[Save this] Top 15+ Most Unique and Fascinating Festivals in South Korea

A Collection of Unmissable South Korean Festivals

If there's one thing to say about South Korea, it's that the country celebrates all year long, with festivals for every season. Spring brings the Cherry Blossom Festival, summer features beach and mud festivals, autumn celebrates Chuseok and the Hwaseong Suwon Cultural Festival, and winter brings the Taebaeksan Snow Festival and Christmas festivities.

Exciting and Unique South Korean Festivals (Source: @viator)

South Korea hosts festivals year-round, meaning visitors can enjoy one or more festivals no matter the season. Below, we’ve rounded up the top 15+ most captivating festivals in South Korea that every traveler should experience.

South Korea’s Festivals Held Nationwide Throughout the Year

Lunar New Year Festival – South Korea’s First Major Festival of the Year

• When it takes place: 1st day of the Lunar New Year, annually.
• Where it’s held: Nationwide.

The Lunar New Year in South Korea (Seollal) is considered one of the most important holidays for the people here, as it’s a time for families to gather together. Much like in Vietnam, Koreans clean their homes, perform New Year's rituals, prepare the first meal of the year, and visit friends and family to wish them a prosperous new year, though there are unique traditions that set it apart.

On the first morning of the Lunar New Year, after dressing in traditional Hanbok, the eldest son in the family will perform an ancestral ritual (Chesa). Following this, the younger family members will bow to their grandparents in a gesture of respect and wish them a prosperous new year (Seba). Finally, they exchange valuable gifts with each other.

There are many other fascinating aspects of the Lunar New Year in South Korea for travelers to experience. This blend of the familiar and the unique creates an extraordinary experience for visitors to South Korea during this festive period.

Lunar New Year Festival: South Korea’s First Festival of the Year (Source: @asia.si.edu)

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival

• Dates: January 4 - 26, annually.
• Location: Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province.

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival is considered South Korea’s most famous winter festival and one of the largest post-Christmas events in the country. In addition to common activities like ice skating, snow sculpture exhibitions, and ice carving displays, visitors also have the chance to try their hand at ice fishing for trout.

The unique and attractive feature of the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival lies in the ice holes, each one carefully drilled to just the right size for catching fish. Visitors can try ice fishing with all the necessary equipment and guidance from expert instructors. For an added challenge, guests can even enter ponds to catch trout before they become frozen in the icy waters.

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

• Dates: January 17 - 26, annually.
• Location: Danggol Square, Taebaeksan Park, Gangwon Province.

As one of South Korea’s major winter festivals, the Taebaeksan Snow Festival offers visitors the chance to admire massive, year-themed ice and snow sculptures. These could range from angelic figures to grand, majestic castles, all set against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains, creating a dreamlike scene.

In addition to enjoying the enchanting snowy scenery, visitors can also take part in fun activities for both adults and children, such as snowman building contests, skiing, and sledding on dog-drawn sleds.

If you're planning to visit the Taebaeksan Snow Festival, be sure to dress warmly and bring accessories like woolen hats, gloves, and scarves. Don’t forget to wear waterproof clothing so you can fully enjoy the snow and ice-filled activities.

Fun at the Taebaeksan Snow Festival

Jeju Fire Festival – A Fascinating South Korean Tradition

• Dates: March 7 - 9, annually.
• Location: Jeju Island.

Jeju Island is a well-known destination for sightseeing, relaxation, and enjoying fresh air. But what many may not know is that it also hosts a unique traditional cultural event—the Jeju Fire Festival.

The fire festival has its roots in an agricultural tradition where farmers would burn their fields at the end of winter and the beginning of spring to ensure a bountiful harvest and protect their crops from pests. The event also carries spiritual significance, symbolizing prayers for abundant crops in the coming year.

At the Jeju Fire Festival, visitors can not only experience the traditional life of ancient Korean farmers but also participate in exciting activities such as farming, dancing traditional dances around the bonfire, and enjoying many other fun events throughout the three days of the festival.

Buddha's Birthday Festival

• Dates: 8th day of the 4th month in the lunar calendar, annually.
• Location: Nationwide.

Buddhism is a major religion in South Korea, with over 50% of the population practicing it. As a result, Buddha's Birthday has become a nationwide celebration. During this time, temples across the country are beautifully adorned with colorful lotus lanterns. Additionally, large and vibrant lantern parades are held in major cities, making for an exciting spectacle.

During this period, in addition to visiting temples or participating in lantern festivals, visitors can engage in other fascinating activities such as spending the night in a monastery, experiencing the life of a monk, or tasting vegetarian dishes offered during this special South Korean festival.

