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Streaking Across the Autumn Sky: Want to Go See Sacheon Airshow Together?

Introduction

As autumn deepens, the sky over Sacheon turns ever clearer, and you can almost see the trails that fighter jets and aerobatic planes will soon be drawing overhead. Even before the airshow begins, just imagining it is enough to make your heart pound—engines roaring, cheers filling the stands in this season of anticipation.

Streaking Across the Autumn Sky: Want to Go See Sacheon Airshow Together?


Sacheon Airshow

Table of Contents

Guide

Basic Information
  • Event Name : Sacheon Airshow
  • Dates : Thursday, October 22 – Sunday, October 25, 2026
  • Hours : 09:00 – 17:00
  • Venue : Sacheon Airfield and surrounding area, 1-1 Jungseon-ri, Jeongui-ri, Sacheon-eup, Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
  • Admission : Free
  • Hosts : Republic of Korea Air Force, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Sacheon-si, Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI)
  • Inquiries : 055-831-2061
  • Official Information : Refer to the website and on-site announcements

Suggested Route
  1. 09:00 After entering, start your visit at the ground display area for aircraft and weapons systems while taking in a full view of the airfield.
  2. 10:30 Find a good spot with a clear view of the Black Eagles and other domestic and overseas aerobatic teams, and enjoy the main airshow.
  3. 13:00 After lunch, take your time at the Aerospace & Defense Industry Exhibition and the academic and promotional halls to get an overview of the broader industry.
  4. 14:30 Join hands-on programs such as experience flights, simulated air racing, and aerospace and military equipment experiences.
  5. 16:00 Wrap up at a relaxed pace while watching or joining in spectator and participation programs such as paper airplane, model aircraft, and drone contests.
  6. 17:00 Before leaving, walk through the exhibition zones one more time and take commemorative photos at your favorite photo spots.

Arrive with plenty of time before the event begins to secure a good viewing spot.
When pre-registering, check what benefits are available such as priority access to some experiences and giveaways.

Overview

Sacheon Airshow is the largest airshow and aerospace festival in southern Korea, and one of the country’s representative aviation and aerospace events, held at Sacheon Airfield and its surroundings. Against the backdrop of Sacheon’s growing aerospace ecosystem and its rise as a “global aerospace hub” following the launch of the national Aerospace Administration, the event is poised to evolve beyond a flight- and experience-focused public festival into a full-fledged Aerospace & Defense Industry Exhibition.

During the event period, a wide range of programs will be offered, spanning B2C, B2B, and B2G: airshows, an Aerospace & Defense Industry Exhibition, aircraft and equipment displays, hands-on aerospace and military equipment experiences, academic conferences, experience flights, and aerospace-related competitions. On both sky and ground stages where fighter jets, drones, unmanned aircraft, and simulations come together, you can experience both the technology and the emotional impact of aerospace.

Program Information

Airshow & Aerobatic Demonstrations

Domestic and overseas aerobatic teams including the Black Eagles and Australia’s Paul Bennet Airshows will perform spectacular maneuvers in the sky. Demonstration flights featuring fighter jets, unmanned aircraft, and drones will fill the sky over Sacheon.

Aerospace & Defense Industry Exhibition

This industrial exhibition will feature Korean-made fighter jets such as the KF-21, LAH, T-50, Korean attack helicopters, and a variety of defense equipment. Companies and institutions will take part in a professional showcase of aerospace and defense technologies and future visions.

Ground Display of Aircraft & Weapons Systems

A ground display area will allow you to see real aircraft and weapons systems up close at the airfield. It’s a great chance to observe the appearance, structure, and detailed equipment of fighter jets right in front of you and capture them in photos.

Aerospace & Military Equipment Experiences

These programs let you see, touch, and experience aerospace and military equipment firsthand. Through VR, simulators, and other interactive elements, you can get a vivid sense of what piloting and mission execution feel like on the ground.

Experience Flights & Air Racing

Experience flights with professional pilots and a simulation-based air racing competition will be offered. It’s a course where you can enjoy both the thrill of actual flight and the excitement of racing.

Academic Conferences & International Security Cooperation

Academic conferences will be held on topics including aerospace, the defense industry, and international security cooperation. Experts and stakeholders will share industry trends and future strategies, making it a meaningful time for anyone interested in these fields.

Air Force Band & Honor Guard Demonstrations

The Air Force band will hold concerts, and the honor guard will give demonstrations, allowing you to enjoy the military’s unique solemn atmosphere and dynamic movements up close. Along with shows like the “Consolation Train,” they will add to the festival atmosphere.

Paper Airplane, Model Aircraft & Drone Competitions

Participation programs for all ages—including paper airplane contests, model aircraft competitions, and comprehensive drone contests—will be prepared. Families and friends can build, fly, and pilot together while gazing up at Sacheon’s autumn sky.

