Free admission to a Broadway-themed musical festival in Korea? π On October 31, 2026, professional musical actors Son Jun-ho and Lisa take the stage β plus a stamp tour, red carpet photo zone, and AI photo booth. Four experiences, zero won. Full guide inside. β¨
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β» Check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The Mato Arts Festival β Broadway in Anjeong-ri brings one of Korea’s most distinctive free cultural events to Pyeongtaek on October 31, 2026. π€ Named after the Korean phrase for “last Saturday of the month arts festival,” it transforms the Anjeong-ri Artist Square into a full Broadway stage for just 4 hours. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit. Based on official announcements as of October 2026.
If you enjoy free performing arts festivals in Korea, also check out the Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival 2026 β happening the same evening.
The official website is in Korean only. Your browser’s translate feature (e.g., Chrome β Translate) works well for checking dates and prices.
Official Festival Info (Korean)
π Mato Arts Festival at a Glance
Free admission: professional musical performances + 4 hands-on experiences!
Musical actors Son Jun-ho and Lisa, gala ensemble Assorted, and the EUSA Band brass quintet all share one stage on October 31. The stamp tour, red carpet, and AI photo booth are all free.
Dates: Saturday, October 31, 2026 Β· 4:00 PM β 8:00 PM
Venue: Anjeong-ri Artist Square, 11 Anjeong Shopping-ro, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do
Admission: Free
Getting There: Take KTX or regular train to Pyeongtaek Station, then board a local bus toward Anjeong-ri (approx. 1 hr from Seoul). Confirm the exact bus route with the organizer before your visit.
Contact: Pyeongtaek City Cultural Foundation Β· 031-669-0974
Open to Korean and international visitors. Parking is limited β public transport strongly recommended.
Mato Arts Festival Key Info
Saturday, October 31, 2026 β Saturday, October 31, 2026
Free entry at Anjeong-ri Artist Square, 4:00 PM β 8:00 PM. Performers include musical actors Son Jun-ho, Lisa, gala team Assorted, and the EUSA Band brass quintet. The Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri also runs a Broadway Star Audition stamp tour, red carpet photo zone, and AI photo booth β all at no charge.
Parking congestion is expected on the day. Check public transport options in advance.
1. Mato Arts Festival Overview: 3 Things to Know
What Is the Mato Arts Festival?
Mato Arts Festival is a portmanteau of the Korean phrase meaning “last Saturday arts festival.” Held twice a year β in June and October β at Anjeong-ri Artist Square in Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek, each edition adopts a fresh theme to turn the square into a live performance venue. The October 2026 edition carries the theme “Broadway in Anjeong-ri” (λΈλ‘λμ¨μ΄ μΈ μμ 리), combining a musical-focused stage program with participatory experiences.
The festival is organized by the Pyeongtaek City Cultural Foundation and takes advantage of Anjeong-ri’s unique cultural identity β a neighborhood shaped by decades of proximity to a U.S. military base, where Korean locals, international residents, and USFK (U.S. Forces Korea) personnel naturally mix. Admission is free for all programs.
2026 Lineup and Performance Structure
According to official announcements, the confirmed performers for Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri include musical actors Son Jun-ho and Lisa, the musical gala team Assorted, and the EUSA Band (Eighth United States Army Band) brass quintet. The main program centers on themed musical performances by professional actors and the ensemble, with the EUSA Band’s brass quintet adding a crossover dimension. A separate local artist segment is also scheduled, though the exact running order may vary on the day.
π‘ Agoda lists hotels and guesthouses near Pyeongtaek Station β book early if you plan to stay overnight after the festival.
The Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri runs for just 4 hours, so mapping out which experiences to tackle first will help you make the most of the evening. Compare hotels near Pyeongtaek via Agoda or Booking.com.
2. Dates, Venue & How to Get There
Event Date, Time & Location
The Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Anjeong-ri Artist Square (11 Anjeong Shopping-ro, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do). The date coincides with Halloween, meaning the Broadway concept and the festive atmosphere of the evening create an unusually theatrical combination. For inquiries, contact the Pyeongtaek City Cultural Foundation at 031-669-0974.
According to the organizers, on-site parking at the square is limited. Visitors arriving by car should identify nearby public parking lots in advance, though public transport is strongly recommended.
Getting There from Seoul & Incheon Airport
From Seoul Station, take a KTX or regular express train to Pyeongtaek Station (approx. 30β50 min, fares vary). From Pyeongtaek Station, board a local bus toward Anjeong-ri (μμ 리). The exact bus number should be confirmed with the Pyeongtaek City Cultural Foundation (031-669-0974) before your visit, as specific route information had not been officially published at the time of writing. From Incheon International Airport, take the Airport Railroad (AREX) to Seoul Station, then transfer to a train bound for Pyeongtaek. Total travel time from the airport is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
3. Tickets & Booking: 4 Steps for Foreign Visitors
Step 1 β Broadway Star Audition Stamp Tour
The headline hands-on experience at Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri is the Broadway Star Audition stamp tour. Visitors take on the role of Broadway performers and complete missions at designated stamp points around the square. No pre-registration is required β simply collect a stamp map at the on-site information desk on the day. According to the organizers, completing all stamps may earn a small commemorative gift, subject to availability on the day.
Step 2 β Red Carpet Photo Zone
A Broadway-themed red carpet and large photo zone are set up at the square entrance. This is the signature photo spot of the Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri β the photo zone is likely to get busy quickly, so arriving between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM gives you the best chance for a relaxed shot.
