KOREA
Many people enjoying at the Han River Summer Festival.

Han River Summer Festival (Photo by Seoul City Government/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

Seoul will host the 2026 Han River Summer Festival from August 1–16, bringing 16 days of concerts, outdoor movies, water sports, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities to nine Han River parks across the city.

Held under the theme “The Closest Summer Escape: Cool Han River,” the festival offers a mix of free and ticketed events designed to let visitors enjoy the river from morning until late at night.

Highlights include drone shows, floating concerts, overnight movie marathons, silent DJ parties, paddleboard races, traditional performances, and discounted water leisure activities.

Residents and tourists are encouraged to use public transportation due to the large crowds expected throughout the festival.

Everything to Expect at the Festival

Han River Summer Music Picnic

  • August 1–2, 8:00–9:30 p.m.

  • Yanghwa Han River Park

  • Jazz, K-pop performances and a synchronized floating drone show featuring 25 water drones.

Han River Music Splash

  • August 1–2, 8:00–10:00 p.m.

  • Nanji Han River Park Water Playground

  • Infinity pool concert featuring DJs, rapper Sleepy (Aug. 1), and band Pentacle (Aug. 2).

Han River Overnight: All Night Han River ON

  • August 8, 8:00 p.m. – August 9, 5:00 a.m.

  • Mangwon Han River Park (Seoul Battleship Park)

  • Overnight screening of Coffee Prince, horror film Salmokji, board games, comics, late-night snacks, and a peach market.

Han River Eolssu Splash

  • August 8–9

  • Jamsil Han River Park Water Playground

  • Slackline experiences during the day and UNESCO-recognized traditional tightrope performances at 9:00 p.m.

Build Your Own Han River Boat Race

  • August 15, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

  • Jamsil Han River Park

  • Teams race homemade boats to collect giant fruit markers on the river.

Han River Water Safety Experience

  • August 10–14, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

  • Banpo Han River Park

  • CPR, water rescue, survival techniques, and rescue boat demonstrations.

Han River Summer Ecology Program

  • August 1–16

  • Various ecological parks

  • Nature walks, wildlife observation, and environmental education programs.

Han River Night Walk 42K

  • August 1, 4:00 p.m. – August 2, 8:00 a.m.

  • Yeouido Han River Park

  • Overnight walking event celebrating its 10th anniversary with photo zones and special activities.

Silent DJ Party

  • August 1, 8 & 15, 7:00–10:00 p.m.

  • Beneath Mapo Bridge, Yeouido

  • Popular wireless-headphone dance party.

Silent Yoga

  • August 16, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

  • Yeouido Han River Park

  • Headphone-guided outdoor yoga session.

Hi Seoul Cruise

  • August 1–16

  • Yeouido Cruise Terminal

  • Day and evening sightseeing cruises, including selected fireworks cruises.

Paddle Sports Experience

  • August 1–16

  • Ttukseom Han River Park

  • Guided kayak and paddleboard sessions for beginners and experienced paddlers.

Blue Wave Challenge

  • August 8, 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

  • Ttukseom to Jamsil

  • 3 km and 6 km paddleboard marathon with waterside performances.

Golden Blue Marina Yacht & Kayak Festival

  • August 1–16

  • Banpo Han River Park

  • Yacht cruises and kayak experiences.

Healing Yacht Experience

  • August 1–16 (Closed Mondays)

  • Banpo Han River Park

  • Wellness yacht tours featuring yoga and singing bowl meditation.

Sebitseom Tubester Experience

  • August 1–16

  • Sebitseom, Banpo

  • Circular floating boat experiences on the Han River.

Many events are free, while others require advance reservations or paid admission. Tickets and registration are available through the festival website and participating operators.

In addition to the festival programming, visitors can also enjoy Han River swimming pools, riverside parks, cycling trails, food vendors, and river transportation throughout the event.

The festival aims to encourage both residents and tourists to experience the Han River as one of Seoul’s premier summer destinations.

Registration and Ticket Information

Many of the festival’s signature events are free to attend, while others require advance reservations through the official organizers.

Those interested in participating in the Build Your Own Han River Boat Race or the Han River Night Walk 42K can register through Urban Sports. Registration for the boat race opens on July 27 at 5:00 p.m.

The popular Silent DJ Party and Silent Yoga sessions require advance booking through Silent Disco Korea, although a limited number of walk-up spots will also be available.

Families looking to join the Han River Water Safety Experience or Han River Summer Ecology Programs can reserve free places through the Seoul Public Service Reservation System.

For visitors wanting to experience the Han River from the water, reservations for the Golden Blue Marina Yacht & Kayak Festival can be made through Naver Reservation, while the Healing Yacht Experience is available through the Hyundai Yacht Club. Reservations for the Hi Seoul Cruise are available through the official festival website.

Most cultural performances, including the Han River Summer Music Picnic, the floating drone show, traditional performances, and the bridge-side outdoor movie screenings, are free to attend and do not require reservations. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the complete festival schedule, registration links, and the latest event information, visit the official 2026 Han River Summer Festival website.

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