Viewing Tip 1

If you pre-register, you may get priority access to certain experience programs and receive giveaways, so it’s best to sign up in advance if you can.

Viewing Tip 2

Admission to the venue starts at 9 a.m., so if you want to enjoy the main aerobatic and demonstration flights without rushing, plan to arrive before the program begins.

Viewing Tip 3

As there may be large crowds, prepare any photography or viewing gear such as telephoto lenses or binoculars in advance, and refer to the flight schedule to sketch out your route for smoother viewing.

When pre-registering, check for benefits such as priority access and giveaways.
Try to decide on your viewing spot about 30 minutes before the main airshow begins.
Check the flight schedule in advance and allow sufficient time for moving between areas.

Visit Impressions (Planned)

Today is November 25, 2025, so with the Sacheon Airshow scheduled for October 22–25, 2026, the event has yet to begin. That makes it a time of expectation, picturing the approaching festival and imagining autumn in Sacheon. Just thinking about the moments the show will bring to Sacheon’s clear skies already makes my heart race. You can almost feel the heat spreading like a meteor through the wind along with the roar of the engines, and it seems all your worries might briefly disappear the moment those sleek fuselages glint in the sunlight and slice through the sky.

I’m planning to head to Sacheon Airfield with the intention of fully taking in every sensation—from the smell of grass drifting up between the blades where people lie in the open field, to the high-pitched roar of jets echoing across the sky and the faint vibration you feel inside your body. Recent reports say Sacheon Airshow is moving forward with plans to expand to an international-scale event starting in 2026. Hearing that a TF (task force) including Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Sacheon-si, Air Force Headquarters, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is discussing international exchanges, exhibition space, and program collaboration with the Aerospace Administration makes me all the more curious how these changes will translate into the actual experience.

I’m also especially drawn to how diverse the festival’s programs are. A dazzling aerobatic show by the Black Eagles, an airshow by Australia’s Paul Bennet team, demonstration flights featuring fighter jets, unmanned aircraft, and drones are all on the schedule, and there will also be smaller fun elements like VR and virtual reality experiences and paper airplane contests. This means the festival will be more than just gazing up at the sky—it will be a chance to feel the emotion and technology of aerospace with your eyes, ears, and whole body. I can already imagine the engine vibrations cutting through the dawn air settling over the runway and the gasps and cheers of the crowd spreading out, and I find myself eagerly waiting for that time. With a flutter of anticipation for what form the upcoming Sacheon Airshow will take, I’m counting down the days until we can capture those scenes with our own eyes and record them in our hearts.

Where to Stay

Around Sacheon Airfield, it’s convenient to also use accommodations in downtown Jinju. If you choose a place within about a 20-minute drive of the venue, you can watch the airshow during the day and relax comfortably in the city in the evening.

Tomji Motel
Tomji Motel

10-4 Sunhwan-ro 559beon-gil, Pyeonggeo-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Located near downtown Jinju, this accommodation offers convenient car access to Sacheon Airfield.

It’s at a good distance if you’d like to dine or take a stroll in downtown Jinju after the event before heading back.

Distance: 9.2 km

Rooms can sell out quickly on airshow weekends, so it’s best to book in advance.

Restaurants & Cafés

In the area around Sacheon Airfield and toward Jinju you’ll find plenty of choices, from hearty Korean meals to cafés. For an easy flow to your day, try restaurants near the venue at lunchtime and spots in downtown Jinju for dinner.

Seoul Seolleongtang
Seoul Seolleongtang

11 Sajugil, Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A seolleongtang (ox bone soup) specialty restaurant perfect for satisfying your hunger before or after the airshow with a warm bowl of soup.

It’s relatively close to the venue, so you can save travel time while eating.

Distance: 2.1 km

Apdeul Sikdang
Apdeul Sikdang

Apdeul Sikdang, 75 Oksan-ro, Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A Korean-style restaurant that’s convenient for a meal while passing through downtown Sacheon.

Close to major roads, making it easy to stop by while traveling by car.

Distance: 2.3 km

Hwawon Samgyetang
Hwawon Samgyetang

7-13 Hwawon-gil, Jeongchon-myeon, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) restaurant great for a hearty meal near Jinju.

Ideal when you want to recharge your energy before or after watching the airshow.

Distance: 5.4 km

Sodamwon
Sodamwon

210-62 Sinyul-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A Korean restaurant where you can enjoy your meal in a setting surrounded by nature.

Perfect when you want to relax and dine in a leisurely atmosphere.

Distance: 5.6 km

Aora
Aora

17 Manggyeong-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A comfortable spot in downtown Jinju for a light meal or drink.

Nice to stop by while strolling through the city after the airshow.

Distance: 8.4 km

Roastingware
Roastingware

51-8 Gahobanga-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A café in Jinju where you can enjoy specialty coffee and desserts.

