Late-autumn rhythms bounce, want to enjoy the 2025 DANDANDAN Festival together?
Introduction
At the tail end of November as it leans into late autumn, on an evening in Gangneung where fallen leaves rustle in the wind, the rhythms of tradition and music slowly pile up. As soft lights and people’s footsteps gather around the Gangneung Danoje Education Center, the resonance of the DANDANDAN Festival quietly spreads out over the familiar autumn scenery.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Recommended Stays
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Get There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : 2025 DANDANDAN Festival
- Dates : Thursday, November 27 – Saturday, November 29, 2025 (3 days)
- Hours : 10:30 – 19:30 (varies by program)
- Venue : 1 Danojang-gil (Noam-dong), Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, in and around the Gangneung Danoje Education Center
- Admission : All performances free
- Organizer : Gangneung Danoje Festival Committee
- Sponsored by : Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Gangneung-si
- Inquiries : 033-641-1593
- Featured Programs : Seodo Band Joseon-pop performance, Children’s Traditional Performance Madang, original traditional theater “The Bride of the Village Shrine – Becoming a Village Legend”, Youngsanhong Concert, prize draw event
- November 27, 17:30 Arrive at the Gangneung Danoje Education Center, stroll around the area, check your seats, and get a light snack for dinner.
- November 27, 18:30 Join the opening performance by Seodo Band to kick off the DANDANDAN Festival and enjoy the Joseon-pop stage.
- November 28, 10:30 Watch the Children’s Traditional Performance Madang and leisurely enjoy children’s samulnori and traditional performances.
- November 28, 18:30 Experience Gangwon’s folktales and traditional theater all in one place through the original performance “The Bride of the Village Shrine, Becoming a Village Legend.”
- November 29, 16:00 Enjoy the festival finale at the Youngsanhong Concert featuring Park Ae-ri, Poppin Hyun-joon, Youngsanhong Challenge winning teams, and more.
- Between performances Drop by nearby cafes and restaurants, Jungang Market, Anmok Beach, and more, and link them into your Gangneung autumn travel route.
For the Seodo Band and Youngsanhong concerts, aim to arrive at least an hour before showtime.
For evening performances, allow ample travel time and check your seats in advance for a more comfortable experience.
The name “DANDANDAN (端單團)” carries the meanings of “foremost” (端), “one and only” (單), and “our community” (團), expressing the desire for “our one-and-only foremost festival.” The 2025 DANDANDAN Festival is a performing arts festival created to place Gangwon’s traditional culture at the center, provide creative opportunities for local artists, broaden citizens’ cultural access, and revitalize tourism.
Held over three days from November 27 to 29, 2025, the festival features a stage by Seodo Band, the first champions of JTBC’s “Poongryudaejang,” the Children’s Traditional Performance Madang with children and teens from various daycare centers and institutions in Gangneung, and the original traditional performance “The Bride of the Village Shrine – Becoming a Village Legend,” a collaboration by four performance teams from around Gangwon. On the final day, the Youngsanhong Concert with Park Ae-ri, Poppin Hyun-joon, past Youngsanhong Challenge winners, and local artists will close out the festival. A prize draw event adds extra excitement, filling late-autumn nights in Gangneung with even more richness.
Program Information
At 6:30 p.m. on November 27, Seodo Band, the first champions of JTBC’s “Poongryudaejang,” will open the DANDANDAN Festival. Enjoy a powerful opening with a Joseon-pop performance that blends the traditional sounds of pansori with a band sound, filling the late-autumn evening air.
Date & Time: November 27, 18:30
At 10:30 a.m. on November 28, the Children’s Traditional Performance Madang will take place with children and teens from five daycare centers and institutions in Gangneung. With samulnori, fan dance, and other traditional performances expressed with children’s energy and perspective, it offers warm memories for families.
Date & Time: November 28, 10:30
At 6:30 p.m. on November 28, the original traditional performance “The Bride of the Village Shrine, Becoming a Village Legend,” created jointly by performance groups from Gangneung, Sokcho, Chuncheon, and Wonju, will be staged. It reinterprets village folktales from Gangwon in a contemporary performance style, offering a stage where tradition and storytelling come together.
Date & Time: November 28, 18:30
At 4:00 p.m. on November 29, the Youngsanhong Concert will feature a diverse lineup including Park Ae-ri, Poppin Hyun-joon, the Kim Da-ham Trio, Han Sang-a, and Youngsanhong Challenge winners. With genres ranging from gugak and trot to newtro and K-pop all on one stage, it delivers a finale where everyone in the audience can breathe in unison.
Date & Time: November 29, 16:00
Throughout the festival, prize draw events will be held for visitors. The thrill of the draw and small gifts between performances add an extra layer of enjoyment to your viewing experience.
Operation: Ongoing throughout the festival (see on-site information)
As all performances are free, it’s better to check advance reservations or the announced on-site registration times for popular programs like the Seodo Band performance and Youngsanhong Concert. Planning to arrive early also makes it much easier to choose your seats.
Because performance start times are relatively fixed, if you’re planning to see the opening and evening performances, it’s best to allow plenty of time for travel. Plan sightseeing in downtown Gangneung during the day and performances in the evening to make the most of your day.
Visit nearby Jungang Market, Anmok Beach Coffee Street, and the Chodang area during the day, then move to the venue as the late-autumn sun sets to create a natural one-day course that combines a Gangneung autumn trip with the festival.
For evening shows, allow ample travel time and enter the venue early.
Try planning your day with downtown Gangneung sightseeing during the day and performances in the evening.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is November 27, 2025. The “2025 DANDANDAN Festival” is being held for three days (November 27–29) around the Gangneung Danoje Education Center, so right now I am in the middle of the scene where the resonance from the stage and the breathing of the audience intermingle.
The venue was already slowly being dyed with light. On the first evening, when Seodo Band’s Joseon-pop number flowed out as the opening performance, the tension spiked at the moment when the traditional voice of pansori met the rhythm of the electric guitar. Warmth gradually spread under the lights illuminating the stage, while the scent of fallen leaves carried by the wind and the sound of applause from the seats faintly reached my ears.
On the 28th, the Children’s Traditional Performance Madang unfolded. The sound of the children’s samulnori drums, the gestures of their hands imbued with the vivid colors of their fans, and the scenes from the original performance “The Bride of the Village Shrine, Becoming a Village Legend” based on village folktales lingered in my heart for a long time. The air, tinged with the fragrance of tradition and hometown, settled warmly in my chest.
At the festival’s finale on the last day, the Youngsanhong Concert blurred the boundaries between genres. Park Ae-ri’s gugak version of “Youngsanhong-ga,” Poppin Hyun-joon’s K-pop performance, and the stages by the Kim Da-ham Trio and Han Sang-a all branched out like different limbs of the same tree, while the audience felt as one within that resonance. The warmth of a cup of fish cake soup and the thrill of the prize events held between performances added small moments of happiness to the atmosphere on site.
The DANDANDAN Festival goes beyond a simple performing arts event to offer moments under the night sky of Gangneung where people feel each other’s breath and tradition meets the present. The music, movement, and air layered atop the roots of tradition are still vibrating in my heart. Bringing a warm outer layer and a hot drink between performances will help you enjoy the stage more comfortably in the chill. They were the kind of nights that make you want to return here again and again.
Recommended Stays
The festival venue sits between downtown Gangneung and Gyeongpo Beach, so you can choose both city hotels and ocean-view accommodations. For a smoother schedule, consider distance from the venue, public transport connections, and parking convenience when choosing where to stay, especially with travel after evening performances in mind.
8-6 Gyodonggwangjang-ro 100beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Gyodong)
A business and leisure hotel in downtown Gangneung with convenient access to the festival venue.
Both by car and bus, it’s easy to get to, so returning late after performances is relatively hassle-free.
Distance: 2.5 km
8 Gyodonggwangjang-ro 100beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Gyodong)
Located in the Gyodong residential area, it’s a great base to explore both downtown Gangneung and the festival venue.
Close to a bus stop and many conveniences, it works well for a one-night, two-day trip.
Distance: 2.5 km
St. John’s Hotel, 307 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A large hotel with an infinity pool facing Gyeongpo Beach, ideal if you want ocean views and a relaxing stay.
As you’ll need to drive to the festival venue, it’s best to plan transfers around performance start and end times.
Distance: 5.3 km
![Companion by Gyeongpo [Korea Quality Certified]](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/68/2948968_image2_1.png "Late-autumn rhythms bounce, want to enjoy the 2025 DANDANDAN Festival together?")
35-22 Gyeongporo 371beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A quiet accommodation close to Gyeongpo Lake, offering reliable, quality-certified facilities.
It’s a good choice for enjoying nature and then heading to the festival venue in the afternoon.
Distance: 5.6 km
30-5 Gyeongporo 463beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A resort-style accommodation close to Gyeongpo Beach, perfect for combining seaside walks with the festival.
Stay with family or friends, enjoy the late-autumn sea, then drive to the festival venue.
Distance: 6.2 km
Skybay Gyeongpo Hotel, 476 Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A large hotel overlooking Gyeongpo Beach with a range of additional facilities.
Enjoy sunrise and night views from your room, plan beach walks during the day and festival performances in the evening.
Distance: 6.3 km
255 Yeomjeon-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
A resort-style stay where you can enjoy both golf and relaxation in a tranquil setting.
As driving is essential, it’s best to plan your performance times and golf rounds with some flexibility.
Distance: 7.2 km
5 Jinrihanggu 2-gil, Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
An ocean suite hotel near Sacheonjin Beach, ideal for savoring the charm of a quiet seaside village.
As it’s relatively far from the festival venue, consider planning one day focused on the sea and another on performances, factoring in driving time.
Distance: 10.0 km
During peak season and weekends, accommodations around Gyeongpo and Gangmun fill up quickly, so advance booking is recommended.
Restaurants & Cafes
Around Noam-dong, where the DANDANDAN Festival takes place, you can extend your route through downtown Gangneung, Gyeongpo, and Chodang to enjoy a wide range of flavors. During the day, try Chodang tofu, seafood, desserts, and coffee; before and after evening performances, enjoy light meals and snacks to savor the taste of late-autumn Gangneung.
45 Dongbusijang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Okcheon-dong)
A cafe in downtown Gangneung, great for rich espresso and a variety of coffee drinks.
Adjacent to the market, it’s perfect for a stroll-and-coffee stop and as a place to relax briefly before or after performances.
Distance: 1.6 km
2959-1 Yulgok-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Gyodong)
A seafood and Korean cuisine restaurant in downtown Gangneung, ideal for a hearty meal.
Stop by for an early dinner before the show to move to the festival venue with time to spare.
Distance: 2.1 km
24 Namgangchogyo 1-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Ponnam-dong)
A bakery cafe with a wide range of breads and desserts, perfect for snacks and souvenir loaves.
Visit before heading to the venue to stock up on bread and drinks so you’re well-prepared during performances.
Distance: 3.1 km
40 Chodang Sundubu-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Chodang-dong)
A cozy cafe serving sweet desserts such as pudding made with Chodang corn.
Combine it with a stroll along the Chodang tofu street for a relaxed tea time before or after performances.
Distance: 4.7 km
178 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Chodang-dong)
A spot offering unique desserts like tiramisu made with Chodang tofu, perfect for tasting a flavor unique to Gangneung.
Stop by during your Chodang-area sightseeing to enjoy a light, sweet treat before the show.
Distance: 4.8 km
89-8 Chodang Sundubu-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Chodang-dong)
A rice cake shop in Chodang-dong, ideal for buying traditional treats like glutinous rice cakes as snacks or souvenirs.
Visit if you’d like to prepare snacks for the performances or gifts to take home in advance.
Distance: 5.2 km
21 Changhae-ro 350beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Gangmun-dong)
A cafe near Gangmun Beach where you can enjoy coffee and desserts with an ocean view.
After a beach walk, drop by on your way to the evening performance to savor late-autumn sea views with your coffee.
