Planning an autumn trip to Paju? The main Unjeong Lake Park Fireworks Festival takes place on October 31, with afternoon activities followed by an evening lighting ceremony and fireworks. A separate light garden continues through the end of December. Decide whether you want the full afternoon program or only the nighttime highlights, then plan your transport and return journey before setting out.
Festival at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 8th Unjeong Lake Park Fireworks Festival |
| Main festival date | October 31, 2026 |
| Festival hours | 2:00 PM–10:00 PM |
| Location | Unjeong Lake Park and the Sori Stream area, Paju, Gyeonggi Province |
| Key schedule | Street performances and activity booths, 2:00–6:30 PM; lighting ceremony and fireworks, 7:30 PM |
| Light garden | October 31–December 31, 2026 |
| Admission | Free |
| Organized by | Paju City and the Paju Cultural Foundation |
| Information line | +82-31-950-8433 |
Show this Korean address
For taxis, local map apps, or a hotel front desk, keep the original Korean venue address below.
경기도 파주시 소리천로 67 (와동동) 운정호수공원 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.
#1Hotel Sienna
- Distance
- About 0.4 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.6
- Reviews
- 1,870 reviews
#2Paju Parkview Terrace
- Distance
- About 0.3 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.8
- Reviews
- 931 reviews
#3Paju Khills the terrace
- Distance
- About 0.3 km from the venue
- Rating
- 8.3
- Reviews
- 1,383 reviews
Rates, room availability, and booking conditions can change in real time on Agoda.
When and where to go
The main festival is scheduled to run from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturday, October 31, around Unjeong Lake Park and Sori Stream. Street performances and activity booths continue until 6:30 PM, followed by the lighting ceremony and fireworks from 7:30 PM. A special firebird display around Sori Stream is also planned, so allow extra time to reach the viewing area before the nighttime program begins. The festival-day program and the light garden have different operating periods. The light garden continues until December 31, but the fireworks and daytime activities are tied to the October 31 event. Weather or on-site conditions may affect schedules and access, so check the Paju Cultural Foundation’s latest notice before departure.
How to enjoy the festival
A relaxed visit can begin with the afternoon street performances and activity booths before moving on to the lighting ceremony and fireworks after dark. The 2026 theme is “Light Again,” with the lake and waterside setting forming the backdrop to the evening program. Families may find it helpful to arrive while it is still light and identify restrooms, exits and a meeting point before the crowds build. If you miss the main festival, the light garden offers another reason to visit for an evening walk later in the year. Do not assume that fireworks or activity booths will operate on other light-garden dates; confirm the program and lighting hours for your chosen day through the official event channels.
What to bring
- Pack a warm outer layer and a small blanket for a late-October evening beside the water.
- Bring a portable seat cushion, water and a power bank if you expect to stay for several hours.
- When visiting with children, give them a caregiver’s contact details and choose a clear meeting point.
- Consider ear protection for children or anyone sensitive to loud fireworks.
- Follow on-site rules covering food, alcohol, waste disposal and the use of picnic mats.
- Keep emergency routes and restricted areas clear, and follow instructions from event staff.
- Check the latest official notice and weather forecast shortly before leaving.
Transport, parking and the journey back
Roads and parking around the park may become congested before and after the fireworks. Parking arrangements and traffic restrictions can change, so consult the latest guidance from Paju City or the Paju Cultural Foundation. If driving, identify more than one possible parking area and check the walking distance from each option rather than relying on a single space near the venue. Public-transport users should review the walking route from their stop and the final service for the return journey. Exits and stops may be especially busy immediately after the fireworks. Agree on a meeting place with your group, and consider waiting for the heaviest crowds to clear if you are traveling with children or older family members.
Save your return route, transfer points and group meeting place in advance. Mobile service and local transport may be under pressure when the fireworks end.
Choosing a convenient hotel base
An overnight stay can make the trip easier if you are attending with children, expect to remain until late or want to continue exploring Paju the next day. Compare the actual route from the festival rather than distance alone, and check parking availability, the latest check-in time and transport options after the fireworks. Your next destination should also influence where you stay. If you plan to continue toward the Imjingak area or Paju Book City, look for a location that suits that direction of travel. Once your itinerary is fixed, compare hotel locations and cancellation terms, then make sure the post-festival journey remains practical.
Turn the festival into a short Paju getaway
On festival day, combining the afternoon program, an early dinner and the evening fireworks can reduce unnecessary travel. If you want to walk around the park first, locate the main exits and confirm your return direction before nightfall. Leave extra time for meals because nearby businesses may be busier than usual. For an overnight trip, keep the following day flexible and choose only one or two additional Paju attractions that fit your route and energy level. Check opening days and hours through the Paju tourism portal before visiting. From November onward, the light garden can also work as a shorter evening activity without the full festival-day schedule.
Plan ahead for a smoother evening
The key to a comfortable visit is to distinguish the October 31 festival from the light garden that continues through December. Choose your arrival time around the program you want to see, prepare for a cold evening and confirm your route home. Check official updates for final details about traffic controls, parking and program changes. If staying overnight, compare the journey from the festival, check-in deadlines and the direction of your next day’s plans before booking.
Paju-Si Hotels for Korea Festivals: 2026 Stay Picks
Compare Agoda hotel candidates for this Korea festival area in a separate regional guide.
Open regional hotel guideFrequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Unjeong Lake Park Fireworks Festival?
The main festival is scheduled for October 31, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Street performances and activity booths run from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with the lighting ceremony and fireworks beginning at 7:30 PM. Check the latest official notice before traveling in case of changes.
Where is the festival, and is admission free?
The event takes place around Unjeong Lake Park and Sori Stream in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Admission is listed as free, although entrances or restricted areas may change according to on-site conditions.
Can I see fireworks during the light garden period?
The fireworks are part of the main October 31 festival. The light garden is a separate seasonal display running from October 31 through December 31. Do not expect fireworks on other dates unless an official notice specifically announces them.
Can festival parking be reserved in advance?
Any reservation system or dedicated festival parking arrangements should be confirmed through the latest official transport notice. Because the surrounding area may be congested, prepare a public-transport option or alternative parking location and check the walking route to the park.
What should families bring?
Warm layers, water, a portable cushion, a power bank and ear protection for anyone sensitive to loud sounds can be useful. Give children a caregiver’s contact details, choose a meeting point and agree on the return route before the area becomes crowded.
How should I choose a hotel near the festival?
Compare the actual travel time from the park, parking conditions, the latest check-in time and transport availability after the fireworks. If you are exploring more of Paju the next day, also consider whether the hotel is well positioned for your onward route.
