Gwangju Memories of Chungjang Festival

*The following festival food details are from the previous year (2025); the 2026 festival details are currently being updated.*

The 'Gwangju Memories of Chungjang Festival' is Gwangju's largest representative festival, originating from 'Chungjang-ro' in Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, the premier commercial district of Gwangju and Jeonnam. This festival holds special significance as the 'nation's first memory-themed festival' that encompasses generations and social classes through the universal theme of 'memories.' It creates a space for memory production where people of diverse ages and backgrounds come together to create new memories while sharing the precious memories everyone cherishes.

In particular, as the festival unfolds around Geumnam-ro and 5.18 Democracy Square—spaces of deep significance in the history of world democracy—it embodies historical and cultural value that transcends a simple local festival. As a festival held in the sacred site of democratization, it holds symbolic significance, demonstrating the citizens' determination to overcome the pain of the past and move toward a hopeful future. The Chungjang Festival has received international recognition for its excellence, being selected as a 2024-2025 Cultural Tourism Festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and is currently designated as an Honorary Cultural Tourism Festival of the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, following its win of the 'Best Parade Award' and selection as a 'World Festival City' at the 2024 Asia Pinnacle Awards, it achieved the remarkable feat of winning consecutive international awards by receiving the 'Best Comprehensive Entertainment Program Award' in 2025. Moving forward, it harbors a grand ambition to develop into an international festival that encompasses the culture and memories of all of Asia beyond the region through cooperation with the National Asian Culture Center. It plays a valuable role in elevating Gwangju's status as a hub of Asian culture while simultaneously providing a venue for communication and harmony through culture.