The West Coast region is currently teeming with visitors eager to savor plump, in-season autumn seafood. Last weekend, Mr. Kim, an office worker who visited Taean Baekjajang Port with his family, couldn’t hide his amazement, stating, “One bite of fresh giant shrimp while gazing at the sea instantly melted away the fatigue accumulated over the week.” As expected, the Giant Shrimp Festival has returned, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy the autumn atmosphere and culinary delights. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the schedules, estimated prices, and parking tips for the most famous giant shrimp festivals across the country. If you are planning a visit, please read the information provided today carefully to prepare for a fulfilling outing.
=
2026 Giant Shrimp Festival: Complete Guide to Schedules & Prices, Plus Top West Coast Autumn Travel Destinations
1. Hongseong Namdang Port Giant Shrimp Festival: Schedule & Basic Info
Now in its 31st year, the Hongseong Namdang Port Giant Shrimp Festival has firmly established itself as the largest autumn seafood festival in the country. This year’s festival runs until November 8, offering a flexible schedule perfect for planning outings during the Chuseok holiday or weekends. The festival grounds are surrounded by the expansive West Sea, providing a magical experience that delights both the eyes and the palate. Given the massive turnout every year, it is wiser to visit on weekdays or early in the morning rather than on weekends. According to local officials, as water temperatures drop, the catch volume is expected to increase, heightening anticipation. Mrs. Lee, a housewife who visited Namdang Port last year, shared, “The taste of wild giant shrimp eaten while watching the sea amidst the festival atmosphere is on a different level from what you’d get at a regular restaurant.” During the festival, vendors around the port are preparing various discounts and events to offer fresh seafood at fair prices. A diverse range of performance programs is also available for families, providing a rich cultural experience beyond just food and drink. However, roads near the festival grounds can become extremely congested on weekend afternoons, so it is advisable to check public transportation options or the locations of temporary parking lots in advance.
The 31st Hongseong Namdang Port Giant Shrimp Festival runs until November 8, featuring abundant seafood supplies and various cultural events awaiting visitors.
2. Taean Baekjajang Port Giant Shrimp Festival & Flower Crab Leg Bridge Tour
In Baekjajang Port, located in Anmyeon-eup, Taean County, Chungcheongnam-do, a grand Giant Shrimp Festival has opened its doors to mark the beginning of autumn. This year’s Baekjajang Port festival is held intensively for a relatively short period from September 12 to 19, meaning you must visit now to fully experience the excitement. The Flower Crab Leg Bridge, a uniquely shaped sea pedestrian bridge crossing the center of the festival grounds, is an iconic landmark of Baekjajang Port. The view of the port from the bridge is as beautiful as a watercolor painting, making it a popular date spot for couples and a favorite location for family photos. After enjoying in-season giant shrimp with flower crab paste at a nearby famous restaurant, you will have completed the perfect autumn outing. Mr. Park, a university student who visited with friends, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “The photos taken while enjoying the sea breeze on the Flower Crab Leg Bridge were the biggest highlight of our trip.” As Baekjajang Port is famous as a hub for wild giant shrimp, there is great fun in personally selecting fresh sashimi-grade shrimp and shrimp for grilling. Another appealing aspect is the simple pleasure of buying prepared giant shrimp from vendors, packing them up, and eating them while sitting by the nearby beach. Since surrounding accommodations and restaurants become lively during the festival, it is safe to check reservation availability in advance.
The Taean Baekjajang Port Giant Shrimp Festival runs until September 19, offering stunning scenery complemented by the iconic Flower Crab Leg Bridge.
3. Boryeong Muchangpo Autumn Giant Shrimp & Hairtail Festival
In the area around Muchangpo Port and Muchangpo Beach in Boryeong City, a spectacular Giant Shrimp and Hairtail Festival is set to captivate autumn foodies. This festival will run for over a month, from the 18th until October 11, showcasing the abundance of the autumn sea. Officials from the Muchangpo Fishing Cooperative are fully prepared to welcome tourists, ensuring a stable supply of fresh seafood. The combination of savory grilled hairtail and chewy salt-grilled giant shrimp, enjoyed amidst the lively atmosphere, is truly the ultimate autumn tonic. It is a prime opportunity to feel the festive spirit in your bones while strolling along the sandy beach embraced by the sea. Mr. Choi, an office worker who visited the festival with his children, smiled and said, “It was an educational experience as the children were fascinated by the live shrimp and observed them directly.” The Muchangpo area is well-equipped with seafood market infrastructure, allowing visitors to purchase fresh seafood at affordable prices, making it great for shopping. On weekends during the festival, lively side events such as Gwasaengi performances and singing contests are held, getting visitors’ shoulders moving. A dinner meal enjoyed while watching the sunset paint the Muchangpo sea red will remain a beautiful memory to cherish for a lifetime.
