A unique music festival that prioritizes intimate performances over commercial spectacle is set to transform the Bamti Village Campground in Wanju County this weekend. The Picnic Forest music festival offers an alternative to Korea's typically crowded music events, focusing on indie artists and natural surroundings rather than massive production values and restricted viewing zones.
Located deep in the forests of Wanju, a county in North Jeolla Province approximately 20 kilometers east of Jeonju, the festival will take over the campground for two full days. More than 40 artists from Korea and various international locations will perform across three separate stages during the event, which runs from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Friday's lineup showcases significant Taiwanese representation, featuring the duo Crossing Road, acoustic ensemble Paradise Lots, and rock group Monkey Power. The day's headlining acts include Walking After U, an all-female Korean rock band, and KBK Uglys, a Korean hard rock group. Several of these performers recently appeared at the Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival (JUMF) in August, one of Korea's largest music events.
Saturday's programming expands the international scope with performances by Japan's three-member female band unMARIE's, along with groups led by Taiwanese vocalists Emily Pu and Wang LiYan. The festival concludes with headline performances by three Korean punk bands: NOYA, One Off, and Concord Universe.
The festival originated from the vision of Park In-yeol, owner of Radiostar Record Label in Jeonju. What began 13 years ago as GreenBlue Fest was renamed Picnic Forest in 2017 to better reflect its nature-focused atmosphere. "These days, indie music has almost disappeared because of its lack of commercial viability," Park explained to The Korea Times, noting that producing such a festival in a major city would likely result in significant financial losses.
Park emphasized that while large music festivals continue to thrive commercially, Picnic Forest serves as a crucial venue for independent musicians who might otherwise lack performance opportunities. The event deliberately maintains its grassroots character through several distinctive features, including a flea market that offers handmade goods, accessories, home-cooked food, and second-hand items while explicitly excluding major commercial products.
Rather than charging fixed ticket prices, the festival operates on a donation-based system, asking attendees to contribute what they feel the experience is worth to them. This approach ensures accessibility for music fans regardless of their financial situation. Park invites potential attendees to "leave the stuffy city and enter nature," encouraging them to "come with the aim of enjoying the freedom, enjoying indie music and sharing humanity's love in nature, without having to worry about other things around you."
Camping accommodations are available from 3 p.m. Thursday through 3 p.m. Sunday, though attendees must bring their own equipment and should note that campsite availability is limited. Those without camping arrangements need to plan transportation carefully, as the final performances conclude after the last public buses depart the area. The venue can be reached from Jeonju Station via a 23-minute taxi ride or a one-hour bus journey requiring one transfer.
Interested festival-goers can find additional information and campsite booking details by visiting fb.com/picnickorea or following picnicforest25 on Instagram. The festival represents a rare opportunity for music lovers seeking an authentic, community-focused alternative to Korea's increasingly commercialized festival scene.
