[Seollal Special]"Where to Go This Lunar New Year?"... Traditional and Modern Hotspots in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do Draw Attention

Folk Experiences at Museums and Science Centers
Tourist Hotspots in Naju, Yeosu and Beyond
Healing Getaways in Damyang and Gangjin

During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday in the Year of the Fire Horse (Byeongo Year), Gwangju and the Jeollanam-do region will transform into a massive festival venue for returning families and tourists. From traditional events where visitors can experience Korea’s seasonal customs to the latest trend-driven "new hot places," outing courses filled with the charm of the southern provinces await guests. This article provides a comprehensive guide to major travel hubs in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do where families can head together during this Lunar New Year holiday.

"Tradition in the City"... Gwangju, a Treasure Trove of Folk Experiences

The Gwangju Metropolitan City government has arranged participatory folk programs throughout the downtown area so visitors can reflect on the meaning of the holiday.

First, the Gwangju National Folk Museum of History will host a "Seollal Celebration Hanmadang" during the holiday, running a traditional play experience zone featuring activities such as tuho (arrow throwing), jegichagi (hacky sack game), and rolling a hoop. In particular, this year the museum has significantly expanded sections where visitors can make their own souvenirs, including "lucky norigae making" and "traditional pattern rubbing experiences," both developed based on expert historical verification.

The National Gwangju Museum will also welcome visitors with its "Seollal Celebration of Our Culture Hanmadang." A program where participants pound rice cakes with a mallet and then taste freshly made injeolmi is the most popular attraction every year for family visitors. At the National Gwangju Science Museum, a "Thrilling Science Play Hanmadang for Seollal" will be held, offering a unique educational space where the scientific principles hidden in traditional games are explained to children in an accessible way.

Opening of the "Visit Naju Year"... Messages of Hope Across Jeollanam-do

Jeollanam-do will mark the start of the "2026 Visit Naju Year" with Lunar New Year holiday festivals. Around the Yeongsangang Garden in Naju, the "Hope Kite Flying Festival" will take place. A large shield-kite performance coloring the sky on the cool river breeze of the Yeongsangang River is expected to present a spectacular sight to visitors celebrating the first major holiday of the new year. A gourmet travel course linked with Naju Gomtang Street is considered a must-visit route for those returning home.

The Myeongnyang Marine Cable Car, which connects Jindo and Haenam, will operate special night services during the holiday. It has already gone viral among Millennials & Gen Z as a "life-shot spot," where visitors can enjoy not only the sunset over the turbulent waters of Uldolmok on the West Sea, but also the night view of Jindo Bridge adorned with brilliant lights.

Regional landmarks such as the Space Launch Observatory in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, and Yeosu Art Land will also operate as usual during the holiday, fully prepared to welcome guests. In particular, the marine cable car and the Odongdo area, which offer panoramic views of downtown Yeosu and its night sea, have revamped their landscape lighting to better cater to nighttime tourists.

"Rest and Relaxation"... Tranquil Southern Gardens and Cafe Tours

Soswaewon, Damyang County, Jeollanam-do. Provided by Damyang County, Jeollanam-do.

For those looking to shake off holiday fatigue, eco-tourism destinations such as Damyang and Gangjin are recommended. Juknokwon in Damyang offers bamboo forest trails that remain green even in winter, while the nearby Gwanbangjerim Forest and Metasequoia Road are perfect courses for a leisurely walk. Recently, hanok cafes in the nearby Changpyeong Slow City have emerged as new tourism hubs by presenting menus that combine classical elegance with modern sensibilities.

Dasan Chodang and Baekryeonsa Temple in Gangjin are ideal places to enjoy quiet contemplation in a serene atmosphere. In particular, private gardens designated by the Jeollanam-do provincial government each boast a unique theme, leading a new trend of "garden travel." The green tea fields of Boseong and Suncheonman National Garden are also boosting tourist inflows during the holiday by offering various benefits, including free admission for visitors wearing hanbok.

A Safe and Abundant Holiday... "Experience the Warmth of Namdo Hospitality"

The Gwangju city government and Jeollanam-do provincial government have established quarantine and transportation measures at major tourist attractions to ensure convenience for visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday. They plan to inspect the "Namdo Tour" circular bus routes that connect major terminals and train stations with popular sites, and extend the operating hours of tourist information centers so that visitors from other regions can enjoy their trips without inconvenience.

On Seollal in 2026, the "Namdo Tour" course, which spans everything from museums preserving the nostalgia of traditional seasonal customs to landmarks illuminated by cutting-edge nightscapes, is expected to offer unforgettable memories to both returning families and travelers.

An official from the Gwangju city government said, "This Lunar New Year holiday will be an opportunity to comprehensively showcase the region’s unique charm, where tradition and modernity, and nature and the city, exist in harmony," adding, "We hope those returning to their hometowns will gain vibrant new-year energy amid the generous hospitality and beautiful scenery of the southern provinces."

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