Korea is amazing for its touristic places, and festivals make it way better. Every season Korea has lots of great festivals that you can visit. If you live in Korea this is an opportunity to learn more about the culture, and if you just visit then this is perfect to enjoy food and traditions all along.
Spring (March - June)
Cherry blossom festivals (most of the time in April)
This is a festival that announces the arrival of spring, flowers make the whole of Korea look just astonishing, this is a sign for Koreans to lay down blankets at parks or riverbanks, barbeque some meat, and throwback the soju. A lot of ex-pats enjoy this time as well with picnics, strolls, and nice pictures all over. If you come here in April don't hesitate to visit places with cherry blossoms.
Jeonju International Film Festival (end of April)
Website: wwww.jiff.or.kr
This is smaller and more underground than the one that is usually held in Busan, JIFF focuses on the arty, independent side of the movie industry.
Buddha’s Birthday (end of May)
Website: http://www.llf.or.kr/eng/
A public free holiday during which temples across Korea are decorated with colorful paper lanterns; there’s an even more vibrant night parade in Seoul on Cheongchyecheon Stream (청계천).
International Mime Festival (during May)
Website: wwww.mimefestival.com
It is held in the Gangwonese capital of Chuncheon, this event is a showcase of soundless talent, so try to give it a chance if you want something unique.
Dano (In June)
A shamanist festival is held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It features circus acts, ssireum wrestling, mask dramas, and a whole lot more. The city of Gangneung has the biggest displays.
Summer (July–August)
Boryeong Mud Festival (end of July)
Website: wwww.mudfestival.or.kr
This is the annual expat favorite festival at Daecheon Beach for all kinds of mud-related fun.
International Puppet Festival (In August)
Website: http://www.cocobau.com/
Puppets and their masters come from around the world to flaunt their skills in Chuncheon, if you really enjoy this and it reminds you of your childhood trying to go and have fun.
Firefly Festival (In August)
Website: http://english.firefly.or.kr/
This is a small event with cute glowing insects that make the evening magical, a night-time event, which takes place over a weekend near Muju.
Winter (September–November)
Gwangju Biennale (September-November)
A two-month-long festival of contemporary art, the biennale usually takes place in alternate autumns, though it has also been held in spring. If you love art, this is the place you should go to, check their website for updates.
Andong Mask Dance Festival (September-October)
Website: wwww.maskdance.com
Legend has it that if a person fails to attend a mask festival in their lifetime, they cannot get into heaven, so try to go to a week of anonymous dancing, performed by the best troupes in the land. This is a great place to just take your head away from work or study.
Busan International Film Festival (October)
Website: wwww.biff.kr
One of Asia’s biggest events, BIFF, makes it for a week of cinematic fun. This is a very well-known film festival so don't hesitate to check it out.
Baekje Festival (October)
Website: wwww.baekje.org
This annual event commemorates the Baekje dynasty and is held each year in the old Baekje capitals of Gongju and Buyeo. Full of history and remembrance, this festival is loved by everyone.
World Martial Arts Festival (October)
A week-long series of international actions are held each year in Chungju. It is full of sport and tradition! Go and have fun while learning more fighting positions.
Kimchi Festival (End of October)
Website: https://kimchi.gwangju.go.kr/
It is held in Gwangju. You’ll be able to see, smell and taste dozens of varieties of the spicy stuff, and there’s even a Kimchi-making contest for foreigners. Kimchi is the most popular food in Korea, this is a must-go event for anyone.
Peppero Day (11th November)
Peppero are thin sticks chocolate-coated, and on the date, millions of Koreans say “I love you” by giving a box to their sweethearts, friends, parents, or pets. This is not a real festival, but everywhere you go you will see cute stuff reminding you about friendship and love.
How do you find the Korean seasonal festivals and celebrations? We think that anyone should try at least one of them to be able to feel the whole Korean experience. Let us know in the comments which ones did you go to. Was it fun?
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