With its photogenic interior, it’s a pleasant place to take a break.

Distance: 8.5 km

Hwangpo Naengmyeon
Hwangpo Naengmyeon

10 Hotan-gil 34beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A naengmyeon (cold noodle) specialty restaurant that’s perfect after a hot afternoon.

Cool down after the excitement of the airshow while enjoying a meal.

Distance: 9.1 km

Hong Jewon Jinju Branch
Hong Jewon Jinju Branch

1171 Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A Korean-style restaurant near the Namgang River in Jinju where you can enjoy a meal.

Great to combine with an evening walk along the Namgang.

Distance: 9.7 km

Restaurants near the venue may be crowded right before the airshow starts, so try to stagger your mealtimes when planning.
Popular spots in downtown Jinju may have waiting lines on weekend evenings, so visiting a bit earlier is recommended.

Nearby Attractions

Not far from Sacheon Airfield are parks, coastal roads, and dam viewpoints that are easy to drop by. If you choose just one or two places to visit before or after the airshow, you can easily fit them into your day without overloading your schedule.

Chojun Park
Chojun Park

107 Oegukgieop-ro, Sanam-myeon, Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

An urban park with lawns and walking paths, ideal for a light stroll.

It’s at a comfortable distance for a brief walk to loosen up before or after the airshow.

Distance: 3.4 km

Jinchiryeong Tunnel
Jinchiryeong Tunnel

Gajwa-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A popular drive section known for its scenic roadside views.

Nice to enjoy the scenery while driving toward Jinju.

Distance: 8.2 km

Namgang Dam Sunset Park
Namgang Dam Sunset Park

453 Samgye-ro, Naedong-myeon, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A viewpoint park ideal for watching the sunset over the dam and lake.

If you stop by around dusk after the airshow, you can end your day with calm, scenic views.

Distance: 8.5 km

Seokryu Park
Seokryu Park

685 Jinju-daero, Gajwa-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A city park well-suited for walking and relaxing.

Conveniently located to visit along with downtown Jinju accommodations.

Distance: 8.9 km

Jinju Service Area Dog Playground
Jinju Service Area Dog Playground

Jinju Service Area, Namhae Expressway 194, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A dedicated dog playground created within the expressway service area.

If you’re visiting with a pet, it’s a nice place to stop and rest for a bit.

Distance: 8.9 km

Rainbow Coastal Road
Rainbow Coastal Road

Geummun-ri, Yonghyeon-myeon, Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

One of Sacheon’s signature coastal drive routes, known for its scenic road along the sea.

A good place to stop by if you want to enjoy sea views before or after the airshow.

Distance: 9.2 km

Floating Pier Mudflat Trail
Floating Pier Mudflat Trail

Geummun-ri, Yonghyeon-myeon, Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A trail along a floating pier where you can get close to the mudflats and sea scenery.

On calm days, a slow walk here is a relaxing way to appreciate another side of Sacheon.

Distance: 9.3 km

Railway Culture Park
Railway Culture Park

18 Jinju-daero 879beon-gil, Gangnam-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

A park where you can enjoy railway-themed exhibits and spaces.

If you’re visiting with children, you can enjoy both airplanes and trains in a single trip.

Distance: 9.9 km

During the daytime airshow hours, it’s easiest to focus on nearby parks; in the evening, pick just one or two sunset spots to avoid overexertion.
Coastal and dam viewpoints can be windy, so bring an outer layer.

Getting There

Public Transportation — Official guidance does not yet specify exact routes, but the event will use the area around Sacheon Airport or Sacheon Airfield as the venue. During the festival period, shuttle buses or temporary routes for visitors may be operated, so it’s best to check the official website and on-site announcements before you go.

By Car — You can approach the event site via major road networks within Gyeongsangnam-do, heading toward Sacheon Airfield at 1-1 Jungseon-ri, Jeongui-ri, Sacheon-eup, Sacheon-si. Traffic congestion is expected on nearby roads during the event, so start earlier than usual and check navigation for alternate routes to make your trip smoother.

Right after the event ends, demand for cars and taxis may surge, so allow extra time for travel.
If you plan to use public transportation, check in advance whether shuttles or temporary routes to Sacheon Airport/Sacheon Airfield are available.

Closing

Sacheon Airshow is a festival where you can experience dynamic scenes of fighter jets and aerobatic aircraft performing against the backdrop of the autumn sky. Just picturing the wide runway of Sacheon Airfield, the clear sky, and the blend of engine noise and crowd cheers is enough to stir your heart even before it begins.

It’s worth taking your time to sketch out your day in line with the tightly interwoven schedule of flights, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences. Under Sacheon’s autumn sky, which will soon be here, may you capture that excitement with your own eyes and fill your heart with memories that last.

Photo Snapshots

Videos

Source: This post was created with reference to the Korea Tourism Organization API as well as YouTube and news links.

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