🍃 Dangjin Plum Festival 2026: FREE Plum Picking + Craft Beer Tasting — and It Might Be the Very Last One
A one-day-only Korean farming festival where you pick fresh plums for FREE and taste local craft beer? 🎉 The 17th Sunseong Royal Plum Festival in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, opens June 20 for just a single day — 100 visitors per time slot, 4 sessions, and this may genuinely be the last edition ever. Here's the booking guide, full program schedule, and tips for foreign visitors. ✨
※ Please verify all details on the official channels before visiting, as schedules may change.
The Sunseong Royal Plum (왕매실, Wang-Maesil) Festival is a small but deeply beloved rural farming festival held in Sunseong-myeon, Dangjin City, South Chungcheong Province — about 1.5 hours southwest of Seoul by express bus. Now in its 17th edition, this festival is centered on the "Wang Maesil" (왕매실), which translates literally as "Royal Plum" — an especially large and fragrant variety of Korean plum (maesil, 매실) cultivated by the Sunseong Royal Plum Farming Cooperative (순성왕매실영농조합). Maesil (梅實) is a staple ingredient in Korean health foods and traditional liquors, prized for its citrusy tartness and medicinal properties. What makes 2026 particularly special — and heartbreaking — is that this may genuinely be the last time the festival takes place in its traditional form. The Namwoncheon stream ecological restoration project is set to remove the plum trees along the Namwoncheon riverside that have been the backdrop of 17 years of festivals. If you have ever wanted to experience authentic Korean rural farmstead culture, this is the year. For more unique Korean cultural experiences outside the major cities, also explore the BTS Busan Temple Stay 2026 guide — free for foreign visitors and deeply immersive.
📊 Sunseong Royal Plum Festival 2026 — At a Glance
FREE entry + FREE plum picking (pre-registration) + FREE craft beer tasting — one day only!
The 17th Sunseong Royal Plum Festival may be the last of its kind. Saturday, June 20 only — 4 time slots, 100 spots per session, pre-registration strongly recommended.
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM only
Venue: Sunseong Royal Plum Farming Cooperative event grounds, Sunseong-myeon, Dangjin City, South Chungcheong Province
Entry: FREE / Plum picking: FREE with pre-registration (1,500 KRW/kg to take home)
Highlights: Plum picking, maesil-cheong (plum syrup) making, maesil muffin baking, Dangjin craft beer tasting, Royal Plum direct market
Pre-register now — 100 spots per time slot, first-come first-served!
Royal Plum Festival – Key Details
Saturday, June 20, 2026 — One Day Only
Pre-registered visitors get priority access to plum picking (FREE entry, 1,500 KRW/kg to take home). Walk-in spots are limited — each of 4 sessions takes max 100 people. Plum direct market runs 11 AM–5 PM: top-grade Royal Plums from 2,000 KRW/kg. Dangjin Beer (당진맥주) and Maehwakonbi Makgeolli tasting are FREE on site. Arrive before noon — opening ceremony crowds peak at 12 PM!
🍏
1. Three Must-Do Experiences at the Festival
Free Plum Picking in the Orchard
The star of the festival is the plum picking experience held along the Namwoncheon riverside plum orchard — the very trees that are scheduled to disappear once the ecological restoration project begins. Four time slots are offered: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Each session is capped at 100 participants. Pre-registered visitors receive priority entry, while walk-in slots fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Any plums you pick yourself can be purchased to take home at just 1,500 KRW per kilogram (approximately $1.10 USD/kg) — an extraordinary bargain for fresh, organically grown Korean royal plums direct from the farm. This may be the last time this specific orchard experience is available; the plum trees along the Namwoncheon stream are expected to be removed as part of the upcoming ecological construction project, making 2026 a genuinely historic occasion.
Dangjin Beer & Maehwakonbi Makgeolli Tasting
The second highlight is the FREE craft beer and traditional rice wine tasting. Dangjin Beer (당진맥주) is a well-loved craft brewery from South Chungcheong Province that has partnered with the festival for years. Maehwakonbi Makgeolli (매화꽃비 막걸리) — literally "Plum Blossom Rain Rice Wine" — is a semi-premium traditional Korean rice wine (13% ABV) produced directly by the Sunseong Farming Cooperative using maesil syrup in the brewing process. Both tastings are complimentary on-site. Products you enjoy can be purchased at the Royal Plum Direct Market stalls (11 AM–5 PM). Note that some market vendors may prefer cash (KRW) — small bills are recommended.
Check Registration Info
💡 Booking.com and Agoda list guesthouses and hotels near Dangjin and the West Sea coastal area — great for combining the festival with a scenic West Sea sunset drive!
