Top Celebratory Festivals in South Korea

K-pop & K-dramas are the things that come to our mind when we think of South Korea. But there is a side to South Korea that is very traditional and you must know, the festivals in South Korea are also uniquely vibrant and deeply rooted in rich cultural heritage. Every festival has its own grand way of celebration. To know more, stay with us to explore the country's most famous celebrations, including the unique kimchi making ritual.

Explore Famous Festivals in South Korea

1. Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year)

Seollal is the Lunar New Year in South Korea. People celebrate this festival by wishing Sebae—New Year’s Bow, a sign of wishing for a great year. The day is filled with some joyful activities like family reunions, having delicious food, honoring ancestors through rituals like 'charye,' and playing traditional games like Yut Nori, Jegichagi, and Go-Stop. South Koreans welcome the New Year in this style.

• This festival is celebrated in late January or early February, based on the lunar calendar.

2. Seoul Lantern Festival

Seoul Lantern festival popularly called ‘Jinju Namgang Yudeung’ Festival. This is one of the traditional Korean festivals celebrated as “celebration of lights”. South Koreans light up thousands of red lanterns near the bank of the Nam River and wish for their well-being, health, family wellness, and self-success. If you get a chance to witness this festival then take part in the street parades and cultural performances. And don't miss having delicious street food.

• This festival starts from the first Friday of November and is grandly celebrated till the third weekend of the month.
• Location: Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul, South Korea.

3. Jeju Fire Festival

Jeju Fire is a festival of burning away the old fields to prepare fresh grazing land in the spring.  This process is called “bangae.” This old agricultural custom turned into one of the grand cultural festivals in South Korea for seeking blessings and welcoming a prosperous year. Here you can enjoy the spectacular fireworks, taste jaw-dropping local foods, have fun with traditional Jeju games, and experience the traditional dance and music.

• This festival starts in early March every year.
• Location: Saebyeol Oreum (a volcanic hill) in Jeju Island, South Korea.

4. Boryeong Mud Festival

This Boryeong Mud Festival has started in South Korea to advertise the mineral-rich mud by highlighting its health and cosmetic benefits. This festival rapidly ruled world attention and is now one of South Korea’s most Popular summer festivals. You can enjoy fun-filled festival activities like mud wrestling, mud slides, mud baths, and also a mud marathon. Playing these activities gives you beneficial anti-aging and skin-purifying properties. You will experience a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. 

• This festival starts in late July and early August every year.
• Location: Daecheon Beach, Boryeong, South Korea.

5. Gwangju Kimchi Festival

The Gwangju Kimchi Festival, famously called 'The Pickle Fest”. This is the festival of the world-famous dish ‘Kimchi.’ In this festival, you can taste plenty of varieties of kimchi and their preparation competitions, cooking classes, and can do huge kimchi shopping. People around the world come for this festival to taste and purchase bulk amounts of pickles for the annual storage.

• This festival is celebrated in November every year.
• Location: Sangmu Citizens Park, Gwangju, South Korea.

6. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is a “festival of fishing” in cold ice. Isn't it thrilling and unique? People jump into the cold ice water and catch mountain trout species in sub-zero temperatures. This festival is celebrated grandly by conducting activities like ice fishing, snow sledding, snow sculpture, ice football, and much more. This festival is a unique experience with unforgettable festival vibes.

• This Ice Festival is celebrated in January and early February every year.
• Location: Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea.

7. Chuseok (Harvest Festival)

Chuseok is one of the traditional Korean festivals. People say it is “a celebration of the good harvest.” This ritual is a three-day celebration in every fall. People go to their hometowns to celebrate their impressive food harvest from their fields. This festival includes Thanksgiving food like Songpyeon, Japchae, Jeon, and Galbijjim. Also, they enjoy playing some traditional games like Ganggangsulla and Sireum. Perfect festival for family gathering at their hometown that creates unforgettable moments every year.

• This Chuseok festival takes place in September or October, according to the lunar calendar.

Music events in South Korea are famous worldwide. But you got to know now that festivals here are more traditional and authentic. In particular, festivals in Seoul are celebrated very huge and grandly, because this city is the capital of South Korea. So, don't miss the opportunity to experience these unique cultural and traditional festivals on your next trip. Also we can help you to book your safe flights and traditional Korean stays.