Living on Jeju Island, South Korea, I eat gwangeo (olive flounder) all the time—so the Jeju Flatfish Festival is right up my alley.
But three whole days of festivities dedicated to it?
There’s no way I’m missing that.
If you’re planning a Jeju trip and wondering what to do this weekend,
here’s some great news!
The 9th Jeju Flatfish Festival kicks off tomorrow.
Along with plenty of flounder dishes,
there’ll be live performances, an arm-wrestling competition, and barehanded fish catching.
This October festival in Jeju has all the makings of a fun family outing,
so I’ve rounded up the schedule and a few handy tips.
Jeju Flatfish Festival: When and Where to Go
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Category |
Details |
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Festival Name |
9th Jeju Flatfish Festival |
|
Dates |
Friday, October 9, 2026– Sunday, October 11: three days |
|
Venue |
Headquarters and surrounding grounds of Jeju Fish-Culture Fisheries Cooperatives |
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Address |
166 Yeonsam-ro, Jeju City, Jeju Island, South Korea |
|
Host and Organizer |
Jeju Fish-Culture Fisheries Cooperatives |
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Sponsors |
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives |
|
Website |
jaf.suhyup.co.kr |
It’s already the festival’s ninth year!
Last year, around 30,000 local residents and tourists stopped by.
The festival showcases the flavor and quality of Jeju’s farm-raised olive flounder
while encouraging people to enjoy more locally produced seafood.
It’s a great chance to taste some seriously fresh flounder.
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Day 1: Friday, October 9—Kick Things Off with Live Performances |
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Time |
Program |
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From 11:00 a.m. |
Festival opens |
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4:00–5:00 p.m. |
Gilteugi samulnori opening procession with traditional Korean percussion, military band performance |
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5:00–6:00 p.m. |
Opening ceremony (First prize drawing at 6:00 p.m.) |
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6:00–7:00 p.m. |
Celebratory performances |
Opening day starts at 11:00 a.m.!
Samulnori percussion gets the crowd going, followed by the opening ceremony and celebratory performances in the evening—perfect for stopping by after work.
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Day 2: Saturday, October 10 Join In the Fun! |
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Time |
Program |
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From 10:00 a.m. |
Festival opens |
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Noon–1:00 p.m. |
Stage performances and audience participation activities (First prize drawing at 1:00 p.m.) |
|
1:00–4:00 p.m. |
Women’s arm-wrestling competition, Guess the Weight contest |
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4:00–6:00 p.m. |
Jeju Flatfish Singing Contest (Second prize drawing at 6:00 p.m.) |
Saturday looks like it’ll be the liveliest day.
The women’s arm-wrestling competition should be a blast even if you’re just watching.
Think you can guess a flounder’s weight? Put that instinct to the test!
And if you’ve got a great voice, consider entering the Jeju Flatfish Singing Contest.
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Day 3: Sunday, October 11 Keep the Fun Going Until the Final Day! |
|
|
Time |
Program |
|
From 10:00 a.m. |
Festival opens |
|
Noon–1:00 p.m. |
Stage performances and audience participation activities (First prize drawing at 1:00 p.m.) |
|
1:00–4:00 p.m. |
Youth Dance Festival, Jeju Flatfish Golden Bell Quiz, treasure hunt |
|
4:00–6:00 p.m. |
Stage performances and audience participation activities (Second prize drawing at 6:00 p.m.) |
The final day brings youth dance performances and the Golden Bell quiz competition,
plus a treasure hunt! Bring the kids, and the day will fly by.
More Jeju Festival Activities Throughout the Event
There’s plenty more to enjoy during the festival!
Discounted flounder food stalls
Three hands-on activities, plus an insect experience booth
Children’s drawing competition and face painting
Inflatable play area for kids
Barehanded catching of gwangeo and dodari (another type of flatfish)
Personally, I’m most excited about catching fish with my bare hands!
Just keep in mind: this activity runs only on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11,and
on-site registration opens at 10:00 a.m. each day, first come, first served.You’ll want to be there right when registration opens.
Daily Prizes and Prize Drawings, Too
There’ll be prizes and lucky-ticket drawings every day of the festival.
Friday has one drawing at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday each have two: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.!
Good food, plenty of fun, and maybe a little luck—that sounds like a perfect day.
Before You Go: Jeju Festival Checklist
Barehanded fish catching: register on-site at 10:00 a.m. Saturday or Sunday; spots are first come, first served.
Plan your visit around the prize drawings at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Friday’s only drawing is at 6:00 p.m.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you’re joining the fish-catching activity.
Weekend crowds could get busy, so consider taking public transportation.
Would you rather try catching fish with your bare hands,
or just dig into all that flounder? Let me know in the comments!
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