Watch a live TV recording at a free apple festival in Korea? 🍎 The 2026 Cheongsong Apple Festival runs November 4–8 at the Yongjeoncheon Hyeonbiam riverside grounds in Cheongsong — Park Seo-jin, Ahn Sung-hoon, and Park Gun perform at the Hello Concert Good Day TV recording on November 5, with fireworks, the Golden Apple King contest, and Apple Nanta rounding out a 5-day lineup. Full guide below. 🎤
※ Check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The Cheongsong Apple Festival is a government-designated Cultural Tourism Festival — a title awarded to events that demonstrate consistent quality and growing visitor numbers. 🏆 This year the Hello Concert Good Day TV recording brings a nationally broadcast stage to Cheongsong’s riverside, giving visitors the rare experience of watching a live taping up close and for free.
The Cheongsong Apple Festival (청송사과축제, Cheong-song Sa-gwa Chuk-je) is held in Cheongsong-eup, Cheongsong County, North Gyeongbuk — one of Korea’s premier apple-producing regions. Based on official announcements as of October 2026, the 20th edition runs Wednesday, November 4 to Sunday, November 8 — 5 days — with free general admission (some paid activities).
📊 Cheongsong Apple Festival 2026 at a Glance
20th Edition · Cultural Tourism Festival · 5 days · Free Admission
November 4 (Wed) – November 8 (Sun), 2026, at Yongjeoncheon Hyeonbiam Area, Cheongsong-eup, Gyeongbuk. The Hello Concert Good Day TV recording on November 5 (Thu, 6:00–8:30 PM) is the headline event — performers include Park Seo-jin, Ahn Sung-hoon, Park Gun, Jaeha, Hwang In-a, and Classé.
Dates: Wednesday, November 4 – Sunday, November 8, 2026 (5 days)
Venue: Yongjeoncheon Hyeonbiam Area, Cheongsong-eup, Cheongsong County, Gyeongbuk
Admission: Free (some activities are paid)
Hello Concert: November 5 (Thu), 6:00–8:30 PM / MC: Choi Su-ho, Jeon Yu-jin
Parking information and exact festival maps are available on the official site (csapplefestival.kr — Korean). Note that early November evenings in Cheongsong are cold — bring a jacket.
Cheongsong Apple Festival Key Info
Wednesday, November 4 – Sunday, November 8, 2026
A government-designated Cultural Tourism Festival with growing annual attendance. Programs include the Hello Concert Good Day TV recording (Nov 5), additional performances by Byun Jin-sub, Kim Beom-ryong, and Kim Da-hyun on other days, the Golden Apple King (황금사과왕) contest, Apple Nanta (사과난타) experience, Apple Flower Garland national competition, Cheongsong White Porcelain experience, and fireworks.
1. Cheongsong Apple Festival 2026 Performer Lineup: 3 Things to Know
Hello Concert Good Day TV Recording — Park Seo-jin, Ahn Sung-hoon, Park Gun, Jaeha, Hwang In-a, Classé
Thursday, November 5, 6:00–8:30 PM is the headline event: a live TV recording of Hello Concert Good Day (헬로콘서트 좋은날), a popular Korean music broadcast. MC duties are handled by Choi Su-ho (최수호) and Jeon Yu-jin (전유진). The six performers — Park Seo-jin (박서진), Ahn Sung-hoon (안성훈), Park Gun (박군), Jaeha (재하), Hwang In-a (황인아), and Classé (클라씨) — cover a range of trot and ballad sub-genres. Watching a TV recording in person is a distinct experience: you see the cameras, the cue cards, and the behind-the-scenes logistics that don’t make it to broadcast. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving by 4:00–4:30 PM is recommended to secure a good position near the stage.
Additional Performers — Byun Jin-sub, Kim Beom-ryong, Kim Da-hyun
Beyond the Hello Concert, performers including Byun Jin-sub (변진섭), a veteran ballad singer known for his soft vocal style, Kim Beom-ryong (김범룡), and Kim Da-hyun (김다현) are scheduled across the five days. Exact dates and times for these performances were not confirmed in the official announcements reviewed — check csapplefestival.kr (Korean, browser-translated) for the full daily schedule before visiting.
What “Cultural Tourism Festival” Means for Visitors
The Cultural Tourism Festival (문화관광축제) designation is awarded annually by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to events with strong programming quality and consistent growth in visitor attendance. It signals that the Cheongsong Apple Festival meets a defined standard for infrastructure, program diversity, and accessibility. According to the organizers, visitor numbers have grown each year — this is the 20th edition.
💡 Agoda lists guesthouses near Juwangsan National Park in Cheongsong — the park is 15–20 minutes from the festival site by car. Combining the two in a 1–2 night stay is a popular choice among Korean visitors in autumn.
