South Korea is known for its memorable festivals. While many of these festivals have been canceled due to COVID, it is only a matter of time before they are all fully open. What makes South Korean festivals so special is that they offer something different for every traveler. However, all the festivals incorporate some of South Korea’s rich and unique culture. We arranged the list according to the time it takes place, so feel free to check back often to see which festival will be coming up. While there are hundreds of festivals in Korea, we narrowed the list down to the best of the best. We will continue to update the list if we come across any other festivals in Korea worth adding to the list.
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival occurs on a frozen river in Gangwon Province. It is one of the most unforgettable winter festivals in Korea. People come here mainly for trout fishing. You can catch the fish with your bare hands or from drilled ice holes. This is one of the most popular winter festivals in Korea. You can eat what you catch, which makes this an unforgettable experience.
Visitors can also enjoy other winter activities such as snow and ice sledding, bobsleighing, ice soccer, and traditional Korean folk games. Additionally, visitors can try freshly caught grilled trout and enjoy the local cuisine. The festival is open to visitors of all ages and offers a perfect winter getaway in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, with plenty of snow and ice to create warm memories. It is a popular event that over a million people have visited, and it was even featured on CNN as one of the “Seven Winter Wonders” in 2011.
The Ice Festival takes place between January 9 – 31.
Address: Gangwon-do, Hwacheon-gun, Hwacheon-eup, Jung-ri, 196
Jeju Fire Festival
If you visit South Korea, it is also a must to visit Jeju Island, the “Hawaii” of South Korea. It takes a little over an hour by plane. The best time to go is from February 28 – March 3. This is when the Jeju Fire Festival takes place. The festival is for welcoming the new year and burning away old grass before the next farming season. It is amazing to see the huge fires at night. During the day, check out the folk dances, torch marches, and tribal games throughout Jeju.
The festival features a parade of locals dressed in traditional costumes, who carry torches and march to the beat of drums. Visitors can also see fireworks and street performances and enjoy local food and drink. The festival’s highlight is the burning of a large wooden sculpture, which symbolizes the purification of the island and the hope for a good harvest. The festival offers a great opportunity to learn about Jeju’s history and culture and witness a stunning fire and light display.
Address: Saebyeol Oreum San 59-8, Bongseong-ri, Ayeol-eup Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Cherry Blossom Festival
The best place to see cherry blossoms is in Yeouido. They hold their famous Cherry Blossom Festival from April 1 – 15 annually. While cherry blossoms can be seen all around Seoul, come to Yeouido because they close down streets so visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom in a peaceful setting. They light up the cherry blossoms at night and hold street performances and exhibitions.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the pink and white blossoms, participate in various activities such as picnicking, flower viewing, and photography, and enjoy traditional performances and parades. The festival is also celebrated in many cities throughout Korea, including Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island, and it attracts many visitors from around the world. The festival provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, immerse oneself in Korean culture, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Address: Yeouiseo-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Boryeong Mud Festival
Boryeong Mud Festival takes place between July 17-27. It is one of South Korea’s most popular summer festivals. Many international travelers come to South Korea just for this festival in Boryeong (a few hours south of Seoul). It is near Daecheon Beach, known for its nutrient-rich mud that offers a variety of health benefits for the skin. You can do many activities at the mud festival, such as rides, sports, arts and crafts, and skin therapy. Don’t forget to check out live Kpop performances and EDM music at the Mud-M event.
Visitors can also enjoy music concerts, fireworks, and delicious local food. The festival attracts people of all ages, and it provides a perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and rejuvenate the skin with mineral-rich mud. The mud used in the festival is sourced from the Boryeong mud flats, which are known for their high-quality mud that has been used in cosmetics and skincare products. The festival has gained international recognition and featured in numerous travel magazines and TV shows.
Address: 897-15, Daehae-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Muju Firefly Festival
The Muju Firefly Festival happens every fall in Muju, a natural habitat for fireflies. This is because Muju also has marsh snails which the fireflies feed on. There are many activities during the Muju Firefly Festival; however, the must-see is the night walk showcasing the fireflies. The festival lasts 9 days and occurs between August 31 – September 8. It is best to go September 3-4 when the fireflies are at their max capacity. In addition to the night nature walk, remember to check out dance performances, talent shows, taekwondo exhibitions, trout catching by the river, and flying lanterns.
Visitors can take guided night tours to watch the fireflies, learn about their habitat and lifecycle, and participate in various cultural and environmental programs. The festival also offers traditional Korean food, music, and performances. The festival provides a unique and educational experience that allows visitors to connect with nature and learn about the importance of preserving the environment.
