🍅 A FREE 3-Day Korean Summer Festival Near Seoul — With Live Concerts & Waterslides!
The 24th Toechon Tomato Street Festival in Gyeonggi Province runs FREE for 3 days, June 19–21 — 2 separate concert stages (7080 retro night + trot show) plus outdoor waterslides and the Ice Bee Hunter experience for kids. Here's the full visitor guide: concert schedule, how to get there from Seoul, and tips most foreign travelers miss. ✨
※ Always verify the latest details on the official Gwangju City website or at the venue.
The 24th Toechon Tomato Street Festival (퇴촌 토마토거리축제) is one of the most charming free summer festivals in Gyeonggi Province, held annually in Toechon-myeon, Gwangju City — about 40–50 minutes from southern Seoul by bus. This year's festival runs Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21 along Gwangdong-ro street (65 Gwangdong-ro, Toechon-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do), with the opening ceremony kicking off at 5:30 PM on June 19. The entire 3-day program is FREE to enter, with two distinct concert stages on separate days: a 7080 Retro Concert (Korean popular music of the 1970s–80s era) featuring Lee Gwang-jo and Jang Eun-a on Saturday, June 20, and a Trot Concert (트로트, Korea's beloved traditional pop genre) featuring Uyeonyi and Marcus Gang on Sunday, June 21. An outdoor waterslide pool and the "Ice Bee Hunter" unique interactive experience also run June 20–21, starting at 1:30 PM daily. For more family-friendly nature spots near Seoul, try the Namyangju Firefly Forest Korea 2026 guide.
View Full Festival Schedule
💡 Agoda and Booking.com offer the best rates for hotels near Gwangju City (Gyeonggi) — book ahead for the festival weekend!
The entire festival is free to enter — no tickets required for concerts. The 7080 Retro Concert is a celebration of Korea's golden age pop music from the 1970s and 1980s (70년대·80년대 가요), featuring Lee Gwang-jo (이광조) — best known for classics like "Forgotten Season" (잊혀진 계절) — and vocalist Jang Eun-a (장은아). Trot (트로트) is Korea's most beloved traditional pop genre, blending folk and modern pop — think heartfelt melodies with a lively beat. The June 21 stage with Uyeonyi (우연이) and Marcus Gang (마커스강) brings this genre alive for audiences of all ages. A great day out for the whole family.📊 2026 Toechon Tomato Street Festival – Quick Facts
All 3 Days FREE — 7080 Retro Concert + Trot Concert + Waterslide, All in One Place!
The 24th Toechon Tomato Street Festival offers free entry for all 3 days, featuring Lee Gwang-jo & Jang Eun-a (7080 concert, June 20), Uyeonyi & Marcus Gang (trot concert, June 21), an outdoor waterslide pool, and the "Ice Bee Hunter" unique kid-friendly experience. Perfect for families and couples alike.
Dates: Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
Venue: 65 Gwangdong-ro, Toechon-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Entry: FREE (some paid experience programs may apply)
Concerts: June 20 — Lee Gwang-jo & Jang Eun-a (7080) / June 21 — Uyeonyi & Marcus Gang (Trot) — Pick your day!
Toechon Tomato Festival Key Info
Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21, 2026
FREE entry. Opening ceremony June 19 at 5:30 PM. 7080 Retro Concert (Lee Gwang-jo & Jang Eun-a) on June 20. Trot Concert (Uyeonyi & Marcus Gang) on June 21. Outdoor waterslide & Ice Bee Hunter experience run June 20–21 from 1:30 PM.
Each day has a different program — plan which day fits you best!
🍅
1. Three Must-Experience Programs at the 2026 Toechon Tomato Festival
7080 Retro Concert — Lee Gwang-jo & Jang Eun-a (Saturday, June 20)
The first concert highlight is the 7080 Retro Concert on Saturday, June 20, hosted by comedian-turned-MC Lee Hong-ryeol, with performances by Lee Gwang-jo (이광조) and Jang Eun-a (장은아). The "7080" label refers to the golden era of Korean popular music from the 1970s and 1980s — soulful ballads, heartfelt lyrics, and live guitar melodies that have stood the test of time. Lee Gwang-jo is especially famous for "Forgotten Season" (잊혀진 계절, "Ijeyo-jin Gyejeol"), one of the most beloved Korean ballads of all time — a perfect open-air evening performance. No ticket required; arrive 30–60 minutes early for a good spot.
