The sweet scent of roasted chestnuts warms up Gongju’s winter alleys: A trip to the Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival
Introduction
On a winter night when your breath turns white, the air along the Geumgang River fills every alley with the nutty aroma of roasted chestnuts. The glow of braziers and the sound of people laughing in the crisp Gongju air make you look forward even more to the upcoming Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival
- Dates : February 4 (Wed) – February 8 (Sun), 2026, 5 days
- Hours : 11:00 – 20:00
- Venue : Geumbyeok-ro 368, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Singwan-dong), Gongju Geumgang Singwan Park and Mirseom Island
- Admission : Free
- Main Programs : Giant Brazier Experience, Gongju Roasted Chestnut Grill Zone, Winter Gongju Snowflake Kingdom, etc.
- Host : Gongju-si
- Organizer : Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival Organizing Committee
- Contact : +82-41-840-8401
- 11:00 Arrive at Geumgang Singwan Park and take a light walk around the entire venue to locate the giant brazier, Snowflake Kingdom, and Grill Zone and plan your route.
- 12:00 Head to the Giant Brazier Experience Zone and grill Gongju chestnuts yourself, starting with the festival’s signature program.
- 14:00 Leisurely enjoy Winter Gongju Snowflake Kingdom and traditional folk games, going back and forth between sledding, igloos, Korean see-saws, tuho (arrow throwing), and more.
- 16:00 Move to the Gongju Roasted Chestnut Grill Zone and grill local agricultural and livestock products together with chestnuts for a late lunch or early dinner.
- 18:00 Watch performance programs and chestnut-themed event programs, and take in the even more atmospheric sight of the braziers after dark.
- 19:30 Finish with a stroll around the venue, slowly soaking in the winter mood of Gongju as the night view of the Geumgang River and Mirseom Island blends with the aroma of roasted chestnuts.
Parking lots near the venue may fill up early on weekends and opening day, so public transportation is more convenient.
As you will spend long hours outdoors, be sure to bring hand warmers, gloves, and other items to keep warm.
The Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival is a leading winter festival in the central region that highlights Gongju chestnuts, the city’s signature local product. In 2026, it will be held for five days at Geumgang Singwan Park and Mirseom Island under the theme “Burning Night, Sweet Gongju.” The Giant Brazier Experience, where you grill Gongju chestnuts yourself in a 2-meter-wide brazier using a special chestnut grill basket, and the Gongju Roasted Chestnut Grill Zone, where you can enjoy local agricultural and livestock products grilled alongside chestnuts, form the heart of the festival.
Together with Winter Gongju Snowflake Kingdom, where you can enjoy sledding, spinning sleds, and building snowmen, there are a variety of hands-on experiences and performances, plus plenty of food and stalls selling chestnut-based products. It’s a perfect place for people of all ages to savor the romance of winter. Free admission keeps things easy on the wallet, and the chance to enjoy both the scent of roasted chestnuts and the winter scenery along the Geumgang River is a charm unique to this festival.
Program Information
This signature hands-on program lets you place a chestnut grill basket over a 2-meter-wide brazier and roast high-quality Gongju chestnuts yourself. On a cold winter night, the warm glow from the giant brazier and the nutty aroma of roasted chestnuts deepen the winter ambiance of Gongju.
A space where you can grill and taste local agricultural and livestock products together with Gongju chestnuts. It’s a great place to enjoy a hearty hot winter meal with items like sausages and chicken skewers.
A winter playground where you can enjoy sledding, spinning sleds, building snowmen, and various snow activities. It’s an ideal space for families to have fun together, with children’s laughter on the snow adding to the festive mood.
A play area for visitors with pets, where you can stroll with your dogs and share the festival atmosphere. It’s especially well-suited for visitors traveling with furry family members.
Experience-based programs that incorporate chestnut-themed games, along with a retro arcade where you can enjoy old-school machines and games. It’s a great place for different generations to mingle and share smiles naturally.
There will be an event where you search for roaming roasted chestnut sellers throughout the venue, as well as special time-limited events centered on chestnuts. Each moment of participation becomes a small, gift-like memory.
Live broadcasts with Chestnut FM visual radio and a variety of performances by local artists will enrich the festival nights. Music, stories, and stage performances come together to offer a warm, wintry vibe.
Gongju chestnuts and processed products, Korean beef, various agricultural specialties, food stalls, food trucks, and brand promotion booths all gather in one place. Take your time exploring the flavors and stories of Gongju and pick up some souvenirs.
From 13:00 to 16:00 on weekends, visitor numbers peak and it can get crowded, so visiting in the more relaxed morning hours is recommended. If you’re with children, it’s a good idea to enjoy Snowflake Kingdom and the hands-on programs first thing in the morning.
