2026 Myeongseongsan Silver Grass Festival — Oct 16–18 at Sanjeong Lake: 3 Hiking Trails, Parking & Floating Fireworks

2026 Myeongseongsan Silver Grass Festival — Oct 16–18 at Sanjeong Lake: 3 Hiking Trails, Parking & Floating Fireworks

The 29th Pocheon Sanjeong Lake Myeongseongsan Silver Grass Festival runs for three days from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, across Sanjeong Lake and Mt. Myeongseongsan in Gyeonggi Province. The opening ceremony takes place on Saturday, October 17. While the main festival grounds sit lakeside, the vast silver grass colony covers roughly 198,000 m² (about 60,000 pyeong) along the ridges just below Myeongseongsan's 922.6-meter peak. For the best experience, plan a two-day itinerary that combines exploring the lake with hiking the mountain. Even if you skip the summit hike, you can still enjoy the lakeside lounge and the evening floating fireworks show.

Essential Info

• Dates: Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2026 (3 days, 29th edition)
• Opening Ceremony: Saturday, October 17
• Location: Sanjeong Lake & Mt. Myeongseongsan area, 108 Sanjeonghosu-ro 411beon-gil, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Admission: Free (hands-on workshops cost 1,000–2,000 KRW last year)
• Highlights: Floating fireworks show, guest artist performances, silver grass hands-on programs, and the newly added "Silver Grass Lounge Zone"
• Inquiries: Pocheon Tourist Information Center (+82-31-538-3342)

What’s New This Year: The Lakeside "Silver Grass Lounge Zone"

This year, the city of Pocheon is introducing a new "Silver Grass Lounge Zone" around Sanjeong Lake. Visitors can sit back and take in scenic views of the lake and Myeongseongsan's shimmering ridges, alongside makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) tastings, photo spots, and hands-on activity booths. Previously, seeing the silver grass required a hike up the mountain. With this new zone, families with young children and those who prefer not to hike can comfortably soak in the festive autumn atmosphere.

In the evening, a floating fireworks drama lights up Sanjeong Lake. The reflections dancing across the water are a visual treat, prompting many hikers to claim a lakeside spot right after their descent to wait for the show. Check official announcements from Pocheon City or the Pocheon Cultural Tourism Foundation just before the festival for exact showtimes.

Hiking Trails: 3 Ways to Reach the Silver Grass

If it is your first time, the Deungnyong Falls Trail is your best bet. You follow a scenic valley and cascading waterfalls before the trail opens up to expansive fields of silver grass. The view overlooking the slopes from the octagonal pavilion at the top is the mountain's signature vista. Silver grass glistens brightest when backlit by the late afternoon sun. Keep in mind, however, that mountain trails grow dark rapidly after 5:00 PM in mid-October. If heading up later in the day, pack a headlamp and fix your descent turnaround time in advance.

Suggested 1-Day Itinerary

If you skip the summit hike, exploring the lakeside trail, lounge zone, and evening show alone makes for a fulfilling half-day trip.

Getting There & Parking

• By Car: Sanjeong Lake Sangdong Parking Lot is closest to the trailheads. Parking fee information varies across sources—some list free entry during events, while others quote flat daily rates of 2,000 KRW for compact/small cars and 5,000 KRW for mid-size vehicles. Follow on-site guidance upon arrival. On festival weekends, arriving before 8:00 AM is strongly advised to secure a spot.
• Shuttle Bus: Pocheon City operates temporary shuttle buses during the festival. Check the official Pocheon City Hall website for exact routes and timetables.
• From the Seoul Capital Area: Driving takes around 1.5 hours from northern Seoul. Plan ahead for heavy traffic heading back toward Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

Comparing Other Silver Grass Spots near Seoul

For more silver grass and pink muhly destinations nationwide, see our guide to Korea’s Best Silver Grass & Pink Muhly Spots. To pair your trip with early autumn leaves near the capital, check out Seoul Vicinity Autumn Foliage Day Trips.

Know Before You Go

Is the silver grass at its peak during the festival? Yes, Myeongseongsan's silver grass is typically at its fullest around mid-October. The shimmering silvery plumes remain stunning through late October even after the festival wraps up. By November, however, the feathery plumes begin to fade and shed.

Can I enjoy the festival without hiking? Absolutely. The floating fireworks show, live performances, experiential booths, and the new Silver Grass Lounge Zone are all located along Sanjeong Lake. However, seeing the vast silver grass fields up close does require hiking up the mountain.

Is the hike suitable for children? The Sanangogae Trail (approx. 3.5 km round-trip) is the shortest and easiest option. Avoid the Chaekbawi Trail with young children, as it involves steep rock scrambles and exposed iron staircases.

What should I pack? Bring hiking boots or sneakers with good traction, a windbreaker, and plenty of water. If you plan to descend later in the afternoon, pack a headlamp. A warm outer layer and a portable sitting mat will keep you comfortable while watching the evening fireworks by the lake.

Related Guides

• Complete October Outing Schedules: October Day Trips, Autumn Festival Calendar, Events & Festivals Calendar
• Late October Floral Festivals: Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival (Oct 23 – Nov 1)
• Autumn Foliage Peak Forecast: Best Autumn Foliage Spots

Verified Sources

• Asia Economy, 2026-07-22 — 29th edition, Oct 16–18, opening ceremony Oct 17, floating fireworks & live shows, Silver Grass Lounge Zone (makgeolli tasting, photo zones, activity booths)
• Ardent News, 2026-09-18 — Colony area, elevation, trail distances & times, Sanjeong Lake circumference, free admission, Sangdong Parking Lot, tourist info phone number
• VisitKorea Festival Guide — Address, organizers (Pocheon City, Pocheon Cultural Tourism Foundation), previous year activity fees

Last verified: 2026-10-04