Sold out in 1 minute flat — but you can still be there! ✈️ The 2026 Han River Paper Airplane Festival takes over Yeouido Hangang Park on Saturday, October 10 — 700 competitors, two thrilling divisions, and on-site experiences open to everyone for FREE. Full spectator guide below. 🎉
※ Check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Pre-registration closed in under 60 seconds, but free spectating, on-site experiences, and impromptu competitions are open to every visitor on the day. 🎉 Watch 700 participants across four age divisions compete for the Seoul Mayor’s Award — all against the backdrop of a gorgeous autumn Han River afternoon.
The Han River Paper Airplane Festival is an annual event organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Hangang Headquarters (미래한강본부, Mirae Hangang Bonbu). Now in its 16th year, it draws thousands of spectators to Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) each autumn for paper airplane distance and flight-duration competitions. Registration for the 2026 edition — held on Saturday, October 10 — filled all 700 competitor spots within minutes of opening on September 19. However, free on-site watching and spontaneous participation events are available to every visitor who shows up on the day. Based on official announcements as of October 10, 2026.
The official website is in Korean only. Your browser’s translate feature (e.g., Chrome → Translate) works well for checking dates and event details.
📊 2026 Han River Paper Airplane Festival at a Glance
Seoul’s beloved family autumn event — free to watch, free to experience
Competition registration is closed, but on-site watching, spontaneous experiences, and impromptu events are open to everyone on the day at no cost.
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Venue: Nokmyeonsu Plaza, Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul
Admission: FREE (competition & spectating both free)
Getting There: Seoul Subway Line 5 → Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역), Exit 1 → 5-min walk
Competitors: 700 (Distance Flying) + 200 (Duration Flying) — registration closed
On-site events and experiences on the day are open to all — no registration needed!
Han River Paper Airplane Festival Key Info
Saturday, October 10, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Yeouido Hangang Park’s Nokmyeonsu Plaza hosts Seoul’s most competitive paper airplane event. Competition sign-ups are closed, but spectating, on-site hands-on experiences, and impromptu events are completely free for all visitors. A perfect autumn family day out!
1. Han River Paper Airplane Festival: 3 Things to Know
Seoul’s Premier Family Autumn Event — Now in Its 16th Year
The Han River Paper Airplane Festival (한강 종이비행기 축제) is organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Hangang Headquarters and has been a fixture on Seoul’s autumn calendar since 2009. The concept is beautifully simple: fold a single sheet of paper into an airplane and compete — no specialist materials, no cost. The 2026 edition runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 10, which falls on Hangul Day (한글날), South Korea’s national holiday celebrating the creation of the Korean alphabet. This means the Han River will be exceptionally lively, with families, couples, and tourists all converging on Yeouido for the holiday. Competition sign-ups for 700 spots in the Distance Flying division and 200 spots in the Duration Flying division closed within minutes of opening on September 19 — but free spectating and on-site experiences are open to all on the day.
Competition Format & Divisions
The 2026 festival features two competition categories. The Distance Flying division (멀리날리기) accepts 700 participants split across Kindergarten (100 spots), Elementary Lower Grades (200 spots), Elementary Upper Grades (140 spots), and Middle/High School & Adult (60 spots). The Duration Flying division (오래날리기) accepts 200 participants: Elementary Lower Grades (100 spots), Elementary Upper Grades (70 spots), and Middle/High School & Adult (30 spots). Both divisions use international competition judging criteria, and folding method is unrestricted — any design is permitted. A total of 49 winners will receive trophies and medals, with Grand Prize winners receiving the Seoul Mayor’s Award.
Free for Spectators — What Non-Competitors Can Do
Didn’t get a competition spot? The festival grounds are fully open and free for spectators all day. On-site experience zones, photo spots, and impromptu event competitions (where walk-in visitors can also win prizes) will be available throughout the day — details are revealed on the day itself. Keep an eye on the information booth when you arrive.
💡 Klook offers Seoul Han River area tours and experiences — book in advance for the best autumn day out!
2. Dates, Venue & How to Get There
Distance Flying & Duration Flying Division Schedule
The Distance Flying division (700 participants) opens with preliminary rounds in each age division, progressing to finals. The Duration Flying division (200 participants) follows the same preliminary-to-final structure. Division-by-division start times will be confirmed via on-site PA announcements on the day. Arrive by 9:30 AM to find a good spectating spot before the opening ceremony begins.
Duration Flying Division — A Test of Finesse
The Duration Flying division rewards precision aerodynamics over raw power. Watching skilled participants — especially in the adult division — craft and throw highly tuned paper planes is a genuinely absorbing spectacle. If you have a child interested in paper crafts, the Elementary Lower Grades division (100 spots) is particularly entertaining to watch.
3. Tickets & Booking: 4 Steps for Foreign Visitors
Step 1: Get to Yeouido Hangang Park Nokmyeonsu Plaza
Take Seoul Subway Line 5 (purple line) to Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역), Exit 1. Nokmyeonsu Plaza is approximately a 5-minute walk. Line 5 is accessible from central Seoul stations including Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, and Mapo. T-money cards and credit cards are accepted at all Seoul subway gates. From Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Gimpo Airport Station, transfer to Line 9 to Dangsan Station, then transfer to Line 2 to Yeouido — total approx. 60–75 min.
