Seoul’s largest annual international cultural exchange festival will return next weekend as the 2026 Seoul World City Culture Festival marks its 30th anniversary with two days of food, performances, films, exhibitions, and family programs from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 9 and 10 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Held under the theme “30 Years Embracing the World, Connected Through Culture,” this year’s edition will bring together 73 foreign embassies and cultural institutes, making it one of the biggest global culture showcases held in Korea.

The long-running festival, first launched in 1996, drew roughly 160,000 visitors last year and has become one of Seoul’s signature spring multicultural events.

Visitors will be able to sample food from more than 30 countries and desserts from 19 nations, while 45 embassy booths will introduce traditional crafts, tourism information, specialty goods, and cultural displays.

A large K-culture zone will also feature Korean street food, beauty experiences, and product showcases aimed at international guests.

Live performances from invited overseas city troupes will take place throughout both days, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 9 at DDP’s outdoor stage. One of the returning highlights will be a Maori performance group from Wellington.

Indoor programs have also been expanded this year with world traditional costume and folk game experiences, an international photo and video exhibition, embassy-recommended world cinema screenings, and two newly added family areas — a Kids Play Zone and Seoul Pop-Up Library.

Festival organizers say the event will continue its push as an environmentally conscious celebration, with reusable tableware once again widely used across the international food sections.

More information is available through the festival’s official Instagram page at @seoulfriendshipfestival.

USAG Yongsan

Camp Casey