A Thousand Years of Tradition Unleashed: Experience the Magic of the Gangneung Danoje Festival! Immerse yourself in the soul of ancient Korea at the iconic Gangneung Danoje Festival—a week-long cultural masterpiece honored globally as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Running from June 15 to June 22, 2026, at the Danojang grounds along the Namdaecheon Stream, this free-admission festival transforms the coastal city of Gangneung into an open-air carnival of folklore and fun. It is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration where international travelers can join locals in hands-on traditions meant to bring health and good fortune. Visitors of all ages can try on elegant hanbok, ride giant tree swings, wash their hair in refreshing iris-infused (changpo) water, and enjoy free samples of Dano sinju (sacred rice wine) alongside traditional herbal rice cakes. At the heart of the festival is an electrifying lineup of daily performances that bridge the ancient and modern worlds, from the dazzling Gangneung Danogut shamanistic rituals to the Gwanno Mask Drama, Korea's only traditional silent mime farce. The energy stays high late into the evening with fiery torchlit street parades, traditional wrestling (ssireum) matches, and brilliant opening-night fireworks on June 15th. Beer lovers are also in for a treat: Gangneung's own celebrated Budnamu Brewery will be serving up their famous local craft brews right at the heart of the festival's bustling food zone (Gangneung Namdaecheon Danojang Food Street, Booth Sik-14). Located just two hours from Seoul via KTX, it is the ultimate, immersive weekend gateway to the historic, modern heart of Korea.