Spring is in full swing right now, but it’s already time to think about summer! Indeed, in South Korea, festivals are in full swing. They are numerous in the country and each one has its own particularity, whether they are musical, cultural, family or aquatics, there is something for everyone. The first festivals start in May, so you should think about organizing now if you want to participate in these incredible celebrations! But what are these festivals? Here is a list of the most famous and popular festivals in South Korea.
Music
Who says festival, inevitably says music. So I suggest 5 festivals where you can go wild and enjoy the summer!
Ultra Korea
Ultra Korea is the most famous EDM festival in Korea. DJs from all over the world flock to this festival. For example, in 2022, Marshmellow and Martin Garrix performed in this festival.
Place : Seoul
Date : June
EDC Korea Festival
The EDC Korea Festival takes place at the Seoul Land amusement park. It is a music festival where you can also attend EDM (Electronic Dance Music) concerts.
The stage is decorated with sculptures that light up at night with different pyrotechnic effects and neon lights. In addition, it is possible to see circus artists.
Place : Seoul Land
Address : 181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
Date : August
Busan Rock Festival
The Busan Rock Festival is a big event that usually takes place in July. It started in 1999 as “Asian Rock Festival” and in 2000 its name was changed. The festival brings together Korean and international rock artists at Samrak Ecological Park.
Place : Samrak Ecological Park
Address : 1231, Nakdong-daero, Sasang-gu, Busan
Date : July
Pentaport Rock Festival
Pentaport Rock Festival is a rock festival held every summer in Songdo and ardently supported by local rock fans and music fans worldwide. Rock fans are invited to beat the summer heat with line-ups that feature popular bands from all over the world.
Place : Incheon Songdo Moonlight Festival Park
Address : 350, Central-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Date : August
Chimac Festival
Every year, the Daegu Chimac Festival is held during the month of July. Chimac is the contraction of the words Chicken and Macju (also spelled Maekju). It is a festival on the theme of chicken and beer. Indeed, Koreans like to eat this dish and this drink together.
In addition to eating fried chicken and refreshing yourself with a beer, it is also possible to see concerts and performances during the festival!
Place : Area of Duryu Park in Daegu
Address : 36, Gongwonsunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
Date : July
Cultural
What better way to learn more about the country’s culture than at a festival? Here are 7 festivals that are worth visiting to learn more about Korea.
Mud Festival Boryeong
Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do is one of the representative summer getaway locations in Korea. Every summer, Boryeong Mud Festival attracts the largest number of international visitors to the beach. During the festival, tourists flock to the area to experience the benefits of Boryeong’s mud while having a blast. Fully immersed in both the mud and the festival’s great atmosphere, visitors become one enjoying various activities and programs.
Place : Areas of Boryeong Mud Theme Park
Address : Sinheuk-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam
Date : July-August
Gangneung Danoje Festival
The Gangneung Danoje Festival was designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005 and Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 13 in 1967. The festival serves to preserve the folk culture of the Joseon dynasty and has been a popular festival since 1975. The festival features media art using video clips and photos to portray the beauty of Danoje through contemporary arts. Various programs are available both online and offline for visitors to enjoy.
Place : Myeongju Art Center
Address : 1, Danojang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Date : June
Bongwha Euneo Festival
Bonghwa Sweetfish Festival is one of Korea’s prime summer festivals and celebrates the local specialty product of sweetfish. The sweetfish from Bonghwa are recorded as having been given as tribute to the king during the Joseon dynasty. The highest-quality sweetfish come from the upstream sections of the Nakdonggang and Seomjingang Rivers, where Bonghwa-gun is located. The festival offers numerous participatory programs including fishing, water play, a water fight, and agricultural experiences. Visitors who participate in fishing activities can feast on their catch.
Place : Gym park and Naeseongcheon Stream area in Bonghwa-eup
Address : Naeseong-ri, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Date : July-August
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival has been designated as an excellent festival four years in a row by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The festival takes place every July during the summer’s peak when the lotus flowers bloom. The festival is based on a historical love story, with programs and performance events focused on story delivery. The festival venue is designed to fit in with the natural settings nearby, serving as a perfect backdrop for taking memorable photos with families and friends.
Place : Buyeo Seodong Park (Gungnamji Pond) area
Address : 52, Gungnam-ro, Buyeo-gu, Chungcheongnam-do
Date : July
Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival
Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival commemorates the Great Battle of Hansan (1592), one of the most important sea battles in Korean history. Visitors to this festival will be able to see an amazing reenactment of the battle as well as other performances. A variety of hands-on experience programs are available for children at Yi Sun-sin Waterpark.
Place : Donam Tourist Complex and areas of Tongyeong
Address : 65, Jungang-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Date : August
Gangjin Celadon Festival
From the 10th to the 14th century Gangjin was a flourishing celadon production site.
Today, 16 kilns remain active and during the Gangjin Celadon Cultural festival, visitors can see how celadon is baked and even make their own pottery.
Near the venue, there are natural wild flower fields, which make for a great photo spot.
Place : Goryeo Celadon Porcelain Kiln area
Address : 33, Cheongjachon-gil, Gangjin-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province
Date : July – August
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) has grown by leaps and became the most representative festival of Bucheon. BIFAN hosts creative and futuristic programs that appeal to the general public as well as provides opportunities to see movies of diverse genres in a whole new perspective. BIFAN has maintained a long-term partnership with the European Fantasy Film Festivals Federation and Yubari Fantastic Film Festival and received recognition as one of Asia’s largest fantastic film festivals.
Place : Bucheon City Hall Grass Plaza, Eoulmadang, Fantastic Cube, Korea Manhwa Museum, CGV Sopong, Megabox, Bucheon Starfield City
Address : 210, Gilju-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Date : July
See you in the part 2 !
Ambre