Oktoberfest Seoul 2026 opened Saturday at Oil Tank Culture Park in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, bringing German beer, food and traditional music to the capital.
The 10-day event, which runs through Sept. 21, is the first festival in Korea officially authorized by the city of Munich to use the Oktoberfest name. The original German festival dates back to 1810.
Visitors can sample 10 German beer brands alongside dishes including schweinshaxe, sausages, schnitzel and pretzels. Korean fried chicken and locally produced craft beer are also available.
The festival is divided into a ticketed Big Tent and a free outdoor beer garden. The Big Tent offers live performances and operates in two daily sessions, while visitors can enter the beer garden without a ticket and purchase food and drinks.
Paid seats for the opening weekend sold out, and long lines formed at food and beverage booths. Organizers said the larger-than-expected turnout caused delays and led some menu items to sell out early.
The opening ceremony featured the traditional tapping of an oak beer barrel and a performance by a German brass band. Visitors could also borrow traditional German clothing free of charge, though all 40 outfits prepared by organizers were quickly rented out.
tammy@heraldcorp.com
