Travel
Changwon’s traditional markets come alive with festivals
haps Magazine Korea
October 16, 2025
(Photo courtesy of Changwon Special City)
Changwon Special City is reigniting its traditional markets with a vibrant relay of seasonal festivals, bringing renewed energy to local commerce and creating lively spaces for citizens and visitors to gather.
Major markets such as Masan Fish Market, Changdong/Odong-dong, Myeongseo Market, and Jinhae Central Market are hosting a series of themed festivals throughout the year, each designed to highlight the distinctive charm of its district and attract visitors back to traditional marketplaces.
Autumn in Full Swing: Markets Turn into Cultural Hotspots
The 2nd Myeongseo Horongbul Night Market, running every Friday and Saturday from September 12 to October 25, has already become a hit, blending glowing lanterns, food stalls, and live street performances. Developed in collaboration with local companies Mongo Food and Muhak Good Day, it’s being hailed as Korea’s first corporate-linked night market, and Changwon plans to develop it into a permanent landmark known as the city’s new “nighttime hangout.”
The 12th Masan Burim Market Hanbok Festival on October 17–18 will fill the century-old hanbok district with color and tradition. Events include hanbok fashion shows, traditional wedding reenactments, and craft flea markets, blending cultural heritage with commercial revitalization.
Festivals for Foodies, Families, and the Young at Heart
In Changwon’s Soridan-gil, the 3rd Semoro Festa (October 17–19) will transform the streets into a youth-driven cultural carnival under the theme “Local Three Kingdoms: Food Competition.” Nine food brands representing Changwon, Masan, and Jinhae will take part, alongside events like Tasty Road, Semo Game, and Music Road, offering food, fun, and music for all ages.
Over in Masan Hapseong-dong, the 3rd Youth Street Beer Festival on October 18 will offer free beer tastings, giveaway events, and live performances, uniting the area’s four traditional markets for a community-wide celebration that appeals to younger generations and supports small merchants.
Later in the month, two major events will continue the festival relay: the 2025 Jinhae Autumn Gunhang Festa and the 2025 Dongmasan-ro Festa (October 24–25).
The Jinhae Autumn Gunhang Festa, held under the slogan “The Sound of the Navy Rings Out—Every Moment a Festival,” will feature naval parades, concerts, and children’s experiences, extending the springtime Gunhangje Festival into a year-round attraction.
The Dongmasan-ro Festa will revitalize the Dongmasan commercial district with discount events, hip-store coupons, and cultural booths, turning the area into a hub of youthful energy and art.
Winter Finale: A Season of Romance and Reflection
As the seasons change, Changwon’s winter festival relay will culminate with “Snowy Changdong Street”, a romantic celebration that turns the streets into a snowy wonderland every weekend from November through December. Light displays, artificial snow, and linked events such as the Ramen Festival and I Want to Go to Changdong campaign will keep the spirit of festivity alive.
The year will close with the Buljong Street Bell-Ringing Ceremony on December 31, a beloved annual event where citizens gather to ring in the new year with hope and unity at the heart of downtown Changwon.
A City Revitalized Through Culture and Community
This year’s series of traditional market festivals follows successful summer events like the 24th Masan Fish Market Festival and the 5th Odong-dong A-Mac Festival, both of which drew more than 10,000 visitors each.
Changwon’s approach, combining tradition, culture, and citizen participation, is proving to be a model for sustainable local revitalization, ensuring that the city’s markets remain not just places of commerce, but centers of community life and pride.