Trot Concert — Uyeonyi & Marcus Gang (Sunday, June 21)
The festival closes on Sunday, June 21 with a Trot Concert (트로트 공연) starring Uyeonyi (우연이) and Marcus Gang (마커스강) — two of Korea's hottest rising trot artists. Trot (트로트) is Korea's traditional popular music genre, characterized by repetitive rhythm and emotional lyrics, currently enjoying a massive resurgence in popularity among all age groups. Both artists have surged in public recognition recently, making this a highly anticipated closing night. Free standing concert — come early and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
See Full Concert Schedule
💡 Klook offers great day-trip experiences from Seoul to Gyeonggi Province — compare and save on nearby attractions!
Toechon-myeon (퇴촌면) is a rural township in Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, about 40–50 minutes south of Seoul's Gangnam district by express bus. The area is famous for Toechon Tomatoes (퇴촌 토마토) — premium sweet tomatoes grown in the region's clean mountain air, available for purchase directly from vendor stalls at the festival. Foreign visitors can use this event as a great base to explore nearby Paldangho Lake (팔당호) and Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성) on the same day.2. Festival Schedule & Venue Guide
Opening Day (Friday, June 19)
The festival officially opens on Friday, June 19 with a 5:30 PM opening ceremony at Gwangdong-ro, Toechon-myeon. The first evening features local performers and arts troupes, along with opening of all food stalls and vendor booths. Tomato-themed food and snacks dominate the festival grounds — expect tomato juice, tomato ice cream, and fresh tomato products straight from local farms. From Gangnam Station in Seoul, take an express bus toward Gwangju (광주) and transfer to a local bus toward Toechon (퇴촌) — total travel time approximately 40–50 minutes.
7080 Concert Day (Saturday, June 20)
Saturday, June 20 is the busiest day of the festival: the 7080 Concert takes center stage in the evening while the outdoor waterslide pool operates from afternoon, and the Ice Bee Hunter (아이스 호박벌 헌터) experience begins at 1:30 PM. The waterslide is a great way to cool off on what could be a hot summer afternoon — bring swimwear or a rash guard. Ice Bee Hunter is a quirky, kid-friendly activity where participants search for bee figurines hidden inside blocks of ice — hands-down one of the most unique festival experiences in Korea this summer. Lines form early, so arrive at 1:00 PM to secure your spot.
3. How to Attend — 4-Step Guide for Foreign Visitors
Step 1: Choose Your Day
Each of the 3 days features a different program. If you want the 7080 Retro Concert, come on Saturday, June 20. If trot music is your thing, Sunday, June 21 is your day. Ice Bee Hunter and the waterslide run both Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 PM. For all three, plan a 2-day visit. Contact: Gwangju City Culture & Tourism Festival Team ☎031-760-1725 for schedule details.
Step 2: Get There from Seoul
From Gangnam Station (강남역) in Seoul, board an express bus to Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal (광주시외버스터미널), then transfer to a local bus heading toward Toechon (퇴촌) — total journey approximately 40–50 minutes. By car from Seoul, input "경기도 광주시 퇴촌면 광동로 65" into your navigation app. Free or paid parking is available at festival-designated lots nearby. Arrive before 10:00 AM on weekends to avoid parking congestion.
Step 3: Ice Bee Hunter Experience
Ice Bee Hunter (아이스 호박벌 헌터) is a one-of-a-kind festival activity exclusive to Toechon Tomato Festival: participants dig bee figurines out of large blocks of ice — great fun for kids and adults alike. It runs on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 1:30 PM on June 20 and 21. Join the queue at 1:00 PM to secure your turn. Small souvenirs or tomato gifts may be awarded upon completion.
Step 4: Shop for Toechon Tomatoes
Toechon is Gwangju's most celebrated tomato-growing region, and the festival grounds are lined with direct-sale vendor stalls offering fresh, locally grown tomatoes at prices far below supermarket rates — approximately 20,000 KRW (~$15 USD) per box. These tomatoes are known for exceptional sweetness due to the region's clean mountain air and rich soil. A box makes an excellent souvenir — just be sure to refrigerate or consume soon after purchase.
View All Experience Programs
💡 Booking.com and Agoda list great hotels and guesthouses near Gwangju City, Gyeonggi — compare prices for the festival weekend!