2. Dates, Venue & How to Get to Cheongsong
Venue — Yongjeoncheon Hyeonbiam Area
The festival is held along the Yongjeoncheon (용전천) stream at Hyeonbiam (현비암) in Cheongsong-eup, Cheongsong County. “Hyeonbiam” refers to a scenic riverside cliff formation that provides a natural backdrop for the festival stage. The site is flat and open, with the stream running alongside the performance and activity areas. Parking is available at multiple lots near the festival site — consult csapplefestival.kr (Korean) for the specific parking map before traveling, as lot locations may change year to year.
Getting There from Seoul and Incheon Airport
By express bus: Buses from Seoul’s Dong Seoul Bus Terminal run to Cheongsong. Travel time is approximately 3–3.5 hours. From Cheongsong Terminal, the festival site is accessible by local taxi (approx. 5–10 minutes).
By car: From Seoul, take the Gyeongbu Expressway to Cheongsong via Andong. Total drive time is approximately 3 hours. The Juwangsan National Park exit is a useful landmark — the festival site is in Cheongsong-eup, before the national park entrance.
From Incheon International Airport: Take the AREX to Seoul Station, then transfer to an intercity bus or KTX toward Gyeongbuk. The most convenient rail option is KTX to Andong Station (approx. 2 hours from Seoul), then intercity bus or taxi to Cheongsong (approx. 50–60 minutes). Total travel time is 3.5–4 hours from the airport.
Early November mornings in Cheongsong are notably cold — bring warm layers, particularly for the November 5 evening recording which runs until 8:30 PM outdoors.
3. Tickets & Booking: 4 Steps for Foreign Visitors
Step 1 — General Admission is Free
The Cheongsong Apple Festival has free general admission throughout all 5 days. No tickets, registration, or advance booking are required for entry. Some paid activities — Apple Nanta, Cheongsong White Porcelain experience, and select hands-on programs — may have separate fees. Confirm specifics on csapplefestival.kr (Korean, browser-translated).
Step 2 — Arrive Early for the Hello Concert Recording
The Hello Concert TV recording on November 5 begins at 6:00 PM and runs until 8:30 PM. Viewing is free but on a first-come, first-served basis — no reserved seating is offered. Arriving by 4:00–4:30 PM gives you a comfortable position near the main stage. The recording format means some segments may be paused and re-shot; bring patience and layers.
Step 3 — Participate in the Golden Apple King Contest
The Golden Apple King (황금사과왕 선발대회, hwang-geum-sa-gwa-wang) competition is one of the festival’s signature events, in which participants enter their best Cheongsong apples for judging based on size, color, and taste. Participation eligibility and registration details are available through the official site. For visitors, watching the judging process is publicly accessible and gives a sense of the seriousness with which Cheongsong treats its apple industry.
Step 4 — Foreign Visitor Notes on Language and Payment
On-site English support may be limited. Bring a translation app for navigating signage and menus. Major international credit cards are accepted at most vendor booths, but smaller stalls and auction-style events may prefer Korean Won in cash. The nearest convenience stores and ATMs are in Cheongsong-eup town center.
4. Where to Eat & Stay Near Cheongsong
Local Specialties
Cheongsong is famous for two local culinary experiences beyond apples. Dalgi Yaksu Dak-baeksuk (달기약수 닭백숙) is a whole chicken simmered in mineral spring water drawn from the Dalgi Springs — a dish with a distinctly clean flavor attributed to the iron-rich natural water. Cheongsong-hanwoo (청송한우) refers to locally raised Korean beef; several restaurants near the festival grounds and in Cheongsong-eup specialize in it at prices more accessible than Seoul. Apple-related food products — juice, vinegar, and jam — are widely available at festival booths.
Accommodation Options
Agoda and Booking.com list guesthouses and pensions near Juwangsan National Park (Juwangsan, 주왕산 — a scenic mountain with dramatic rock formations about 15–20 minutes from the festival by car). Nightly rates for guesthouses in the area start around KRW 60,000–80,000 (approx. USD 45–60). November 4–8 falls after the main autumn foliage peak, so availability is generally better than October — but booking at least 2 weeks ahead is still advisable, particularly around the November 5 Hello Concert date.
Cheongsong as Part of a Gyeongbuk Apple Route
Combining the Mungyeong Apple Festival (October 17 – November 1) with the Cheongsong Apple Festival (November 4–8) creates a natural Gyeongbuk autumn apple trail. The two sites are approximately 90 minutes apart by car. A 3–4 night itinerary covering both festivals, the Mungyeongsaejae trail, and Juwangsan National Park is feasible for travelers with some flexibility. Trip.com covers intercity transport and accommodation for both areas.
