EX Pumpkin Night: Hwani & Woni x the Twelve Zodiac Guardians is scheduled to run from September 24 to October 24, 2026, in Hwarang Forest at Gyeongju Expo Grand Park. This outdoor nighttime experience follows a walking route of around 2 km, with illuminated photo spots and themed activities along the way. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a light layer and plan your return journey before arriving.
EX Pumpkin Night at a glance
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | EX Pumpkin Night: Hwani & Woni x the Twelve Zodiac Guardians |
| Dates | September 24βOctober 24, 2026 |
| Venue | Hwarang Forest, Gyeongju Expo Grand Park |
| Format | Outdoor nighttime walk-through of around 2 km |
| Highlights | Autumn evening photo spots, character themes and activities for all ages |
| Tickets | Check the event-specific booking page for current prices, discounts and entry conditions |
| Before visiting | Reconfirm opening hours, last admission, weather updates and transport information |
Show this Korean address
For taxis, local map apps, or a hotel front desk, keep the original Korean venue address below.
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Confirm the live route before departure.Agoda hotel candidates near the venue TOP3
Within 5 kmThese stay candidates are selected from Agoda hotel data within 5 km of the event coordinates, balancing distance, rating, and review count. Rates and availability can change in real time on Agoda.
#1Hilton Gyeongju
- Distance
- About 0.7 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.9
- Reviews
- 4,623 reviews
#2Lahan Select Gyeongju
- Distance
- About 2.1 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.9
- Reviews
- 4,659 reviews
#3The K Hotel Gyeongju
- Distance
- About 0.4 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.3
- Reviews
- 3,718 reviews
Rates, room availability, and booking conditions can change in real time on Agoda.
Operating hours, ticket rules, activity details and weather decisions may change. Check the official event notice before paying and again on the day of your visit.
Start with the venue and your return journey
The event takes place inside Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, close to the Bomun area in eastern Gyeongju. Save the event entrance or designated parking entrance in a Korea-focused map app rather than navigating only to the center of the park. The exact entrance, parking arrangements and pickup points should be checked in the notice for your visit date.
Because the route is outdoors, wet weather may limit or change admission. If rain is forecast, check the same-day announcement and the ticket change or refund policy before setting out. A lightweight rain jacket is generally easier to manage on a dark walking route than a large umbrella.
Check the ticket details before paying
Do not assume that a daytime park ticket includes this special event. On the event-specific booking screen, confirm what admission covers, whether a timed entry applies, which documents are required for any discount and when cancellations close. Save an offline copy of the booking confirmation in case mobile reception is slow at the entrance.
What the nighttime experience is like
The route follows the Hwani and Woni characters and their Twelve Zodiac Guardian friends through Hwarang Forest. Photo areas and activities are spread along the approximately 2 km trail, so allow time to enjoy the full route instead of stopping only near the entrance. Activity queues and final participation times may differ, so read the signs when you arrive.
Tips for the forest route
- Follow the route at an unhurried pace and watch for uneven or dim sections.
- Step away from the main flow before stopping to take photographs.
- Check activity queues and closing times near the beginning of your visit.
- Choose a clear meeting point in case your group becomes separated.
- Follow staff instructions and any posted photography or safety rules.
What to bring for a comfortable visit
Night-walk checklist
- Wear supportive shoes with a good grip for the approximately 2 km route.
- Bring a light outer layer for cooler autumn temperatures after dark.
- Pack a compact rain jacket if showers are possible.
- Charge your phone and consider carrying a small power bank.
- Save your ticket, venue details and return route for offline access.
- Bring any identification or proof required for a discounted ticket.
- Check the final bus, taxi pickup point or hotel route before entering.
Visiting with children or older travelers
The experience is intended for all ages, but a 2 km outdoor walk after dark may be tiring for younger children or anyone with limited mobility. Keep children close, agree on a meeting point and allow more time than you would for a daytime stroll. If you need a stroller or step-free route, ask the venue about the current path surface and access conditions before visiting.
Plan food and drinks separately
Food stalls, outside-food rules and alcohol policies can vary, so do not make dinner plans around unconfirmed festival vendors. Consider eating before entry unless the current event notice lists suitable options. Anyone planning to drink should arrange public transport, a taxi or a nearby hotel and avoid driving.
