🎤 KBS Nationwide Song Contest Yangyang 2026 – Apply to Perform, Watch Live & Full June Guide!
Ready for a front-row seat to one of Korea's most beloved TV traditions? 🇰🇷🎶 The KBS Nationwide Song Contest (전국노래자랑) — a national singing show that has made stars out of everyday Koreans since 1980 — is coming to Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province on June 12, 2026! With a powerhouse guest lineup including Hyun Sook, Park Ji-hyun & Kim Tae-yeon, this is one free outdoor concert you simply cannot miss. Applications close June 8 — act fast!
※ Please verify all details on the official website before visiting.
The KBS Nationwide Song Contest – Yangyang-gun Episode (KBS 전국노래자랑 양양군편) is a live TV recording of one of Korea's most iconic singing shows, scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026 at Songyi Sculpture Park (송이조각공원) in Yangyang, Gangwon Province.
Applications to perform are open from May 18 to June 8, 2026. Yangyang residents, workers, students, and military personnel are all eligible to enter. Guest performers include Hyun Sook (현숙), Park Ji-hyun (박지현), Kim Tae-yeon (김태연), Kim Da-na (김다나), and Yu Min (유민). Audience admission is free!
How to Apply – Full Guide
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5 Guest Performers incl. Hyun Sook & Park Ji-hyun — FREE Audience Admission!
The KBS Nationwide Song Contest Yangyang-gun 2026 episode records on June 12 at Songyi Sculpture Park.
Apply to sing on TV, or just come watch — it's all free and open to the public!
Recording Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 | Prelims: Wednesday, June 10
Venue: Songyi Sculpture Park (송이조각공원), Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province
Admission: FREE (audience & applicants)
Application Period: May 18 – June 8, 2026 (online & in-person)
⚡ Application deadline is June 8 — apply now before it closes!
Key Event Info
Applications: May 18 – June 8, 2026
Open to Yangyang residents, workers, students & military personnel. Prelims are June 10 at Yangyang Culture & Welfare Center; main recording is June 12 at Songyi Sculpture Park. Audience admission is FREE!
⚡ Deadline is June 8 — don't miss your shot!
🎤
1. Event Schedule Overview – 3 Key Points
Preliminary Round (Audition)
The preliminary audition for the KBS Nationwide Song Contest Yangyang-gun episode takes place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Yangyang Culture & Welfare Center (양양문화복지회관).
Only registered applicants may participate in the prelims, which serve as the first screening round. Only those who pass will advance to the June 12 main recording. Applications must be submitted between May 18 and June 8 — no walk-in registrations are accepted after the deadline. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early on prelim day, as the venue is expected to be busy.
Main Recording Day
The main TV recording of the KBS Nationwide Song Contest – Yangyang-gun episode is set for Friday, June 12, 2026 at Songyi Sculpture Park (송이조각공원) in Yangyang, Gangwon Province.
The recorded episode will be broadcast on KBS 1TV nationally at a later date — a wonderful opportunity to showcase Yangyang to all of Korea! Guest performers Hyun Sook (현숙), Park Ji-hyun (박지현), Kim Tae-yeon (김태연), Kim Da-na (김다나), and Yu Min (유민) are set to take the stage. Audience admission is free — wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen for this outdoor event!
Audience & Performer Guide
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Planning a day trip to Yangyang from Seoul for the KBS Song Contest? Klook and Trip.com both offer Gangwon-do travel packages including transport and accommodation. Pair your visit with surfing at Jukdo Beach, a Naksan coastal walk, or a stop at the famous Hajodae Rock Formation for a full Yangyang experience!2. How to Apply – 4 Steps
Step 1: Check Eligibility
The KBS Nationwide Song Contest is open to Yangyang-gun residents, employees, students, and military personnel stationed in the area. Professional singers (those currently signed as commercial artists) are not eligible.
There is no age restriction — children, adults, and seniors are all welcome to audition. If you have a connection to Yangyang, this is your moment to shine on national TV!
Step 2: Know the Application Window
Applications are accepted from Monday, May 18 to Monday, June 8, 2026. The deadline is firm — late submissions will not be accepted, and with prelims on June 10, timing is tight. Apply as early as possible!
Step 3: Choose Your Application Method
Two options are available: in-person at Yangyang County Office (3rd Floor, Tourism & Culture Division) or any local eup/myeon office; or by email to kwyysp36@korea.kr. Contact the Tourism & Culture Division at 033-670-2722 to request the application form template before submitting.
Step 4: Attend the Prelims & Advance to the Main Stage
Applicants who pass the June 10 preliminary round at Yangyang Culture & Welfare Center will be selected for the June 12 main recording. Bring a valid ID (passport or alien registration card accepted) on prelim day. There are no restrictions on song choice or outfit — express yourself freely!
3. Guest Performers & Audience Info
Guest Performer Lineup
The 2026 KBS Nationwide Song Contest – Yangyang episode features five confirmed guest performers: Hyun Sook (현숙), Park Ji-hyun (박지현), Kim Tae-yeon (김태연), Kim Da-na (김다나), and Yu Min (유민).
Hyun Sook and Park Ji-hyun are perennial fan favorites on the show, regularly drawing large audiences wherever the contest travels. Expect dazzling stage costumes and beloved trot (Korean folk pop) hit songs performed live. This is a rare chance to see top Korean entertainers perform for FREE in a scenic outdoor setting!
