South Korea is a country rich in culture, history, and traditions. One of the best ways to experience this is by joining its festivals and seasonal events. From music and art to food and traditional customs, South Korean festivals offer something unforgettable year-round. Be ready to learn about the country’s heritage while having a great time with locals. Here are some of the top festivals and events you can’t miss when you’re in South Korea.
Boryeong Mud Festival
Held every July at Daecheon Beach, the Boryeong Mud Festival is one of South Korea’s most exciting summer events. Started in the late 90s to promote the region’s mud cosmetics, it quickly grew into an annual fun-filled festival. Expect mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud baths, and even mud-based skin treatments!
The festival lasts about 10 days with loads of messy activities to try out. There’s also a fantastic beach party, concerts, and fireworks to keep the energy going. Don’t worry about cleanliness—there are showers available for cleaning up after the fun. Just bring your swimsuit and be ready to get dirty!
Chuseok (Harvest Festival)
Chuseok is South Korea’s version of Thanksgiving. This traditional holiday usually takes place in September or early October, depending on the lunar calendar. It’s one of the biggest holidays in Korea, and millions of people travel to their hometowns to spend time with family members and pay respects to their ancestors.
During Chuseok, expect to see Koreans wearing traditional clothing called hanbok. Families come together to prepare and eat special dishes like songpyeon (a type of rice cake), japchae (stir-fried noodles), and grilled meat. If you’re in South Korea during Chuseok, note that many businesses might close. However, you can immerse yourself in cultural experiences at parks, palaces, and museums that hold special events showcasing traditional music, games, and performances.
Gwangju World Kimchi Festival
You cannot talk about South Korean culture without mentioning kimchi. The Gwangju World Kimchi Festival, held every October, is an ode to this beloved fermented dish. Visitors can learn all about how kimchi is made, taste endless varieties, and even join in on making your own batch of kimchi to take home.
The festival includes culinary workshops, exhibitions, traditional performances, and markets selling all the ingredients needed to make your own kimchi. Whether you’re a kimchi fanatic or a first-timer, this event is a great way to dive deeper into Korean food culture.
Jinju Lantern Festival
Taking place in early October, the Jinju Lantern Festival lights up the Namgang River with thousands of beautiful, brightly colored lanterns. This festival originally started to commemorate fallen soldiers from the Japanese invasions of the late 1500s and has grown into one of South Korea’s most magical events.
You can expect impressive displays of traditional lanterns as well as massive lantern structures of dragons, tigers, and cultural figures. Don’t miss the chance to float your own lantern on the river for good luck or spend time taking in the nightly fireworks and cultural performances. The festival lasts for about two weeks, giving plenty of opportunities to see the lights.
Seoul Lantern Festival
Not far behind the Jinju Lantern Festival is the Seoul Lantern Festival. Held every November along Cheonggyecheon Stream, it brings the city to life with stunning lanterns, sculptures, and themed displays. This popular event illuminates urban Seoul in a way that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding modern skyscrapers.
Each year has a different theme, but expect plenty of bright lights and creative designs along the 1.2-kilometer riverside walkway. Because it’s free and easy to access, it is one of Seoul’s biggest events for both locals and tourists.
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
If you’re a fan of films, then the Busan International Film Festival, held every October, is for you. It’s one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, showcasing movies from all over the world, but with a special focus on Asian cinema.
The event takes place in the beautiful coastal city of Busan, and it’s filled with movie screenings, workshops, and outdoor events that feature both newcomers and established directors. Make sure to check out the Open Cinema screenings, where you watch movies on a giant outdoor screen by the sea. The atmosphere is electric, and even if you miss out on tickets, the buzz around the festival is infectious.
Buddha’s Birthday
Celebrated in late April or early May (depending on the lunar calendar), Buddha’s Birthday is observed across South Korea, with temples and streets beautifully decorated in vibrant lotus lanterns. The heart of the celebration is in Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple, where colorful lanterns hang overhead, and a grand lantern parade livens up the evening.
You’ll find lantern parades in many major cities, as well as temple stays and calm, reflective ceremonies at quieter temples in the countryside. Whether you’re spiritual or not, Buddha’s Birthday is a cultural event that shows you the peaceful side of South Korea, while still being full of energy and life at night with the lantern viewings.
Andong Mask Dance Festival
The Andong Mask Dance Festival, held in late September to early October, is a celebration of both Korean and international folk culture, with a major focus on traditional mask dancing and performances. Andong, located in the southeast region of the country, has been a hub of Korean heritage for centuries, making it an ideal location to explore this unique tradition.
Visitors can see mask dance performances, visit the Hahoe Folk Village (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and even take part in mask-making workshops. If you want to experience ancient Korean storytelling while also participating in hands-on cultural activities, this festival is not to be missed.
Seoul Jazz Festival
The Seoul Jazz Festival, held every May, brings smooth tunes from some of the best international and local jazz artists to the capital city. It’s grown into one of South Korea’s top music events, attracting thousands of attendees with music that ranges from jazz to R&B, soul, and funk.
This outdoor festival takes place in Olympic Park and pairs world-class music with a chilled-out picnic vibe. Enjoy live performances surrounded by friends, good food, and drinks as the music flows all day long. Ideal for those who love good rhythms and a sunny day out in nature.
PyeongChang Trout Festival
Winter in South Korea can be cold, but the PyeongChang Trout Festival proves that wintertime is also a time for fun outdoor activities. Held every December to February, this event invites you to try your hand at ice fishing. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before—there are plenty of local experts to guide you through it.
Once you catch a trout, you can either eat it cooked on the spot or have it grilled to enjoy by the ice. There are also alternative snowy activities like sledding, ice skating, and snowman building for those who aren’t into fishing. It’s a unique way to experience South Korea’s winter wonderland.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
One of the world’s top ice fishing festivals, the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival runs from early January every year. Located in a mountainous region, the ice freezes thick, making the perfect spot for fishing. The highlight of the festival is catching the sancheoneo—wild trout that lives in cold, clear waters.
If freezing temperatures don’t scare you, try bare-handed fishing in the icy waters, or just stick to the rod and reel. Apart from fishing, there’s ice sledding and ice sculptures to enjoy. This festival is perfect for both visitors who love fishing and those just looking for a fun-packed winter adventure.
Jeju Fire Festival
Held in early March on Jeju Island, the Jeju Fire Festival welcomes spring by lighting the island’s vast fields on fire! Don’t worry; it’s a carefully controlled fire meant to rid the land of pests and provide fertilizer for new crops, based on ancient farming traditions.
The festival also includes fireworks, traditional performances, and a chance to try local food. Join the locals in celebrating the end of winter with flames that light up the night skies with plenty of cultural events and outdoor activities.
Take Part in South Korea’s Vibrant Festivals
No matter what time of year you visit South Korea, there is always a festival or event worth experiencing. From traditional celebrations like Chuseok and Buddha’s Birthday to modern fun at the Boryeong Mud Festival and Busan International Film Festival, you’ll gain deeper insight into Korea’s culture while having an amazing time. Make sure to check the dates of these festivals when planning your trip so you can make the most out of your visit!
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