Why the 68th Miryang Arirang Festival Became a Must-Visit Event for Tourists in 2026

Miryang City in South Gyeongsang reported that the 68th Miryang Arirang Festival, held May 7–10 across Yeongnamnu, the Miryang riverside and Namcheon riverside road, wrapped up successfully after four lively days with strong turnout from both locals and tourists.

The city hosted the festival, which was organized by the Miryang Culture and Tourism Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Gyeongsangnam-do, the Miryang City Council, the Miryang Cultural Center and the Miryang branch of the Korea Federation of Arts.

Under the slogan “Arirang, Beyond the Times, Toward the Future,” this year’s festival featured 38 programs. A mix of performances, hands-on workshops, exhibits, competitions and nighttime programming married traditional culture with contemporary flair, highlighting Miryang’s distinct festival identity.

Top of the list for audience buzz was the Miryang River Odyssey, “Samyeong Goes Out Into the World.” Against the scenic backdrop of Yeongnamnu and the Miryang River, drone choreography, special effects and large-scale performances created unforgettable moments. Crowds flocked to the evening shows, cementing the event’s reputation as a standout night attraction for the city.

Highlights like the Arirang theme pavilion, the UNESCO Diaspora program, National Unity Arirang, the Miryang Arirang competition and street parades helped broadcast the cultural value and global relevance of Miryang Arirang. Intergenerational programs and family-friendly activities kept the festival energetic and inclusive.

One of the festival’s most notable achievements was its success in shifting toward overnight tourism. Daytime exhibitions, interactive experiences and street events flowed naturally into evening performances and atmospheric nightscapes, encouraging visitors to stay longer. That extended presence translated into real spending and showed the festival’s power as a local economic driver.

Throughout the festival, the riverfront food zones and food trucks drew steady lines, and downtown shops and regional specialty booths benefited from increased foot traffic. Rising demand for accommodations underscored Miryang’s appeal as a place people want to linger.

The festival also felt distinctly community-driven. Local artists, youth organizations, volunteers, citizen performers and civic groups took active roles in programming and operations, contributing to a sense of local ownership and pride.

A city official said, “The 68th Miryang Arirang Festival meaningfully showcased the value of traditional culture while strengthening Miryang’s competitiveness as a stay-and-explore destination. We’ll keep building Miryang Arirang into a flagship cultural tourism festival that energizes the local economy.”

The 68th Miryang Arirang Festival’s Recycling Exchange Event Wraps Up Successfully

Miryang City reported that the Recycling Exchange event, held as part of the 68th Miryang Arirang Festival, concluded on a high note.

Organized to respond to the climate crisis and promote proper sorting habits, the event collected 6,375 milk cartons and 14,284 used batteries during the festival.

Visitors who exchanged recyclables gained a hands-on understanding of resource reuse and the importance of correct household sorting.

The city also gave reusable shopping bags to participants who pledged to reduce single-use items and food waste, using the moment to spread the value of environmental stewardship and the importance of circular resource use.

About 50 members of the Miryang Natural Protection Council ran a campaign during the event to reduce single-use items, actively promoting eco-friendly daily practices.

A city official said, “Correct household waste sorting and broader recycling start with small actions by citizens. We hope this event provided outdoor education that helped residents and children appreciate the importance of protecting the environment.”

Miryang Agriculture Pavilion Bustles as Farming Groups Bring Hands-On Fun and Local Flavor

Miryang City said the Miryang Agriculture Pavilion at the 68th festival was energized by strong participation from local farming organizations, offering visitors interactive experiences, tasty treats and unique attractions.

Participating groups included the Korea Young Farmers’ Association (Miryang chapter), Korea Women Farmers (Miryang chapter), Young Farmers 4-H (Miryang chapter), the Rural Leaders’ Association (Miryang chapter) and the Miryang Return-to-Farming Association. Each group showcased programs highlighting its strengths.

The Korea Young Farmers’ Association showcased and sold outstanding local agricultural products, helping expand market opportunities and boost regional promotion. Korea Women Farmers featured rice-based treats like tteok-kkochi (rice cake skewers) and sikhye (sweet rice drink), celebrating the flavor and value of local rice.

The Young Farmers 4-H ran a produce-shaped keyring workshop and staffed a promotional booth, attracting visitors with a fresh, interactive vibe. The Rural Leaders’ Association offered traditional rice cake pounding demonstrations, providing fun entertainment while encouraging rice consumption.

The Miryang Return-to-Farming Association sold crops and processed goods grown by returnee farmers and hosted booths promoting returning to rural life, offering practical information and consultations for prospective farmers.

A city official said, “Local farming groups actively participated and brought Miryang agriculture’s energy and appeal to life on-site. Thanks to their engagement, the Miryang Agriculture Pavilion became more than an exhibition—it became a meaningful place where visitors and farmers connected.”