Famous Festivals In South Korea
South Korea has a lot to offer when it comes to events and festivals. Almost each weekend you can find a different festival in another part of the country. Korea or “The Land of Festivals” always manages to organize the most unique events combining Korean history, art, culture, and food. It always seems that there is a festival for just anything: persimmon festival, kimchi festival or a hanbok festival. Read on for the most famous festivals in South Korea!
Famous Festivals In South Korea In Spring
Spring is definitely one of the best times to come visit Korea. This is the season of many flower festivals around the country and in Seoul in spring.
1. Jindo Sea Parting Festival
The Jindo Sea Parting Festival is an annual event that takes place in Jindo, a small island in South Korea. The festival celebrates the unique natural phenomenon where the sea parts, revealing a 2.8-kilometer-long pathway between Jindo and a neighboring island. During the festival, visitors can walk along the pathway, which is only visible for a few hours before the sea covers it again. The festival also features various cultural events such as traditional Korean music and dance performances, food stalls selling local delicacies, and a parade. The Jindo Sea Parting Festival is a truly magical experience that allows visitors to witness the wonder of nature and learn about Korean culture.
Location: Hoedong-ri, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do
When: 3 days at the end of March
Buy Tickets: Free, paid shuttle buses leaving from Seoul
2. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival
Gyeongju, or often referred to as the museum without walls turns into a pink wonderland during the cherry blossom season. During the one week Gyeongju cherry blossom festival, performances and small markets are held all over the city. The main cherry blossom areas are Bomun Lake, Bulguksa Temple and the Tumuli Park. Check other things to do in Gyeongju here.
** This is my favourite festival when it comes to the Cherry Blossom festivals In South Korea. The city is truely stunning and the cherry blossoms only make it better. **
Location: Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju-si, Bomun-ro, 446
When: end of March, start of April
Buy Tickets: Free, paid shuttle buses leaving from Seoul
3. Goyang Spring Flower Festival
The Goyang Flower Festival is Korea’s biggest and most important international flower exhibition. It takes place each year in Ilsan, a city just outside Seoul. Over 300 companies and organisation from all over the world gather to showcase their flower sculpture and products made using flowers.
The festival has several indoor and outdoor areas, including unique and rare plants exhibition, flower sculptures, flower experiences, different performance stages and other cultural events.
Location: 595, Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
When: 3 weeks during April and May
Buy Tickets: On site or online
4. Wangin Culture Festival
The Yeongnam Wangin Culture Festival is held when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This, still non-touristic, festivals celebrates the Korean Dr. Wangin, who was on a quest to spread Korean culture in Japan 1600 years ago.
The festival is located in the country side, surrounded by stunning nature. The main highlight of the festival is the Dr. Wangin Parade, which tells the story of the doctors achievements.
Location: 440, Wangin-ro, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do
When: early April
Buy Tickets: Free
5. Boseong Green Tea Festival
The stunning green tea plantations in Boseong are the largest producers of green tea in Korea. At the green tea festival, visitors can sample different kinds of tea from the different plantations and enjoy hands-on experiences like green tea picking, green tea scavenger hunt, green tea moonlight party, making tea and much more!
Location: 775, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
When: mid May
Buy Tickets: Free, paid shuttle buses leaving from Seoul/Busan
5. Seoul Jazz Festival
The Seoul Jazz Festival is Asia’s top jazz festival featuring famous artists from all over the world. The festival is held on the grass field of the stunning Olympic park in the Jamsil area. Big names have made it to the festival, since first started in 2006, like Jessie J, Sergio Mendes and Iron and Wine.
Location: 424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
When: end of May
Buy Tickets: Online
6. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
One of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in South Korea. Jinhae is located in the south of the country and is the mecca for cherry blossom tourism. In April daily buses are leaving from Seoul and Busan to the festival. Enjoy stunning views at the Yeojwacheon Stream & Gyeonghwa Station and taste cherry blossom flavoured drinks and snacks.
When: early April
Buy Tickets: Free, book shuttle bus online
Famous Festivals In Korea In Summer
Summer is the season of intense heat and humidity. It comes as no surprise that most festivals during this season include some kind of refreshment like water or mud.
1. Boryeong Mud Festival
Of all the festivals in Korea, this is the one of the events in korea that attracts most international visitors. The first festival was in 1998, when cosmetic companies used Boryeongs Mud in their cosmetic products, as the mud is filled with minerals. The Boryeong Mud Festival was created to promote these cosmetic products.
At the festival, visitors can enjoy swimming in a giant mud bath, mud sliding or mud wrestling. After sunset, the party and fireworks start on the beach.
Location: 123, Meodeu-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
When: mid July
Buy Tickets: On site or online (shuttle included)
2. Pohang Fireworks Festival
The Pohang Fireworks Festival is held annually at Yeongilbae Beach, with the steel company POSTEC in the background. The main event during the festival is the fireworks competition, featuring international teams. Other events are the parade of light, water gun survival games, performances, hot air balloon ride and a squid & beer party.
Location: 685-1, Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
When: end July
Buy Tickets: Free
Famous Festivals In Korea In Autumn
Autumn is a beautiful month to visit South Korea as the country turns into a golden paradise due to the autumn leaves. Check more things to do in autumn in Seoul here.
