Yi Sun-sin Festival

Jung-gu, Seoul, is hosting the 2026 Yi Sun-sin Festival, a special event commemorating the birthday of Admiral Yi Sun-sin while reflecting on the historical identity of the district as his birthplace. Here in Jung-gu, where Yi Sun-sin’s wisdom and courage originated, a splendid birthday celebration unfolds, featuring a giant birthday cake inscribed with congratulatory messages from 481 people, allowing everyone to become the star of the show. This festival is organized into four zones designed to go beyond mere spectatorship, enabling visitors to actively participate and enjoy the festivities. First, in Sunsin ROCK, visitors are greeted by a magnificent parade from the Navy Honor Guard and a thrilling performance by the Navy PR Team. This is accompanied by a continuous stream of diverse stage performances and the "Iron Man Yi Sun-sin" contest, spearheaded by local residents. Sunsin FIELD, a food zone, features a total of 20 renowned restaurants representing Jung-gu, offering a rich array of delights. Sunsin MARKET is a flea market featuring local merchants and artists, serving as a space where visitors can discover various special merchandise related to Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Finally, Sunshin PLAY is an experiential playground composed of three themes: past, present, and future. It is filled with programs that everyone, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy with their families, ranging from making Sunshin Boys paper hats and personalized Nanjung Ilgi pop-up books, to traditional calligraphy and games, as well as a Roblox Yi Sun-sin birthday party, VR horseback riding, and Turtle Ship puzzle making. Through these diverse programs that satisfy all five senses, Jung-gu invites all citizens to a gathering of harmony celebrating the birth of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.