Celebrating poetry from around the world, this festival features readings, workshops, and performances by renowned poets. The festival transforms Seoul’s literary scene with public installations and open mic sessions.

Must-try: Participate in the “Poetry in the Park” sessions at Namsan Park.

One of Korea’s most famous cherry blossom festivals, Jinhae Gunhangje transforms the entire city into a pink wonderland. The festival honors Admiral Yi Sun-sin with military band performances, light displays, and the famous Yeojwacheon Stream illuminated with cherry blossoms.

Must-see: Yeonghyeon-dong’s 100,000 cherry trees in full bloom

This dazzling festival celebrates Buddha’s birthday with thousands of lotus lanterns lighting up the streets around Jogyesa Temple. The festival features traditional parades, folk games, and temple stay experiences.

Must-do: Make your own lantern at the lantern-making workshop

Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, this festival celebrates traditional Korean mask dances and shamanistic rituals. Experience authentic Korean folk culture through performances, parades, and hands-on workshops.

Must-try: Try Andong’s famous soju and participate in the mask-making workshop

Asia’s largest film festival attracts international filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts. While the main festival occurs in October, summer often features outdoor screenings and film-related events across the city.

Must-see: The red carpet events and outdoor screenings at Busan Cinema Center

One of Korea’s most unique and popular festivals, the Boryeong Mud Festival transforms the beach into a giant mud playground. Enjoy mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud spa treatments, and night parties on Daecheon Beach.

Must-do: The mud ski jump and the world’s largest mud pool

This spectacular fireworks display along the Han River attracts over a million spectators. The festival features synchronized fireworks, laser shows, and various performances along the riverbanks.

Must-experience: Rent a bike and ride along the Han River during the show

As Korea’s coffee capital, Gangneung celebrates its rich coffee culture with this festival. Enjoy coffee tastings, barista competitions, coffee art exhibitions, and various coffee-themed events throughout the city.

Must-try: Participate in the coffee cupping experience and try Gangneung’s famous raw coffee

Chuseok is Korea’s most important traditional holiday, a time for families to gather and honor ancestors. While it’s not a festival per se, many cultural experiences are available during this period:

• Watch traditional games like ssireum (wrestling) and jegichagi (hacky sack)
• Visit folk villages to see traditional games and performances
• Try traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes) and hangwa (traditional sweets)

Important: Many businesses close during Chuseok, and transportation becomes extremely crowded. Plan accordingly.

This enchanting festival illuminates the Namgang River with thousands of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The festival features lantern-making workshops, traditional performances, and the famous “Lantern Floating” ceremony.

Must-see: The night parade with performers in traditional hanbok costumes

This stunning festival transforms Cheonggyecheon Stream into a luminous wonderland with millions of LED lanterns. The festival features various themes each year, from traditional Korean motifs to modern art installations.

Must-experience: The “Lantern of Hope” where visitors can write their wishes

Known as “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju hosts this cultural extravaganza featuring traditional performances, art exhibitions, and historical reenactments. Explore ancient Silla Dynasty sites while enjoying modern cultural performances.

Must-visit: The Daereungwon Tomb Complex and the Cheomseongdae Observatory

Busan transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular Christmas tree displays, light festivals, and festive markets. The festival features international Christmas tree designs, outdoor ice skating rinks, and holiday concerts.

Must-see: The Gwangalli Beach Christmas Tree and the light tunnel at Busan Tower

Host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang offers winter sports activities, ice sculptures, and cultural performances. Experience dog sledding, ice fishing, and traditional Korean winter games.

Must-do: Try the “Ice Sledding” experience or visit the Pyeongchang Olympic Park

This dazzling festival features light installations, projections, and performances across Seoul. The festival transforms iconic landmarks like Gwanghwamun Square, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and Cheonggyecheon Stream into magical light displays.

Must-see: The “Light Tunnel” at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

This unique festival celebrates Jeju’s volcanic heritage with fire-related rituals and performances. Experience the “Jeju Fire Dance,” traditional percussion performances, and the spectacular “Fire Walking” ceremony.

Must-see: The “Fire Festival Parade” with performers in traditional Jeju costumes

Celebrating Korea’s bamboo culture, this festival features bamboo craft workshops, traditional music performances, and bamboo forest tours. Damyang is famous for its bamboo forests and traditional Korean houses (hanok).

Must-do: Take a bamboo bike tour through the bamboo forest

This traditional Korean music festival features performances of “sori” (Korean traditional vocal music). The festival showcases both traditional and contemporary interpretations of this ancient art form.

Must-see: The “Sori Marathon” where musicians perform at various locations throughout the city

This winter festival features massive ice sculptures, ice sledding, and traditional Korean winter games. Sokcho’s location near Seoraksan National Park makes it a perfect winter destination.

Must-see: The ice sculpture competition and the “Ice Hotel” experience

Celebrate Busan’s maritime heritage with this seafood extravaganza. Enjoy fresh seafood from fishing boats, cooking competitions, and seafood-themed events throughout the port area.

Must-try: Live octopus (sannakji), grilled fish, and seafood hotpot

This festival celebrates Andong’s famous soju with tastings, distillery tours, and soju-making workshops. Learn about the traditional soju-making process and enjoy various soju cocktails.

Must-try: Andong soju, makgeolli (rice wine), and traditional Korean liquors

Celebrate Jeonju’s famous bibimbap with this culinary festival. Enjoy bibimbap-making competitions, tastings, and various Korean food experiences in the historic hanok village.

Must-do: Participate in the “Bibimbap-Making Challenge” to win prizes