If you are planning an overnight stay near Dangjin, Booking.com and Agoda have accommodation options in Dangjin City and the nearby coastal towns of Seosan and Taean (태안) — gateway to some of Korea's most beautiful West Sea beaches and mudflats. A June stay is particularly well-timed: summer peak pricing has not yet kicked in, so rates are considerably lower than July and August.2. Full Program Schedule – June 20
Morning Pre-Ceremony & Opening
The festival grounds open at 11:00 AM with a morning pre-ceremony featuring traditional Korean folk music (풍물패, pungmulpae — a lively percussion ensemble using janggu drums, jing gongs, and kkwaenggwari hand gongs) and traditional games including tuho (투호 — traditional arrow-tossing game) and jegichagi (제기차기 — Korean shuttlecock kicking). The formal opening ceremony takes place at noon sharp, with local government officials and cooperative leaders in attendance. Arriving by 11:30 AM is strongly recommended to beat the noon crowd surge and secure a first-session plum picking slot.
Afternoon Experiences – Full Schedule
After the opening, afternoon programs run in parallel: plum picking (12 PM / 2 PM / 3 PM / 4 PM slots), maesil-cheong (梅實淸 — fermented plum syrup, a Korean pantry staple) making workshop, maesil muffin baking, maehwakonbi bread making (술빵 — traditional Korean steam bread using rice wine), and self-guided maesil-ju (plum liquor) bottling for adults. The Royal Plum Direct Market runs continuously from 11 AM to 5 PM, selling top-grade Wang Maesil from 2,000 KRW/kg (approx. $1.45 USD/kg). Bring a cooler bag with ice packs if you plan to purchase more than 1 kg — summer temperatures in June can deteriorate fresh plums quickly without refrigeration.
3. How to Pre-Register – 4 Steps for Foreign Visitors
Step 1: Check Official Channels
Pre-registration is handled through the Sunseong Royal Plum Farming Cooperative's official Instagram (@왕매실마을) and the Dangjin City official website (dangjin.go.kr). Registration links and sign-up forms are announced via Instagram posts — follow the account and enable notifications to catch the opening. Registration is conducted in Korean, so using Google Translate on your browser or having a Korean-speaking friend assist is recommended for foreign visitors. The key Korean phrase you need is: "사전 예약 신청" (Sa-jeon ye-yak sin-cheong) — meaning "advance reservation application."
Step 2: Select Your Preferred Time Slot
Four plum-picking time slots are available: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Each slot accommodates 100 participants. If you are arriving from Seoul by express bus (about 1.5 hours), the 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM slots are most realistic. The 12:00 PM slot fills fastest due to the opening ceremony excitement, so if you want that one, aim to arrive by 11:30 AM at the latest.
Step 3: Prepare for On-Site Cash Payments
Some workshops and the direct market may not accept credit cards — rural Korean festivals commonly operate cash-only. Bring at least 10,000–20,000 KRW (approx. $7–15 USD) in small bills (1,000 and 5,000 KRW notes) for plum purchases (1,500 KRW/kg to take home from picking, 2,000 KRW/kg from market stalls), light workshop materials, and snacks. ATMs are available in Dangjin City before heading to the festival grounds.
Step 4: Day-of Arrival Tips
The venue is at the Sunseong Royal Plum Farming Cooperative outdoor grounds in Sunseong-myeon, Dangjin City. This is a rural location — a private car is strongly recommended. From Dangjin Intercity Bus Terminal, taxis are available but return taxis can be scarce in the late afternoon. If driving from Seoul: take the West Coastal Expressway (서해안고속도로) toward Dangjin IC — approximately 1.5 hours. Temporary festival parking will be arranged on-site. Wear sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes; bring an umbrella for possible summer rain.
View Registration Details
💡 Trip.com lets you compare and book express buses from Seoul to Dangjin — all in English with international card support. Pair with a West Sea coastal hotel for a perfect weekend!
Trip.com is one of the easiest platforms for foreign visitors to book express bus tickets between Seoul and Dangjin — all in English, with international credit card acceptance. From Seoul's Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울터미널), express buses run to Dangjin multiple times daily (approximately 1.5 hours, around 10,000–13,000 KRW one way). For a seamless 1-night-2-day trip, combine the festival with a sunset drive to Waemok Village (왜목마을) — Dangjin's famous West Sea sunrise and sunset viewpoint — and book your accommodation through Trip.com or Booking.com.4. Around Dangjin: Seafood, Scenery & Side Trips
Royal Plum Direct Market
The on-site direct market (11 AM–5 PM) is the best place to stock up on fresh Wang Maesil at farm-gate prices. Top-grade Royal Plums sell for approximately 2,000 KRW/kg (~$1.45 USD/kg) — a fraction of what you would pay at a supermarket. Processed goods including maesil-cheong (plum syrup), maesil-ju (plum liquor), and pickled plum products are also sold at stalls. Bring a reusable bag and a cooler for best results.
Dangjin Fresh Seafood
After the festival, head to the Dangjin Port area for some of Korea's freshest West Sea seafood. Flower crab (꽃게, kkotge), rockfish (우럭, urok), and flounder (광어, gwangeo) are the local specialties — sold fresh from morning auction at harbor-side restaurants. Expect approximately 20,000–30,000 KRW per person for a generous seafood meal. Look for restaurants along the Dangjin Port waterfront or search "당진 활어회" (Dangjin live sashimi) on Naver Maps.