Audience Admission & How to Watch
Watching the recording as an audience member is free — simply show up at Songyi Sculpture Park on June 12. No ticket or pre-registration is required for general audience members (confirm with Yangyang County Office at 033-670-2722 for the latest audience policy).
Arrive early to secure a good spot — the venue fills up fast. Bring a folding chair or blanket for a comfortable long stay during the outdoor recording.
4. Travel Tips – Yangyang Accommodation, Surfing & Local Food
Stay Near Naksan Beach
Yangyang's Naksan Beach (낙산해수욕장) is one of Korea's most celebrated east coast beaches, and it's conveniently close to the festival venue. Search "Yangyang Naksan" on Agoda or Booking.com for a wide range of pensions and ocean-view hotels from around ₩60,000–₩120,000 KRW per night for two. Early June rates are competitive before the summer peak season kicks in!
Surfing at Jukdo & Ingu Beach
Yangyang is South Korea's surf capital! Jukdo Beach (죽도해변) and Ingu Beach (인구해변) are both world-class surf spots with beginner lessons available (approx. ₩40,000–₩80,000 KRW for an intro class). Many of Yangyang's oceanfront cafes are beloved Instagram hotspots — perfect for a post-show coffee with an ocean backdrop. ☕🏄
Taste Yangyang Songyi Mushroom Cuisine
Not by accident — the recording venue is named Songyi Sculpture Park after Yangyang's prized Songyi (송이) pine mushroom, one of Korea's most aromatic and expensive wild ingredients. Don't leave without trying local specialties like Songyi hot pot (송이전골) or Songyi stone-pot rice (송이돌솥밥), available at restaurants around Yangyang town for around ₩15,000–₩30,000 KRW per person. 🍄
5. KBS Song Contest Yangyang vs. Other Regional Episodes – Quick Comparison
KBS's Nationwide Song Contest tours the country year-round. Here's how the Yangyang episode compares!
| Category | Yangyang-gun Episode (2026) | Other Regional Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Date | Friday, June 12, 2026 | Varies by region |
| Venue | Songyi Sculpture Park, Yangyang | Local parks or gyms |
| Application Window | May 18 – June 8 | Typically 3–4 weeks before recording |
| Guest Performers | Hyun Sook, Park Ji-hyun, Kim Tae-yeon, Kim Da-na, Yu Min | Varies by episode |
| Audience Entry | FREE (on-site) | Mostly free |
6. Pro Tips & Things to Know – 5 Must-Reads
Prepare Application Documents Early
Gather supporting documents proving your eligibility (e.g., resident registration certificate, employment certificate, or student ID) before applying. For email applications, contact 033-670-2722 to receive the official application form template. Submitting close to the June 8 deadline may cause processing delays — apply as early as possible!
Arrive 30 Minutes Early for Prelims
The preliminary round begins sharp at 1:00 PM on June 10. Parking near Yangyang Culture & Welfare Center is limited — consider carpooling or a taxi. Bring water and a snack for the waiting period before your turn.
Claim Your Audience Spot Early on Recording Day
The KBS Nationwide Song Contest draws enthusiastic local audiences. Arrive at Songyi Sculpture Park 1–2 hours before the recording starts to secure a good view. Bring a folding chair (야외용 의자) or a picnic blanket for comfort during the long outdoor session.
Pack for Outdoor Summer Heat
June outdoor events in Korea can be hot and sunny. Essentials include: SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, a portable fan or small handheld electric fan, and a light rain jacket for unexpected showers. Stay hydrated throughout the day!
Air Date Is Separate from Recording Date
The June 12 recording will air on KBS 1TV at a later date (typically a few weeks after recording). The broadcast schedule will be announced via the official KBS website and the KBS Nationwide Song Contest social media channels — keep an eye out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why should I apply to perform as soon as possible?
A. The application deadline is June 8, 2026 (Monday), and the preliminary audition immediately follows on June 10. No late entries are accepted. Apply early to give yourself time to prepare and to avoid any processing issues.
Q2. How can I watch the recording as an audience member?
A. Audience members can attend the June 12 main recording at Songyi Sculpture Park for free. No ticket is required — simply arrive on the day. For the most accurate audience admission info, contact Yangyang County Office's Tourism & Culture Division at 033-670-2722.
Q3. Who are the confirmed guest performers?
A. The confirmed lineup includes Hyun Sook (현숙), Park Ji-hyun (박지현), Kim Tae-yeon (김태연), Kim Da-na (김다나), and Yu Min (유민). Lineups are subject to change — always verify with the official KBS website or Yangyang County SNS channels before your visit.
Q4. When will the episode air on TV?
A. The recording on June 12 will air on KBS 1TV at a separately announced date — typically within a few weeks of recording. Check the KBS official website or the KBS Nationwide Song Contest social media pages for the broadcast schedule.
More to Explore
Planning a trip to Yangyang for the KBS Song Contest? Make it a full Gangwon-do adventure! Book accommodation via Agoda or Booking.com and pair the event with surfing, seafood, and coastal sightseeing. Check out more Korean festival guides below!
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✍️ About the Author
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