An autumn festival offering meditation and yoga in a silvergrass field is coming to Binae Island in Chungju, where silvergrass along the Namhan River shimmers in the sunlight. The Angseong Hot Springs Tourism Association will hold the 2026 Binae Island Festival over two days, 7 and 8 November, at Angseong Hot Springs Plaza and around Binae Island in Angseong-myeon, Chungju. The festival is being held for the fourth time this year, with support from Chungju City and Chungbuk Broadcasting.
Meditation and yoga in the middle of a silvergrass field; four riverside spots to unwind
The festival’s first theme is relaxation. Meditation and yoga sessions will take place in the silvergrass field, while beanbags will be set out at four riverside spots where visitors can gaze at the water and simply let their minds drift. Two further rest areas, equipped with shade canopies and camping chairs, will also be provided. Live busking, atmospheric performances and DJ sets will continue against the backdrop of Binae Island’s scenery.
For anyone curious about meditation but unfamiliar with sitting in a quiet room with their eyes closed, this could be a good way to start. As you listen to the silvergrass swaying in the breeze, stretch your body and look out at the river, your thoughts naturally begin to slow down. The exact times for the meditation and yoga sessions, and the instructors leading them, have not yet been announced. The festival will run from 10am to 4pm on both days.
The province’s only national wetland protected area; no opening ceremony or single-use items
Binae Island is Chungcheongbuk-do’s only national wetland protected area. Formed from sand and gravel carried downstream from the upper reaches of the Namhan River, it is renowned for its stands of silvergrass in autumn.
The organisers have reshaped this year’s festival as an ESG event aimed at reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment. With “No CO2, No Plastic” as its core values, the festival will dispense with formal opening and closing ceremonies and restrict single-use items at the venue. Shuttle buses will also run to ease traffic congestion and cut carbon emissions.
Ecology walks with environmental guides, an AR challenge and an academic seminar
There will be plenty to enjoy beyond the meditation sessions, with opportunities to walk and linger. Activities include an ecological tour of Binae Island with an environmental guide, a lemon tree where visitors can hang their wishes, photo spots along the walking trail and a Binae Island AR challenge that participants can take part in on their smartphones. A flea market selling natural materials, homewares, vintage and antique items, and handmade accessories will also open, alongside a local produce market.
On 7 November, an academic seminar on the sustainable development of Binae Island’s environment and tourism will be held at Kensington Resort, where participants will discuss ways to support wetland conservation alongside local tourism.
Woo Jae-gyu, head of the Angseong Hot Springs Tourism Association, said the festival had shifted its focus to an ESG approach this year because Binae Island is an ecological treasure with a pristine natural environment. He said he hoped visitors would find relaxation in nature and appreciate the island’s value.
Event details
Event: 2026 Binae Island Festival
Date and time: Saturday 7–Sunday 8 November 2026, 10am–4pm
Venue: Angseong Hot Springs Plaza and around Binae Island, Angseong-myeon, Chungju
Organiser: Angseong Hot Springs Tourism Association / Supported by: Chungju City, Chungbuk Broadcasting
Admission and booking: The organisers have not announced an admission fee or advance booking arrangements. Check the details of the meditation and yoga sessions at the venue.
Getting there: Parking at Binae Island is limited, so park at Angseong Hot Springs Plaza and take the shuttle bus.
Enquiries: Chungju City Tourism Division, Tourism Marketing Team, 043-850-6720
Press enquiries: fare3041@naver.com