The 2026 World Heritage Festival – Gaya Tumuli will take place from August 28 to September 10, bringing together all seven UNESCO-listed Gaya Tumuli sites for the first time since their inscription on the World Heritage List in 2023.

Held under the theme “Together on the Journey,” the festival will feature performances, exhibitions, educational programs, and hands-on activities across the historic burial grounds in Gimhae, Haman, Hapcheon, Goseong, Changnyeong, Goryeong, and Namwon.

The festival opens at 7 p.m. on August 28 at the Haman Museum with a ceremony titled “Seven Stories, One Civilization.” Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy stargazing inspired by the skies observed by the ancient Gaya people, archaeological excavation experiences, tomb-building demonstrations, history quizzes, plogging activities, local food tastings, and cultural performances.

A stamp tour will encourage visitors to explore multiple sites, with those visiting at least four of the seven locations receiving a commemorative gift set inspired by excavated Gaya artifacts.

Additional programs include yoga, meditation, ballet, cello and gayageum performances in historic settings, children’s heritage guide activities, and an online photo contest.

Participation in many of the hands-on programs requires advance registration through the festival’s official website.

Seven UNESCO World Heritage Gaya Tumuli Sites

• Daeseong-dong Tumuli – Gimhae

• Malsan-ri Tumuli – Haman

• Okjeon Tumuli – Hapcheon

• Jisan-dong Tumuli – Goryeong

• Songhak-dong Tumuli – Goseong

• Gyodong and Songhyeon-dong Tumuli – Changnyeong

• Yugok-ri and Durak-ri Tumuli – Namwon

The festival aims to highlight the cultural and historical significance of the Gaya civilization while encouraging visitors to experience Korea’s World Heritage sites through interactive programs spread across multiple regions.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu