An atmospheric summer-night market along Jemicheon Stream—want to enjoy it together?
Introduction
After the sunset slowly fades, soft lights begin to turn on one by one over Jemicheon Stream, which runs through downtown Gongju. The reflections of light on the water, mingled with music and laughter, make the nights from summer through winter feel even more special. As you stroll along the stream, your pace naturally slows, and a quiet thought fills your mind—you’d like to stay here just a little longer.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Jemicheon Night Festa
- Period : 2025-07-05 ~ 2025-12-06 (First Saturday of every month)
- Hours : 18:00 ~ 22:00
- Location : Jemicheon area, 15 Ucheguk-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Banjuk-dong)
- Admission : Free
- Hosted by : Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Korea Tourism Organization; Gongju-si
- Organized by : Gongju Cultural Tourism Foundation
- Inquiries : 041-852-8066
- Features : An urban nighttime culture & arts festival held as part of the “Nighttime Tourism Specialized City” project
- 17:30 Arrive near Jemicheon, park at Sanseong Market or a nearby public parking lot, then start a leisurely walk along the stream.
- 18:00 As the sun sets, explore the booth zone along Jemicheon and start with local food and light snacks.
- 19:00 At the main program, “A Night for Ripening Liquor, Ok-gwang Night Light Market,” taste traditional liquor and craft beer from the Gongju area and fully soak in the night market atmosphere.
- 20:00 Between Gyochon Bridge and Banjuk Bridge, enjoy the illuminated “street of lights” and busking performances, and capture photos of the lighting displays and live shows.
- 20:40 Calmly enjoy art exhibitions, outdoor talks, and sentimental performances at “Gallery Night Out” and “Jemicheon Night Salon.”
- 21:30 Finish with one more light stroll along the stream, take in the now-quiet nightscape, then return to your car or take public transport home.
From November to December, it can be chilly outdoors, so be sure to bring a warm coat.
Parking spaces around the venue are limited, so it’s best to arrive with some extra time, keeping in mind that you may need to walk.
Jemicheon Night Festa is Gongju’s signature nighttime festival that lights up the Jemicheon area on the first Saturday night of every month from July to December. Along the stream, various booths, galleries, and nighttime talk shows open up, and you can enjoy drinks and food available only in Gongju all in one place. Light, music, hands-on experiences, and local food come together to offer a unique nighttime journey in the heart of the city.
Jemicheon Gallery, which aims to be a street of romance and art, is gently lit at night, coloring the walking path, while outdoor talks and emotive performances held in different spots captivate visitors’ eyes and hearts. Admission is free, and it’s an open festival where families, couples, and friends alike can enjoy the night at their own pace.
Program Information
This is the main night market where you can taste traditional liquor and craft beer from Gongju and enjoy local dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Soft lights and music fill the booths lining Jemicheon, making it perfect to stroll through as if on a walk, savoring a leisurely drink.
This nighttime program centers around galleries and exhibition spaces along Jemicheon, where you can slowly stroll and appreciate a variety of artworks. The exhibition halls at night, bathed in a mix of light and shadow, offer a completely different atmosphere from daytime.
A talk-style program combining outdoor lectures, talk shows, and emotive performances. The voices of poets, artists, and speakers spread gently into the night air, turning Jemicheon into one large salon.
From simple late-night snacks using local ingredients to warm street food, a variety of food booths line the walking path along Jemicheon. It’s great for grabbing a light meal or nibbling as you stroll.
Experience booths such as handmade goods workshops and small classes help you make the most of your spare time. You can take home your completed creations as souvenirs, making this a good corner to visit with children.
The reflections of light on the water are most beautiful from just after sunset until around 9 p.m. If possible, arrive around sunset to enjoy the moment when the color of the sky and the lighting change together.
Since this is an outdoor event where temperatures drop quickly in November and December, bringing winter accessories like scarves and gloves will make your visit much more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to note a booth that sells hot drinks in advance.
Parking lots near the venue can be quite limited, so if you are driving, allow extra time for parking and getting around. If you are using public transport, checking the last bus times in advance will put your mind at ease.
In late autumn and early winter, bring a warm coat, even if it’s not too bulky, if you plan to stay for a long time.
