Pyeonghwa Ondam 2026 in Gyeongju: Schedule, Programs and Admission at the Cheomseongdae Lawn
Pyeonghwa Ondam (평화온:담) comes to Gyeongju on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The Ministry of Unification’s peace and unification culture festival runs from 11:00 to 17:00 on the lawn beside Cheomseongdae, and admission is free. The Gyeongju edition is officially called Gyeongju-e Pyeonghwa Ondam (경주에 평화온:담). Hands-on crafts, live performances and on-site events fill the day, so families can easily make an afternoon of it.
What Is Pyeonghwa Ondam in Gyeongju?
Pyeonghwa Ondam is a series of everyday culture events from the Ministry of Unification, designed to get people thinking and talking about peace. The name carries several meanings, one of them being “to carry the warmth of peace and pass it on.”
Two editions have already taken place in 2026. Dongtan-e Pyeonghwa Ondam (동탄에 평화온:담) was held on Saturday, May 30 at Undabwon (운답원) in Hwaseong’s Dongtan Lake Park. Then, on July 24, Uri Hoesa-e Pyeonghwa Ondam (우리 회사에 평화온:담) took place at the Yuyeong Pharmaceutical (유영제약) factory in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do.
The autumn edition heads to Gyeongju, a city known for its history, culture and arts, and is meant to bring together local residents, artists and tourists. On the lawn beside Cheomseongdae, visitors can try activities tied to Gyeongju’s history and culture. They can also spend time talking with family and neighbors about what peace and unification mean to them.
The festival’s mascot is Kkukku (꾸꾸), a fictional bird that lives in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Many of the activities and events at the Gyeongju edition are named after Kkukku.
Pyeonghwa Ondam 2026 Gyeongju: Date and Venue
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Gyeongju-e Pyeonghwa Ondam |
| Date | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| Hours | 11:00–17:00 |
| Venue | Lawn beside Cheomseongdae |
| Address | 104-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Admission | Free |
| Organizer | Ministry of Unification |
| Inquiries | 02-6958-7225 |
Pyeonghwa Ondam only runs for one day, so check the date before you plan your trip.
Pyeonghwa Ondam Gyeongju Activities and Performances
Hands-on Activities
- Kkukku’s Peace Team (꾸꾸의 평화선수단)
- Kkukku’s Peace Travel Gate (꾸꾸의 평화여행 게이트)
- Kkukku’s Peace Escape Room (꾸꾸의 평화 방탈출)
- Peace Hwarang Training Camp (평화 화랑 훈련소). The hwarang were the elite youth corps of the ancient Silla kingdom.
- Kkukku’s Thousand-Year Smile of Peace (꾸꾸의 천년의 평화미소), plus others
Performances
| Performer | Genre |
|---|---|
| Seorabeol Nongakdan (서라벌농악단) | Samul nori (traditional Korean percussion) |
| Urban Picnic (어반피크닉) | Vocals |
| Yeoreumbamjandi (여름밤잔디) | Acoustic |
| Yeongcheon Opera Company (영천오페라단) | Opera |
| Magic Theater Company Dachae (마술극단 다채) | Magic and theater |
| Cheongcheong (청청) | Gugak (traditional Korean music) and percussion |
On-site Events
- Peace-Bursting Emille Bell (평화 터지는 에밀레종)
- Cheomseongdae Stopwatch Challenge (첨성대 스톱워치 챌린지)
- Pyeonghwa Ondam Kkukku Four-Cut Photos (평화온:담 꾸꾸네컷)
- Kkukku’s Peace Egg Draw (꾸꾸의 평화알 뽑기), plus others
The performance timetable and how to join each program haven’t been published. If there’s a show you don’t want to miss, contact the organizers ahead of time.
Pyeonghwa Ondam Gyeongju Admission
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
Published information doesn’t say whether you need to register in advance or whether any activity costs extra. For questions, call 02-6958-7225.
Getting to the Lawn Beside Cheomseongdae
The festival takes place on the lawn right next to Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju. The address is 104-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Official sources don’t give routes, travel times or fares from Seoul, Busan or the airport. Before you set off, search for “첨성대” (Cheomseongdae) or the address above in a map app to plan your route.
Pyeonghwa Ondam Gyeongju Visitor Tips
- Confirm the event details before you go. As of October 24, 2026, the festival website (https://peaceon.oopy.io/) can’t be reached. Ministry of Unification press releases up to that date don’t mention the Gyeongju event either. Before visiting, call the event line (02-6958-7225) or the Ministry of Unification’s main number (1577-1365) to make sure the schedule hasn’t changed.
- Leave yourself plenty of time. The festival runs for one day only, from 11:00 to 17:00. You’ll need a few hours to fit in activities, performances and events.
- Dress for an outdoor event. The venue is an open lawn, so bring clothes suited to early November weather outdoors.
- Pair it with a visit to Cheomseongdae. The venue sits right next to Cheomseongdae, so the festival fits easily into a day exploring Gyeongju’s historic sites.
- With kids, start with the hands-on activities. The escape room, the Hwarang training camp and the four-cut photo booth are easy for children to join.
Published information doesn’t cover payment methods, luggage storage or English-language guidance. International visitors may want a translation app ready to make sense of on-site signs and announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Pyeonghwa Ondam in Gyeongju?
It runs on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00 to 17:00, on the lawn beside Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju. The address is 104-1 Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Is there an admission fee for Pyeonghwa Ondam in Gyeongju?
No, admission is free. Published information doesn’t say whether individual activities cost extra, so call 02-6958-7225 to check.
Do I need to register in advance for Pyeonghwa Ondam?
It isn’t clear yet. Published information doesn’t say whether advance registration is required, so the safest option is to call 02-6958-7225 before your visit.
What activities and performances can I enjoy at Pyeonghwa Ondam in Gyeongju?
The program includes hands-on crafts, live performances and on-site events. Activities include Kkukku’s Peace Escape Room and the Peace Hwarang Training Camp. Performances include samul nori by Seorabeol Nongakdan and opera by the Yeongcheon Opera Company. Among the events are the Cheomseongdae Stopwatch Challenge and Pyeonghwa Ondam Kkukku Four-Cut Photos.
Who is Kkukku?
Kkukku is the Pyeonghwa Ondam mascot, a fictional bird that lives in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Many of the activities and events at the Gyeongju edition carry Kkukku’s name.
How do I get to the lawn beside Cheomseongdae?
Official sources don’t list transport routes, so check a map app before you leave. Search for “첨성대” (Cheomseongdae) or “경상북도 경주시 황남동 104-1” (the venue address).
Can I use a credit card at the venue, or do I need cash?
Payment methods haven’t been announced. Admission is free, but bring both a card and a little cash in case you want to buy anything on site.
What kind of event series is Pyeonghwa Ondam?
Pyeonghwa Ondam is the Ministry of Unification’s series of everyday culture events about peace. In 2026 it was held at Dongtan Lake Park in Hwaseong in May and at the Yuyeong Pharmaceutical factory in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do in July. The autumn edition is in Gyeongju.
Who should I contact with questions about the event?
Call the event line at 02-6958-7225. The Ministry of Unification’s main number is 1577-1365.
