🎤 FREE K-Indie Concert + Traditional Tug-of-War + Chicken & Beer Fest — All in Ulsan!
The 2026 Taehwagang Maduhee Festival brings Roy Kim, Car the Garden, and Sweetune to one FREE outdoor stage in Ulsan — plus a 320-year-old tug-of-war tradition and a chicken & beer festival, all over 3 days (June 19–21). Here's the full guide: full lineup, how to get there from Seoul, and what makes this Ulsan summer festival unlike any other. ✨
※ Always verify the latest details on the official Maduhee Festival website: ulsanmaduhee.co.kr
The 2026 Taehwagang Maduhee Festival (태화강마두희축제) is Ulsan's signature summer festival, held at Taehwa River Sports Park (태화강 체육공원) and the Seongnam-dong (성남동) original downtown area of Jung-gu District, Ulsan. Running Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, the festival operates under the theme "Escape the Ordinary! Dive into the Taehwa River!" (일상탈출! 태화강에 빠지다!). The music lineup features Roy Kim (로이킴), Car the Garden (카더가든), Sweetune (스윗소로우), Akdang Gwangchil (악단광칠), Silly Tomatoes, Thornapple (쏜애플), and Springs — a rare assemblage of Korea's finest indie, folk, and R&B acts on a free outdoor stage. Equally central to the festival is Maduhee (마두희) — a historic tug-of-war ritual that has been practiced in Ulsan for over 320 years, recognized as an important Korean intangible cultural heritage. The festival also includes a Chicken & Beer Festival (치맥페스티벌), EDM Party, ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) competition, and children's program areas. For more K-pop concerts and summer events in Korea, see our guide to the PSY Humbuk Show SUMMERSWAG Korea 2026.
Official Festival Schedule
💡 Agoda and Booking.com offer great hotel deals in Ulsan Jung-gu — book early before the festival weekend sells out!
Roy Kim (로이킴) is one of Korea's most beloved singer-songwriters, celebrated for his warm folk-pop sound and introspective lyrics. Car the Garden (카더가든) is a critically acclaimed R&B and soul artist known for his smooth, distinctive vocal style. Sweetune (스윗소로우) is a beloved mixed vocal group with rich harmonies spanning nearly two decades of Korean music. Together with Akdang Gwangchil (악단광칠), Silly Tomatoes, Thornapple (쏜애플), and Springs, the 2026 Maduhee Festival music lineup is one of the most diverse and impressive of any free outdoor festival in Korea this summer.📊 2026 Taehwagang Maduhee Festival – Quick Facts
Roy Kim · Car the Garden · Sweetune · Akdang Gwangchil — Ulsan's Summer Night Stage!
The Taehwagang Maduhee Festival is Korea's most unique summer festival, blending a premier indie music lineup with a 320-year-old traditional tug-of-war (Maduhee), a Chicken & Beer Festival, EDM Party, and Korean wrestling — all completely free over 3 days along the scenic Taehwa River.
Dates: Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
Venue: Taehwa River Sports Park & Seongnam-dong Downtown, Jung-gu, Ulsan
Entry: FREE (some programs may have fees)
Lineup: Roy Kim, Car the Garden, Sweetune, Akdang Gwangchil & more — see full schedule now!
Maduhee Festival Key Info
Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
Roy Kim, Car the Garden, Sweetune, Akdang Gwangchil & more performing live. Traditional Maduhee tug-of-war (320+ years of history). Chicken & Beer Festival zone. EDM Party. Ssireum (Korean wrestling) competition. Children's program area.
Along the Taehwa River in Ulsan — plan your summer weekend now!
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1. Three Must-Experience Programs at the 2026 Maduhee Festival
Live Music Stage — Roy Kim, Car the Garden & Sweetune
The music stage at the 2026 Taehwagang Maduhee Festival is genuinely exceptional for a free outdoor event. Roy Kim (로이킴), whose gentle folk-pop sound has topped Korean music charts since 2012, delivers intimate, emotional performances tailor-made for a riverside sunset setting. Car the Garden (카더가든) brings a sophisticated urban R&B flavor that has earned him critical acclaim as one of Korea's most artistically compelling musicians. Sweetune (스윗소로우) rounds out the lineup with their trademark rich harmonies, beloved by Korean music fans for nearly 20 years. Additional acts including Akdang Gwangchil (악단광칠), Silly Tomatoes, Thornapple (쏜애플), and Springs ensure non-stop music across 3 nights. No tickets, no entry fee — just show up and enjoy.
Maduhee (마두희) — Korea's 320-Year-Old Tug-of-War Tradition
Maduhee (마두희, literally "Horse Head Play") is a traditional mass tug-of-war ritual that has been practiced in Ulsan's Jung-gu district for over 320 years, passed down through generations as an important Korean intangible cultural heritage. Unlike a typical tug-of-war, Maduhee involves hundreds of participants and carries deep ritual significance — teams representing different sides of the Taehwa River pull a massive rope in hopes of bringing a good harvest and community fortune for the year. The festival also features a water-based tug-of-war on the Taehwa River itself, making it a truly unique spectacle. To participate in the Maduhee tug-of-war, pre-register through the official website (ulsanmaduhee.co.kr) under the participation application menu.