Dangjin Naval Vessel Park & Sapgyoho Lake
The Dangjin Naval Vessel Park (당진함상공원) — a retired Korean Navy warship converted into a free public park — is an unexpected highlight, especially popular with children and military history enthusiasts. FREE admission. The Sapgyoho Lake (삽교호) scenic drive offers stunning West Sea sunset views in the early evening — a perfect post-festival wind-down. Both are within 20–30 minutes' drive of the festival grounds.
5. Pre-Registration vs Walk-In — Key Differences
| Category | Pre-Registration | Walk-In |
|---|---|---|
| Plum Picking | FREE priority access | On-site first-come (may sell out) |
| Maesil-Cheong Workshop | Can reserve in advance | Wait for remaining spots |
| Dangjin Beer Tasting | FREE (same for all) | FREE (same for all) |
| Admission | FREE | FREE |
| Best For | Those who want full experience | Market shopping & browsing |
6. Tips for Foreign Visitors — 5 Essential Points
Tip 1: Arrive by 11:30 AM
The noon opening ceremony draws the biggest crowd of the day. Arriving 30 minutes before means you can explore the festival grounds, secure a market spot, and register for the 12 PM picking slot without rushing. Morning pre-ceremony folk performances start around 11 AM — arrive early to catch the full atmosphere.
Tip 2: Bring a Cooler Bag
Fresh Wang Maesil plums are highly perishable in June heat. A small cooler bag with ice packs (available at Korean convenience stores for 1,000–2,000 KRW) will keep your plums fresh for the journey home. No on-site coolers are sold. If buying more than 1 kg, a proper ice box is essential.
Tip 3: Carry Small Korean Won (KRW) Cash
Rural Korean farming festivals often operate cash-only stalls. Prepare 10,000–20,000 KRW in small denominations. The nearest ATM is in Dangjin city center — withdraw before heading to the venue.
Tip 4: A Car Is Your Best Friend Here
Public transportation to the festival grounds is limited. Driving from Seoul via the West Coastal Expressway (서해안고속도로, Seohaean Expressway) takes about 1.5 hours. If using public transport, take an express bus from Dong Seoul Terminal to Dangjin Bus Terminal, then take a taxi. Important: book your return taxi in advance as availability can be low in rural Dangjin in the late afternoon.
Tip 5: Why "Maybe the Last" Matters
The Namwoncheon ecological restoration project will remove the riverside plum trees that have defined this festival for 17 years. The local farming community has nurtured this tradition since 2010 — attending in 2026 means you will be part of a moment of living Korean rural heritage that may not return in the same form. Most foreign visitors to Korea never experience small-town agricultural festivals like this, making it a genuinely rare travel experience.
Check Full Festival Details
💡 Agoda and Booking.com have affordable West Sea coastal stays near Dangjin — combine with Taean National Park for a full South Chungcheong road trip!
Looking for budget travel deals in Korea? See the Wando Half-Price Travel Deal guide — island refund vouchers and budget coastal travel in South Korea's Jeolla region.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why might 2026 be the last Sunseong Royal Plum Festival?
A. The Namwoncheon (남원천) ecological restoration project will remove the riverside plum trees that have been the core backdrop of the festival for 17 years. Without the Namwoncheon plum orchard, the traditional plum-picking experience may not be possible in future editions, making 2026 potentially the last iteration in its original form.
Q2. How do foreign visitors register for plum picking?
A. Pre-registration is done via the Sunseong Royal Plum Farming Cooperative's Instagram (@왕매실마을) and the Dangjin City official website. Registration is in Korean — using Google Translate on your phone or asking a Korean-speaking friend to help is recommended. Walk-in spots are available on the day but are limited to 100 per session.
Q3. Can you take the plums home after picking?
A. Yes! Plums you pick yourself can be purchased to take home at 1,500 KRW per kilogram (~$1.10 USD/kg). Market stall plums are 2,000 KRW/kg (~$1.45 USD/kg) for top-grade Wang Maesil. Bring a cooler bag with ice packs — fresh plums deteriorate quickly in summer heat.
Q4. When and where does the festival take place?
A. Saturday, June 20, 2026 only — 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Venue: Sunseong Royal Plum Farming Cooperative outdoor grounds, Sunseong-myeon, Dangjin City, South Chungcheong Province, Korea. Admission is completely free.
More to Explore
For more unique Korean cultural experiences, also explore the BTS Busan Temple Stay 2026 guide — a free Buddhist cultural immersion experience open to foreign visitors.
Soo Blog
Korea travel, events, and festivals expert — 5 years of on-the-ground experience
Every post is based on direct visits and verified booking experience.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
Korea travel, events, and festivals expert — 5 years of on-the-ground experience
Every post is based on direct visits and verified booking experience.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
#DangjinFestival #KoreaPlumFestival #MaessilExperience #RuralKorea #KoreaTravel #KoreaSummer2026 #KoreaFarm #SouthChungcheong #KoreaFoodTravel #HiddenKorea
