2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL on Nodeul Island: Lineup, Free Entry and Getting There
The 2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL takes place on October 24, 2026, on Nodeul Island in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, as a one-day celebration of music. Every program is free. Hands-on activities and live performances run from noon until 9 PM, ending with a main concert starring Paul Kim, Kwon Jin Ah, Rooftop Moonlight, Nerd Connection, Chudahye Chagis and the Kim Chang-wan Band.
What Is the 2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL?
The Seoul Metropolitan Government hosts the festival, which started in 2019. Nodeul Island was the venue from 2022 to 2024, and the festival returns there this year. The 2026 theme roughly means “good music stories told by Seoul” (서울이 들려주는 좋은 음악 이야기).
This year’s edition calls itself “Seoul-style music curation”: a program built to connect different kinds of music, different audiences and different generations. It was put together with the Korean Music Awards (한국대중음악상), so the stage features artists who have won or been nominated for those awards in recognition of their artistry. You’ll also see popular acts with a big following, newer musicians with fresh sounds, and veteran artists who have been loved across generations.
2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL Schedule and Hours
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 24, 2026 (one day only) |
| Venue | Nodeul Island (445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul / 서울특별시 용산구 양녕로 445) |
| Overall hours | 12:00–21:00 |
| Public activity programs | 12:00–18:00 |
| SMF Food Zone | 12:00–20:00 |
| Main concert | 17:00–21:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Host | Seoul Metropolitan Government |
| Inquiries | 070-4272-7330 |
| Official website | http://www.seoulmusicfestival.co.kr |
2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL Lineup
The main concert runs from 17:00 to 21:00, and GLL (글) plays the opening set before it.
| Slot | Artists |
|---|---|
| Opening act | GLL (글) |
| Main concert | Paul Kim (폴킴), Kwon Jin Ah (권진아), Rooftop Moonlight (옥상달빛), Nerd Connection (너드커넥션), Chudahye Chagis (추다혜차지스), Kim Chang-wan Band (김창완밴드) |
Things to Do at the 2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL
The main stage isn’t the only draw. Starting at noon, Nodeul Square hosts a series of public activities. You don’t need a concert reservation for these. Just show up during opening hours.
- Korean Music Awards record exhibition: a display of albums connected to the Korean Music Awards.
- SMF & Korean Music Awards listening zone: a space where you can put on headphones and listen.
- SMF karaoke (noraebang): sing a few songs right on the festival grounds.
- SMF photo booth & Haechi photo zone: places to take a festival souvenir photo.
- Busking & music talk shows: outdoor performances and conversations with musicians.
- SMF Food Zone: open 12:00–20:00.
The detailed busking and talk show schedule is posted as an image in the official notice Busking & Talk Show.
2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL Tickets and Reservations
Everything at the festival is free, but seats for the main concert were handed out first-come, first-served through advance reservations on September 30, and they were all gone within a minute. The Seoul Sarang Donghaengseok (서울사랑동행석), a block of seats set aside for families with multiple children, residents with fewer chances to enjoy cultural events, and foreign visitors, also filled early. A notice on October 6 said the selection was complete.
| Type | Cost | How to Join |
|---|---|---|
| Main concert seats | Free | Reserved in advance on September 30 (sold out) |
| Seoul Sarang Donghaengseok seats | Free | Selection complete (closed) |
| Standing on site | Free | Possible in some open areas, depending on conditions on the day |
| Public activity programs | Free | No reservation needed; join during opening hours |
| Online livestream | Free | Main concert streamed live on Live Seoul (라이브서울) |
Missed the reservation? Depending on conditions on the day, you may still be able to watch standing from some of the open areas. If you can’t make it to the island, the main concert is streamed live on Live Seoul.
How to Get to the 2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL on Nodeul Island
The parking lot on Nodeul Island is closed on festival day, so public transportation is the way to go. The closest stop is the “Nodeul Island” bus stop (노들섬, 03-340).
