Famous festivals in Korea

Korea is a country famous not only for its long-standing traditional culture but also for its unique festivals, imbued with history and art. Below is a list of famous festivals in Korea that you must experience when visiting the “land of kimchi”. Let’s learn about famous festivals in Korea with C-Korea!

1. Jinhae Gunhang Festival (진해군항제)

The Jinhae Gunhang Festival is one of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in Korea, held annually in the spring in the Jinju area of Changwon City, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Originally held to commemorate General Lee Sun-sin, the festival has now become a cherry blossom festival, attracting over 2 million visitors. During the festival, the entire Jinju area is covered with hundreds of thousands of cherry blossom trees. Major locations such as Yeojwacheon, Gyeonghwa Station, and Rotary Center Square are especially popular with tourists. In addition, the festival also holds various events such as the Republic of Korea Air Force’s “Black Eagles” air show, sightseeing at Jehwangsan Park, and the Yeojwacheon Light Festival, providing a wonderful experience with colorful activities and fireworks.

Characteristic: The festival features cherry blossoms in full bloom, military displays, and cultural activities such as parades and live music.
Location: Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.
Time: Usually held in early April, coinciding with cherry blossom season.

2. Seoul Light Festival (서울 빛초롱 축제)

The Seoul Light Festival is a major cultural event held annually in Seoul, South Korea. It usually takes place in the winter, from December to January, and attracts millions of tourists every year. The festival is famous for its spectacular light displays on the Cheonggyecheon River, from Cheonggye Square to Samilgyo Bridge. The festival also features exciting activities such as lantern exhibitions, laser art performances, and cultural interactive programs.

Characteristic: The festival transforms downtown Seoul into a space filled with light with a variety of lanterns and artworks.
Location: Cheonggyecheon area, Seoul.
Time: November every year.

3. Boryeong Mud Festival (보령머드축제)

The Boryeong Mud Festival is the largest summer cultural event in Korea, held annually in July in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do Province. The festival was established in 1999 to promote cosmetics made from Boryeong mud, which is known for its high mineral content and far-infrared rays that help rejuvenate the skin. The festival attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists, with many interesting activities such as mud wrestling, mud swimming, mud sliding, and bodypainting.

Characteristic: Visitors can participate in activities such as mud sliding, mud wrestling, and mud spa. This festival is fun and relaxing.
Location: Daecheon Beach, Boryeong City, Chungcheongnam-do Province.
Time: Every July.

4. Seoul International Fireworks Festival (서울 세계 불꽃 축제)

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is the largest fireworks display in Korea, organized annually by the Hanwha Group. The event takes place in October at the Han River Park in Seoul, and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. The festival begins in the evening with a vibrant opening ceremony, followed by teams from many countries such as Japan, the United States, and Korea presenting vibrant and vibrant fireworks displays. Finally, the main fireworks display organized by the Hanwha Group combines light, color, and music, creating an unforgettable moment.

Characteristic: Stunning fireworks displays from international teams, along with vibrant music performances.

Location: Han River area, Seoul.

When: Usually held in early October.

5. Jinju Lantern Festival (진주유등축제)

The Jinju Lantern Festival originated from the Japanese War in the 16th century. During the Imjin War (1592-1598), Korean soldiers used lanterns to light up the Nam River to prevent enemy troops from advancing at night and to send messages to their families. Over time, this activity has become a special cultural tradition of Jinju City. Today, the Jinju Lantern Festival is not only an occasion to commemorate history but also an important cultural event, attracting millions of visitors with activities such as lantern exhibitions, art performances, and many other interactive activities, creating a space filled with light and rich in Korean national identity.

Characteristic: Thousands of lanterns are lit, creating a sparkling scene on the Nam River.
Location: Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.
Time: Early October.

6. Andong Mask Festival (안동탈춤축제)

The Andong Mask Festival is one of the most famous traditional cultural festivals in Korea, held annually in October in Andong City, Gyeongbuk Province. This festival originates from the traditional culture of “Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori”, a type of mask puppet art recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival lasts for about ten days, including rich activities such as traditional mask puppet performances, mask parades, folk games, and various art performances. Hahoe masks are not only cultural symbols but also carry deep meanings about spirituality and folk beliefs. The Andong Mask Festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience and explore Korean traditional culture in a lively and engaging way. Do you want to participate and explore this unique festival?

Characteristic: Unique mask dance performances, accompanied by traditional music and cultural experience activities.
Location: Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.
Time: Late September to early October.

7. Busan Fireworks Festival (부산불꽃축제)

Busan Fireworks Festival is one of the largest fireworks events in Korea, held annually in October at Gwangalli Beach, Busan City. The festival was first held in 2005 and quickly became a highlight attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists. The festival is famous for its spectacular fireworks displays against the backdrop of the deep blue sea and the brightly lit Gwangan Bridge. The fireworks are combined with lively music and lighting effects, creating a grand and impressive spectacle. In addition, the festival also has art performances, parades, and many other entertainment activities.

Characteristic: Spectacular fireworks displays on the sea along with music events.
Location: Gwangalli Beach, Busan.
Time: Late October.

8. Gangneung Danoje Festival (강릉단오제)

Gangneung Ojakgyo Festival is a famous traditional cultural festival in Korea, held annually in the summer in Gangneung City, Gangwon-do Province. This festival celebrates the legend of two heavenly figures, the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, who loved each other but were separated by the Milky Way. Every year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, they are reunited thanks to the Ojakgyo Bridge formed by magpies. The festival features many interesting activities such as parades, art performances, and folk games. In particular, the festival also organizes traditional costume competitions and traditional cheo performances, creating a colorful and attractive space.

Characteristic: Includes activities such as sacrificial ceremonies, boat races, and folk performances.
Location: Gangneung City, Gangwon-do Province.
Time: June of the lunar calendar.

9. Biennale Gwangju (광주비엔날레)

The Gwangju Biennale is an important international art event held every two years in Gwangju, South Korea. Established in 1995, the festival aims to honor and promote the development of contemporary art and artists from around the world. Each Gwangju Biennale has a specific theme and attracts hundreds of participating artists, from international artists to domestic talents. The festival includes a variety of activities such as art exhibitions, seminars, performances and cultural exchanges. The Gwangju Biennale is not only an opportunity for the public to enjoy art, but also a place for artists and art critics to meet, exchange and learn.

Characteristic: Art exhibitions with the participation of artists from all over the world.
Location: Gwangju City, Jeollanam-do Province.
Time: Usually runs from September to November.

10. Busan International Film Festival (부산국제영화제 – BIFF)

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in Asia, held annually in Busan, South Korea. The festival was established in 1996 and has become an important event in the world of cinema. Each Busan International Film Festival features hundreds of films from around the world, including debut films and works by famous directors. The festival also hosts many exchanges, seminars and other programs to promote cultural and artistic exchanges. In addition, the Busan International Film Festival also has awards such as the Asian Filmmaker Award and the Camellia Award for contributions by women in the film industry.

Characteristic: Gathering excellent film works, with the participation of famous filmmakers.
Location: Busan City.
Time: October every year.

Each festival in Korea has its own unique history and cultural value. From the dazzling fireworks in Seoul and Busan to the traditional festivals in Andong and Gangneung, these festivals are not only a place to have fun but also an opportunity to learn more about Korean culture.

For more information about studying and working in Korea , please contact :

C-KOREA CULTURE AND STUDY ABROAD CONSULTING CO ., LTD.