At a glance
| Dates | Expected Oct 2027Early-to-mid October 2027, five days with a Seogwipo pre-event a few days to a week earlier. The 2026 program was announced on 4 October 2026, about two weeks before opening. The venue may return to the Tapdong seafront and Sanjicheon area used in 2024–2025, since the 2026 move was tied to the National Sports Festival. |
|---|---|
| Next edition | 2027: Early-to-mid October 2027, five days with a Seogwipo pre-event a few days to a week earlier. The 2026 program was announced on 4 October 2026, about two weeks before opening. The venue may return to the Tapdong seafront and Sanjicheon area used in 2024–2025, since the 2026 move was tied to the National Sports Festival. |
| Weather | October average 22/16 °C (71/60 °F), 95 mm of rainComfortable: light layers. Monthly averages, not a forecast: Korea Meteorological Administration climate normals, 1991–2020, Jeju City station. |
| Admission | Free (KTO 2026 listing: 무료); some booth activities such as face painting and balloons were charged in 2025.Admission: Free (2026 prices) |
| Venue | Jeju Citizens' Welfare Town Plaza제주특별자치도 제주시 연삼로 286 (도남동) |
| Nearest station | No rail access; see Getting there |
| From Seoul | about 1 h · Flight + TaxiFlight time only · Leave from Gimpo Airport · Plan to stay overFull route · Festivals by travel time from Seoul |
| Organizer | Korean Federation of Arts and Culture Organizations, Jeju Chapter (Jeju Yechong); hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province(사)한국예총제주특별자치도연합회 (주관) · 제주특별자치도 (주최) |
| Usual timing | Five days in early-to-mid October (5–9 Oct 2024, 10–14 Oct 2025, 17–21 Oct 2026), with a pre-event in Seogwipo a few days to a week earlier (2024: 3 Oct; 2026: 10 Oct). The full program is published in late September or early October. Browse October festivals. |
| Last checked | 21 October 2026Checked against 13 sources · See sources |
What it is like
Tamna was the name of the kingdom that ruled Jeju before it was absorbed by the Korean mainland, and the festival that carries the name is one of the island's longest-running events, now in its 65th year. It is hosted by the provincial government and run by the Jeju chapter of the Korean Federation of Arts and Culture Organizations, and its core is competition between village folk-preservation societies: the troupe that wins the Tamna Folk Arts Festival represents Jeju at the national folk arts contest the following year.
Each edition opens with the Tamna Gaebyeok ritual to the island's founding gods, followed in 2026 by an afternoon parade on 17 October (Jeju Ilbo reported 15:00, Segye Ilbo 17:00) from Aehyang Stadium to the plaza — flag bearers, a Marine Corps band, statues of the goddesses Seolmundae Halmang and Jacheongbi, martial-arts troupes, sister-city delegations and the village societies — and a 19:30 opening ceremony with a Navy band, pop-opera and a new 20-minute dance-drama based on Jeju myth, repeated nightly at 20:00 on 18–20 October. Four zones cover Roots (rituals and ceremonies), Play (traditional games, pungmul drumming), Gathering (sister-city stages, intangible heritage, a flea market, media art) and Dream Light (youth competitions, a citizen art show, a mission game).
Honest caveats: this is a community festival for islanders, with little English, Korean-only announcements and a food market cut down to displays and a snack bar in 2026. The 2026 move inland to a plaza near Jeju Stadium, during the National Sports Festival (16–22 October), means crowded hotels and taxis but also easy access from the games.
Highlights
- Tamna Parade on the afternoon of 17 Oct 2026 (15:00 per Jeju Ilbo, 17:00 per Segye Ilbo): flag troupe, Marine Corps band, village folk-preservation societies and sister-city delegations walk 1.6 km from Aehyang Stadium to the plaza
- Opening ceremony 17 Oct 19:30 with a Navy band fanfare, lighting ceremony, electric ensemble, pop-opera and the premiere of the dance-drama 'Daughter of the Wind Becomes an Island'
- The dance-drama repeats 18, 19 and 20 Oct at 20:00 on the Tamna Stage as part of the Tamna Night Theater
- Tamna Folk Arts Festival: village troupes compete to represent Jeju at the national folk arts contest (pre-event 10 Oct at Seogwipo Chilsimni Outdoor Performance Hall)
- Night zone: sister-city performances, Tamna intangible-heritage showcase, 'Tamnadeuli' art and flea market, and 'Neon Tamna Rock' citizen media art
- Tamna Sports Arena with traditional Jeju folk games, plus the 'Wareung Wareung' youth and club competition
Who it suits. Best for travellers interested in Jeju's shamanic rituals, dialect and village folk arts, and for families who want an evening show that costs nothing; less suited to visitors looking for a food festival or English-language programming, because the 2026 market is reduced to tastings and a snack bar and the event runs in Korean.
