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The Chuncheon (춘천) Makguksu (막국수) & Dakgalbi (닭갈비) Festival, held annually in Gangwon Province (강원도), is one of Korea’s most beloved regional food festivals. In 2025, the event took place from October 16 to 19 along the scenic Gongjicheon (공지천) Trail in Chuncheon (춘천). This year marked the 18th edition of the festival, continuing its tradition of celebrating two of the region’s most iconic dishes—makguksu (막국수), buckwheat noodles, and dakgalbi (닭갈비), spicy stir-fried chicken. The festival drew over 300,000 visitors, a testament to its growing popularity and reputation for authentic local flavors.

Price

A total of 15 vendors participated in the event, including 10 dakgalbi (닭갈비) restaurants and 5 makguksu (막국수) establishments, all selected for their quality and local significance. Each vendor offered standardized pricing—9,900 KRW for a 200g portion of dakgalbi (닭갈비) and 7,000 KRW for makguksu (막국수)—making it easy for visitors to enjoy a variety of dishes without worrying about inflated costs. One of the festival’s standout features was the ability to purchase food in single portions, allowing guests to sample multiple offerings from different vendors. This format was especially appreciated by food lovers eager to compare flavors and styles.

The festival grounds were divided into themed zones such as LOCAL EAT, JUST DO EAT, SHAKE EAT, and PLAY EAT, each offering a unique blend of culinary experiences and entertainment. QR code-based mobile payment systems were available throughout the venue, streamlining transactions and reducing wait times. In addition to the food, the festival featured a rich lineup of performances including concerts, puppet shows, mime acts, and local artist showcases, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere for attendees of all ages.

Despite its many strengths, the festival was not without its challenges. One common complaint among visitors was the lack of adequate seating, which made it difficult to enjoy meals comfortably. Nevertheless, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the affordability, taste, and diversity of the food, as well as the convenience of digital payments and the abundance of cultural programming.

Transportation

For those traveling from Seoul (서울), Chuncheon (춘천) is easily accessible via ITX-Cheongchun (ITX-청춘) trains departing from Yongsan (용산) or Cheongnyangni (청량리) Station, with a travel time of approximately 90 minutes. Direct intercity buses from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널) also provide convenient access, and local shuttle services and city buses (routes 16 and 16-1) connect major transit points to the festival site.

In comparison to other food festivals in Korea, the Chuncheon (춘천) Makguksu (막국수) & Dakgalbi (닭갈비) Festival stands out for its focus on regional specialties, its visitor-friendly pricing model, and its integration of culinary and cultural experiences. It offers a genuine taste of Chuncheon’s (춘천) culinary heritage while embracing modern conveniences, making it a must-visit event for both locals and international tourists.