Step 2: Arrive Before Opening Time
The festival runs 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Since October 10 is a national holiday (Hangul Day), the park will be extremely busy. Aim to arrive by 9:30 AM to claim a comfortable spectating spot near the main arena before the opening ceremony. Entry is free — no ticket or reservation required.
Step 3: Join On-Site Experience Events
Experience zones where visitors can fold and fly their own paper planes are set up adjacent to the main competition arena. Family and couple-friendly photo zones and event booths will also be running. Collect the day’s program schedule from the information booth on arrival to plan which activities to hit first.
Step 4: Explore Yeouido Hangang Park Afterward
Yeouido Hangang Park is one of Seoul’s most scenic autumn spots, with silver grass (억새) meadows, maple-lined paths, and Han River views. After the festival, combine your visit with a Han River bike ride, picnic, or a walk through Saetgang Ecological Park. 💡 Viator offers guided Seoul Han River sunset and evening tours if you want to extend your day.
The official website is in Korean only. Your browser’s translate feature (e.g., Chrome → Translate) works well for checking dates and event details.
4. Where to Eat & Stay Nearby
Food Options at Yeouido Hangang Park
Inside the park, convenience stores, food trucks, and Han River snack stands (한강 매점) serve drinks, ramen, fried chicken, and snacks. For a classic Seoul Han River experience, pick up supplies at a nearby convenience store, spread a picnic mat, and enjoy the autumn view. The IFC Mall and The Hyundai Seoul — both a short walk from the park — have extensive food courts and restaurants for a sit-down meal.
Where to Stay: Yeouido & Mapo Area
Yeouido and Mapo offer everything from international business hotels to cozy guesthouses. Prices typically range from KRW 80,000 (approx. USD 59) for budget options to KRW 250,000+ (approx. USD 184+) for Han River-view rooms on the holiday weekend. 💡 Booking.com and Agoda both list Yeouido and Mapo properties with real-time availability — book early given the national holiday demand.
Recommended Autumn Yeouido Day Plan
Morning: Arrive at the paper airplane festival by 9:30 AM, secure a spectating spot. Afternoon: Watch competitions, explore experience zones, grab Han River snacks. Late afternoon: Stroll Yeouido Hangang Park’s silver grass meadow and Yunjungro Ginkgo Boulevard. Evening: Dinner at a Mapo Han River-view restaurant.
5. Kindergarten vs. Elementary vs. Middle/High & Adult Divisions at a Glance
The 2026 Han River Paper Airplane Festival is divided into four age brackets across two competition categories.
| Division | Distance Flying | Duration Flying |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 100 spots | Not applicable |
| Elementary Lower Grades | 200 spots | 100 spots |
| Elementary Upper Grades | 140 spots | 70 spots |
| Middle/High School & Adults | 60 spots | 30 spots |
| Folding Method | Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
| Entry Fee | Free | Free |
| Registration | Future Hangang HQ website (Closed) | Future Hangang HQ website (Closed) |
6. 5 Tips for Foreign Visitors
Tip 1 — Use Public Transit: Parking on a National Holiday Is a Nightmare
October 10 is Hangul Day, a public holiday in South Korea. Yeouido Hangang Park will be packed. Subway Line 5 to Yeouinaru Station, Exit 1 is by far the easiest approach — 5 minutes’ walk to the festival. If you must drive, research nearby paid parking garages in advance; street parking near the park is extremely limited.
Tip 2 — Bring a Picnic Mat & Snacks
Han River picnicking culture (hangang pinikku, 한강 피크닉) is a beloved Seoul ritual. Bring or buy a picnic mat and snacks, find a spot with a clear view of the competition area, and settle in. October Han River weather is warm during the day (around 18–22°C / 64–72°F) but noticeably cooler by evening — bring a light jacket.
Tip 3 — Arrive by 9:30 AM for Prime Spectating
The opening ceremony and first competition rounds begin at 10:00 AM. The best spectating spots near the main throw line fill quickly. Arrive at least 30 minutes early and bring something to sit on.
Tip 4 — Try the On-Site Paper Folding Zone with Kids
Even without a competition bib, children can fold and fly their own paper planes in the designated experience area set up alongside the main arena. This is a fantastic activity for younger children who missed pre-registration — ask at the information booth for the location on the day.
Tip 5 — Check the Information Booth for On-Site Event Prizes
Surprise on-site competitions and giveaway events with limited prizes will run throughout the day. Head to the information booth immediately on arrival to get the full day schedule and identify which events have prizes still available. Popular giveaway items sell out early.
💡 Check Klook for Seoul day tours and Han River area experiences to make the most of your October visit!
The 2026 Han River Paper Airplane Festival is proof that the best Seoul experiences don’t need a ticket. Even as a spectator, the sight of 900 paper planes slicing through an autumn Yeouido sky is genuinely unforgettable. Plan your visit around the morning kick-off and stay for the full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
More to Explore
If you enjoy unique Seoul outdoor events, also check out the Gwangju Sound Park Festival happening the same day — free indie and band music in a park setting, a totally different vibe.
Getting around Seoul by subway or bus? Check the timetable in advance — note that this page is in Korean, so your browser’s translate feature will help.
en-carnival Editorial Team
We research and compile Korean festival, performance, and event information based on official announcements and public records. Our goal is to deliver accurate, timely guides for international visitors planning their Korea experience.
https://en-carnival.jhs29.com