Korea's Seasonal Festivals – Must-See Traditional & Modern Events for Foreigners

Korea has four distinct seasons, each with various festivals. Traditional holidays and modern festivals coexist, offering many opportunities to enjoy nature, food, culture, and art. This article introduces representative seasonal festivals in Korea that foreigners should experience.

Spring – A season where cherry blossoms and traditional culture blend

1. Jinhae Gunhangje – Korea's largest cherry blossom festival

The Jinhae Gunhangje is Korea's most famous cherry blossom festival, held annually in early April in the Jinhae area. The festival creates a unique atmosphere, blending with the Korean naval base, with cherry blossoms in full bloom throughout the city.
✅ Recommended spots: Yeojwa Stream Romance Bridge, Gyeonghwa Station cherry blossom path, Jinhae Tower
✅ Recommended schedule: Early April (held for one week)
✅ Activities: Enjoy cherry blossom night views, military band parade, fireworks
💡 Local Tip: Many people visit during the festival, so visiting in the early morning or evening allows for a more peaceful cherry blossom viewing experience!

2. Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon – A special experience running through nature

Gyeongju is a representative historical city in Korea. During the cherry blossom season, a special marathon is held, blending traditional culture and nature. Participants can run along the cherry blossom-filled course and admire Gyeongju's cultural heritage.
✅ Recommended schedule: Early April (pre-registration required)
✅ Participating events: 5km, 10km, half, full marathon
✅ Participation fee: Approximately 30,000 won (commemorative t-shirt & completion medal provided)
💡 Local Tip: After completing the marathon, visit a traditional Hanok cafe in Gyeongju's Hwangridan-gil! You can take great photos with the cherry blossoms.

Summer – Exciting festivals under the hot sun

3. Boryeong Mud Festival – A world-famous mud festival

The Boryeong Mud Festival is a unique summer festival famous not only in Korea but also worldwide. Boryeong's mud is known to be rich in minerals and beneficial to the skin, and various activities utilizing it are held.
✅ Recommended schedule: Mid-to-late July (held for two weeks)
✅ Activities: Mud sliding, mud wrestling, mud massage experience, EDM festival
✅ Location: Daecheon Beach (Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do)
💡 Local Tip: After participating in the festival, enjoy swimming at Daecheon Beach to wash off the mud, and try seafood dishes nearby!

4. Busan International Rock Festival – Where the sea and music meet

The Busan International Rock Festival is one of Korea's largest rock music festivals, featuring famous domestic and international bands. The cool beach and intense music make the summer heat even hotter.
✅ Recommended schedule: Early August
✅ Location: Samrak Ecological Park (Busan)
✅ Main artists: Domestic & international rock bands, indie musicians
💡 Local Tip: Spend the summer night in Haeundae before or after the festival, or visit Gamcheon Culture Village to enjoy Busan's beautiful night view!

Autumn – Sentimental festivals with autumn leaves

5. Jaraseom Jazz Festival – A soulful autumn music festival

Held on Jaraseom Island in Gapyeong, this festival is a large-scale music festival featuring domestic and international jazz artists. It's characterized by the ability to enjoy music leisurely in beautiful nature.
✅ Recommended schedule: Early October
✅ Location: Jaraseom Island, Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do
✅ Activities: Jazz performances with camping, outdoor market & food trucks
💡 Local Tip: After enjoying the jazz festival, visiting Nami Island nearby allows you to fully experience the autumn atmosphere of Korea with its autumn leaves!

6. Andong International Mask Dance Festival – A meeting of Korean tradition and modern culture

This festival, held in Andong, is an international cultural festival featuring not only traditional Korean mask dances but also performance teams from various countries. In addition to traditional mask dance performances, you can also enjoy contemporary performances, exhibitions, and experiential programs.
✅ Recommended schedule: Late September ~ Early October
✅ Location: Andong Mask Dance Park and Hahoe Folk Village, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
✅ Activities: Watching traditional mask dance performances, exhibitions, showcases of performance teams from around the world, traditional culture experience programs
💡 Local Tip: Visiting Hahoe Folk Village during the festival allows you to appreciate the beautiful scenery of traditional hanoks and autumn leaves!

Winter – Fantastic festivals covered in snow and ice

7. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – Ice fishing & winter activities

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is one of the most popular unique winter festivals in Korea. You can experience the unique experience of fishing on a thickly frozen river and cooking the fish you caught yourself.
✅ Recommended schedule: Early to late January
✅ Location: Hwacheon County, Gangwon-do
✅ Activities: Ice fishing, ice sledding, barehanded char catching experience
💡 Local Tip: It's important to prepare warm winter clothes and gloves! Be sure to try the fresh char sashimi and grilled fish cooked on-site at the festival.

8. Seoul Lantern Festival – A spectacle of light in the city

The Seoul Lantern Festival is a representative winter festival held annually in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul. Beautiful lanterns of various themes are displayed, and in the evening, you can enjoy a stroll along the brightly lit Cheonggyecheon Stream and admire the artwork.
✅ Recommended schedule: Early November ~ Mid-December
✅ Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream area, Seoul
✅ Activities: Traditional lantern exhibitions, modern LED art works, themed lighting exhibitions
💡 Local Tip: Visiting at midnight allows you to quietly appreciate the works without the crowds. After the festival, visit nearby Gwanghwamun or Insadong to enjoy Korean traditional culture as well!

👉 Which Korean festival are you most interested in visiting? Please share in the comments.