Whether you’re planning a trip to South Korea or day-dreaming of it, a friendly reminder – Korea always has something fun happening. Regardless of when you plan your next visit, every month has something special that can be added to your itinerary.
From spring blooms to muddy summers, here’s a guide that takes you through the most happening festivals of that month so you never miss a thing!
- Daegwallyeong Snow Festival – Celebrate Winter in Korea
- Seollal – Lunar New Year
- Jeju Fire Festival – Wish For Good Fortune
- Nami Island Spring Festival – Enjoy The Cherry Blossoms
- Eumseong Pumba Festival – Community Values
- Myk Festa – Experience The Korean Wave
- Boryeong Mud Festival – Happy Muddy Summer
- Muju Firefly Festival – Have a Magical Evening
- Gangnam Festival – Explore Korea’s Nightlife
- Andong Mask Dance Festival – Be Part of Cultural Heritage
- Seoul Lantern Festival – Follow The Lantern Trail
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Celebratration
Daegwallyeong Snow Festival
The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival or Daegwallyeong Nunkkot Chukje was Korea’s first ever snow festival and it’s been around since 1993 in Daegwallyeong, Pyeongchang. It’s a prominent festival of this region that brings the entire community together. The region’s beautiful snowy hills and equally fun activities are enjoyed by people of all ages which makes it a must for anyone visiting Korea.
- Month: January
- Location: Daegwallyeong, Pyeongchang
- Things to Do: Snow activities include snow sculptures, scenic walks, winter sports.
Seollal
Lunar New Year or Seollal is a Korean national holiday that celebrates the first day of the Lunisolar year. It’s celebrated nationwide as a 3 day holiday where families get together and pay respect to their ancestors, wear traditional hanboks, play games and enjoy delicious food together. It’s a fun event for anyone wanting to experience Korean culture and traditional food.
- Month: February
- Location: Nationwide
- Things to Do: visit korean folk villages, dress up in hanboks for pictures, try the famous rice cake soup, immerse yourself in traditional music.
Jeju Fire Festival
Jeju Fire Festival also known by its national holiday name Jeongwol Daeboreum is an annual event that takes place during early spring on Jeju island. The event celebrates the farming customs and one of the main attractions feature burning of large grass straws and fields while wishing for a bountiful harvest and good fortunes. It’s a thrilling experience for travellers as they can enjoy the stunning bonfires and experience tradition in an entertaining cultural setting.
- Month: March
- Location: Jeju Island
- Things to Do: witness stunning fireworks, torch marches, bonfires and delicious cuisine.
Nami Island Spring Festival
Friendship Blossoms Party, this is a spring festival held on Nami Island when the beautiful pink cherry blossoms with few other spring flowers are in full bloom. The island turns into a picturesque movie scene perfect for cheerful walks and getting lost in the surrounding shades of pastel pink. This one’s perfect for those who like being cozy, the artisan markets are usually bustling with cherry blossom themed artworks and make sure to enjoy the live music performances usually held by indie artists.
- Month: April
- Location: Nami Island
- Things to Do: enjoy walking under the cherry blossoms, cherry blossom themed food and drinks, music, fun markets and photo activities
Eumseong Pumba Festival
This one’s a lively event that celebrates old Korean street performers called ‘Pumba’, they were singers and dancers that made people laugh during tough times. Performances are held with colorful parades and dances in the streets filled with comedy. The goal is about experiencing the community spirit and values, so don’t just watch, try putting on a costume, taste the food and dance to the music.
- Month: May
- Location: Eumseong
- Things to Do: enjoy the traditional street performances, parades with costumes, competitions, hands on workshops
Myk Festa
This is a local festival that celebrates traditional music, local food, dance and art. It’s held annually in Seoul and has an amazing array of interactive workshops and traditional food stalls. Perfect for travelers that want an immersive local experience with colorful parades and live folk performances.
- Month: June
- Location: Seoul
- Things to Do: live concerts, exhibitions, enjoy the local food pop-ups and souvenir shopping
Boryeong Mud Festival
The Boryeong Mud Festival is one of the largest mud festivals, it’s one of the most popular summer events held every July in the city of Boryeong. Perfect for travellers who don’t mind getting a little dirty and love beach parties, music and fireworks. This festival is also perfect for solo travellers.
- Month: July
- Location: Daecheon Beach
- Things to Do: activities like mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud painting, groove to electronic music while enjoying the local food and markets
Muju Firefly Festival
This event celebrates the rare natural treasure of Korea all while promoting environmental awareness in the beautiful mountains of Muju. Fireflies are considered a symbol of eco purity, and this happens to be the only place in Korea where travellers can enjoy the beauty of wild fireflies. Perfect for nature lovers and travelers looking for a quieter festival away from the hustle of the city.
- Month: August
- Location: Muju Cultural Center
- Things to Do: firefly watching, beautiful light installations, participate in eco-cultural programs
Gangnam Festival
This one is also known as Seoul’s trendiest celebration of Korean culture. It takes place right in the heart of Gangnam, a perfect blend of kpop, fashion, art styles and Korean street culture. Every year this festival not only attracts locals but people from all over the world. If you’re in Seoul at this time of the year this festival is an absolute must visit.
- Month: September
- Location: Gangnam
- Things to Do: Kpop concerts, fashion, festival theme photos, nostalgic 90’s concerts, explore the night markets and enjoy the night life
Andong Mask Dance Festival
This festival takes place in the historically rich city of Andong. This festival celebrates the traditional mask dance of Korea “Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori”, a UNESCO recognised treasure of Korean culture. Immerse yourself in the addictive mask dance performances that happen in the folk village, taste the famous dishes of Andong and experience Korean culture at its best.
- Month: October
- Location: Andong
- Things to Do: watch the traditional mask dance performances, try your hand at korean calligraphy, play folk games, dress up in Hanoks,visit Hahoe Folk Village
Seoul Lantern Festival
A peaceful, romantic and quiet festival that brings the entire local community and travelers together turning it into a magical memorable night of your dreams. Travellers can walk along the lantern trail, take insta-worthy photos in the set up booths, write wishes on lantern slips or enjoy the local night markets.
- Month: November
- Location: Seoul
- Things to Do: watch the stunning lantern displays, try lantern making workshops, take a walk along the stream
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Wait for the clock to countdown to midnight and watch the skies light up with spectacular fireworks. Han River is the place to be in if you’re in Seoul, as the scenic riverside views make it a stunning experience, enjoy the food trucks, music events. Busan holds beach fireworks with a laid back party vibe. Travellers can also watch the new year’s sunrise on Huendae beach the next morning. Perfect for families, couples or solo travellers
- Month: December
- Location: Seoul, Busan, Incheon
- Things to Do: watch the beautiful fireworks, attend the bell ringing ceremony, enjoy a new year eve concert, watch the sunrise, take advantage of the end year sales and go crazy!
Insider tips!
Make sure not to overpack and you’ll need space for all the beautiful souvenirs you’ll be bringing back! Happy travelling!
Written by – Rimpa Ash
About the author –
Hello hello! Two things I love the most? Putting pen to paper and sharing little bits about Korea, from its culture to food and everything in between. Here’s both of them combined for you by me, simply a guide for your next exploration, be it for a new k drama or a new kimchi recipe.I hope my words make you tingle with excitement and push you to try that next new thing. Just a cozy corner on the internet where we explore fascinating things together.