Gangneung Danoje Festival 2025

Welcome to the Gangneung Danoje Festival 2025 in Korea, a globally celebrated event recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage! Every early summer, Gangneung city in Gangwon Province, located on South Korea's scenic east coast, bursts into vibrant celebration, bringing a unique blend of history, tradition, and fun. If you're tired of ordinary tourist experiences and seeking a memorable journey filled with authentic cultural interactions, this festival is the perfect destination for you.

Festival Overview

What is the Gangneung Danoje Festival?

Dating back over 1,000 years to the Silla Dynasty of ancient Korea, the Gangneung Danoje Festival originated from rituals praying for prosperity and good fortune. Despite historical challenges such as colonial rule and rapid modernization, the festival has been preserved thanks to the dedicated spirit of the local Korean community.

UNESCO Recognition

Gangneung Danoje Festival was designated as Korea's National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 13 in 1967 and recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its global cultural significance.

Dates & Location

Dates: May 27 (Tue) - June 3 (Tue), 2025 (8 days)
Location: Namdaecheon Stream area, Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea

Foreign Tourists’ Favorite Dano Experiences

Washing Hair with Changpo Water

On Dano Day, there's a tradition of washing hair with changpo (sweet flag) water to ward off bad luck and add shine to one's hair. This unique experience is very popular with foreign tourists.

 Making Dano Fans

This is a hands-on activity where you make traditional fans decorated with classic Korean patterns. Tourists love being able to take home a handmade souvenir.

Hanbok Experience

Visitors can try on colorful hanbok and walk around the festival grounds while taking photos. Wearing traditional Korean clothing creates lasting memories for many foreigners.

Making Jangmyeongru Bracelets

Jangmyeongru are traditional bracelets made with five-colored threads symbolizing health and longevity. Making one helps foreigners better understand Korean culture.

Watching Gwanno Mask Drama

This traditional masked performance, designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, features only music and dance, without dialogue. It's a great opportunity for foreigners to enjoy Korean traditional arts.

Experiencing Dano Gut

A key event of the Gangneung Dano Festival, Dano Gut is a ritual where a shaman offers prayers to the gods. Foreigners can experience Korea’s traditional beliefs and cultural roots firsthand.

Ssireum (Korean Wrestling) Experience

This program allows participants to try ssireum, Korea’s traditional wrestling sport. Foreigners find this cultural activity both unique and fun.

Swing Riding

Riding a traditional swing gives the sensation of flying through the sky. It's especially popular among female tourists.

Dano Food Experience

Visitors can make and taste traditional Dano foods like surichitteok (rice cakes) and Danoju (rice wine). It’s a delicious way to experience Korean flavors.

 

Transportation & Visiting Tips

How to Get There

✈️ How to Get to the Gangneung Danoje Festival from Incheon Airport

• By KTX (High-Speed Train) Route:
  Incheon Airport → Seoul Station (via AREX) → Gangneung Station (via KTX) Time: Approx. 3 hours 43 minutes Fare: About 26,000–41,000 KRW Note: Comfortable and punctual, good for time management.
• By Express Bus Route:
  Incheon Airport Express Bus Terminal → Gangneung Express Bus Terminal Time: Approx. 4 hours 17 minutes Fare: About 31,000–42,000 KRW Note: Direct route with no transfers, departs every two hours.
• By Rental Car Route:
  Incheon Airport → Yeongdong Expressway → Gangneung Time: Approx. 3 hours 12 minutes Cost: About 50,000–80,000 KRW (including tolls and fuel) Note: Flexible schedule and option to visit nearby attractions.

Parking

Use designated parking areas or city parking lots like West Gangneung Parking Area (Hongje-dong). Free shuttle services are available.

Travel Tips

• Use English Information Booths
  Staff who speak English are available to assist with questions.
• Use Translation Apps
  Apps like Google Translate can help with simple communication.
• Join Guided Tours
  English tours help you understand the festival’s meaning and experiences better.
• Learn Basic Korean
  Learning simple greetings or expressions of thanks can help you interact with locals.
• Check the Official Festival Website
  Visit https://www.danojefestival.or.kr/ for information in English.