Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o. [Nowon-gu]
Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o. [Nowon-gu]

Seoul's Nowon-gu announced Wednesday that it will hold the 2026 Nowon Craft Beer Festival at Hwarangdae Railway Park from Sept. 12 to 13.

Now in its fourth year, the Nowon Craft Beer Festival is the district's signature event, bringing together craft beers from across the country alongside music, food and hands-on activities. Last year's three-day edition drew about 67,000 visitors. This year's festival will run from noon to 9 p.m. on both days.

At last year's third edition, 33 breweries from around the country showcased about 200 varieties of craft beer. A "World Theme Zone" — featuring beers and traditional foods from seven countries including the Czech Republic, Belgium, Germany and the United States — proved especially popular.

This year, 34 breweries from across the country will present more than 200 craft beer varieties. The festival grounds will be divided into four zones — Beer Plaza, Can Beer Plaza, Eco Plaza and Music Plaza — catering to different tastes and atmospheres.

A "beer docent" program will also be available for visitors who want a deeper look at craft brewing, with certified guides from the Korea Beer Culture Association introducing participating breweries, their flagship beers and the brewing process. An eco-friendly urban-farming experience called Haneulmul Beer will also be on offer.

Safety measures will be reinforced throughout the festival, with professional security personnel, emergency medical staff and designated drivers stationed on-site. To help visitors cope with the heat, organizers plan to set up cooling fog systems, parasols, camping tents and heat-relief shelters.

"The Nowon Craft Beer Festival is growing into a signature event that draws young people and visitors from outside the district by blending diverse craft beers from across the country with music, local commerce and cultural arts," District Mayor Seo Jun-o said.


ikson@heraldcorp.com