Top Festivals in South Korea
South Korea is a diverse and charming nation. Steeped in over 5,000 years of history and tradition, festivals are an important part of South Korean heritage.
Many traditional celebrations centre around myths and legends or the changing of the seasons. Ancient traditions practiced by farmers have taken on modern customs, while entirely new festivals have emerged for a new generation to enjoy.
From Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival in Busan to Jeju Fire Festival, here is our experts’ pick of the top festivals in South Korea according to https://www.apopkarotaryfair.org/.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, Seoul
While Japan is traditionally thought of when it comes to cherry blossom, South Korea is a great alternative. Seoul, South Korea’s eclectic capital, is one of East Asia’s major centres of culture and a great place to see the world famous cherry blossom. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is held in mid-April each year, when the azaleas, forsythia, royal azaleas and other spring flowers are in full bloom.
Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, Busan
South Korea’s second most populous city Busan is the cultural centre of southeastern Korea. Often overlooked by travellers, witnessing the cherry blossom here is a more off the beaten path experience. This festival usually takes place during the first week of April, when the cherry blossoms in the southeastern part of the country are stunning. Held in the area of Jungwon Rotary and downtown Jinhae, a busy programme of cultural events fills the days of the festival, including a military performance.
Seoul Lantern Festival
Seoul Lantern Festival is an annual festival held from the first Friday to the third Sunday of November. Each year, nearly 3 million visitors descend on Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Plaza to see the kilometre stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream illuminated with impressive lantern structures. There is a different theme each year, usually incorporating some elements of Korean culture. The lanterns are lit between 5 and 11 pm each night, so there is ample opportunity for visitors to wander through them before or after a traditional Korean meal of kimchi.
Jeju Fire Festival
Located off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island is a mystical place. Dominated by imposing volcano Hallasan, the island is filled with rich forests and villages built from volcanic black rock. A dramatic place of rugged cliffs, waterfalls and beaches, it’s no surprise that Jeju plays host to a fire festival. Held in early March, the festival celebrates the arrival of Spring and symbolises the time for South Koreans to pray for a good harvest and good health in the coming year.
Boryeong Mud Festival
Around 200 kilometres south of Seoul, the town of Boryeong sees millions of visitors arrive for the iconic Boryeong Mud Festival. In mid-July, tourists flock to Boryeong to enjoy all things mud related. Visitors can enjoy mud wrestling, mud sliding and swimming in a giant mud bath. At Boryeong Mud Festival, merrymakers can benefit from the purifying qualities of bathing in mud while taking part in one of the many games on offer.