Distance: 5.7 km
25 Changhae-ro 350beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Gangmun-dong)
A restaurant where you can enjoy both makguksu and sundubu kalguksu, offering a hearty meal steeped in Gangwon’s local flavor.
Have a warm meal near the ocean, then drive to the festival venue from this convenient location.
Distance: 5.7 km
On weekends and at lunchtime, waits at popular restaurants can be long, so consider eating early.
Nearby Attractions
Centering your trip around the DANDANDAN Festival and exploring downtown areas near Noam-dong along with Chodang and Gyeongpo will reveal another side of Gangneung. With a manageable route, plan experiences and walks during the day and performances in the evening to fill your day meaningfully.
14 Nambu-ro 163beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Noam-dong)
An experience-based space close to the festival venue, great for a quick visit with children.
You can drop in even with a short window before or after performances, making it especially suitable for families.
Distance: 0.6 km
226 Nambu-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Noam-dong)
A park with wide lawns and open space, ideal for a light walk and rest.
Visit during the day to stretch your legs and enjoy some downtime before evening performances.
Distance: 1.2 km
9 Dongbusijang 3-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Okcheon-dong)
A space themed around hanbok and traditional culture, matching well with the traditional performances of the DANDANDAN Festival.
Add it naturally to your downtown route and consider taking some photos in traditional attire.
Distance: 1.3 km
7 Gwansol-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Hoe-san-dong)
An experiential space featuring exhibitions and experiences related to liquor brands, a light themed stop to check out.
If you plan to drink, be sure to arrange your route so you don’t need to drive afterward and can use public transport instead.
Distance: 2.4 km
66 Saimdang-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Hongje-dong)
An indoor play space for children, perfect to pair with the Children’s Traditional Performance Madang on a family outing.
On rainy or chilly days, consider it as a place where kids can burn off energy before or after the performances.
Distance: 2.9 km
131 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Chodang-dong)
A space where you can experience digital and metaverse content, offering a sharp contrast and unique fun alongside traditional performances.
Combine it with sightseeing in the Chodang area to enjoy both traditional and digital experiences in a single day.
Distance: 4.5 km
415 Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Chodang-dong)
A plaza along Gyeongpo Lake, one of Gangneung’s signature healing spots for walks and night views.
Plan your day with lake walks in the daytime and festival performances in the evening for a balanced schedule.
Distance: 5.6 km
536 Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Anhyeon-dong)
A resort pool adjacent to the beach, offering different seascapes depending on the season.
If you visit while the pool is in season, you can spend the day swimming and relaxing and enjoy the festival performances in the evening.
Distance: 6.5 km
If you’re with children, it’s best to visit indoor and experience-based spots earlier in the day.
How to Get There
Public Transport — The event venue is the Gangneung Danoje Education Center, 1 Danojang-gil (Noam-dong), Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Gangneung city buses 211, 211-1, 224-1, and 227-1 stop at “Dano Jeonsu Gyoyukgwan” (Dano Education Center) bus stop, from which you can walk to the venue.
By Car — Set your navigation destination to “Gangneung Danoje Education Center” or the address (1 Danojang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province). For parking, it’s best to follow event guidance and use nearby public parking lots and permitted street parking areas. As parking can become congested during evening performances, we recommend arriving a bit early.
Checking bus timetables in advance makes it much easier to get around after the last performance.
Closing
Beginning in the crisp air of late autumn, the 2025 DANDANDAN Festival turns the area around the Gangneung Danoje Education Center into a stage, stacking up scenes that connect tradition and the present—from Seodo Band’s Joseon-pop and the Children’s Traditional Performance Madang to original traditional theater and the Youngsanhong Concert. The festival’s greatest charm lies in how Gangwon’s traditional culture and local artists’ creativity come together in performances that everyone can join and breathe with, free of charge.
Spend your days wandering through Gangneung’s markets, coastline, Chodang, and Gyeongpo, then step into the light and sound of the stage in the evenings. True to its name as “our one-and-only foremost festival,” three days at the DANDANDAN Festival will warmly decorate the final pages of your late-autumn trip to Gangneung.
