A Feast of Korean Festivals: Seasonal Cultural Experiences You'll Regret Missing
South Korea is a country filled with diverse festivals throughout all four seasons. As of March 2025, with spring just beginning, I'd like to introduce you to Korea's festival culture. Korean festivals are not merely events but cultural experiences where history and tradition come alive.
Spring's Vibrant Beginning: Cherry Blossoms and Lanterns
When spring arrives, the entire country of Korea transforms into a pink paradise of cherry blossoms. The Jinhae Gunhang Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Changwon's Jinhae district from March 22 to April 1, is Korea's largest spring festival. Visitors can witness the spectacular sight of 360,000 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom, with Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station's cherry blossom road being must-visit spots.
In Seoul, the Eungbongsan Forsythia Festival takes place in mid-March. On this mountain covered with yellow forsythias, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Han River and passing trains, along with various performances and activities.
Late April brings the Seoul Lantern Festival. In 2025, it's scheduled for April 26-27, offering a beautiful spectacle of colorful lanterns illuminating Seoul's night sky.
Summer's Passion: Mud and Music
Summer brings the Boryeong Mud Festival, scheduled for July 25 to August 10, 2025. This is Korea's largest summer festival with the highest foreign participation. Visitors can enjoy mud wrestling, mud slides, wellness activities, and more, making it a fun festival that promotes health and relaxation.
For music lovers, there's the Ultra Korea Music Festival. In 2024, it was held from June 7-9, with the 2025 schedule yet to be announced. The Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, held in early August, is another popular music festival.
Autumn's Abundance: Where Tradition Meets Music
Autumn is the season of Chuseok, Korea's Thanksgiving holiday. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it's a bountiful holiday featuring ancestral rites and traditional foods like songpyeon rice cakes.
October brings the Jarasum International Jazz Festival. Gathering over 100,000 music enthusiasts annually, this festival offers opportunities to enjoy performances by Korean and international jazz artists.
The Andong International Mask Dance Festival will be held from September 26 to October 5, 2025. It's an exciting dance festival centered around various masks from around the world and stands as one of Korea's representative autumn festivals.
Winter's Romance: A World of Light and Ice
Winter initiates the Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival. Running from December 1, 2024, to March 16, 2025, it's Korea's largest light festival, transforming 330,000 square meters of snow-covered winter landscape into a fantastic world of light with 30,000 illuminations.
January and February see ice fishing festivals throughout the country. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, held annually in January, is a famous winter festival where visitors can experience various activities on ice.
Korean festivals go beyond simple events, offering precious opportunities to deeply understand the country's culture and traditions. Why not experience the different charms of Korean festivals each season and feel the sentiments and lifestyle of Korean people? If you're planning a trip to Korea, consider these festival schedules to create an even more enriching journey.