Getting there
From Seoul
Fly Gimpo–Jeju (a little over an hour; flights run all day). Jeju has no trains. From Jeju International Airport take a taxi to the plaza in Donam-dong, or a city bus toward Jeju Stadium / Donam-dong (adult fare about ₩1,150 by card and ₩1,200 cash, per jeju.com, January 2026; not confirmed by an official fare table). Airport limousine 800 serves Jeju Bus Terminal, the island's intercity hub, with a taxi or local bus on to the plaza.
From Busan
Fly Gimhae (Busan)–Jeju, about one hour, then as above from the airport.
From Incheon Airport
Incheon has only a few direct Jeju flights; most travellers transfer to Gimpo Airport (AREX, subway Line 5 or airport bus) for the frequent Gimpo–Jeju shuttle flights.
Festival shuttle
No festival shuttle had been announced by 16 October 2026; the plaza is near Jeju Stadium, a National Sports Festival competition venue.
Getting home
No trains. After the 20:00 performance a taxi is the practical way back to the airport area or downtown; taxi and lodging demand will be high during the National Sports Festival (16–22 Oct), so book accommodation early.
Parking
Not published for 2026; the plaza is near Jeju Stadium, a National Sports Festival competition venue, so expect restrictions.
How to switch Naver Map and Kakao Map to English
Google Maps shows train, subway and bus routes in Korea but not walking or driving directions yet, so for the walk from the station Naver Map or Kakao Map is more reliable.
Before you go
1330 · Travel hotline
The Korea Tourism Organization’s helpline answers in English, Japanese and Chinese around the clock, and in several other languages from 08:00 to 19:00. Dial 1330 from a Korean phone, or +82-2-1330 from a phone registered abroad.
112 / 119 · Emergencies
112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Both are free from any phone. Police on 112 can add an English or Chinese interpreter to the call.
T-money card
Buy one at a convenience store such as GS25, CU or 7-Eleven and top it up there with cash. It pays for subways and buses in most cities, and for most taxis.
Maps
Use Naver Map or Kakao Map for walking and bus directions; Google Maps does not yet give walking directions in Korea. Both apps can be switched to English. Naver Map: Menu (≡) → Settings → Language (Japanese and Chinese also available). Kakao Map: Menu (≡) → Settings → App settings → Language. If the option is missing, change your phone’s language and reopen the app. Small shop names and some reviews stay in Korean.
Trains and buses
Book trains on Korail’s English site and express buses on Kobus. Holiday weekends sell out first.
Checked 18 October 2026.
Tickets, prices and practical details
| Item | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Free | KTO 2026 listing: 무료 |
- Booking
- No advance booking for general attendance. Festival office: 064-753-3287.
- English on site
- The Jeju Tourism Organization publishes an English description; the official site and Instagram (@tamna_festival) are Korean. Sister-city delegations perform, but on-site interpretation is not confirmed.
- Crowds
- Moderate by Korean festival standards — about 1,500 people at the 2025 opening ceremony — but 2026 coincides with the National Sports Festival, which brings about 30,600 athletes and officials to Jeju (Segye Ilbo), so hotels, rental cars and taxis will be strained.
- Best time to go
- Opening day 17 Oct: the afternoon parade (15:00 per Jeju Ilbo, 17:00 per Segye Ilbo), then the 19:30 ceremony; 18–20 Oct for the 20:00 dance-drama and the night zone.
- What to bring
- Cash for small booths, a jacket for evenings, and pre-booked accommodation.
