Seoul Jazz Festival 2026

The Seoul Jazz Festival is held each May at Olympic Park in eastern Seoul, making it one of the few large-scale outdoor music events in Korea with consistent international headliner bookings. The festival has been running since 2007 and occupies the park’s multiple outdoor stages over three days across a long weekend in late May. While “jazz” remains in the name, the actual programming has broadened considerably to include indie, pop, soul and R&B, with Korean acts sharing billing alongside international names.

What to expect

The main stage at Olympic Park handles mid-to-large international headliners, typically performing in the early evening and at night. Smaller supplementary stages run throughout the day and feature Korean indie and jazz acts. The park’s open lawns are used for daytime picnic-style viewing, with food and drink vendors spread across the site. Bringing your own blanket or portable chairs is standard practice and generally permitted.

The festival runs across both days from early afternoon, with programming beginning around noon and the last headliner typically finishing around 10 pm. Seoul Jazz Festival has historically attracted good international bookings across jazz, neo-soul and indie genres, though the specific 2026 lineup will not be confirmed until a few months before the event.

Tickets and logistics

Day passes and two-day or three-day packages are available through the official festival website and Melon Ticket, one of Korea’s major ticketing platforms. Single-day tickets have typically ranged from around 99,000 to 150,000 KRW depending on tier and booking timing; multi-day passes offer a reduction. Popular acts sell out specific sessions, so booking early is advisable once the programme is announced.

Olympic Park is served by Subway Line 5 (Mongchontoseong Station or Olympic Park Station), making access from central Seoul straightforward - around 30 to 40 minutes from Myeongdong or Hongdae. The venue has large capacity but queueing at entry gates can be slow around headliner start times; arriving 30 to 45 minutes ahead is sensible.

Late May in Seoul is warm, with daytime temperatures generally between 20 and 26°C. Rain is possible; the Han River basin area where Olympic Park sits can hold humidity. A light waterproof layer and comfortable footwear for standing on grass are practical choices. For more on getting around Seoul, see our practical travel guide.