Step 3 β AI Photo Booth
The AI photo booth generates a Broadway actor-concept composite four-shot photo at no charge. No app download is required; the process happens entirely at the on-site booth. The booth is expected to draw long queues, so plan to visit early in the evening.
Step 4 β Main Stage Performances & Additional Programs
The main stage lineup includes performances by Son Jun-ho and Lisa, the Assorted gala team, the EUSA Band brass quintet, and a local artist segment. Additional programs include audience participation events, a satisfaction survey, and supplementary exhibits and activities within the square. English signage and staff support may be limited, so plan to use your phone’s translation feature (e.g., Google Translate camera mode) if needed.
The official website is in Korean only. Your browser’s translate feature (e.g., Chrome β Translate) works well for checking dates and prices.
Check Program Details (Korean)
4. Where to Eat & Stay Nearby
Anjeong-ri Food Street
The area around Anjeong-ri Artist Square is lined with a remarkable variety of international restaurants and Korean eateries β a direct reflection of decades spent alongside a U.S. military community. Steakhouses, burger joints, Mexican-inspired spots, and traditional Korean restaurants all coexist along the same block. This cultural mix makes Anjeong-ri an interesting dining destination in its own right. Expect restaurants to fill up as festival-goers arrive, so aim to eat before 3:00 PM if possible.
Where to Stay Near Pyeongtaek
For those not doing a day trip, hotels and guesthouses around Pyeongtaek Station are the most convenient base. Search “Pyeongtaek Station” on Agoda or Booking.com for options ranging from budget motels to mid-range hotels. October 31 falls on a Halloween weekend, and accommodation near Pyeongtaek Station may book out early β reserve in advance. Prices typically start from approx. USD 40β80 (approx. KRW 55,000β110,000 at 1 USD β 1,335 KRW) per night, though rates vary by property.
Day-Trip Itinerary from Seoul
A same-day visit from Seoul is entirely realistic. Take a morning train to Pyeongtaek, explore the Anjeong-ri food and shopping street in the afternoon, and be in position at the square for the 4:00 PM opening. Check KTX and intercity express bus timetables in advance via Trip.com for convenient transport comparisons.
5. Mato Arts Festival vs. Typical Regional Events at a Glance
| Category | Mato Arts Festival β Broadway in Anjeong-ri | Typical Regional Cultural Event |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Free (all programs) | Paid or partially free |
| Performance Level | Professional musical actors + military band | Local clubs or student groups |
| Hands-on Programs | Stamp tour, AI photo booth, red carpet | Simple stalls or displays |
| Audience | Korean locals, international visitors, USFK | Primarily domestic visitors |
| Duration | 4 hours (4:00 PM β 8:00 PM) | Varies by event |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June & October, last Saturday) | Annual or irregular |
6. 5 Tips for Foreign Visitors
Arrive by 3:30 PM
The festival opens at 4:00 PM, but the stamp tour and AI photo booth tend to fill up the moment the gates open. Arriving 30 minutes early lets you tackle the hands-on experiences first, then settle in for the main stage performances at leisure.
Parking Is Tight β Use Public Transport
The organizers have stated that on-site parking at Anjeong-ri Artist Square is limited. Use the bus connection from Pyeongtaek Station instead, and confirm the exact route number with the Cultural Foundation (031-669-0974) before your trip.
Halloween Costumes Are Welcome
October 31 is Halloween, and the Broadway performer theme fits perfectly. Showing up in a theater-inspired costume will make your red carpet photos even more memorable β the vibe of the festival actively supports it.
Dress Warmly for the Evening
The Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri runs until 8:00 PM. Late October evenings in Pyeongtaek can drop to around 10Β°C (50Β°F), and wind chill in an open square makes it feel cooler. Pack a warm jacket or coat regardless of how mild the afternoon feels.
Families: Map Out the Stamp Tour First
The Broadway Star Audition stamp tour is particularly well suited for children. Completing all the stamp points takes time, so collect a stamp map from the information desk immediately upon arrival and plan your route before the main performances begin.
π‘ Agoda offers competitive rates on hotels near Pyeongtaek Station β search early to secure a room before the Halloween weekend sells out.
The Mato Arts Festival Broadway in Anjeong-ri packs professional musical performances, a military band crossover set, and three free hands-on experiences into a single free evening. Sort your transport and accommodation early, and you’re set for a memorable Halloween night in Pyeongtaek.
Frequently Asked Questions
More to Explore
On the same evening β October 31 β Yeosu launches a spectacular maritime fireworks show from a barge on the sea. If you’re planning your Halloween night in Korea, compare both events and decide which fits your travel style.
Same night β a free maritime fireworks show lights up the coast of Yeosu.
Heading to Pyeongtaek by KTX or intercity express bus? Check the timetable in advance β note that this page is in Korean, so your browser’s translate feature will help.
With the stamp tour, AI photo booth, and red carpet all free β and just 4 hours to fit everything in β I’d head straight for the hands-on experiences the moment the gates open, then claim a good spot for the main stage. Parking details haven’t been fully published yet, so I’d strongly recommend checking the Pyeongtaek City Cultural Foundation’s official channels a day or two before you go.
Sources: Pyeongtaek City Cultural Foundation official announcements, Korea Tourism Organization (October 2026)
π Category: Music & Arts Β· Unique & Hands-on Festivals
We cover Korean festivals, events, parks, and travel experiences based on official sources.
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