Roads around the area can get congested, so it’s wise to plan your return time and transportation in advance.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
I visited Jemicheon Night Festa last night. As the sun went down and the urban stream sank into the dark, lights began to flicker on one by one, and the surface of Jemicheon sparkled like a living stage. The stones underfoot cooled with the evening air, and the sound waves of live music from afar seemed to glide along the water. A glass of local craft liquor in my hand, busking in my ears, and the smell of roasted sweet potatoes in the air all blended together and softened my heart.
This festival was a golden time not only for families and couples but also for those seeking art, flavor, stories, and emotion. On a cool November night, the lights flowed gently through the leaves, and a soft breeze brushing past my shoulders added warmth to the night view. At the Night Salon, a poet’s voice spread beneath the lights, while at the handmade market, each small piece carried the breath of its creator. The sound of people walking, laughing, and talking became the festival’s background track, making you want to follow it wherever you stood.
Of course, there were things that could have been better. After 10 p.m., the roads near Jemicheon became somewhat congested, and it wasn’t easy to find parking. At the onset of winter, people who had come without coats sometimes hunched against the cold. Even so, these small inconveniences felt like pieces that completed the real atmosphere of the festival, and the thought that I definitely want to come back next time still lingers warmly.
Accommodation Recommendations
Since Jemicheon Night Festa is held along an urban stream, choosing accommodation within walking distance will make for a more relaxed night. There is a good mix of guesthouses, hanok stays, and hotels nearby, so it’s easy to find a place that suits your taste. If you plan to stay out until late after the festival, check the location and your walking route beforehand.
66 Jemicheon 3-gil, Jung-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Urban accommodation within walking distance of Jemicheon
Even if you stay late at the festival, you can walk back, making it very convenient.
Distance: 0.1 km
145-9 Ungjin-ro, Jung-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A hostel-style stay located in downtown Gongju
Both walking and bus connections are convenient, making it a good fit for a light one-night trip.
Distance: 0.2 km
8 Keunsaem 3-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A hanok-style guesthouse with a tranquil atmosphere
After the festival, it’s a lovely place to relax in the hanok courtyard and feel the quiet night air.
Distance: 0.5 km
15 Sanseongchanho-gil, Sanseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A quiet stay surrounded by residential areas and parks
If you prefer a peaceful setting, this is a good place to retreat to and rest after the festival.
Distance: 0.6 km
![홍휘관[한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/32/2692032_image2_1.jpg "An atmospheric summer-night market along Jemicheon Stream—want to enjoy it together?")
6-6 Baekmigoeul-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A hanok stay certified by the Korea Tourism Quality program
Ideal for combining a walking trip that includes Gongsanseong Fortress and Baekmi Village.
Distance: 1.3 km
12 Gwangwangdanji-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A stay-type tourist complex made up of multiple hanok buildings
Suitable for families and group trips, and convenient for connecting to Gongju’s major attractions.
Distance: 1.7 km
6-35 Jeonmak 1-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A budget-friendly stay close to downtown
A good, low-pressure choice when your schedule is mainly by car.
Distance: 1.8 km
If you choose a hanok stay, you can leisurely enjoy both Jemicheon’s night view and Gongju’s daytime scenery.
Restaurants & Cafés
If you explore the cafés and restaurants within walking distance before or after Jemicheon Night Festa, your day’s itinerary will feel even richer. Around the stream you’ll find everything from atmospheric cafés to Korean, Chinese, and gopchang specialty restaurants, so you can choose according to your taste. Considering travel time, it’s nice to visit one place before and one after the festival at a relaxed pace.
55 Jemicheon 1-gil, Bonghwang-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
An atmospheric café near Jemicheon
A good place to relax with a cup of coffee before the festival or to warm up with a hot drink after a walk.
Distance: 0.4 km
136 Wangneung-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A Korean restaurant near Gongsanseong Fortress
Enjoy lunch here while visiting Gongsanseong during the day, then head to Jemicheon at night to take in the night view.
Distance: 1.0 km
18-3 Baekmigoeul-gil, Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A Korean restaurant serving homestyle bibimbap
You can have a hearty dinner here first, then move on to Jemicheon to enjoy the festival.
Distance: 1.2 km
32-7 Jeonmak 2-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A Chinese restaurant perfect when you crave a spicy, hearty soup
If you visit in the colder season, warming up with a hot bowl of soup here before the festival is a great idea.
