Gwanak Ganggamchan Festival

The Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is one of Seoul's leading history and culture festivals, held in Gwanak — a district rich in history — to honor the patriotic spirit and achievements of General Gang Gam-chan, the hero of the Battle of Guju. It is Seoul's representative festival celebrating the loyal spirit of this famous Goryeo dynasty general, and is also a signature Gwanak festival created and enjoyed together by the district's residents. The festival was newly launched in 2016 by merging two long-running events: the 'Gwanaksan Azalea Festival,' Gwanak's traditional cultural festival held since 1998, and the 'Naksungdae Inheonje' memorial rite held since 1988. It takes place against the backdrop of cultural heritage sites connected to the general's spirit — Naksungdae, said to be where General Gang Gam-chan was born after a star from the Big Dipper fell to earth; Inheon-dong, named after the general's posthumous title; and Seowon-dong, home to a pavilion the general is said to have frequently visited while traveling to and from Songdo. Various programs carry on this legacy in ways relevant to today. In the third week of October, 'Tomorrow Gang Gam-chan' kicks off. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2026, the Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is expanding its content as Seoul's leading Goryeo-era history and culture festival infused with K-culture, evolving into a sustainable festival that connects generations and revitalizes the local community.