansnim's DJing. Traditional percussion and lion dance will be reinterpreted with a modern twist and fused with EDM music, offering a unique and exhilarating spectacle.
At the "Kimchi Market," visitors can purchase award-winning kimchi, traditional market kimchi, and certified quality kimchi at prices 20-30% lower than market rates. The Gwangju Kimchi Museum will host a pop-up exhibition themed "Kimchi from All Regions," while institutions such as the World Institute of Kimchi will showcase around 30 varieties of kimchi that have previously won the Presidential Award.
Additionally, a variety of side events will be held, including the Presidential Award Kimchi Master Masterclass, Kimchi Playground, Kimchi Experience, Youth Merchant Offline Joint Sale, Urban Farmer Festival, and Jeollanam-do Salt Promotion Hall, ensuring enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
Ju Jaehee, Director of the Economic and Startup Bureau, stated, "In celebration of the Year of Visiting Gwangju, we have prepared a special Kimchi Gastronomy Belt course to allow foreigners and visitors from other regions to fully enjoy the festival. We have also expanded participation from traditional markets and small business owners to help revitalize the local economy. We hope for your keen interest and participation, as we have prepared a variety of content for citizens and visitors to create special memories together."
Meanwhile, the city will designate the road in front of City Hall as a car-free zone for five days, from midnight on October 29 to midnight on November 2, controlling traffic in the area. As city buses will also be rerouted, the city has advised the public to check traffic conditions in advance and use public transportation with caution.
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