JOCHIWON PEACH FESTIVAL 2026: A 118-Year Legacy of Sweetness

1. Savoring the Scent of Summer: The 24th Jochiwon Peach Festival

Jochiwon peaches, widely regarded as a symbol of Korean peaches, celebrate their 118th year of cultivation in 2026. Marking more than a century of history and tradition, the 24th Jochiwon Peach Festival will take place over three vibrant days, from July 24 to July 26, 2026.

This year’s festival will be held primarily at the spacious and comfortable Sejong Citizens Sports Field, promising an even larger and more diverse lineup of events. If Boryeong’s mud festival offers energetic liberation, Jochiwon’s peaches offer a sweeter and more relaxing kind of summer pleasure, like the burst of juice from a perfectly ripe peach.

2. A 118-Year Legacy: The History and Heritage of Jochiwon Peaches

Jochiwon peaches are more than just a regional specialty. They are considered one of the proudest symbols of Korea’s peach cultivation history. Their story dates back to 1908.

• Historical Origins:

In 1908, a fruit cultivation research station under the Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry was established in Jochiwon, marking the beginning of Korea’s modern peach farming history. Over the following 118 years, generations of local farmers refined cultivation techniques and improved peach varieties through experience and dedication.

• The Secret of Hwangto Soil:

Jochiwon offers ideal conditions for peach farming, including mineral-rich hwangto, or yellow clay soil, abundant sunlight, and excellent natural drainage. The region’s distinctive soil helps increase sweetness while creating softer, juicier flesh, establishing “Jochiwon Peach” as a trusted premium brand name throughout Korea.

3. Detailed Experience Guide: Based on Last Year’s Program

The 2026 Jochiwon Peach Festival will make full use of the spacious Sejong Citizens Sports Field to present a variety of programs designed to delight all five senses. Please check the official website for final schedules and updates: www.jcwpeach.kr

• Special Peach Market:

Visitors can purchase freshly harvested peaches directly from local farms at prices lower than those of standard retail markets. It is the perfect opportunity to take home the taste of Jochiwon’s 118-year tradition.

• Peach Dessert Café:

A special dessert zone will feature unique peach-based treats such as peach hwachae, peach bread, and peach jam, all made using locally grown Jochiwon peaches.

• Cultural Performances & Events:

The festival will also feature performances by local artists and hands-on experience booths designed for families and children. Evening performances on the outdoor stage at the sports field will add a romantic atmosphere to the summer nights.

• Black Eagles Air Show, Planned:

The Korean Air Force’s famous aerobatic team, the Black Eagles, is expected to once again paint the skies above Jochiwon with a spectacular air show, now considered one of the festival’s signature highlights.

4. Sensibility Note: A Peach as a Summer Comfort

Why do we wait for peaches every summer?

Perhaps it is because peaches themselves resemble a shy, soft pink face. The moment you take a bite and the juice bursts across your mouth, it feels like nature offering sweet comfort to our sun-weary bodies.

The Jochiwon Peach Festival is more than just a marketplace for fruit. It is a community celebration where visitors encounter the sincerity of farming families whose craft has been passed down through generations, and where people share in the harvest shaped by 118 years of history and care.

There is a certain warmth in the sight of people heading home with boxes full of peaches in their arms. That generous feeling, simple, sweet, and deeply human, is the true charm of the Jochiwon Peach Festival.

5. Guidelines for Visitors

• Peach Storage:

Peaches purchased at the festival are fresh produce, so keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight. If you are traveling a long distance, using the delivery service is recommended.

• Prepare for Heat and Rain:

Late July in Korea often brings intense heat and sudden showers. Since much of the Sejong Citizens Sports Field venue is outdoors, it is recommended to bring a parasol, hat, and portable fan.

• Festival Etiquette:

During performances and crowded hours, please follow the instructions of safety staff and dispose of trash only in designated areas.

• Pet Etiquette:

Visitors with pets must keep them on a leash and carry waste bags. Access to certain experience zones may be restricted for pets.

6. Transportation Guide: The Smartest Way to Reach Jochiwon

STEP 1: Traveling from Seoul to Jochiwon

■ By Train: Seoul Station / Yongsan Station → Jochiwon Station

• Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by ITX-Saemaeul / 1 hour and 30 minutes by Mugunghwa-ho

• Fare from Seoul Station: KRW 12,500 for ITX-Saemaeul / KRW 8,400 for Mugunghwa-ho

■ By Bus: Seoul Central City Terminal → Jochiwon / Sejong

• Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes

• Fare: Around KRW 15,000 for a premium express bus

STEP 2: From Jochiwon Station / Terminal to Sejong Citizens Sports Field, the Festival Venue

■ By Public Transportation

• City Bus: Take Bus No. 12 toward Sejong Citizens Sports Field from the bus stop in front of Jochiwon Station or Jochiwon Terminal

• Fare: KRW 1,400

• Travel Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes

■ By Taxi

• Around 10 minutes from the station or terminal

• Approx. KRW 6,000

7. Summer Essential: Peach-Motif Folding Umbrella by KOREANOW

Introducing the sweetest item to protect you from the blazing summer sun and sudden showers at the festival grounds: the “Peach-Motif Folding Umbrella,” specially created by KOREANOW for this feature.

• Stylish Design:

Inspired by the soft pink hue of perfectly ripened Jochiwon peaches, this umbrella makes you feel as if you are standing beneath a fresh peach tree the moment you open it.

• Excellent Functionality:

Equipped with high-performance UV-blocking coating, it works perfectly as a parasol against strong sunlight. Its ultra-lightweight frame also makes it easy to carry throughout the festival day.

• Charming Details:

The handle is finished with a smooth texture inspired by the curved shape of a peach, providing a comfortable grip. With this umbrella in hand, you may just become the brightest presence at the Jochiwon Peach Festival.

※ Purchase & More Information: culture.koreanow.me/product-category/goods/

EPILOGUE: A Sweet Hometown You’ll Want to Return To

The Jochiwon Peach Festival is defined not by dazzling spectacle, but by warmth and gentle fragrance. The sweat and dedication of farmers carried across 118 years live within every single peach, waiting to greet you this summer.

Why not fill your heart with the sweetness of peaches in Jochiwon this season? If you wish to experience the most delicious summer of all, make your way to Jochiwon on July 24.