Jarasum Jazz Festival 2026: A Perfect Autumn Trip from Seoul
If you are looking for an unusual reason to visit South Korea this autumn, the Jarasum Jazz Festival 2026 could be just the ticket.
Held on the scenic island of Jarasum in Gapyeong, about an hour or so from Seoul, this internationally recognised music festival combines live jazz with beautiful autumn scenery, outdoor performances and the relaxed atmosphere of a Korean countryside getaway.
The 23rd Jarasum Jazz Festival will take place from 9 to 11 October 2026. The official festival programme is already underway, with artists and performances being announced ahead of the event.
For travellers, the appeal goes beyond the music. A trip to Jarasum can be combined with a visit to Seoul, the surrounding Gapyeong countryside and some of Korea’s most attractive autumn destinations.
When Is Jarasum Jazz Festival 2026?
The 23rd Jarasum Jazz Festival takes place:
- Dates: 9–11 October 2026
- Location: Jarasum Island, Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
- Nearest town: Gapyeong
- Nearest major city: Seoul
- Festival: 23rd edition
- Season: Autumn
The official festival website confirms the dates as 9–11 October 2026 and is currently publishing information about the 2026 programme and artists.
October is an especially attractive time to visit this part of South Korea, when cooler temperatures and autumn colours make the surrounding countryside particularly appealing.
What Is Jarasum Jazz Festival?
Jarasum Jazz Festival is one of South Korea’s best-known international jazz festivals.
The festival takes place on Jarasum, an island in the Bukhan River near the town of Gapyeong. It has developed into an important event on Korea’s music calendar, attracting Korean and international musicians as well as visitors from overseas.
Unlike a conventional indoor jazz concert, much of the appeal comes from experiencing music outdoors in a natural setting.
The result is a combination of jazz, Korean autumn scenery and a relaxed festival atmosphere.
The festival has been running since 2004, and its archive demonstrates the international character of previous editions, with musicians from numerous countries appearing over the years.
Jarasum Jazz Festival 2026 Lineup
The 2026 lineup is being released in stages.
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One of the artists already announced for the first day, 9 October, is Japanese-American trumpeter Takuya Kuroda. The initial announcement also includes Alto for Two, WAKAN, Bando and NAMD.
The broader 2026 programme includes artists such as Alfredo Rodríguez, Big Vic, Jambinai, Takuya Kuroda and Ska Jazz Unit, alongside Korean performers. Current listings indicate that additional artists and programme details are being announced as the festival approaches.
Because festival programmes can change, travellers should check the official lineup shortly before travelling.
Why Visit Jarasum in October?
One of the biggest reasons to visit the festival is the timing.
October is one of the most popular months for travelling around South Korea. Summer heat and humidity have eased, while autumn foliage begins transforming the country’s mountains, forests and countryside.
Jarasum provides a particularly attractive setting for an autumn music festival.
Instead of spending a weekend inside a concert hall, visitors can listen to live music while enjoying the island environment and surrounding countryside.
For photographers and travel bloggers, the combination of autumn Korea + outdoor jazz + riverside scenery also makes Jarasum an unusually photogenic festival.
Popular places in the wider Gapyeong area include:
- Nami Island
- Garden of Morning Calm
- Petite France
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Gapyeong: A Destination for K-Drama Fans
There is another reason to add a few extra days to your Jarasum Jazz Festival trip: Gapyeong is also a popular destination for K-drama fans. Several attractions in and around the area have appeared in Korean television dramas and have become tourist attractions in their own right. Nami Island, one of the region’s best-known destinations, became internationally famous as a filming location for Winter Sonata, helping turn the area into an important destination for Hallyu and K-drama tourism.
Nearby Petite France, a colourful French-themed village overlooking Cheongpyeong Lake, has also appeared in dramas including My Love from the Star and Secret Garden. Meanwhile, The Garden of Morning Calm has provided a backdrop for several Korean dramas, including Love in the Moonlight, The Red Sleeve and Alchemy of Souls. For fans of Korean television, this makes a trip to Jarasum more than a weekend of jazz — it can also become a K-drama-inspired tour of some of Korea’s most recognisable filming locations.
Klook Exclusive: Gangneung Day Tour | K-pop & K-drama Filming Locations (From Seoul)
How to Get to Jarasum Jazz Festival
Getting to the festival from Seoul is relatively straightforward.
The festival’s official visitor information says that Gapyeong Station is about a 20-minute walk from the festival ticket booth, while Gapyeong Bus Terminal is around 10 minutes away on foot.
This makes public transportation a practical option for visitors staying in Seoul.
The festival also warns that roads in Gapyeong can become congested during the event and recommends using public transportation and walking where possible.
You can travel from Seoul to Gapyeong by train, after then take by a short walk from the station or take a local transfer to the festival area.
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Where to Stay
Since the festival is on Jarasum, the proximity to the island from Gapyeong Station/bus terminal is particularly of concern if you are staying or coming from Gapyeong. Following hotel listings show several options within distance of 0.5–2.3 km of the festival area.
1. Hotel Jara — Best overall for the festival
It is only about 0.4 km from the Jarasum International Jazz Festival location and around 0.7 km from Jarasum Island. It is also close to Gapyeong Bus Terminal, making it practical for visitors using public transportation.
2. Jarasum Guest House, Jazz Cafe — Best budget/music option
This property itself has a jazz/café connection. It is about 0.5 km from the festival site, making it an unusually convenient choice for people attending the event.
3. Egg House Namisum (Nami Island) Guesthouse> — Budget option
This is another inexpensive choice near Gapyeong. It is approximately 0.8 km from Jarasum Island and close to the bus terminal, which is useful for visitors planning to explore Nami Island as well as attend the festival.
4. W Jiwoo Resort — Riverside resort
A better choice if the visitor wants the resort experience rather than simply being close to the festival. It is around 2.1–2.3 km from Jarasum, on Bukhangangbyeon-ro, and has river/countryside appeal.
5. Gapyeong Laputa Resort — Good mid-range alternative
This is another riverside option on Bukhangangbyeon-ro, currently listed at about US$69 in the business results, although prices will obviously vary substantially by October dates.
Plan an Autumn Trip to Korea Around Jarasum
The Jarasum Jazz Festival 2026 offers a compelling reason to explore beyond Seoul.
With three days of international and Korean jazz, a beautiful riverside setting and the autumn scenery of Gapyeong, it could be one of the most enjoyable music-and-travel experiences in South Korea this year.
If you are already planning a Korean autumn holiday, consider adding 9–11 October 2026 to your itinerary and combining Jarasum with Seoul and the surrounding Gapyeong attractions.
The festival’s official programme is being updated ahead of the event, so check the latest lineup and ticket information before booking your trip.
