Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest is coming to Seoul — with official approval from Germany

An artificial intelligence-generated illustration shows how the Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul could appear during Oktoberfest Seoul 2026. Courtesy of Deutsche Oktoberfest Korea

The spirit of Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest is set to arrive in Seoul this fall, as organizers prepare to bring Germany’s celebrated folk festival to the Korean capital, with official authorization to use the Oktoberfest name.

Deutsche Oktoberfest Korea said Wednesday that Oktoberfest Seoul 2026 will take place from Sept. 11-20 at the Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul’s Mapo District.

The organizer said it recently obtained approval from the City of Munich to use the “Oktoberfest Seoul” name, marking a significant step in its effort to recreate the traditions and atmosphere of Germany’s largest cultural festival.

The event is intended to introduce the heritage of Oktoberfest, one of Bavaria’s best-known cultural traditions, while expanding cultural exchanges between Korea and Germany.

Visitors will be able to sample beers associated with Munich’s Oktoberfest, including Paulaner, alongside traditional Bavarian foods such as schweinshaxe, or pork knuckle, pretzels and weisswurst, or white sausage.

The festival will also feature German folk music performances, appearances by visiting bands and a range of interactive cultural programs designed to immerse guests in German festival culture.

Organizers selected the Oil Tank Culture Park as the venue because its transformation from a former petroleum storage facility into a cultural complex reflects the festival’s emphasis on preserving tradition while adapting it for modern audiences.

A large festzelt, or beer tent, and themed installations inspired by Munich’s Oktoberfest grounds are planned to recreate the atmosphere of the German event in the heart of Seoul.

An official from Deutsche Oktoberfest Korea said the event will go beyond beer, offering visitors opportunities to experience German culture, art, food and music in one place.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.