The 28th Nonsan Strawberry Festival, held from March 26 to March 29, 2026, at Nonsan Citizen Family Park, has blossomed into one of South Korea’s most vibrant spring celebrations—drawing in massive crowds, delighting families, and shining a spotlight on the region’s famed strawberries. This year’s event, according to reports from NongSuChukSan Newspaper, Good Morning Chungcheong, Geconomy, and others, has not only surpassed previous attendance figures but also introduced a diverse array of programs, products, and experiences that are making waves both on-site and across social media.
From the moment the festival gates opened on March 26, the atmosphere was electric. Visitors—many of them families—flocked to the bustling sales booths, eager to purchase boxes of freshly harvested Nonsan strawberries. The lines began early and stretched long, a testament to the fruit’s enduring popularity. As one booth manager told Good Morning Chungcheong, “There will be even more people on the weekend. The official sales time is until 8 PM, but I think we’ll sell out before then. If you want strawberries, you’d better buy early.”
This year, festival-goers were treated to a showcase of Nonsan’s signature strawberry varieties, each with its own devoted following. Kingsberry, notable for its impressive size—two to three times larger than standard strawberries—offered juicy, tender flesh. Vitaberry, lauded for its firmness, sweetness, and high vitamin C content, was spotlighted at a promotional booth run by Lotte GRS’s Angel-in-us Coffee. The company, as reported by KDF News, used the opportunity to introduce their win-win project linking support for young farmers with expanded sales, and encouraged visitors to participate in a photo zone event for eco-friendly prizes. Joyberry, prized for its durability and flavor, was also in high demand, especially among those seeking strawberries suitable for gifts or export.
But the festival was about more than just buying fruit. The grounds were alive with activities for all ages. Children’s laughter rang out from the ‘Children’s Imagination Yard,’ where performances like the ‘Bread Barber Shop Sing-Along Show’ had kids up on their feet, dancing and singing along. Parents, phones in hand, eagerly captured these moments, while nearby, the children’s art contest saw young artists preparing their drawings at dedicated booths. Strawberry jam-making sessions offered hands-on fun for families, letting them create sweet memories together—quite literally.
For those seeking unique experiences, the festival delivered. The ‘Strawberry Four-Cut’ photo studio and other themed photo zones became instant hits, especially among younger visitors keen to share their festival moments online. Hashtags like ‘Nonsan Strawberry Festival Review’ and ‘Photo Spots’ trended across social media, amplifying the event’s reach and drawing even more visitors to the park.
Foodies found plenty to savor as well. Booths selling strawberry-based desserts, including those developed by Konyang University students and special offerings from Hwaji Market, saw long lines. The iconic bakery Sungsimdang drew crowds with its strawberry-infused breads and cakes, while a couple who finally snagged a popular dessert declared, “It’s delicious. Waiting in line was worth it!”
The festival’s embrace of nostalgia and innovation was evident. Middle-aged visitors enjoyed DJ shows that brought back memories, while the ‘Strawberry Little Train’ ride, with its bright colors and charming design, delighted children and adults alike. Meanwhile, a promotional center for the upcoming 2027 World Nonsan Strawberry Industry Expo opened its doors, offering a look into the history and future of Nonsan’s strawberry industry. Visitors could explore panels detailing the journey of Nonsan strawberries and even see a vertical smart farm on display, providing a taste of what’s to come at next year’s global event.
Military enthusiasts weren’t left out either. A special exhibition featured helicopters and aviation experiences, a nod to Nonsan’s unique status as a defense industry city. The main plaza, adorned with parasols, tables, and tents, offered a relaxed space to enjoy food and performances, while at night, illuminated strawberry ponds added a magical touch to the scenery.
Festival organizers took care to ensure safety and sustainability. Hand sanitizers were installed at key points, and reusable containers replaced single-use plastics, reflecting a commitment to both public health and environmental protection. To manage the influx of visitors, the city provided four large parking lots and frequent shuttle buses, making access easy and hassle-free.
Evening concerts and performances kept the energy high throughout the festival. The opening night featured sister city arts groups and artists such as Kang Jin and Son Tae-jin. Subsequent nights brought performances by AxMxP, Ampersand One, and the ‘Nonsan Strawberry Singer’ show, culminating in a closing concert with Cha Jan Band, Namgoong Jin, and Kim Yong-bin. For those seeking more information, the festival’s official website offered details on programs, booths, and amenities.
Local officials were keenly involved in the festivities. The Chungnam Provincial Assembly’s Nonsan World Strawberry Industry Expo Support Special Committee, led by Chairman Yoon Ki-hyung, attended the opening to inspect operations and gather insights for the upcoming 2027 Expo. Chairman Yoon told Geconomy, “The Nonsan Strawberry Festival has enhanced the brand value of Nonsan strawberries and invigorated the local economy. For the success of the 2027 World Expo, we need to expand global programs and develop targeted marketing for international tourists.” Vice Chairman Oh In-hwan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of safety management and expressing hope that visitors would appreciate the taste, quality, and competitiveness of Nonsan strawberries.
Other notable features included a booth promoting stray dog adoption, where visitors could interact with shelter dogs and reflect on the importance of animal welfare. The festival also offered a global parade, strawberry harvesting experiences, and opportunities to purchase local specialty products at dedicated venues—all aimed at boosting the profile of Nonsan’s clean strawberries and stimulating the regional economy.
As the festival drew to a close on March 29, anticipation was already building for the final day’s events: a K-pop random play dance, a national drone soccer competition, performances by the ‘Nonsan Strawberry Singer,’ and a children’s song contest—ensuring that the celebration would end on a high note.
The 28th Nonsan Strawberry Festival left no doubt about its growing appeal. With its blend of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt community spirit, it has cemented Nonsan’s reputation as a must-visit spring destination and set the stage for even bigger things to come in 2027.