1. Andong Mask Dance Festival
The city of Andong is well known for its traditional Hahoe village, which houses the yearly Mask Dance Festival. The shamanistic festival dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, where common people used theater and mask performances to make fun of people with high power.
The festival grounds are on 2 different locations, in the Hahoe Village and on the grounds behind Andong train station. Events at the Andong Mask Dance Festival include, mask performances, fireworks, hands-on activities, and more.
Location: 239, Yuksa-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
When: end of September, start of October
Buy Tickets: Free, but performances tickets can be bought on site.
2. Jeongju Bibimbap Festival
Jeonju is known for their delicious Korean cuisine, mainly the Jeonju Bibimbap! One of the most famous Korean dishes worldwide and across Korea. Join this culinary festival to discover more about this signature dish. What makes Jeonju Bibimbap special is that it’s made with 30 different ingredients!
Location: 20, Hyeonmu 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
When: end of October
Buy Tickets: Free
3. Seoul Lantern Festival
Each year the lantern festival is held along the 1.2 kilometer long Cheonggyecheon Stream, starting at Cheonggye Plaza going all the way to Supyogyo Bridge. Hundreds of lanterns are lid at 5 PM, illumination the city at the start of another cold winter. Each year, the theme of the lantern festival is different.
Location: 14, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
When: first Friday of November to the third Sunday of November
Buy Tickets: Free
4. Goyang Autumn Flower Festival
Apart from having a festival in Spring, the Goyang flower festival is now also happening in Autumn. At the festival over 300 flower organisations and companies are showcasing their beautiful flower creations and sculptures.
The festival takes place along the river side which is super beautiful during autumn due to the leaves turning golden and red.
Location: 595, Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
When: First week of October
Buy Tickets: On site or online
Famous Festivals in Korea in Winter
Winters in Korea can be pretty harsh with temperatures going far below 0°C, but that’s no reason not to enjoy the pleasures winter has to offer. Check what to wear in Korea in winter and what to do in Korea in winter here.
1. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
The Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival is a three week long festival and one of the biggest winter festivals in Korea. The festival takes place on a river covered with a 40 centimeter thick layer of ice. During this festival, people from all over the country come together on this frozen river to catch fresh trout! Going to the ice fishing festival is a wonderful day trip from Seoul in winter.
Location: Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do
When: three weeks during January
Buy Tickets: Onsite or online
2. Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival
The Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival is an annual event that takes place in Gwangyang, a city in the southern part of South Korea. The festival is dedicated to the blooming of maehwa, which are plum blossoms, and attracts visitors from all over the country and beyond.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural activities such as traditional music and dance performances, and participate in hands-on experiences such as making traditional crafts. One of the highlights of the festival is the lighting ceremony, where the plum blossom trees are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
The Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival is a celebration of nature, culture, and community, and is a must-visit for anyone who loves flowers and culture.
Location: 55, Jimak 1-gil, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
When: 10 days early March
Buy Tickets: Free but paid shuttle bus leaving from Seoul/Busan
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular festival in South Korea is probably the Boryeong Mud Festival, held annually in July. This festival started in 1998 and has since attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. The festival is known for its giant mud pools, where visitors can enjoy mud wrestling, mud sliding, and other fun activities.
The Jinju Lantern Festival is held in October each year in Jinju City. The festival is held in memory of the fallen soldiers who fought in the Imjin War in the 16th century. During the festival, thousands of lanterns are lit and displayed along the Nam River, representing the spirits of the fallen soldiers. The lanterns are believed to guide the spirits back to their homes.
The Busan International Film Festival, also known as BIFF, is held annually in Busan in October. The festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia and showcases a wide range of international and Korean films. The festival was first held in 1996 and has since become a major event in the Korean film industry.
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Oh that lantern festival looks so beautiful!! Sounds like you’ll have a busy festival season in Korea!
Love it! Korea is definitely on my list. And I would love to visit while one of these festivals are going on 🙂
I went to Korea .. 4 years ago now (time flies!), at the time of the Lantern Festival apparently!
I didn’t know it, but my friend and I noticed those lanterns along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, and we wandered there at night, made pretty pictures! I thought it was for the Asian Games at the time, but turns out, it was not ^^
(Funny that the theme was Games again though)
I was just in Korea this Summer! I really want to go back! I’ll definitely need to check out these events if I ever get the chance to go in the Autumn! 🙂
xo, Chloe //
These festivals look amazing . Not I want to visit Korea 🙂
This looks very cool, all of them. Definitely on my bucket list 🙂
That’s so awesome that they have a festival for many different things! I wish there were more things to celebrate in the USA. I love the idea of the festival for their signature dish.
Fall is my favorite season! It’s neat to know other countries also have fall festivals and other special events. The lantern festival looks especially beautiful and the food looks delicious.
I regret it so badly that I have been to Seoul for the past two days, but haven’t had the chance to visit the Lantern Festival due to business dinners and all-day meetings… Will you cover this festival in a separate article or upload pictures of it on your Instagram account, Marie? That way, I could at least virtually participate… 😉
The festival was absolutely amazing! You can see some pictures on my instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbJiwT7hJMt/?hl=nl&taken-by=be_marie_korea
Hopefully you can come back another year?
I’m so glad you reminded me of that lantern festival! This is my last year in Korea and I definitely can’t miss it! I’ll be sure to go this weekend especially since they have the lanterns for the Olympics. How was the bibimbap festival? I know it’s famous in Korea!