Register for Maduhee Tug-of-War
💡 Klook lists Ulsan sightseeing tours and activities — from Janjeolgot Cape sunrise to whale watching. Bundle with your festival visit!
The Chicken & Beer Festival (치맥페스티벌, "chi-maek") is a beloved Korean summer institution — the word "chi-maek" is a compound of "chicken" (치킨) and "maekju" (맥주, beer), representing one of Korea's most popular food-and-drink pairings. The festival's chi-maek zone is positioned close to the main stage so you can enjoy live music and cold beer with crispy Korean fried chicken simultaneously — a quintessentially Korean summer night experience. Most foreigners visiting Korea love this pairing, and this festival's setting on the Taehwa River makes it especially atmospheric.2. Festival Venue Map & Key Zones
Taehwagang Madang — Main Concert & Water Tug-of-War Zone
The Taehwagang Madang (태화강마당) zone at Taehwa River Sports Park is the heart of the festival — home to the main concert stage where Roy Kim, Car the Garden, Sweetune, and other artists perform, as well as the dramatic water-based Maduhee tug-of-war on the Taehwa River. The riverside setting provides natural cooling breezes and stunning views — especially memorable at sunset during evening performances. English signage is available at key points throughout the venue, and festival staff can assist with basic English queries at the main information booth.
Maduhee Madang & Dongheon Madang — Traditional Culture & Food
The Maduhee Madang (마두희마당) and Dongheon Madang (동헌마당) zones in Seongnam-dong's original downtown area house traditional experience booths, local food vendors, a flea market, and performances by regional artists. Walking through Ulsan's old downtown alleyways lined with lanterns and cultural booths during the festival creates an atmosphere unlike any modern entertainment venue. Local Ulsan specialties include Eonyang Bulgogi (언양 불고기, thin-sliced marinated beef from the Eonyang region) and eel dishes — both available at food stalls near the venue.
3. Chicken & Beer Festival + EDM Party — 4-Step Guide
Step 1: Find the Chi-Maek Zone
Check the official website (ulsanmaduhee.co.kr) for the festival venue map and locate the Chicken & Beer (치맥, chi-maek) zone before arriving. It's positioned near the main concert stage, so you can watch performances while enjoying your food and drinks. Arriving at the chi-maek zone when it opens gives you the best seating selection.
Step 2: Claim Your Spot 1 Hour Before Concerts
For Roy Kim, Car the Garden, or Sweetune performances, the chi-maek zone closest to the stage fills up within 1 hour before showtime. Arrive early to claim a table near the stage. Most vendors accept both cash and card payments; some may accept mobile pay (KakaoPay, Samsung Pay).
Step 3: Join the EDM Party
The EDM Party zone operates on a separate schedule from the main concert stage — check the official timetable on ulsanmaduhee.co.kr for exact times and locations. The juxtaposition of traditional Maduhee tug-of-war by day and a pulsating EDM dance party by night is uniquely Ulsan — and one of the most talked-about aspects of this festival among younger Korean festival-goers.
Step 4: Catch the Ssireum Wrestling Competition
Ssireum (씨름) is Korea's traditional wrestling — similar to sumo in concept but distinctly Korean in form. Competitors grip each other's waistband (satba, 샅바) and try to topple their opponent to the ground. Watching a ssireum match at a riverside festival is a rare, authentic Korean experience. Spectators are welcome at no additional charge. Participation registration (if you want to compete) is available through the official website.
View Full Festival Schedule
💡 Agoda offers great hotel deals in Ulsan Jung-gu and Seongnam-dong — book 2–3 weeks in advance for the best rates!
Overnight visitors to the Maduhee Festival should book accommodation in Ulsan Jung-gu or the Taehwadong area — both within walking distance of the festival grounds. Agoda and Booking.com both offer English-language booking with flexible cancellation, with mid-range hotels starting from approximately 60,000–80,000 KRW (~$44–$59 USD) per night. Prices rise sharply during the festival period, so secure your accommodation as early as possible.4. How to Get to Ulsan from Seoul
By SRT (Fastest — Recommended)
From Seoul's Suseo Station (수서역), take the SRT to Ulsan Station — approximately 2 hours, fare around 40,000–50,000 KRW (~$30–$37 USD). From Ulsan Station, take bus or taxi to Taehwa River Sports Park in Jung-gu — approximately 20–30 minutes. 💡 Trip.com offers SRT ticket booking in English with easy comparison across travel dates.
By KTX
From Seoul Station, take the KTX toward Ulsan Station — approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Fare is similar to SRT. Book in advance as June weekend seats fill up quickly. From Ulsan Station, taxis to the festival venue cost approximately 15,000–20,000 KRW (~$11–$15 USD).
Tips for Foreign Visitors in Ulsan
English signage is available at the main festival venue and most tourist attractions in Ulsan. The Taehwa River area has become increasingly foreigner-friendly, with multilingual information available at key points. Ulsan is also home to the Bangudae Petroglyphs (반구대 암각화) — Korea's oldest prehistoric rock carvings, a UNESCO candidate site — and Janjeolgot Cape (간절곶), famous for the earliest New Year's sunrise on the Korean peninsula. Both are easily accessible by taxi from the festival venue.