As most programs take place outdoors, it’s best to bring plenty of items to keep warm, such as hand warmers, gloves, and hats. With a thick scarf and warm shoes, you’ll be comfortable staying until night.
Parking lots near the venue may be full soon after the festival opens or on weekends, so arriving early or using public transportation is the safer option. It’s also helpful to know that you can walk from Gongju Intercity Bus Terminal to the venue.
For popular zones like Snowflake Kingdom and Dog Kingdom, it’s best to visit before crowds build up.
Impressions (Planned Visit)
Today is December 24, 2025. As the “Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival” is scheduled to be held from February 4 to 8, 2026, the festival is still ahead of us. I’d like to整理 the information now with an excited heart as I look forward to the event.
Gongju-si plans to hold the “9th Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival” in February next year, followed by the “2026 Korea Night Industry Expo” in the Geumgang Singwan Park area. Under the theme “Burning Night, Sweet Gongju,” the main program of grilling chestnuts yourself in front of a giant brazier about 2 meters in diameter will be expanded. Participation-based food experiences such as the Grill Zone and chestnut cooking programs, along with street performances, will also become richer, and I can easily picture the lights brightening the winter night and the lively crowds.
Mirseom Island, called Snowflake Kingdom, will be transformed into a winter playground where you can enjoy sledding and building snowmen, and a new “Dog Kingdom” will be set up for visitors with pets. It seems like an ideal setup for families or for sharing the winter mood with someone special, when even the air feels full of emotion. The expo will feature exhibits on the history of chestnuts, cultivation techniques, processed products, health foods, and beauty items, and there will also be export consultation meetings with domestic and overseas buyers as well as an international forum, making it an opportunity to explore the chestnut industry in depth beyond the festival itself.
What I’m personally looking forward to most is the scene of the rich aroma of roasted chestnuts drifting through the cold winter air, and the warm light from the giant brazier reflecting off the snow. I imagine the sound of people laughing, chestnuts being stirred, and children shouting with joy on snow-covered rides blending with the quiet riverside. During the festival, I plan to prepare thoroughly for the cold—with a thick scarf, gloves, and a warm heart—so I can fully savor the sweetness of the chestnuts and my interactions with people.
Where to Stay
Around Geumgang Singwan Park, the heart of the festival, you’ll find a wide range of options, from places within walking distance to traditional hanok stays in downtown Gongju. Here are accommodations where you can easily walk back after enjoying the chestnut aroma and night view until late.
6-35, Jeonmak 1-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Business-class motel within walking distance of the festival
Very close to Gongju Geumgang Singwan Park, making it easy to enjoy the festival late into the night and walk back.
[Distance: 0.1 km]
14, Jeonmak 3-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Singwan-dong)
Clean city-style lodging in Singwan-dong
Conveniently close to the festival, ideal for short, efficient stays.
[Distance: 0.3 km]
![홍휘관[한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/32/2692032_image2_1.jpg "The sweet scent of roasted chestnuts warms up Gongju’s winter alleys: A trip to the Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival")
6-6, Baekmigaeul-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Hanok-style stay near Gongsanseong Fortress
Perfect if you want to explore the Gongsanseong area by day and enjoy the chestnut festival at night.
[Distance: 0.6 km]
15, Sanseongchanho-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sanseong-dong)
Small-scale lodging in a quiet residential area
A good choice if you’d like to stay slightly away from the bustle of downtown.
[Distance: 1.3 km]
66, Jemcheon 3-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Jung-dong)
Atmospheric stay near the Jemicheon stream
A convenient base for travelers wanting to enjoy both the festival and a stroll around downtown.
[Distance: 1.8 km]
12, Gwangwangdanji-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Hanok-style stay, ideal for families and groups
A great choice if you want to experience both a traditional hanok stay and the winter festival.
[Distance: 1.8 km]
145-9, Ungjin-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Jung-dong)
City hostel at a reasonable price
A good base for groups wanting to explore Gongju city widely while staying together.
[Distance: 1.9 km]
For hanok stays, check the type of heating and indoor temperature in advance for a more comfortable night.
Restaurants & Cafés
Near Geumgang Singwan Park you’ll find plenty of places serving hearty meals like jjamppong, grilled tripe, and bibimbap, as well as atmospheric cafés. Taking into account how you’ll move before and after the festival, here are spots that are easy to reach on foot or with a short drive.
32-7, Jeonmak 2-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Jjamppong specialty restaurant, perfect for warming up with a hot broth
Close to the festival venue, making it a good choice for lunch or an early dinner with minimal travel time.
