The landmark subculture event, IlluStar Fes, will celebrate its tenth anniversary from February 21 to 22, 2026, at Halls 4 and 5 of Ilsan KINTEX Exhibition Center 1. Since its inception in 2023, the festival has evolved from a simple doujin market and cosplay gathering into a vital platform for the Korean indie game ecosystem.
“IlluStar Play”: A Grand Showcase for Indie Creators
A major pillar of the 10th festival is “IlluStar Play,” a dedicated exhibition zone for indie game developers. This year, the organizers aim to provide a unique bridge between subculture enthusiasts and creators.
- Diverse Genres: The event is particularly popular with fans of visual novels, RPGs, and adventure games—genres that share a deep aesthetic bond with anime and manga.
- Infrastructure Support: To allow developers to focus entirely on their work, the organizers are providing essential on-site infrastructure, including internet connectivity and power supplies.
- Application Deadline: Indie teams (individual or corporate) interested in showcasing their playable builds have until January 22, 2026, to apply for a booth.
Expanding the Horizon: Subculture Awards and Conferences
This 10th edition is not just a market; it is a cultural summit. The event will host the 2nd Korea Subculture Awards, featuring exhibitions, performances, and ceremonies for excellence in illustration and music.
Furthermore, the 2nd IlluStar-Con, a specialized subculture conference, will be held concurrently. This academic and professional track provides a glimpse into the present state and future potential of the subculture industry, fostering dialogue between industry experts and fans.
Subculture festival Illustrator Fes is accepting applications for indie game booths until January 22nd.
Community Power: Success on Tumblbug
In a move to make the festival a collaborative effort between organizers and fans, IlluStar Fes 10 partnered with the crowdfunding platform Tumblbug.
- Crowdfunding Status: As of January 5, the project has already surpassed 80% of its 50 million KRW target, with over 20 days remaining.
- Exclusive Rewards: Supporters can purchase specialized packages that include “Early Bird” tickets, limited-edition character plushies, and exclusive merchandise like the “Starlight 2026 Edition” apparel.
- Interactive Tiers: High-tier rewards even include “luxury limousine service” to the venue, emphasizing the event’s commitment to a premium fan experience.
Go directly to the Tumblbug Illustrator Festival page
| Category | Details |
| Event Name | IlluStar Fes 10 (일러스타 페스 10) |
| Dates | February 21 (Sat) – February 22 (Sun), 2026 |
| Location | Ilsan KINTEX Exhibition Center 1, Halls 4 & 5 |
| Key Zones | IlluStar Play (Indie Games), Creator Market, Cosplay Stage |
| Application Deadline | Indie Game Booths: January 22, 2026 |
| Organizer | Starlike Co., Ltd. |
With over 25,000 visitors recorded in previous iterations, IlluStar Fes 10 is poised to be the largest subculture and indie gaming festival in Korea this year. It stands as a testament to how the “doujin” creative spirit and experimental indie mechanics can converge to form a new standard for cultural content.
