Confirming Potential of Gyeonggi Province's Representative Global Festival... '2026 GHOST Festival' Draws Over 15,000 Visitors at Inaugural Event

The '2026 GHOST (Gyeonggi Hallyu OST) Festival,' a new global music festival combining the historical significance of the DMZ with popular K-content, successfully concluded its three-day event.

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization announced on December 12 that the '2026 GHOST Festival' held from December 9 to 11 at Imjingak Peace Nuri in Paju attracted over 15,000 visitors.

The GHOST Festival, unveiled for the first time this year, was designed to cultivate Gyeonggi Province as a signature global tourism brand by merging the world's unique DMZ with K-OST.

The festival operated diverse experiential programs alongside musical performances at the symbolic venue of Imjingak Peace Nuri, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the DMZ's history, culture, and tourism resources simultaneously.

The stage featured over 30 top-tier artists over three days, including representative Korean bands YB and Kim Chang-wan Band, Baek Ji-young, Gummy, and Lin, who led K-OST popularity, as well as Bi, WINNER, and Wendy, who possess global fanbases. Nearby the venue, side programs including K-beauty makeup experience and exhibitions of Gyeonggi Province film and drama shooting locations received strong response.

Programs linking stay-type tourism for visitor convenience also garnered attention. Accessibility was enhanced through partnership with Peace Nuri campground facilities and free and paid shuttle bus operations. Through ticket sales coordinated with inbound travel agencies, the festival demonstrated potential for future development as a global cultural tourism event encompassing both domestic and international visitors.

Visitor Hong Yeon-mi, who attended the festival with her children, said, "It was a unique experience to enjoy music in such a special space as Imjingak Peace Nuri," and added, "Various experiential activities and attractions were provided along with the performances, making it an enjoyable time."

An official from the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization stated, "Through this festival, we confirmed the infinite potential of a new festival," and expressed commitment, saying, "As global youth visit Korea next year, we will elevate the festival's completeness to ensure that the DMZ transcends its role as a security tourism destination and becomes a center of peace and culture that captivates people worldwide."