EX Pumpkin Night: Hwani & Woni × The Twelve Zodiac Animals

EX Pumpkin Night: Hwanii & Wonii x the Twelve Zodiac Animals will be held from September 24 to October 24, 2026, at Hwarang Forest (Luminight) in Gyeongju Expo Grand Park. General admission is 10,000 won, the online booking price is 8,000 won, group admission is 8,000 won, and discounted admission is 5,000 won. An online booking discount has been confirmed, but whether advance booking is mandatory in 2026 and the booking platform have not yet been announced. While the 5th edition in 2025 had the theme “Magic Kingdom,” this year’s theme changes to a nighttime walk-through featuring Hwanii, Wonii, and the Twelve Zodiac Animals.

The 5th Edition’s “Magic Kingdom” in 2025 and “The Twelve Zodiac Animals” in 2026

The 5th edition in 2025 was held daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Hwarang Forest from September 26 to October 26. This year’s event runs from September 24 to October 24, starting and ending two days earlier than last year.

The 2025 theme was “Magic Kingdom,” with a Hwanii and Wonii merchandise pop-up store, Halloween face painting, and a cosplay pumpkin parade. In 2026, the event title itself highlights Hwanii, Wonii, and the Twelve Zodiac Animals, while a photo zone, face painting, costume rental, and souvenir shop will be available. The 2025 admission prices needed for a side-by-side comparison with this year’s prices have not been confirmed.

The 2 km Hwarang Forest and the 10 p.m. Closing Time in 2025

The venue is Hwarang Forest (Luminight) in Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, and the main route uses approximately 2 km of walking trails through Hwarang Forest. Public transportation routes for 2026, walking distances from nearby stations or terminals to the venue, shuttle services, and parking locations and fees have not been announced.

The 5th edition last year operated daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., but the daily operating hours and admission closing time for 2026 have not yet been confirmed. Since there is no basis for calculating this year’s last public transportation departures or return route, it is not possible to finalize a same-day return plan based only on the currently available information.

Meet Hwanii, Wonii, and the Twelve Zodiac Animals for 10,000 Won

The event centers on an outdoor walk-through along approximately 2 km of trails in Hwarang Forest. The 2026 supplementary programs are scheduled to include a photo zone, face painting, costume rental, and souvenir shop. General admission is 10,000 won, online booking is 8,000 won, group admission is 8,000 won, and discounted admission is 5,000 won. Discounted admission applies to Expo weekly pass holders and visitors to Gwangdae and The Show Silla.

The 4th edition in 2024 offered the paid Pumpkin Night craft activity and Pumpkin Funny makeup room for use while waiting for admission, but it has not been announced whether the same activities and prices will operate in 2026. Information about English guidance and interpretation, program schedules, individual activity fees, card and cash payments, restroom and information desk locations, and food sales in 2026 has also not been confirmed. The only sales space currently specified is the souvenir shop.

Rain Restrictions in 2026 and Conditions for the 2 km Route

Because the 2026 event is an outdoor walk-through, viewing may be restricted in rainy weather. Cancellation and refund policies and the operating arrangements for rainy days have not yet been announced, so normal operation should not be assumed solely based on the weather forecast.

The 2026 information states that the experience is available for all ages, while also specifying that elderly visitors, pregnant people, and those with heart disease cannot participate. The conditions may not suit travelers who have difficulty walking an approximately 2 km outdoor route or travelers who require English guidance. Before September 24, 2026, check the official notice for rainy-weather cancellation and refund policies and admission procedures before deciding whether to book.

• What is different between “Magic Kingdom” in 2025 and “The Twelve Zodiac Animals” in 2026? — The 2025 theme was Magic Kingdom, while the 2026 theme is Hwanii, Wonii, and the Twelve Zodiac Animals.
• How much walking is required at EX Pumpkin Night? — It is an outdoor walk-through using approximately 2 km of walking trails in Hwarang Forest.
• Can elderly people or pregnant visitors participate? — According to the 2026 information, elderly visitors, pregnant people, and those with heart disease cannot participate.
• Can I see the photo zone and walk-through if it rains? — Because it is an outdoor event, viewing may be restricted in rainy weather, and cancellation and refund policies have not yet been announced.