Mokpo Port Festival

Meet the Pasi at Mokpo Port and Samhakdo in 1897

The Mokpo Port Festival was an event that brought the traditional floating fish market known as Pasi, which once took place on the sea, into a modern festival setting based on the maritime culture of Mokpo Port, which opened in 1897. The current schedule page lists the festival as taking place from October 16 to 18, 2026, in the Mokpo Port and Samhakdo areas, with operating hours from 13:00 to 22:00. However, the detailed programs are still being updated based on the 2025 content, so it is best to keep this in mind when making travel plans. Event schedule information

In 2025, six actual fishing boats were moored at pontoons and barges, presenting a floating fish market Pasi led by auctioneers and professional MCs. Direct seafood sales, traditional auctions, and madang theater performances continued in one place, creating a stronger sense of observing the movement of the port up close than simply shopping for seafood at a market. The 2025 program also included a Pasi maritime parade, Pasi Market, Pasi Auction, Goblin Market, a Citizens' Rowing Competition, a Fish-Lamp Tunnel, a sailing ship boarding experience, the Nanyeong Song Festival, a Sea Concert, and a Port Disco Party. Mokpo cultural tourism festival information

Foreign Visitor Routes: Mokpo Station, Namhang Parking Lot, and the 6.5 m Ryan

Since Mokpo has no subway line, looking for the nearest subway station or exit was not applicable, and it was more practical to use Mokpo Station as the starting point. In 2025, a free shuttle operated from September 26 to 28, between 11:00 and 22:00, connecting Namhang Parking Lot, the festival entrance, Mokpo Station and the Yudalsan Post Office with the area across from Ocean Hotel, as well as Peace Square and the event entrance. After 22:00, it was operated flexibly. 2025 shuttle bus information

All food booths in 2025 were equipped with POS payment terminals, making them convenient for travelers accustomed to card payments. Although the 2026 schedule page listed admission as free, it would be wise to budget separately for auctioned seafood, grilled seafood, and consumption programs such as the Pasi Kitchen. In 2025, there was also a ONE BITE IN MOKPO tasting event featuring three local chefs, along with Pasi Market's grilled seafood and Romantic Meal programs. Admission fee listing and festival information

English signs and interpretation services did not appear as separate items in the detailed 2026 information. Instead, the 2025 program focused on maritime auctions, madang theater, rowing, and fishing participation programs that were easy to understand through pictures and gestures alone, making it possible to enjoy the atmosphere of the Pasi even without much Korean. I recommend bringing a light outer layer to block the sea breeze and comfortable shoes for extended walking. In 2025, the Dangol Bus connecting Mokpo Station with Dongbu Market, Cheongho Market, Jayu Market, and the old downtown shopping district also extended its service to the festival grounds. Kakao Project Dangol information

Six Fishing Boats and a 22:00 Shuttle: What to Know Before Visiting the Pasi

The 2025 floating fish market Pasi used six fishing boats on barges and pontoons, so it was different from sitting comfortably in a venue with fixed seats. It would be best to check again when the detailed 2026 information is released for the start times of the auctions and madang theater, the registration process for the sailing ship boarding experience, and the participation requirements for the Citizens' Rowing Competition. However, remembering that maritime auctions and direct seafood sales were held together at the 2025 event will make it easier to plan your route.

In the evening, the 2025 Media Art Sea Road, LED Media Lighthouse, Wish Candlelight, and Ocean Moonlight Cinema were operated, so your nighttime stay could be longer than your daytime visit. In 2025, a baby rest area, nursing room, smoking booth, and rest area were provided, along with management using safety drones and CCTV. However, it was safer to leave wheelchair routes, English information, and the exact locations of restrooms as items to confirm in the 2026 information. Report on 2025 amenities and safety operations

During the 2025 festival, a 6.5 m-tall Ryan and Choonsik advertising balloon photo zone was installed, and a limited-edition gift event offered merchandise to the first 500 SNS participants. Lines may form when these booths overlap with nighttime performances, so it was less stressful to watch the Pasi auction first and schedule dining and a nighttime walk afterward.

October 16–18 Mokpo Port Festival for Travelers Who Love the Sea

The Mokpo Port Festival, taking place from October 16 to 18, 2026, should suit travelers who want to experience port labor and trading memories, boat auctions, and nighttime lights all at once rather than simply planning a seafood meal. It could make for a rewarding day, especially for friends who want to see market culture and performances together, and for travelers who want to explore the old downtown commercial district using Mokpo Station as their base.

For me, the appeal of the Mokpo Port Festival was that the boats, market, songs, and lights did not feel separate from one another. During the day, following the auctioneer's voice while watching the Pasi, then slowly walking along the Fish-Lamp Tunnel and port lights after sunset, made the character of the city of Mokpo feel especially vivid.