Editions
| Year | Dates | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Early-to-mid October 2027, five days with a Seogwipo pre-event a few days to a week earlier. The 2026 program was announced on 4 October 2026, about two weeks before opening. The venue may return to the Tapdong seafront and Sanjicheon area used in 2024–2025, since the 2026 move was tied to the National Sports Festival. | expected | Not announced as of 16 October 2026. |
| 2026 | 17–21 Oct 2026 | ended | Main stage moved from Tapdong Beach Performance Hall / Tamna Culture Plaza (Sanjicheon) to Citizens' Welfare Town Plaza near Jeju Stadium, a competition venue of the 107th National Sports Festival (16–22 Oct 2026). The 'Tamna Mendorong Market' food area is scaled down to a food-model exhibit, tastings and a snack bar because of site conditions. |
| 2025 | 10–14 Oct 2025 | ended | Tamna Culture Plaza and Jeju Beach (Tapdong) Performance Hall, Ildo 1-dong |
| 2024 | 5–9 Oct 2024 | ended | Jeju Beach Performance Hall and Tamna Culture Plaza |
Nearby
- Samseonghyeol (삼성혈). Shrine of the three holes from which Jeju's founding clans are said to have emerged; site of the festival's Tamna Gaebyeok ritual in 2025.
- Gwandeokjeong and Jeju Mokgwana (관덕정 · 제주목관아). 15th-century pavilion and restored government office in the old town; starting point of the 2024–2025 parades.
- Dongmun Market (동문시장). Jeju City's main traditional market near Sanjicheon, the 2024–2025 festival area.
- Jeju Stadium (Jeju Sports Complex) (제주종합경기장) — About 1 km. Near the 2026 festival plaza; a competition venue of the 107th National Sports Festival, 16–22 Oct 2026 (the opening ceremony was at Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo).
Questions travelers ask
When is the Tamna Culture Festival 2026?
17–21 October 2026 (Saturday to Wednesday) at Jeju Citizens' Welfare Town Plaza, 286 Yeonsam-ro, Jeju City, with a pre-event on 10 October at Seogwipo Chilsimni Outdoor Performance Hall.
Is the Tamna Culture Festival free?
Yes. KTO lists the 2026 edition as free; in 2025 some booth activities such as face painting were charged.
Why did the venue change in 2026?
The main stage moved from the Tapdong seafront to the plaza near Jeju Stadium so visitors to the 107th National Sports Festival (16–22 October 2026, Jeju's first in 12 years) could see traditional culture and support nearby businesses.
What happens on opening day?
17 October: the Tamna Parade in the afternoon from Aehyang Stadium 1.6 km to the plaza (Jeju Ilbo reported 15:00, Segye Ilbo 17:00), then the opening ceremony at 19:30 with a Navy band fanfare, lighting ceremony, electric ensemble, pop-opera and the dance-drama 'Daughter of the Wind Becomes an Island'.
How do I get to the festival from Jeju Airport?
Jeju has no trains. From Jeju International Airport take a taxi to the plaza in Donam-dong, or a city bus (adult fare about ₩1,150 by card and ₩1,200 cash per jeju.com, January 2026; not officially confirmed); airport limousine 800 serves Jeju Bus Terminal, the island's intercity hub.
Who organises the Tamna Culture Festival?
Hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and run by the Jeju chapter of the Korean Federation of Arts and Culture Organizations (Jeju Yechong), chaired by Kim Sun-young; festival office 064-753-3287.
What is the Tamna Night Theater?
A night-time stage in the Roots zone where the 20-minute mythological dance-drama 'Daughter of the Wind Becomes an Island' plays at 20:00 on 18, 19 and 20 October on the Tamna Stage at the plaza.
What is the weather like at Tamna Culture Festival in October?
October in Jeju City: average high 22 °C (71 °F), low 16 °C (60 °F), 95 mm of rain (Jeju City station, KMA 1991–2020 normals). Comfortable: light layers.
Sources and verification
Facts checked
21 October 2026, against the sources listed below.
This page is desk research from the sources below, not a firsthand report of the 2027 edition. Confidence in the current facts: medium.