The Boryeong Muchangpo Giant Shrimp and Hairtail Festival runs from the 18th to October 11, allowing you to taste the best autumn delicacies simultaneously.
4. This Year’s Giant Shrimp Price per 1kg & Buying Tips
One of the most common questions before visiting the festival grounds is about the market price of fresh giant shrimp. Currently, the price of 1kg of giant shrimp at major festival sites like Hongseong Namdang Port and Taean Baekjajang Port is roughly between 50,000 and 60,000 KRW. Prices may vary slightly depending on whether the shrimp is farmed or wild, and the conditions of the shop or packaging, so it is accurate to check the market price on-site. According to vendors, as it enters mid-autumn when water temperatures drop significantly, catch volumes are expected to increase, which may cause price fluctuations. Rather than blindly looking for the cheapest option, it is wise to carefully compare the vitality and freshness of the shrimp before purchasing. Ms. Jung, a blogger who visited the festival grounds last week, advised, “There is a difference between the price for packaged takeout and the price for eating in the restaurant, so keep this in mind when setting your budget.” In particular, wild giant shrimp die quickly once out of the water, so if you want live shrimp, it is best to ask in advance whether they are farmed. Occasionally, some places sell whiteleg shrimp under the name of giant shrimp, so you should carefully check the species and origin to avoid regret. Using trusted dealers or fishing cooperative direct sales stands guarantees freshness and often comes with friendly service.
The price of 1kg of giant shrimp this year is approximately 50,000 to 60,000 KRW. It is important to check freshness and choose wisely based on the species and place of purchase.
5. Parking Tips & How to Avoid Traffic Congestion
You should familiarize yourself with smart ways to avoid the perennial issues of parking and traffic congestion during the autumn festival season. If you arrive at the main port entrances during the weekend peak hours (12:00 PM to 3:00 PM), you are likely to get stuck in a tangled line of vehicles. The festival organizing committee is significantly expanding temporary parking lots and placing guides in various locations to facilitate smooth traffic flow. Even if it is a bit far, parking at a temporary lot and walking in while enjoying the autumn breeze is much better for your mental health. The most reliable secret to reducing parking stress is to leave early and arrive at the festival grounds in the morning. Alternatively, searching for and utilizing shuttle buses or public transportation routes in the nearby area instead of driving your own car can be a wise traffic strategy. Mr. Han, an office worker who suffered from traffic jams at the previous festival, laughed and said, “This time, I made sure to arrive at 9:00 AM, parked leisurely, and ate without waiting in line.” Unauthorized parking in the narrow alleys around the port may be subject to enforcement, so you must use designated parking areas. If you carefully check parking signs and cooperate with on-site staff, everyone can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant festival experience.
To avoid weekend traffic jams, it is essential to target morning hours or actively utilize temporary parking lots.
6. Advice for a Successful Autumn Giant Shrimp Festival Outing
We have thoroughly reviewed the schedules, prices, and insider tips for visiting the major Giant Shrimp Festivals across the country in 2026. The West Coast Giant Shrimp Festival, encountered at the threshold of autumn, is more than just a food event; it is a wonderful space for healing that blows away daily stress. This coming weekend, please take the hands of your loved ones or friends and head to the sea where a feast of fresh delicacies is unfolding. If you act based on thorough research and on-site tips, you can fill yourself with leisurely and happy memories even amidst the crowds. I sincerely recommend packing your West Coast travel bag right now so you don’t miss the most delicious moments of this autumn. Remember that the completion of a successful trip stems from small attentions and meticulous preparation. If you check the festival schedule and budget in advance and maintain a mindset ready to fully enjoy the on-site atmosphere, it will be the perfect autumn outing for you. This coming weekend, go to the festival grounds where the blue sea and plump giant shrimp await, and write your own unforgettable page of autumn.
By visiting the Giant Shrimp Festival with thorough preparation and a relaxed mindset, you can create the most special and delicious memories of this autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
=