Travel
Celebrate cats, island life and summer at Tongyeong’s Cat Island Festival Aug. 8-9
haps Magazine Korea
July 29, 2026
Cat Island Festival (Illustration by Tongyeong City/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
Tongyeong’s Yongho Island will once again celebrate its unique feline residents with the return of the 2nd Tongyeong Cat Island Day Festival, taking place on August 8 and 9.
Held to coincide with World Cat Day and Korea’s Island Day, the festival highlights the peaceful coexistence of the island’s cats, residents, and natural environment while promoting animal welfare and sustainable island tourism.
This year’s theme, “Thanks to Cat,” invites visitors to slow down and experience island life from a different perspective. Throughout the weekend, Yongho Island will host a variety of activities that combine local culture, food, nature, and cat-themed experiences.
The festival opens on August 8 with an opening ceremony, followed by a seafood cooking competition featuring local specialties such as horse mackerel, horned turban shells, and seaweed.
Visitors can also take part in a fishing competition, enjoy the Cat Island Singing Contest, and end the evening with the Starlight Cat Concert, featuring classical and jazz performances overlooking the sea.
Families can cool off at the island’s temporary waterfront water park, complete with water slides and water gun activities.
On August 9, teams will compete in Dodo’s Adventure, a series of water games and challenges inspired by the island’s famous cat mascot.
The festival also includes art exhibitions, cat-themed workshops, face painting, and name tag making, along with a stamp rally that encourages visitors to explore the island’s murals, landmarks, and scenic walking trails.
Guided village tours, traditional fishing experiences, bicycle rides, and a local market featuring handmade goods and regional products will also be available.
Animal welfare is another major focus of the festival. Visitors can attend Dodo’s Family Day, where adoptable cats will be introduced through meet-and-greet sessions, adoption counseling, and talks promoting responsible pet ownership and the coexistence of community cats and people.
Organizers say the festival is designed to celebrate more than just the island’s cats. It also aims to showcase Yongho Island as a destination where nature, local culture, and respect for animals come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Additional information, including ferry schedules, advance registration for selected programs, and visitor information, is available on the festival’s official website at cat-island.org/.