South Korea’s largest board game festival is set to make its return this May, as Paju Spiel 2026 takes place on May 9–10 at the Gyeonggi Future Education Paju Campus in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Organised by Korea Boardgames, the event continues to grow in scale and ambition, following an impressive 23,000 attendees at last year’s festival.
A Festival Built for Families
What sets Paju Spiel apart is its open-air setting. Rather than being confined to a convention hall, the entire campus transforms into a sprawling board game playground. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic mats, relax on the grass, and enjoy games in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere.
The event is designed as a full-day experience. Families can bring their own food, learn new games from on-site instructors, and explore a wide variety of activities. Dedicated teaching zones and guided sessions make it especially welcoming for newcomers, while children’s programmes and large-scale group games ensure younger visitors are fully included.
Seven Zones of Play
This year’s festival is divided into seven themed areas, each offering a different style of play:
- Family Play Yard
- Science Playground
- City of Challengers
- Pachuri Alley
- Dream Tree Village
- Meeting Plaza
- Commercial District
From casual, self-guided gaming to structured workshops and strategy sessions, there’s something for every type of player. The retail area has also expanded, with additional vendors joining the event compared to last year.
Speed Cubing Takes Centre Stage
One of the standout highlights for 2026 is the Speed Cubing Championship. The competition will feature Choi Gyeong-min as a judge and will be split into two divisions: an elementary competition on May 9, followed by an open division on May 10. Registration opened on April 13 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
International Publishers Join the Line-Up
Global publishers are also set to make an impact at this year’s festival. Broadway Toys will showcase three new titles not yet released in Korea, while Amigo will host demo areas featuring popular games such as Halli Galli, 6 Nimmt!, and The Great Dalmuti.
In addition, visitors will be able to explore a nationwide map of partner board game cafés via QR code, making it easier than ever to discover places to play across South Korea.
With its unique outdoor setting, diverse activities, and growing international presence, Paju Spiel 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant celebrations of board gaming anywhere in the world.
