The 2026 대한민국 조아용 페스티벌 is scheduled to take place on October 3 and 4 at the Yongin Mir Stadium in Cheoin-gu, marking the 30th anniversary of Yongin’s designation as a city, according to an announcement by Yongin Special City on September 17, 2026. The two-day festival centers on the municipal mascot “Joayong” and features character-based content from 28 domestic and international organizations representing 40 distinct characters.
Festival Programs and International Participation
According to Yongin Special City, the event lineup features character parades, cosplay, dance performances, random play dance sessions, and live drawing demonstrations. International and domestic exchange partners—including representatives from Kumamoto, Japan—alongside local governments, public institutions, regional enterprises, and universities, are participating. The ceremony on October 3 coincides with the 31st Yongin Citizens’ Day celebration, drawing delegations from over 20 international and domestic partner cities. Notable local sports figures, including Yongin FC technical director Lee Dong-guk, player Seok Hyun-jun, and city-sponsored athletics team member Woo Sang-hyuk, are scheduled to make public appearances.
Concurrent Exhibitions and Community Events
The festival incorporates several concurrent municipal events, including the 26th Cyber Science Festival, the Lifelong Learning Expo, the Youth Festival, the Food Festival, the Food Industry Expo, and the Joayong Food Festa. According to city planners, the Cyber Science Festival hosts artificial intelligence and robotics exhibits, while the Lifelong Learning and Youth events offer interactive educational programming. The food-focused zones feature 14 vendors utilizing regional agricultural specialties, alongside a baking competition highlighting local agricultural output such as Baegok rice combined with Joayong branding.
Transportation and Logistics
To manage anticipated visitor volume at the Yongin Mir Stadium in Samga-dong, city officials stated that dedicated shuttle buses will operate between the Yongin City Hall complex and the main festival grounds. Yongin Special City Mayor Lee Sang-il stated that the municipal government expanded this year’s programming specifically to celebrate the city’s 30th anniversary milestone, encouraging regional and national visitors to attend.
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