Buddha's Birthday Festival in South Korea

Cherry Blossom Festival in South Korea – A Highly Anticipated Event

• Dates: April, annually.
• Location: Nationwide.

Spring in South Korea has a unique and romantic beauty that sets it apart from the other seasons. When the cherry blossoms bloom in full splendor across the country, the entire land seems to don a stunning, colorful Hanbok. During this season, visitors can immerse themselves in the beautiful atmosphere by participating in the widely celebrated Cherry Blossom Festival, held in various locations across the nation.

There are several famous cherry blossom festivals in South Korea that travelers should consider attending, including:

• Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival: one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in South Korea.
• Seoul Cherry Blossom Festival: one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the country.
• Busan Cherry Blossom Festival: one of the three biggest festivals held annually in Busan.

The romantic and vibrant Cherry Blossom Festival in South Korea (Source: @midam.pic)

Lotus Lantern Festival

• Event date: 8th April of the lunar calendar annually.
• Location: Nationwide.

The Lotus Lantern Festival is one of the events held to celebrate Buddha's Birthday, typically occurring on the 8th of April in the lunar calendar each year. However, visitors will notice that preparations for this South Korean festival often begin well before the actual day. On Buddha's Birthday, a grand parade is held to honor the Buddha's legacy.

During this festival, participants can release sky lanterns, float lanterns on rivers, and marvel at the dazzling scenery of the parade. Unlike in Vietnam, where the pilgrimage is free for visitors, in South Korea, tourists are required to book tickets online, and these tickets tend to sell out quickly, so it's advisable to pick up tickets directly at the event location.

Some ideal locations to participate in the Lotus Lantern Festival include: Cheonggye Stream in Seoul, Namgang River in Jinju Province, and Daegu City…

Haeundae Sand Festival - A unique South Korean festival

• Event dates: June 6th - June 9th annually.
• Location: Haeundae Beach, Busan City.

The Haeundae Sand Festival is held on the famous beach of the same name in Busan, and it is one of the most anticipated summer festivals in South Korea. Visitors will be able to admire massive sand sculptures, which may include giant castles or colorful children’s drawings, depending on the creative vision of the artists.

What makes these creations unique is that they are entirely made of sand without the help of any tools—artists build them solely with their hands. In addition, visitors can also enjoy a variety of beach sports, take a dip in warm sand baths, or watch a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean at night.

Haeundae Sand Festival - A must-visit South Korean festival (Source: @visitbusan.en)

Boryeong Mud Festival

• Event dates: July 18th - July 27th annually.
• Location: Daecheon Beach, Chungcheongnam Province.

If the sand festival in June wasn’t exciting enough, the Boryeong Mud Festival held every July at Daecheon Beach will surely satisfy thrill-seekers. At this mud-filled festival, visitors can enjoy activities such as mud wrestling, mud sliding, and other adventurous games.

As for health and safety concerns, there’s no need to worry. The mud at Daecheon has been scientifically proven by Korean researchers to be not only clean but beneficial for skin health. So, visitors can fully enjoy this summer festival without any concerns about hygiene.

Busan Beach Festival - The most exciting summer festival in South Korea

• Event dates: August 1st - August 7th annually.
• Location: Various beaches in Busan City.

The Busan Beach Festival is an annual event held every August, considered the largest and most grandiose summer festival in South Korea. It takes place at the beaches of Haeundae, Dadaepo, Gwangalli, Songjeong, and Songdo.

At the Busan Beach Festival, visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant beach parties, grand music festivals, dazzling fireworks displays, and thrilling water sports activities. It’s a dynamic and unforgettable event that transforms this coastal city. If you're planning a trip to Busan, be sure to choose the right time to join in on this exciting festival!

Busan Beach Festival - The most exciting summer festival in South Korea

Chuseok Festival - The Mid-Autumn Festival in South Korea

• Event dates: 15th of August, according to the lunar calendar, annually.
• Location: Nationwide.

Chuseok, the Korean Mid-Autumn Festival, holds a dual significance. It is not only a time for family reunions but also a celebration of gratitude. The festival is a day for Koreans to give thanks to both the heavens and their ancestors, seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest. Visiting South Korea during this time provides an opportunity to experience the traditional and cultural atmosphere of Chuseok.

In addition to the family gatherings, visitors can also partake in traditional cultural activities like the Ganggangsullae dance, Juldarigi – a traditional Korean tug-of-war, and the Korean wrestling competition, offering an immersive experience into Korean heritage.