Cheongsong Apple Festival vs. Mungyeong Apple Festival at a Glance
| Category | Cheongsong Apple Festival | Mungyeong Apple Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Nov 4–8 (5 days) | Oct 17 – Nov 1 (16 days) |
| Venue | Yongjeoncheon Hyeonbiam, Cheongsong-eup | Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park |
| Edition | 20th | 21st |
| Headline Program | Hello Concert Good Day TV recording (Nov 5) | Opening concert: Park Ji-hyun, Gyeongseo |
| Signature Activity | Golden Apple King contest, Apple Nanta | Apple picking (pre-book), apple auction |
| Cultural Tourism Festival | Designated | Not confirmed |
| Admission | Free | Free |
6. 5 Tips for Foreign Visitors to the Cheongsong Apple Festival 2026
Dress for 5°C (41°F) or Colder After Dark
Cheongsong is an inland mountain county. Early November evenings drop quickly — the November 5 Hello Concert runs outdoors until 8:30 PM. Layer up with thermal underlayers, a mid-fleece, and a windproof outer jacket. Hand warmers and a small folding chair (for the wait from 4:00 PM) make the experience considerably more comfortable.
Arrive by 4:00 PM for the Hello Concert Recording
Viewing the Hello Concert Good Day TV recording is free, but spots fill on a first-come basis. Arriving around 4:00–4:30 PM — about 90 minutes before the 6:00 PM start — puts you comfortably within the main audience area. TV recordings occasionally run over schedule or pause for re-shoots, so plan for a flexible end time.
Watch the Golden Apple King Contest
The Golden Apple King (황금사과왕 선발대회) is a public judging competition for Cheongsong apples. Even if you don’t enter, watching the judging gives insight into the apple grading standards that make Cheongsong apples — marketed as a “masterpiece crafted by nature” — command premium prices in Korean markets.
Cash for Smaller Vendors
Major international cards are accepted at the main booths, but some smaller food stalls and experience programs may be cash-only. KRW 30,000–50,000 (approx. USD 22–37) in cash covers most on-site purchases comfortably.
Combine With Juwangsan National Park
Juwangsan (주왕산) — a national park known for its basalt columns and stream gorge — is 15–20 minutes by car from the festival site. A morning at Juwangsan followed by an afternoon at the festival, and then the evening Hello Concert recording, makes an exceptionally full day in Cheongsong. The park trail from the main entrance to Jubong Peak takes 3–4 hours round trip.
💡 Trip.com provides intercity bus and KTX options from Seoul to Andong, from which you can connect to Cheongsong. Comparing journey times and prices in advance makes the logistics considerably smoother.
November 4–8 in Cheongsong is after the main Gyeongbuk foliage peak, which means accommodation availability is generally better than October. That said, the November 5 Hello Concert draws its own crowd — book any guesthouse or pension near Juwangsan at least 2 weeks ahead. If you’re already in Gyeongbuk for the Mungyeong Apple Festival, the Cheongsong leg is a natural extension starting just 3 days after Mungyeong closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. The Cultural Tourism Festival designation is awarded by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to events with high programming quality and growing visitor numbers. The Cheongsong Apple Festival earned this status for its distinctive programs — including the Golden Apple King contest, Apple Nanta, and Cheongsong White Porcelain experience — and its consistent annual growth.
A. The Hello Concert Good Day recording takes place November 5, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Cheongsong Apple Festival main stage. It is free to watch, first-come first-served. Arrive by 4:00–4:30 PM to secure a good spot near the stage. Dress warmly — evenings in Cheongsong in November are cold.
A. Most experience programs — Apple Nanta, Cheongsong White Porcelain, Apple Flower Garland competition — are operated at the festival site. Some may be walk-in; others may require registration. Check csapplefestival.kr (Korean, browser-translated) for the specific registration method for each program before visiting.
A. If watching the Hello Concert recording is a priority, Thursday November 5 is the day to be there — arrive by 4:00 PM. If you prefer fireworks and weekend energy, November 7–8 is ideal. Cold weather is a factor throughout; dress in warm layers regardless of which day you choose.
More to Explore
If you love local produce festivals in Korea, also check out the Mungyeong Apple Festival — it runs October 17 to November 1, just days before Cheongsong opens, and the two sites are about 90 minutes apart by car.
Heading to Cheongsong by express bus? Check the timetable in advance — note that this page is in Korean, so your browser’s translate feature will help.
Sources: Cheongsong Apple Festival official site (csapplefestival.kr), VisitKorea English page, Cheongsong County official announcements (as of October 2026)
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