Autumn nights in Cheonan were filled with the sound of jazz. The “2026 Cheonan International Jazz Street” wrapped up successfully after a two-day run from September 12 to 13. Hosted and organized by the International Jazz Exchange Association and sponsored by South Chungcheong Province and the city of Cheonan, this year's festival marked its fifth edition.
■ A Festival for All Generations…34 Teams, 200+ Citizens Take Part
The stages were set up throughout Cheonan Samgeori Park, which was reborn last year as a mixed-use cultural space. Three venues — the Main Stage at the Sunken Plaza, the Pop-up Stage temporarily set up near Yeongnamnu, and the Fringe Stage near the food street — each hosted performances with their own distinct character. Top-tier musicians from Korea and abroad performed alongside local artists from South Chungcheong Province, music college students, and youth bands from Cheonan, with a total of 34 teams and roughly 200 participants taking the stage.
At the opening ceremony on September 12, Cheonan Mayor Jang Gisu said, “Hearing such free-spirited jazz melodies fill the newly renovated Samgeori Park genuinely lifts my spirits.” He added, “We will keep creating opportunities like this so that citizens can enjoy culture in their everyday lives and find a little more happiness.”
Throughout the park, visitors of every generation could be seen — families out for a stroll with children in tow, elderly couples sitting side by side, and teenagers and college students who love music and dance. Groups of friends from local clubs spread out picnic blankets and chatted as they took in the music. Regardless of age or gender, everyone seemed united by a shared love of autumn jazz.
A Cheonan resident identified as A, who spoke with reporters at the scene, said, “I don't usually get many chances to listen to jazz, but hearing it live really felt different. You could see the musicians and the audience alike getting swept up in that free-flowing sound. I hope events like this happen more often so people don't have to travel far to enjoy this kind of culture close to home. Today felt like a wonderful weekend gift.”
■ Two Days of Performances…From Youth Band Competition to International Acts
On the first day, September 12, the Main Stage opened with a lively performance by the Cheonan City Heungtaryeong Pungmuldan, a traditional percussion troupe, followed by the Hong Soon Dal Band, which raised the energy of the crowd. At the same time, the Fringe Stage near the food street hosted a youth band competition featuring Gogimandu, Moment, Monkey City, Climax, Juvenile, Doo Doong, Dream Connection, and Oin. The results: first place went to “Doo Doong,” second to “Moment,” and third to “Dream Connection” — a meaningful stage experience and stepping stone for young local musicians. As night fell, the Main Stage continued with performances by DrumBop Quartet, Palette Electone Ensemble Seoul, CAZ_Band, and TOCQ with Kim Hee-na.
On the second day, September 13, the Main Stage featured Seraphim Soloists Ensemble, HATA SHUJI Duo, Choi Hyun-woo Trio+1, KC Bridge, Maeil Nonet, and Lee Ju-mi Jazz Palette, one after another. The Pop-up and Fringe stages also kept audiences engaged with a variety of acts through to the very end of the festival.
Notably, this year's festival welcomed participating teams from Japan's TAKATSUKI JAZZ STREET and SUMIDA JAZZ STREET, along with several other renowned international musicians, showcasing the many different faces of jazz. Junichi Kitagawa of Takatsuki Jazz Street said, “Cheonan feels like a city with new charm every time I visit.” He added, “Through the International Jazz Exchange Association, I hope we can keep building a shared jazz culture between Korea and Japan.” With domestic and international artists sharing the same stage, the festival took another step toward becoming an event that bridges generations, regions, and borders — expanding beyond established musicians to include teenagers and college students.
■ “Making Cheonan a Jazz City”…Representative Hong Soon Dal's Vision for the Future
International Jazz Exchange Association Representative Hong Soon Dal said, “I've worked incredibly hard for more than a decade to popularize jazz and bring it to Cheonan.” He continued, “I'm proud and happy that jazz no longer feels like a distant, unfamiliar genre — it now feels like something that comes together through the connection between performers and audience.” He added, “I hope more opportunities like this will be created so that Cheonan citizens can find healing and comfort through music,” and, “I hope Cheonan Jazz Street continues to grow, through exchange and connection with citizens, into Cheonan's own cultural brand.”
■ FAQ
Q. When and where was the 2026 Cheonan International Jazz Street held?
A. It was held over two days, September 12–13, throughout Cheonan Samgeori Park, including the Sunken Plaza, the temporary stage near Yeongnamnu, and the temporary stage near the food street.
Q. How many teams and participants took part?
A. A total of 34 teams and roughly 200 participants took part, including musicians from Korea and abroad, local artists, music college students, and youth bands.
Q. What were the results of the youth band competition?
A. First place went to “Doo Doong,” second place to “Moment,” and third place to “Dream Connection.”
Q. Were there any international participating teams?
A. Yes — teams from Japan's TAKATSUKI JAZZ STREET and SUMIDA JAZZ STREET took part, adding an element of international cultural exchange.
Q. Who hosted, organized, and sponsored the event?
A. The International Jazz Exchange Association hosted and organized the event, with sponsorship from South Chungcheong Province and the city of Cheonan.
