Experience the Thrill of Dinosaurs: Haenam Dinosaur Festival 2026 Draws 47,000 Visitors!

“Dinosaurs are alive!” is the playful theme of the Haenam Dinosaur Festival, which opened on May 2 and immediately drew huge crowds—announcing itself as this season’s must-visit family event.

Haenam County says about 47,000 people—locals and tourists alike—visited the festival grounds around the Haenam Dinosaur Museum on opening day, underscoring the event’s runaway popularity. The festival runs through Children’s Day on May 5 and is packed with hands-on activities designed for families.

The site centers on the Haenam Dinosaur Museum, the country’s largest museum dedicated to dinosaurs, and includes an outdoor park spanning roughly 100,000 pyeong (about 82 acres), a lawn plaza performance area, and more—meaning there’s something to see and do all day long.

At the entrance, life-like moving dinosaur sculptures greet guests. Throughout the grounds, kid-friendly performances—character sing-alongs, balloon magic, and Disney pop-opera shows—keep the energy high and the little ones entertained.

On opening day, the county also held the 104th Children’s Day ceremony, honoring exemplary kids and featuring celebratory performances to cheer on the next generation’s dreams and hopes.

Nighttime programming is a standout. The museum and its surroundings light up after dark, and popular music acts, family concerts, and a drone show create a mysterious, cinematic dinosaur world that’s totally different from the daytime vibe.

Haenam has gained global recognition as a rich dinosaur fossil site. In particular, the Uhang-ri area of Hwangsan-myeon has produced extensive Cretaceous-era dinosaur footprint fossils. Scientists have found tracks from carnivores and herbivores, pterosaur prints, and fossilized dinosaur eggs there, making the area scientifically significant.

Inside the Haenam Dinosaur Museum, you’ll find models and skeletal fossils of favorites like Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, and Brachiosaurus. The Tyrannosaurus—famous for its powerful jaws and sharp teeth—draws the most attention. Triceratops, with its three horns and broad frill, is known for its defensive prowess. Brachiosaurus, a towering herbivore with a long neck and massive frame, likely fed on the leaves of very tall trees.

Exhibits and hands-on experiences connected to real fossil sites give the festival an educational layer, turning a fun day out into a meaningful learning opportunity.

Organizers are also prioritizing safety. During the festival, museum roads are closed to vehicles to create a full “car-free” zone, and professional safety staff are on hand at all times so kids can play and explore without worry.

Kim Seong-hee, head of Haenam County’s public relations team, said, “The Haenam Dinosaur Festival is more than a tourist event—it’s a rare chance to experience Haenam’s world-class fossil heritage up close. With Family Month underway, we hope families can enjoy and learn together.”

The festival is free to enter. For more details, contact the Haenam County Tourism Office festival team.