Ganggangsullae Dance at the Chuseok Mid-Autumn Festival (Image source: @khan.co.kr)

Hwaseong Suwon Cultural Festival

• Event dates: October, annually.
• Location: Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon Province.

For those fascinated by traditional culture, royal ceremonies, and life during Korea's Joseon Dynasty, the Hwaseong Suwon Cultural Festival is an unmissable experience when visiting South Korea. This festival allows visitors to step back in time and explore Korea's rich cultural heritage.

The festival brings to life the royal traditions of King Jeongjo's reign during the Joseon Dynasty, showcasing royal processions, traditional palace rituals, and military training sessions. Through the Hwaseong Suwon Cultural Festival, both locals and tourists can engage with and preserve the ancient cultural values of Korea, which continue to be cherished and celebrated today.

Hwaseong Suwon Cultural Festival, South Korea, image source @secretseoul

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

• Event dates: October 5th, annually.
• Location: Seoul, the capital city.

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival, organized by Hanwha, is a major event each year, drawing large crowds. Countries like France, Canada, and Japan join South Korea in showcasing spectacular and unique fireworks displays. This collaboration creates an unforgettable experience filled with mesmerizing visuals and emotions.

In addition to the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, the event organizers also feature a variety of unique performances and vibrant Korean music festivals, allowing both locals and tourists to immerse themselves before the grand fireworks display begins.

Seoul International Fireworks Festival, South Korea (Image source: @vietjetair)

PyeongChang Festival - A remarkable Korean music festival

• Event dates: From December of the previous year to February of the following year.
• Location: Odaecheon, Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province.

PyeongChang is a winter festival that ranks among South Korea's most remarkable holidays. Each festival carries a unique message, and the PyeongChang Festival often includes themes of promoting the country’s cultural traditions along with spectacular classical music performances.

The PyeongChang Festival brings together renowned classical musicians, and in the scenic beauty of Gangwon Province, visitors can lose themselves in the gentle melodies and enjoy unforgettable performances.

Gwangju Kimchi Festival, South Korea

• Event dates: Every November.
• Location: Gwangju.

When talking about South Korea, kimchi is impossible to overlook—it's one of the country's most iconic traditional dishes. The Gwangju Kimchi Festival was created to celebrate and honor this national treasure.

At this festival, visitors will have the chance to learn about different types of kimchi and their nutritional value. Additionally, they can participate in activities like making traditional kimchi, seasoning it to their own taste, and pickling it. The festival also features stalls and exhibitions where guests can buy kimchi-making tools to take home as souvenirs for their loved ones.

Gwangju Kimchi Festival, South Korea (Source: @thevibeofkorea)

Christmas Festival

• Event date: December 24th, annually.
• Location: Nationwide.

For South Koreans, Christmas is one of the most significant holidays of the year. During this time, the streets, cafes, restaurants, and even private homes are beautifully decorated. The festive atmosphere of this Korean holiday fills every corner of the city, from the end of the year to the start of the new year.

During the Christmas festival, visitors can take part in a variety of exciting activities such as:

• The Christmas tree festival held in Busan.
• Learn about traditional stories and enjoy the light festival on Herb Island.
• Celebrate Christmas at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.
• Watch a musical performance in the Daehangno area of Seoul.

Christmas celebrations in South Korea are dazzlingly decorated (Source: @seoul.southkorea)

Important Tips for Participating in Korean Festivals

In general, South Korea can be considered a country that celebrates festivals throughout the year in all four seasons. However, to ensure a fun and fulfilling trip, visitors should pay attention to the following points:

• Research the festival thoroughly: It's essential for visitors to gather full details about the festival they wish to attend, particularly the dates and location. This is especially important for events like the cherry blossom festivals, as schedules may vary annually.
• Apply for a visa, book tickets, and reserve hotel rooms early: The ideal timeframe is 2-3 months ahead to secure affordable flights and reasonable hotel rooms. This will help avoid inflated prices and sold-out accommodations during peak festival seasons.
• Prepare snacks: It's advisable to carry water and light snacks when attending Korean festivals, as they often require long periods of walking and movement.
• Take care of personal belongings and documents: This is crucial when attending large festivals. To avoid losing valuable items, guests should store their important belongings in the hotel's safe and lock them securely.
• Keep a close eye on children: Korean festivals tend to be crowded. If attending with children, ensure that they are always supervised, or have an adult accompany them to prevent them from getting lost.

These are some tips about the most famous and exciting Korean festivals. Wishing travelers a safe, lucky, and memorable trip.

Dung

Image source: Internet