Events & Festivals
South Korea is a country rich in tradition, history, and vibrant modern culture, and its festivals and events are a wonderful reflection of this diversity. Whether you're visiting during a traditional holiday or a colorful cultural celebration, there’s always something exciting happening in South Korea. Here’s a guide to some of the top events and festivals to mark on your calendar!
🌸 Spring Festivals
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (April)
Location: Jinhae, near Changwon
What to Expect: The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in South Korea. The entire town is blanketed with pink cherry blossoms, creating a magical atmosphere. There are cultural performances, parades, and countless opportunities for breathtaking photographs as you stroll through parks and along the coastline.
Why Go: For flower lovers and photography enthusiasts, this is a must-visit event. It's perfect for capturing the beauty of South Korea’s cherry blossom season.
Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival (November)
Location: Seoul
What to Expect: During this festival, you can join in the traditional Korean art of kimchi making. It's a fun and interactive way to learn about Korea’s national dish. Locals and visitors gather to make large quantities of kimchi and share it with others, symbolizing generosity and community spirit.
Why Go: If you want to dive into Korean food culture and try your hand at making kimchi, this is the festival for you.
🐉 Summer Festivals
Boryeong Mud Festival (July)
Location: Boryeong, West Coast of Korea
What to Expect: The Boryeong Mud Festival is a wild and energetic summer event where visitors can slather themselves in mineral-rich mud, participate in mud wrestling, and slide down muddy hills. The festival also features live music, food stalls, and fireworks.
Why Go: It’s a fun, messy, and unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel to clean up afterward!
Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival (October)
Location: Gwangju
What to Expect: This is a festival dedicated to South Korea’s most beloved dish: kimchi. The event includes kimchi-making demonstrations, contests, and exhibitions showcasing the diversity of this fermented food.
Why Go: It’s a unique opportunity to see the cultural significance of kimchi in South Korea and get a deeper understanding of the local food culture.
🍁 Autumn Festivals
Seoul Lantern Festival (November)
Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul
What to Expect: The Seoul Lantern Festival transforms Cheonggyecheon Stream into a magical display of vibrant lanterns and light installations. The lanterns represent various themes, from Korean folk stories to modern art.
Why Go: This is one of Seoul’s most visually stunning events, offering an enchanting evening stroll through the beautifully illuminated stream, perfect for a romantic or peaceful outing.
Andong Mask Dance Festival (September/October)
Location: Andong, North Gyeongsang Province
What to Expect: The Andong Mask Dance Festival celebrates Korea’s traditional Hahoe Mask Dance. The festival is a unique opportunity to watch performances of ancient dances, masks, and costumes, as well as experience traditional Korean food and crafts.
Why Go: If you’re fascinated by Korea’s traditional culture and performing arts, this festival offers a chance to see live performances and learn about the history of Korean masks and dance.
🏯 Winter Festivals
Seollal (Lunar New Year) – January/February
Location: Nationwide
What to Expect: Seollal is one of Korea's most important holidays, marking the Lunar New Year. Families gather to honor their ancestors and participate in traditional customs, including sebae (a deep bow to elders), playing yutnori (a traditional board game), and enjoying special foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup).
Why Go: Visiting during Seollal provides a chance to experience Korean culture up close. Many cultural centers and palaces offer special events and performances during this time.
Ice Fishing and Ice Sculptures Festival (January)
Location: Hwacheon, Gangwon Province
What to Expect: In Hwacheon, the Ice Fishing and Ice Sculptures Festival attracts visitors to enjoy ice fishing, ice sculpting exhibitions, and traditional Korean games. The festival is known for its fun atmosphere and the chance to try fishing through frozen lakes.
Why Go: For those visiting during winter, this is a great way to experience the Korean winter fun and immerse yourself in outdoor activities in the snow.
🏆 Cultural & Traditional Events
Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival) – September/October
Location: Nationwide
What to Expect: Chuseok is one of Korea’s most important holidays, often compared to Thanksgiving in the U.S. Families gather to honor their ancestors and share a special meal. You’ll see traditional Korean games, dances, and music, and it’s a time when people wear hanbok (traditional clothing).
Why Go: Experiencing Chuseok is a fantastic way to get a taste of Korea’s deep-rooted traditions, food, and family-oriented customs.
Korean Traditional Wedding Ceremony (Year-Round)
Location: Seoul
What to Expect: Several cultural centers in Seoul offer visitors the chance to witness a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. The experience includes wearing a hanbok, witnessing the traditional wedding rituals, and enjoying traditional music and food.
Why Go: For a unique cultural experience, attending a Korean Traditional Wedding Ceremony is an immersive way to learn about Korean customs and traditions.
🎆 Conclusion: Festivals that Celebrate South Korean Culture
South Korea is full of energy and tradition, and its festivals allow visitors to dive deep into the culture, history, and local spirit. Whether you're enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, taking part in kimchi-making in autumn, or immersing yourself in Korean New Year traditions, South Korea offers an unforgettable experience for festival lovers year-round.
Plan your trip around one (or more) of these fantastic events to experience the heartbeat of South Korea firsthand. No matter the season, there's always something exciting to celebrate!
