Poster for the 2026 EX Pumpkin Night: Hwani, Wani and the Twelve Zodiac Guardians. [Provided by North Gyeongsang Province Culture and Tourism Corporation]
Poster for the 2026 EX Pumpkin Night: Hwani, Wani and the Twelve Zodiac Guardians. [Provided by North Gyeongsang Province Culture and Tourism Corporation]

Gyeongju Expo Grand Park in North Gyeongsang Province will launch its autumn horror event "EX Pumpkin Night" on Thursday.

The Halloween-themed night event will run through Oct. 24 at the Hwarang Forest Lumina Night venue, according to the North Gyeongsang Province Culture and Tourism Corporation.

Themed "Guardians of Silla: Enter the World of Pumpkin Night," the event will feature the park's mascots Hwani and Wani alongside characters reimagined from the twelve zodiac guardian figures found at Silla royal tombs.

Twelve themed zones are spread throughout Hwarang Forest, each with its own distinct atmosphere and photo spots — highlights include "The Witch's Wardrobe" and "The Ghost's Cabin." Side programs include Halloween costume and makeup experiences, DJ performances on a mini stage, and food and beverage booths.

The park will also hold a return-visit event for social media followers and EX-HORROR attendees. During the Chuseok holiday, a "Pumpkin" character dressed in hanbok will add a festive touch, and visitors who post a photo featuring both hanbok and a pumpkin will receive a commemorative gift.

A separate event will reward visitors who collect all three "Silla Samgi" cards — representing the three treasures of Silla: the Geumcheok, Okjeok and Hwaju — by participating in summer, autumn and winter events, with prizes awarded by lottery.

The corporation plans to hold a food festival and academic conference in November reflecting the historical significance and cultural exchange of the Silk Road, followed by a winter event, "EX Winter," in December.

"Through diverse seasonal content, we will offer tourists enjoyment and special experiences so that the recent upward trend in visitor numbers can continue into the second half of the year," said Kim Nam-il, president of the North Gyeongsang Province Culture and Tourism Corporation.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com