Distance: 2.1 km
58 Beonyeong 3-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A dining pub and restaurant located in the downtown area
After enjoying the festival around Jemicheon, this is a good second stop to continue chatting late into the night.
Distance: 2.2 km
54-21 Beonyeong 2-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A gopchang specialty restaurant with a rich charcoal-grilled aroma
Pairs well with an itinerary where you enjoy a filling dinner here before heading to Jemicheon for the night view.
Distance: 2.3 km
670 Muryeong-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A noodle restaurant known for its comforting hot broth
If you visit at the start of winter, it’s nice to have a hearty meal here first, then head to Jemicheon.
Distance: 4.3 km
420 Changbyeok-ro, Sangwang-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A drive-course café slightly away from downtown
If you plan to explore the outskirts of Gongju as well, visit here during the day, then move on to Jemicheon.
Distance: 5.2 km
In colder seasons, it’s helpful to choose one or two places in advance that serve hot soup or warm drinks.
Nearby Attractions
If you want to make the most of Jemicheon Night Festa with both daytime and nighttime plans, we recommend a course that includes nearby spots such as Gongsanseong Fortress and Geumhak Ecological Park. During the day, you can slowly enjoy walks, cultural heritage, and nature, then head to Jemicheon at sunset to experience what feels like a different side of Gongju.
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A pavilion in Gongsanseong with panoramic views
Walk along the fortress wall during the day, then climb up to Gwangboknu to take in the cityscape of Gongju.
Distance: 0.9 km
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A traditional pavilion harmonized with surrounding trees
A good place for a short rest while walking along the fortress trail, and a nice spot to capture the serene scenery of Gongju.
Distance: 0.9 km
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A tourist train offering a different way to see downtown Gongju
If you’re with children, ride the Goma Train during the day to circle the city, then head to Jemicheon in the evening.
Distance: 1.0 km
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A scenic pond within the fortress walls
Its atmosphere changes with the seasons, making it a nice spot for a brief visit during your walk.
Distance: 1.1 km
74 Suwonjigongwon-gil, Geumhak-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
An ecological park in the city where water and forest meet
Spend the afternoon strolling in nature, then in the evening continue on to Jemicheon to enjoy another waterside night view.
Distance: 2.3 km
131-21 Suwonjigongwon-gil, Geumhak-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A hands-on educational space themed around environment and health
If you’re with children, you can first explore the experience programs here, then end the day at Jemicheon Night Festa.
Distance: 2.7 km
Seokjang-ri-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
An outdoor space where you can enjoy different flower landscapes each season
If you’re driving, plan a day where you stroll through the flower garden in the afternoon, then capture Jemicheon’s night views in the evening.
Distance: 6.5 km
293 Geumsong-ro, Janggun-myeon, Sejong-si
An astronomy experience center for children
If you extend your trip to nearby regions around Gongju, you can spend the day learning about stars and the universe, then enjoy Jemicheon Night Festa after dark—a unique combination.
Distance: 9.1 km
If you plan to shoot night photos, scout your preferred photo spots before sunset.
Getting There
Public Transport — From Gongju Bus Terminal or major downtown bus stops, you can take a city bus to a stop near Jemicheon and then walk. If you check bus routes and last-bus times in advance, you’ll be able to head home comfortably even after the festival ends.
By Car — Enter the Jemicheon area via Ucheguk-gil or neighboring roads in Banjuk-dong in Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do. As roads near the venue can become congested, it is recommended to park at Gongju City Hall’s public parking lot or near Sanseong Market and then walk to the festival area.
If you are driving, it’s easier to use nearby public parking lots and walk rather than trying to park directly next to Jemicheon.
Closing
Jemicheon Night Festa is a festival along an urban stream where light, music, and local food come together, leaving the warmth of the night lingering long after the seasons change. As you walk through the scene of soft lights spreading across the water after sunset, everyday life seems to slow down, and moments you’ll want to remember for a long time quietly stack up.
Planning it together with Gongju’s daytime scenery will make your trip even richer, but even just a few hours of strolling are more than enough reason to visit this festival. If you missed it this year, you can look forward to the nights of the next season; if you’ve already been, it might be nice to slowly revisit the warmth of that night in your memories.