If you're planning an overnight trip, Gwangju City and nearby Paldang area offer a variety of accommodations from pensions to business hotels. Booking.com and Agoda both offer English-language support and flexible cancellation — ideal for international travelers. Budget around 50,000–80,000 KRW (~$37–$59 USD) per night. For unique Korean cultural experiences, also explore the BTS Busan Temple Stay Korea 2026 guide.
4. 7080 Concert vs Trot Concert — Which Day Should You Visit?
| Category | 7080 Concert (June 20) | Trot Concert (June 21) |
|---|---|---|
| Artists | Lee Gwang-jo, Jang Eun-a | Uyeonyi, Marcus Gang |
| MC | Lee Hong-ryeol | TBC |
| Music Style | Retro Korean ballads (70s–80s) | Trot (traditional Korean pop) |
| Audience | All ages; great for families | All ages; energetic & festive |
| Best for | Couples, parents, nostalgia lovers | Friends, families, trot fans |
5. Insider Tips for Foreign Visitors
Arrive Early for the Best Concert Spot
Both concerts are free standing events — no assigned seats. Arrive 30–60 minutes before showtime to secure a central front-area viewing spot. Bring a portable seat or a picnic mat for added comfort during extended standing performances.
Wear Swimwear for the Waterslide
If you plan to use the outdoor waterslide (June 20–21), wear your swimsuit or rash guard from arrival. Changing areas may be limited on-site. Sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, a towel, and a spare change of clothes are essentials for a full day in the late June sun.
Best Time for Tomato Shopping — Arrive at Opening
Popular tomato varieties tend to sell out by midday. Arrive at the festival opening (around 5:00 PM on Friday, or morning on Saturday/Sunday) for the widest selection of fresh Toechon tomatoes at vendor stalls. Cash and card payments are both accepted at most stalls, but small vendors may prefer cash (KRW).
Rain Plan — Bring an Umbrella
Late June in Korea is during the jangma (장마) — the summer monsoon season. Rain is possible on any of the 3 days. Pack a compact umbrella or a light rain poncho. The concert stage is outdoors — if it rains, performances may be delayed but rarely cancelled entirely.
Full Festival Guide Here
💡 Trip.com offers great deals on hotels near Gwangju (Gyeonggi) and Icheon — compare prices for the June festival weekend!
For overnight stays near the Toechon Tomato Street Festival, Trip.com lists a wide range of accommodations in Gwangju-si and the surrounding Icheon area, with prices starting around 50,000 KRW (~$37 USD) per night. Compare with Agoda for the best deal. For more Korean summer festivals in June 2026, looking for budget travel deals? See our Wando Half-Price Travel Korea 2026 guide.Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why should I visit the Toechon Tomato Street Festival?
A. Free entry for all 3 days, featuring 2 full live concerts (7080 retro ballads + trot), an outdoor waterslide, the one-of-a-kind Ice Bee Hunter experience, and fresh Toechon tomatoes straight from the farm. Just 40–50 minutes from Seoul's Gangnam — the perfect summer day trip or overnight outing.
Q2. How do I attend the concerts?
A. No tickets needed — both concerts are free. The 7080 Concert with Lee Gwang-jo & Jang Eun-a is on Saturday, June 20; the Trot Concert with Uyeonyi & Marcus Gang is on Sunday, June 21. Arrive 30–60 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.
Q3. How do I join the Ice Bee Hunter experience?
A. Ice Bee Hunter runs on June 20 and 21, starting at 1:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance booking needed — just show up at the experience zone before 1:30 PM and join the queue. Popular with kids and families!
Q4. When and where is the 2026 Toechon Tomato Festival?
A. The 24th Toechon Tomato Street Festival runs Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, 2026, along Gwangdong-ro, Toechon-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (from Gwangdong Intersection to Toechon Post Office). Opening ceremony is June 19 at 5:30 PM. Completely free to enter. Inquiries: ☎031-760-1725.
More to Explore
Planning your trip around the Toechon Tomato Festival? Book your Gwangju-area accommodation early on Booking.com or Agoda. June in Korea is festival season — here are more great options for the same weekend.
Browse all Korean festivals and travel events in one calendar.
Same week: premium Gangwon beef at up to 40% off — the Gangwon Hanwoo Day festival in Chuncheon.
Getting to Toechon from Seoul? Compare bus schedules and book transport in advance.
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
#KoreaTravel #TomatoFestival #GyeonggiTravel #FreeKoreaFestival #KoreanSummerFestival #SeoulDayTrip #KoreanConcert #TrotMusic #ThingsTodoInKorea #KoreaEvents2026
