Seoul Circus Festival 2026 - Open Call for International Programs
Seoul Circus Festival 2026
Open Call for International Programs
The Seoul Circus Festival is pleased to announce an open call for its international program.
The Seoul Circus Festival 2026 will take place on 4th – 5th May, 2026.
Under this year’s theme, “Children’s Day for Adults, Too,” the festival seeks artistically accomplished works that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. In addition, the 2026 festival aims to present a wide range of circus disciplines, offering audiences the opportunity to experience diverse forms of contemporary circus in one place.
First launched in 2018 under the name Circus Cabaret, the Seoul Circus Festival was the first circus festival of its kind in South Korea. Since then, it has been held every spring for two to three days in major outdoor venues across Seoul, and has grown into the largest circus festival in the country.
* Check out the 2025 official after movie of the festival on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L48uqNWdVC4
Seoul Circus Festival 2026
- ● Date: 4th – 5th May, 2026
- ● Venue: Nodeul Island, Seoul, Korea
How to apply
Email to seoulcircusfestival@gmail.com along with all required documents.
Performance Requirements
Outdoor performances, including circus arts, with a maximum duration of 40 minutes
Eligibility
Individual artists or groups working in circus arts and based outside of Korea
Required documents
※ The total file size must not exceed 50MB
- ● Application Form – Required (designated form)
- ● Technical Rider – Required (free format)
- ● Related resources – Optional (promotion materials, portfolio, etc.)
Submission period
Application Deadline: 23:59 (KST), 5th February, 2026
* Korean Standard Time: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/south-korea
Festival will provide
- ● Performance fee: up to 5,000,000 KRW (Net of Tax)
※ Performance fee is determined through the selection and evaluation process - ● Per diem: 30,000 KRW per person per day
- ● Accommodation: one room for 2 persons
- ● One airport pick-up per team
- ● Technical support (standardized sound & lighting)
- ● Public relation support (SNS, program book, press)
Cost Not provided
- ● Airfare
- ● Cargo transportation
- ● Insurance
FAQ
What does the festival provide?
The festival provides performance fee, per diem, accommodation, and venue and technical support.
- • Performance fee is determined through the selection and evaluation process. The final amount is confirmed at the contract stage and will not exceed KRW 5,000,000 (net of tax).
- • Per diem is paid in cash upon the artists’ arrival in Korea.
- • Accommodation is provided for 3 nights and 4days (including the festival period), based on double occupancy (2 persons per room), starting from the artists’ arrival date. Accommodation beyond this period is not provided.
- • Venue and technical support include a basic stage, sound, and lighting setup. Any props or equipment specifically required for the performance must be transported by the artists
Do artists need a visa to participate in the festival?
Yes. All selected artists are required to obtain a C-4 (Short-Term Employment) Visa prior to entering Korea. Visa fees are not covered. However, the festival provides the necessary documents and administrative support to assist with the visa application process.
Is the Seoul Circus Festival a public institution or event?
Yes. The Seoul Circus Festival is a public cultural event operated in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Does the festival cover freight or cargo transportation?
No. Freight and cargo transportation costs are not provided.
Administrative support for applying for transportation-related funding in the artists’ home countries
may be offered after selection.
Are per diem and accommodation provided for additional personnel?
No. Per diem and accommodation are not provided for any personnel not listed in the application.
Is domestic transportation provided?
One airport-to-accommodation transfer is provided per team.
How many performances are expected?
Most performances take place over two days, with a maximum of two performances per day (up to four performances in total). This may vary depending on the performance format and discussions between the artists and the festival.
Are rehearsals included?
On-site rehearsals may be conducted after arrival, if necessary. Rehearsals are not counted as performances, and all rehearsal-related costs are included in the total performance fee.
What happens in case of rain?
Safety is the highest priority. Depending on weather conditions, performances may be canceled or, if possible, relocated to an indoor venue.
Seoul Circus Festival 2025 | Hopscotch_Catch You Later