Getting there and leaving after dark
Drivers should confirm the designated parking lot, entrance, fees and operating hours for their visit date. Save the actual parking entrance as well as the park itself, then allow extra time around the advertised entry periods. Before walking away from the car, note the lot section and the route back from the event exit.
Public transport and taxis
Check both the outbound trip and the final return service in a Korea-focused map app on the day you travel. Evening services may be less frequent, so choose a return option that leaves a comfortable buffer before the last departure. For a taxi, save the pickup point and your hotel's name and address in advance, and allow extra time when many visitors may be leaving together.
A simple arrival-to-hotel plan
- Confirm that day's operating hours, last admission and return transport.
- Arrive early enough to locate the entrance, restrooms and exit route.
- Walk the forest course at a pace that suits everyone in your group.
- Meet at your agreed location before leaving the park.
- Continue directly to the parking lot, transit stop or saved taxi pickup point.
Choose a hotel base that fits the rest of your trip
The closest-looking hotel is not automatically the most practical choice. Compare the real route from the event exit, your expected arrival time and the direction of your next journey. Staying around Bomun can simplify a late return, while central Gyeongju may work better for sightseeing. The Gyeongju Station area is worth considering when an early KTX departure matters, provided you have confirmed the post-event transfer.
Which Gyeongju hotel area should you compare?
| Hotel base | Best suited to | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Bomun Tourist Complex or Expo Park area | Travelers prioritizing a simpler return after the night event | Actual gate-to-hotel route, late check-in, parking and taxi access |
| Central Gyeongju or Hwangnidan-gil area | Travelers combining the event with historic sights, restaurants and a city stay | Evening transfer time and the final transport back from the park |
| Gyeongju Station area | Travelers with an early KTX departure or arrival-led itinerary | Total transfer time, late-night transport and hotel check-in deadline |
Before confirming a room, compare late check-in rules, cancellation terms, parking, luggage storage and the transport available after the event. Plot the route from the event exit to the hotel rather than relying only on straight-line distance.
Build a relaxed Gyeongju itinerary around the event
A comfortable plan is to choose one historic or cultural stop for the afternoon, have an early dinner and then travel to the park. Since the evening route already involves around 2 km of walking, avoid packing too many daytime attractions into the same day. With an overnight stay, you can leave additional historic sites for the following morning.
Sample half-day plan
- Spend the afternoon at one Gyeongju historic or cultural attraction.
- Eat an early dinner and review your booking and weather updates.
- Travel to Gyeongju Expo Grand Park with time to find the correct entrance.
- Follow the Hwarang Forest route and enjoy the photo spots and activities.
- Use your preplanned transport to reach your hotel or next destination.
Adjust the plan if rain is forecast
Heavy rain or unsafe trail conditions may restrict this outdoor event. Check the official same-day update before traveling and review the change or refund procedure if you already hold a ticket. If the program cannot operate, switch to an indoor cultural stop in Gyeongju and reschedule only after comparing the forecast with the latest event notice.
Final checks before your night walk
Set your visit date, confirm the current entry details and prepare for an approximately 2 km outdoor walk. Recheck the weather, parking or final transit on the day, and keep your hotel route ready before entering. With those details settled, you can enjoy the illuminated forest and themed activities without rushing the end of the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 2026 EX Pumpkin Night in Gyeongju?
The event is scheduled from September 24 to October 24, 2026. Check the official notice for operating hours and the last admission time on your chosen date.
Where does EX Pumpkin Night take place?
It takes place in Hwarang Forest inside Gyeongju Expo Grand Park. The English address is 614 Gyeonggam-ro, Chungun-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province 38118. Confirm the event entrance before traveling.
How much are EX Pumpkin Night tickets?
Special-event admission, daytime park tickets and discounts may be handled separately. Check the event-specific booking screen for current prices, eligibility documents, cancellation terms and what the ticket includes.
How long is the walking route?
The nighttime route is approximately 2 km through Hwarang Forest. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for activities, photographs and queues.
Is EX Pumpkin Night suitable for children?
The event is designed for all ages, but it involves an outdoor forest walk after dark. Keep children close, agree on a meeting point and ask the venue about stroller or access conditions if needed.
What happens if it rains?
Admission may be restricted if rain or trail conditions create safety concerns. Check the official same-day announcement and the ticket change or refund policy before leaving.