- Jeju Tourism Organization (visitjeju.net, English): 65th Tamna Culture Festivalmunicipal — Dates 17–21 Oct 2026, venue and address, host/organizer, phone, four-zone structure, National Sports Festival link
- Jeju Tourism Organization (visitjeju.net, Korean)municipal — 주최 제주특별자치도 / 주관 한국예총제주연합회, pre-event 10 Oct Seogwipo, official site URL
- Headline Jeju, 4 Oct 2026: 65th festival opens 17thnews — Theme, venue move rationale, plaza next to the Jeju Sports Complex, National Sports Festival 16–22 Oct, 4 zones/16 programs, dance-drama 18–20 Oct 20:00, pre-event, scaled-down Mendorong food market (현장 여건상 최소 규모: food-model exhibit, tastings, snack bar), contact
- Jeju Ilbo, 15 Oct 2026: opening 17th at Citizens' Welfare Town Plazanews — Opening ceremony 19:30 and running order, parade 15:00 Aehyang Stadium → plaza 1.6 km and participants, organizer Jeju Yechong (Kim Sun-young)
- Segye Ilbo, 16 Oct 2026: National Sports Festival opens in Jejunews — National Sports Festival opening ceremony 16 Oct 18:00 at Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo; competitions at 74 venues; 30,599 athletes, officials and overseas Korean sports groups; 17 Oct 17:00 Tamna Pungmul street march from Aehyang Stadium to the Citizens' Welfare Town Plaza
- Newsseoul, 12 Oct 2025: 64th festival opensnews — 2025 dates 10–14 Oct, Samseonghyeol ritual, Tapdong opening, 11 Oct 17:00 parade route, 18 programs, pre-event '탐라를 탐하다!' (no date or venue given)
- KTO festival listing (ktriptips mirror, Korean): 탐라문화제 2026kto — 2026 listing: 17–21 Oct, admission 무료, 공연시간 10:00–22:00, venue 제주시민복지타운광장 (연삼로 286) pinned at 33.4918, 126.5239, a 1.7 km parade with about 1,500 participants, host/organizer
- KTO festival listing (ktriptips mirror, English)kto — 2025 venue (Tapdong Seaside Stage, Tamna Culture Plaza), free admission, phone
- Seoul Shinmun, 25 Sep 2024: 63rd festivalnews — 2024 dates 5–9 Oct, venues, parade 17:30 with about 1,700 participants, organizers, preliminary-festival status
- Jnuri, 15 Oct 2025: council criticism of 2025 festivalnews — 2025 criticism by provincial councillors 박두화 (paid face-painting and balloons, nails in the newly paved Sanji-ro) and 김대진 (₩4,000 gimbap)
- travelmapjourney: 탐라문화제 2026 venue moveblog — 20-minute length of the dance-drama, artistic director, context of the move
- Wikipedia: Jeju Stadiumother — Jeju Stadium coordinates 33.4972, 126.5137, about 1.1 km north-west of the festival plaza
- jeju.com: Jeju without a rental carblog — Airport bus routes, limousine 800 to Jeju Bus Terminal, fares ₩1,150 card / ₩1,200 cash as of January 2026 (blog, not an official fare table)
What we could not confirm
- The closing-ceremony time on 21 Oct
- The 2026 parade start time: Jeju Ilbo (15 Oct) gave 15:00, Segye Ilbo (16 Oct) 17:00
- City bus route numbers and the official adult fare from Jeju Airport to the Citizens' Welfare Town / Jeju Stadium stop (the ₩1,150/₩1,200 fare comes from a blog)
- Year first held (the 65th edition implies 1962 if held annually, but no source opened states it)
- Whether the 2027 edition returns to the Tapdong/Sanjicheon seafront
Changes: 2026-10-16 — Full fact-first rewrite: hours, prices, stations, 2024–2027 editions, FAQs and sources. · 2026-10-16 — Rechecked against timetables, fare tables and organizer notices: conflicting dates and transport details; ride times from Seoul. · 2026-10-18 — Added a Jeju Special Self-Governing Province press photograph of the 2024 street parade, KOGL Type 1. · 2026-10-21 — Corrected after an independent fact audit: 2026 admission free and hours 10:00–22:00 (KTO 2026 listing); map pin moved to the plaza; parade time shown as reported (15:00 or 17:00); blog-only bus fare and flight time softened; National Sports Festival role, 2025 councillor criticism, 2024 parade count and sources corrected.
