Planning an autumn weekend in Seoul? The Sea Festival in the City takes place around Noryangjin Fish Market and Noryangjin Football Field on October 24 and 25, 2026. The two-day event combines seafood stalls, hands-on activities and live performances, so it is worth checking the program you most want to see and planning your trip back before you arrive.
Festival at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 9th Sea Festival in the City |
| Dates | October 24–25, 2026 |
| Daily start | Booths and the main stage open from noon |
| Venue | Around Noryangjin Fish Market and Noryangjin Football Field |
| Address | 688 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul |
| Admission | Listed as free; food and some purchases cost extra |
| Highlights | Seafood, auction and family activities, craft workshops and live performances |
| Check before visiting | Individual program times, traffic restrictions and parking notices |
Show this Korean address
For taxis, local map apps, or a hotel front desk, keep the original Korean venue address below.
서울특별시 동작구 노들로 688 (노량진동) 노량진 수산시장 축구장 일대
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.
#1Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo
- Distance
- About 3 km from the venue
- Rating
- 9.2
- Reviews
- 25,658 reviews
#2Nine Tree Premier ROKAUS Hotel Seoul Yongsan
- Distance
- About 2.3 km from the venue
- Rating
- 9.3
- Reviews
- 8,596 reviews
#3Conrad Seoul
- Distance
- About 2 km from the venue
- Rating
- 9.2
- Reviews
- 4,426 reviews
Rates, room availability, and booking conditions can change in real time on Agoda.
When and where to go
The festival runs on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25. The main booths and stage program begin at noon. The first day is scheduled to include the opening ceremony and Blue Sea Concert, while the second day features Sea Trot Live and the closing program. Individual activities and performances may follow different schedules, so check the latest Seoul or Dongjak-gu notice before setting out.
What to see, taste and try
Food-focused visitors can look for the live tuna-cutting presentation and tasting, stalls operated by fish-market vendors, food trucks and a direct-sales market featuring regional seafood products. There is also an activity where participants learn auction hand signals from a Noryangjin Fish Market auctioneer before joining a seafood auction. Leave enough time to explore the market and food area instead of planning only around the stage schedule.
Families can prioritize shrimp-catching, children’s fishing, an inflatable wave-themed play area and craft workshops. Activities may involve queues, on-site registration or early closure depending on demand. When you arrive, check the activity locations and participation instructions before settling in for a performance.
Highlights by interest
- For seafood: fish-market stalls, the regional seafood market and food trucks
- For hands-on activities: the seafood auction, shrimp-catching, children’s fishing and wave-themed games
- For crafts: free workshops such as mood-light and sun-catcher making
- For live entertainment: the Blue Sea Concert, Hidden Singer Live and Sea Trot Live
What to bring
- Save the latest program schedule on your phone.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring an extra layer for changing autumn temperatures.
- For children, consider spare clothing, wet wipes and a card with a guardian’s contact details.
- Bring a suitable payment method and consider an insulated bag if you plan to buy seafood.
- Carry water and personal hygiene supplies for activity queues and performances.
- Check the last train and your hotel’s check-in time if you plan to stay for the evening program.
Getting there and handling the crowds
The event area is accessible from Noryangjin Station, making public transportation a practical choice on a busy festival weekend. Visitors may be moving between the fish market, activity areas and football field at the same time. On arrival, identify the main stage, food zone and activity zone so you do not have to cross the busiest sections repeatedly.
Parking arrangements and traffic controls should be confirmed through the latest official notice before departure. If you drive, consider not only whether parking is available but also how long it may take to leave after the final performance and which direction you need to travel afterward.
Crowds may build shortly before major performances and immediately after they finish. If you are visiting with children or older travelers, agree on a meeting point and keep your group together in congested areas.
Food and alcohol safety
If you plan to sample or buy seafood, ask about allergens and check how purchased food should be stored and consumed. Alcohol must not be purchased for or provided to minors, and drivers should not drink. Anyone staying for the late program should also confirm the final public-transport departure and the walking route to their accommodation.
Choosing a convenient hotel base
A nearby stay can be useful if you want to attend on both days, are traveling to Seoul from another region or plan to remain for the evening performances. Compare hotels by travel time to the venue, number of transfers, late check-in policy, parking conditions and the direction of your next day’s journey.
Before booking, map the route from the festival area to each hotel and check the final train or bus you could realistically catch. If traveling by car, treat hotel parking and parking near the event as separate considerations. A slightly more distant hotel on a direct transit route may be easier than a closer option requiring several transfers.
How to plan your festival day
For a half-day visit, check activity registration first, explore the food area and then move to the main stage for your chosen performance. With a full day, allow extra time for the fish market and a meal, and avoid long transfers across the site just before popular shows.
Families may find it easier to alternate activities with rest breaks. Adult groups can combine the auction experience and seafood stalls with an evening concert. Use the signs and announcements on the day to adjust your route if locations or times change.
Final checks before you go
The 2026 Sea Festival in the City brings seafood, family activities and live music together for one autumn weekend in Seoul. Once you have chosen your day, confirm the times of your priority programs, review public-transport or parking notices and plan your return trip or overnight stay. Weather and on-site arrangements can change, so check the latest official update shortly before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Sea Festival in the City?
It takes place on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026. Booths and the main stage are scheduled to open from noon, although individual program times may vary.
Where is the festival held?
The event is held around Noryangjin Fish Market and Noryangjin Football Field at 688 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Check the signs on arrival to locate the different activity and performance zones.
Is festival admission free?
Festival admission is listed as free. Food, seafood purchases and certain on-site services may cost extra, so check the details for each booth or activity.
Are there activities for children?
Planned family activities include children’s fishing, shrimp-catching, an inflatable play area and craft workshops. Age limits, registration procedures and closing times should be checked on site.
Should I use public transportation or drive?
Public transportation is a practical option because the area may be crowded during the weekend. If you drive, check the latest official information about parking, traffic restrictions and exit routes before leaving.
How should I compare hotels near the festival?
Compare total travel time, transfers, late check-in policies, parking and your onward route the next day. If you plan to attend both days or stay for an evening performance, check the last public-transport departure before choosing an area.