By Subway and Bus
| From | Route | Walking Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Nodeul Station, Line 9 | Leave through Exit 2 and walk toward Hangang Bridge (한강대교) | About 700m |
| Sinyongsan Station, Line 4 | Exit 3 → take a bus heading to Nodeul Island from the “Sinyongsan Station” stop (신용산역, 03-004) → get off at “Nodeul Island” (03-340) | About 100m to the stop |
| Yongsan Station, Line 1 | Exit 1 → take a bus heading to Nodeul Island from the “Sinyongsan Station” stop (신용산역, 03-004) → get off at “Nodeul Island” (03-340) | About 300m to the stop |
Buses That Stop at “Nodeul Island” (03-340)
| Type | Bus Numbers |
|---|---|
| Trunk (blue) buses | 150, 151, 152, 500, 501, 504, 506, 507, 605, 750A, 750B, 751, 752 |
| Branch (green) bus | 6211 |
Parking
The parking lot on Nodeul Island is closed on festival day. If you drive, you’ll need to use one of these nearby lots:
| Parking Lot | Location |
|---|---|
| Ichon 3 Parking Lot (이촌3 주차장) | 302-17 Ichon-dong |
| Ichon 4 Parking Lot (이촌4 주차장) | 376 Ichon-dong |
| Nodeulnaru Park Parking Lot (노들나루공원 주차장) | 258-1 Bon-dong |
Payment, Bags and Prohibited Items
Paying for Food
The food booths take cards and cash (bank transfers count as cash). Mobile payment options depend on the vendor, so bring a card or some cash just in case.
Bags and Entry Rules
There’s a quick bag check before you go in. Prohibited items are confiscated and not held for you, so plan as if there is no bag storage at all.
| Category | Rule |
|---|---|
| Prohibited items | Alcohol, glass bottles, cans, fireworks, narcotics, gas sprays, sharp objects, large flags |
| Outside food | Not allowed (only unopened bottled water of 500ml or less) |
| Items with wheels | Wheelchairs and strollers only |
| Pets | Not allowed (guide dogs only) |
| Photography | Phone photos are fine. Professional equipment, livestreaming and filming that disrupts the show are not allowed |
Tips for Visiting the 2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL
- No seat? Arrive early. Main concert seats are sold out, and standing room is only available in some open areas, depending on conditions on the day.
- Spend the afternoon at the activities. From 12:00 to 18:00, Nodeul Square offers the record exhibition, listening zone, karaoke, photo booths, busking and talk shows, with no reservation needed.
- Pack light. Prohibited items are confiscated and not stored for you. The only drink you can bring is unopened bottled water of 500ml or less.
- Leave the car at home. The Nodeul Island parking lot is closed on festival day. Walk over from Nodeul Station on Line 9, or take a bus that stops at “Nodeul Island.”
- Watch out for scam texts. The official website posted a warning (October 8) about phishing and smishing messages pretending to be from the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL free?
Yes, every program is free. Main concert seats were assigned through first-come, first-served advance reservations on September 30, and anyone can join the public activity programs without a reservation.
I didn’t get a reservation. Can I still watch the concert on site?
Yes, you may be able to watch standing, depending on conditions on the day. People without a reservation can stand in some open areas. If you can’t get there in person, the main concert is streamed live on Live Seoul.
Who is performing at the 2026 SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL?
The lineup is Paul Kim, Kwon Jin Ah, Rooftop Moonlight, Nerd Connection, Chudahye Chagis and the Kim Chang-wan Band. GLL plays the opening set, and the main concert runs from 17:00 to 21:00.
How do I get to Nodeul Island?
The easiest way is to walk about 700m toward Hangang Bridge from Exit 2 of Nodeul Station on Line 9. From Sinyongsan Station on Line 4 (Exit 3) or Yongsan Station on Line 1 (Exit 1), take a bus heading to Nodeul Island from the “Sinyongsan Station” stop (03-004) and get off at “Nodeul Island” (03-340).
Can I park on Nodeul Island?
No, the parking lot on Nodeul Island is closed on festival day. Use a nearby lot such as Ichon 3 Parking Lot, Ichon 4 Parking Lot or Nodeulnaru Park Parking Lot, or take public transportation.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No, outside food is not allowed. You can only bring unopened bottled water of 500ml or less, and alcohol, glass bottles and cans are also prohibited.
Can I pay by card?
Yes, the food booths accept cards and cash (including bank transfers). Mobile payment options vary by vendor.
Is there anywhere to store my bags?
Assume there is no bag storage. Prohibited items taken at the bag check before entry are not held for you either, so it’s best to pack light.
Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not allowed. Only guide dogs may enter. The only items with wheels allowed are wheelchairs and strollers.