5. Taehwagang Maduhee Festival vs. Regular Outdoor Music Festival
| Category | Taehwagang Maduhee Festival | Regular Outdoor Music Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee | FREE | 30,000–150,000 KRW |
| Music Lineup | Roy Kim, Car the Garden, Sweetune & more | Varies by event |
| Traditional Heritage | 320-year Maduhee tug-of-war | None |
| Chi-Maek Zone | Dedicated Chicken & Beer Festival | Limited at some events |
| Family-Friendly | Children's zone & experience booths | Mostly adult-focused |
6. Insider Tips for Foreign Visitors
Arrive 1 Hour Early for Main Stage — No Assigned Seats
All concerts at the Maduhee Festival are free standing with no assigned seats. For Roy Kim or Car the Garden performances, arrive at the main stage at least 1 hour before showtime to secure a central viewing position. Bring a portable chair or blanket — performances can run for several hours. Weather tip: late June in Ulsan can see temperatures exceeding 30°C — a handheld fan and personal hydration are essential.
Pre-Register for Maduhee Tug-of-War
If you want to participate in the historic Maduhee tug-of-war (not just watch), pre-registration through the official website is required. Walk-in participation may be limited by capacity. Registering in advance is the only reliable way to secure your spot in one of Korea's most unique traditional experiences. A participation certificate or commemorative gift may be provided.
Chi-Maek Zone — Arrive at Opening for Best Tables
The Chicken & Beer zone opens before concert performances begin. The best tables — those closest to the stage — fill up immediately at opening time. Check the official timetable for the chi-maek zone opening hour and arrive right on time. Vendor options include multiple chicken styles (original, spicy, garlic butter) and domestic Korean beer brands.
Pack for Heat & Potential Rain
June in Ulsan is hot and occasionally rainy (jangma, 장마 monsoon season). Pack sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, a personal fan, a compact umbrella, and a light rain poncho. The festival is held entirely outdoors — there's limited covered seating.
Register for Maduhee Now
💡 Klook offers Ulsan sightseeing tours and activities — Janjeolgot Cape, Bangudae Petroglyphs, Ulsan Grand Park and more. Book ahead and save!
Make the most of your Ulsan trip by combining the Maduhee Festival with Klook-listed activities. Viator and Klook both list English-language guided tours for key Ulsan sights including the Bangudae Petroglyphs (반구대 암각화) — prehistoric rock carvings estimated to be over 5,000 years old and considered one of the world's most important ancient heritage sites. From Seoul, book SRT tickets via Trip.com to get there in 2 hours. For unique Korean cultural experiences beyond concerts, also explore the BTS Busan Temple Stay Korea 2026 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why should I visit the Taehwagang Maduhee Festival?
A. Free entry to live performances by Roy Kim, Car the Garden, Sweetune, and more — combined with a 320-year traditional tug-of-war (Maduhee), a Chicken & Beer Festival, an EDM Party, and a Korean wrestling (ssireum) competition. A once-a-year event that blends Korea's traditional heritage and contemporary music culture in a beautiful riverside setting in Ulsan.
Q2. How do I join the Maduhee tug-of-war?
A. Pre-registration through the official website (ulsanmaduhee.co.kr) is required for participation. Walk-in spots may be available but are not guaranteed. Spectating is free and open to all — no registration needed to watch. The water-based tug-of-war on the Taehwa River is an especially dramatic spectacle.
Q3. How do I get from Seoul to Ulsan?
A. Take the SRT from Suseo Station (수서역) — approximately 2 hours to Ulsan Station, fare around 40,000–50,000 KRW (~$30–$37 USD). Or take the KTX from Seoul Station — approximately 2.5 hours. From Ulsan Station, take a taxi (15,000–20,000 KRW) or local bus to the Taehwa River festival zone in 20–30 minutes. Book in advance via Trip.com.
Q4. When and where is the 2026 Taehwagang Maduhee Festival?
A. The 2026 Taehwagang Maduhee Festival runs Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Taehwa River Sports Park and Seongnam-dong original downtown area, Jung-gu, Ulsan Metropolitan City. Entry is free. Full schedule and Maduhee participation registration at ulsanmaduhee.co.kr.
More to Explore
Planning an Ulsan trip for the Maduhee Festival? Book accommodation early on Agoda or Booking.com, and reserve SRT tickets via Trip.com. Here are more great Korean events happening the same weekend.
Browse all Korean festivals and travel events in one calendar.
Same weekend in nearby North Gyeongsang Province — a 1,000-year traditional festival at a sacred forest.
Getting from Seoul to Ulsan? Compare SRT and KTX schedules and book here.
Soo Blog
Korea travel, events, festivals & parks reservation specialist | 5 years of experience
All information is based on direct on-site visits and personal booking experience.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
Korea travel, events, festivals & parks reservation specialist | 5 years of experience
All information is based on direct on-site visits and personal booking experience.
koreaeventmap.jhs29.com
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