Address: 326-17, Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Gwangju World Culture Kimchi Festival
You can’t come to Korea until you check out one Kimchi Festival. The biggest kimchi festival takes place in Gwangju. The Gwangju World Culture Kimchi Festival features various activities related to kimchi. This includes kimchi-making tutorials/competitions and cooking classes. There is also a large kimchi market where you can purchase a variety of kimchi styles. Gwangju is also a great place to find some of the best pensions in Korea. The festival takes place in early October, so make sure you check it out.
Visitors can watch cooking demonstrations and participate in hands-on workshops to learn how to make kimchi and taste various types from different regions of Korea. The festival also offers various cultural performances, exhibitions, and traditional games. The festival attracts locals and foreigners, providing a perfect opportunity to learn about Korean food and culture and to taste some of the best kimchi in the world. Kimchi is a staple food in Korean cuisine, and it is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival celebrates this important cultural heritage and promotes the importance of healthy and sustainable food.
Address: Gwangju Kimchi Town 60, Gimchi-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju
Busan International Film Festival
Those that loved the Academy Award-winning Korean film Parasite will love the Busan International Film Festival. Think of it as the Sundance Film Festival for South Korea. It takes place between October 21-30. It is a 10-day festival that combines Korean celebrities from film and drama. In addition, international media and fans come from around the world to check out the latest Korean films.
Since it is located in Busan, it is also a must to check out Haeundae Beach, one of Korea’s most popular beaches. Many film screenings occur at the Busan Cinema Center, located in Centum City. It offers over 30 screens, and over 300 films are showcased from over 70 countries during the festival.
Visitors can watch films from various genres, including feature films, documentaries, and short films, and attend Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. The festival also offers multiple programs, including forums, workshops, and masterclasses, where industry professionals can network, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest trends and technologies in the film industry. The festival has gained international recognition and has become one of Asia’s most important film festivals. It provides a perfect platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and for established directors to premiere their latest films. The festival also offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore Busan, a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich culture.
Address: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Busan Fireworks Festival
In 2020, the Busan Fireworks Festival was canceled due to COVID. However,n the festival returned in 2021. It is one of the biggest fireworks festivals in all of Asia. On average, the festival uses over 10,000 fireworks combined with lasers, lighting up the sky in harmony with theme songs. On average, the festival attracts 2 million visitors a year. Therefore, most hotels and beaches are filled, which causes major traffic jams. This is the only negative aspect of the festival. However, if you go early and avoid the busy streets, this will be one of the most memorable events to visit in Korea.
Visitors can watch the fireworks from various locations, including Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach, and enjoy the festive atmosphere created by the crowds and the various activities during the festival. The festival also offers traditional Korean food, music, and cultural performances. The festival attracts both locals and foreigners, providing a perfect opportunity to enjoy the fireworks’ beauty and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Busan is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich culture. The festival provides a great opportunity to explore the city and experience its unique charm.
Seoul Lantern Festival
Every year in early November, there is the Seoul Lantern Festival along Cheonggyecheon, a man-made stream near Myeongdong. Here you will see impressive lantern structures along the kilometers-long stream. The themes are different every year, but all incorporate some elements of Korean culture. In addition, you can make your floating lantern and set it afloat along the stream. The lanterns are lit between 5 to 11 pm every night.
Visitors can enjoy the lanterns, designed to reflect different themes and aspects of Korean culture, including history, mythology, and tradition. The festival also offers various cultural programs, including traditional Korean performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities, where visitors can learn about lantern-making and create lanterns. The festival attracts both locals and foreigners, and it provides a perfect opportunity to learn about Korean culture and experience the beauty of this ancient art form.
Address: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, South Korea
Pyeongchang Trout Festival
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival can be enjoyed for the whole winter season. The festival takes place between December 28th and ends the following year on February 2nd. Pyeongchang is where the 2018 Winter Olympics were held. It is about 3 hour drive from Seoul and is located on the east coast of South Korea. There you can do some open-ice fishing as well as bare-banded fishing. Fishing rods can be bought at the festival. However, ice fishing which is the main attraction, might not be open if the ice is too thin. Moreover, it is also great for children as there is snow tubing, ice skating, and sledding. Don’t worry about finding a place to eat, as there are food courts and stands around the festival.
Can you think of other interesting Festivals in Korea? Please let us know in the comments, and we will update the article!
