Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival

The Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is Seoul's representative historical and cultural festival, held in Gwanak, a city steeped in history, to commemorate the patriotic spirit and great achievements of General Gang Gam-chan, the hero of the Battle of Gwiju. It is not only a representative historical and cultural festival of Seoul held to honor the patriotic spirit of the renowned Goryeo general, but also a representative festival of Gwanak-gu created and enjoyed by its residents. The Gang Gam-chan Festival was newly launched in 2016 by integrating the 'Gwanaksan Azalea Festival,' Gwanak-gu's representative traditional cultural festival held since 1998, and the 'Nakseongdae Inheonje,' a memorial ritual held since 1988. Against the backdrop of cultural heritage imbued with the General's spirit—such as Nakseongdae, where General Gang Gam-chan is said to have been born after the fall of the fourth star of the Big Dipper; Inheon-dong, named after the General's posthumous title; and Seowon-dong, home to a pavilion the General frequently visited when traveling to and from Songdo—the festival carries on his legacy by conducting diverse programs in a way that resonates with our modern lives. 'Tomorrow Gang Gam-chan' begins in the third week of October. The Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival, marking its 10th anniversary in 2026, is expanding its content as Seoul's representative Goryeo history and culture festival embracing K-culture, and is newly emerging as a sustainable, mutually beneficial festival that connects generations and revitalizes the region.