[Distance: 0.4 km]
18-3, Baekmigaeul-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Geumseong-dong)
Restaurant focusing on homestyle bibimbap and Korean dishes
Well placed for a relaxed meal combined with a walk around Gongsanseong and downtown.
[Distance: 0.7 km]
54-21, Beonyeong 2-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A popular spot to fill a winter night with hot grilled gopchang
A good choice if you’d like to enjoy a simple drink with grilled tripe after the festival.
[Distance: 0.8 km]
58, Beonyeong 3-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Unique dining space with stylish interior
Great for a cozy dinner where you can share stories about the festival.
[Distance: 0.8 km]
136, Wangneung-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Korean restaurant near Gongsanseong Fortress
Ideal as a meal stop between a daytime visit to Gongsanseong and an evening at the Roasted Chestnut Festival.
[Distance: 0.8 km]
55, Jemicheon 1-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Bonghwang-dong)
Atmospheric café overlooking the Jemicheon stream
A nice spot to take a break with a hot drink before or after the festival.
[Distance: 2.2 km]
670, Muryeong-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Kalguksu house known for its rich, savory broth
Perfect when you want to warm your body chilled by the winter wind with a bowl of hot soup.
[Distance: 3.0 km]
420, Changbyeok-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Sangwang-dong)
Relaxed café surrounded by nature
A good place to stop by for a drive when you want to briefly escape the bustle of downtown and the festival grounds.
[Distance: 5.4 km]
Hot broth or spicy dishes can help keep your body temperature up before and after outdoor activities.
Nearby Attractions
Around Geumgang Singwan Park you’ll find Gongsanseong Fortress, Yeonji Pond, Goma Train, and other spots where you can experience both the history and scenery of Gongju. Add one or two nearby stops before or after the festival to round out your day without overdoing it.
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
A scenic point where a tranquil pond meets fortress walls
Great for daytime walks and photos with the fortress and pond as your backdrop.
[Distance: 0.7 km]
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Tourist train linking downtown Gongju and the Geumgang riverside
A convenient way to see major Gongju attractions, especially if you’re traveling with children.
[Distance: 0.8 km]
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Viewpoint over the Geumgang River from a pavilion on the fortress wall
Best visited when the sun is setting and the soft light settles over the landscape.
[Distance: 0.9 km]
Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
One of Gongsanseong’s representative pavilions with an expansive view
Walk along the fortress trail to experience both the history and scenery of Gongju.
[Distance: 1.1 km]
131-21, Suwonjigongwon-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Geumhak-dong)
Experience and exhibition space themed on the environment and health
A nice option when you want to step a little outside the city for a relaxed walk and visit.
[Distance: 4.4 km]
Seokjang-ri-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Outdoor garden where you can enjoy different flowers in each season
In winter, it’s best enjoyed as a walking or driving route focused on the surrounding natural scenery.
[Distance: 6.6 km]
293, Geumsong-ro, Janggun-myeon, Sejong-si
Astronomy experience center where kids can observe the stars
You can plan a family trip that combines the festival during the day with a stargazing program at night.
[Distance: 9.1 km]
34, Yeongpyeongsa-gil, Janggun-myeon, Sejong-si
Kids park combining indoor and outdoor play facilities
If you’re traveling with young children, it’s a good place to visit before or after the festival to help disperse their energy.
[Distance: 9.7 km]
Choose one or two attractions to visit before or after the festival for a more relaxed day.
Getting There
Public Transportation — The festival venue is Geumbyeok-ro 368, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Singwan-dong), covering Geumgang Singwan Park and Mirseom Island. From Seoul, Daejeon, and other cities, take an express bus to Gongju and get off at Gongju Intercity Bus Terminal; the venue is about a 5-minute walk from there. City buses may operate around the venue, so check local bus routes in advance to help with your trip.
By Car — Enter “Geumgang Singwan Park” in your navigation system and head for the address at Geumbyeok-ro 368. Public parking and other parking spaces are available near the venue, but they may fill up quickly on weekends and opening day, so it’s best to leave earlier than usual.
Take a photo of your parking spot to make it easier to find your car after viewing the festival at night.
Conclusion
The Winter Gongju Roasted Chestnut Festival is a leading winter event in the central region that unfolds around Gongju chestnuts, gifting visitors with warm lights and the rich scent of roasted chestnuts against the backdrop of Geumgang Singwan Park and Mirseom Island. Roasting chestnuts yourself in front of a giant brazier, playing in the snow at Snowflake Kingdom, and taking in the winter scenery along the Geumgang River all come together to gently warm up the winter night.
With no admission fee, all you need to prepare is warm clothing and a relaxed mindset. May you have a chance, at least once, to experience this winter night in Gongju, where the cold air, warm braziers, chestnut aroma, and people’s laughter all layer together.
