Top 10 Must-Visit Festivals in Korea: Korea hosts countless festivals throughout the year, but satisfaction can vary greatly depending on who you travel with and what kind of experience you are looking for. To ensure a fail-proof trip, we have selected the best festivals divided into 4 themes: Comprehensive Ranking (Big 3), Romantic Recommendations, Family & Tradition, and Art & Mania.
Comprehensive Ranking Top 3: The “Big 3” You Must Visit Before You Die
Selection Criteria: Overwhelming scale, unrivaled visuals, and global recognition.
These are the most popular and spectacular festivals. If you want a guaranteed amazing experience, visit these three first.
1. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Link: https://jgfestival.or.kr/eng/
[Why Recommended] The overwhelming scenery of the entire city covered in cherry blossoms is unmatched by any other festival. It is Korea’s No. 1 festival symbolizing the season of ‘Spring’.
[Introduction & History] It originated on April 13, 1952, when a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin was erected at the Bukwon Rotary in Jinhae and a memorial service was held. Initially a modest memorial event, it developed into a cultural art festival under the name ‘Gunhangje’ in 1963. It is a festival with deep history, combining the historical significance of Jinhae, the cradle of the Navy, with the breathtaking view of 360,000 King Cherry trees.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every late March ~ early April (approx. 10 days) |
| Location | Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si (Yeojwacheon Stream, Gyeonghwa Station, Naval Academy, etc.) |
| Visitors | Over 3 million annually |
| Attractions | Cherry blossom spots (Romance Bridge, Gyeonghwa Station), Naval Academy & Base Command Open House, Military Band & Honor Guard performance, Victory Parade |
| Features | The world’s largest cherry blossom festival and a rare opportunity to enter restricted military facilities. |
| Accessibility | ★★★ (Severe traffic congestion and parking issues during the festival. Public transport is recommended.) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★★ (A unique combination of fantastic cherry blossom scenery and military events) |
2. Busan Fireworks Festival
Link: https://busanfireworks.com/en/
[Why Recommended] It is not just shooting fireworks; it is a massive show staged against the backdrop of Gwangandaegyo Bridge and the ocean. The grandeur of fireworks viewed from the beach will remain an unforgettable memory.
[Introduction & History] It was first held as a high-tech multimedia sea show to celebrate the successful hosting of the 2005 Busan APEC Summit. The response was explosive, establishing it as Busan’s representative festival held every year. Its biggest feature is the three-dimensional use of the sea and the bridge, including the ‘Niagara Falls Fireworks’ falling from the suspension bridge.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every 1st Saturday of November (One day) |
| Location | Busan Gwangalli Beach, Dongbaek Island, Igidae Park |
| Visitors | Over 1 million annually |
| Attractions | Busan Multi-Fireworks Show (Invited overseas teams + Busan team), Pre-fireworks show, Busking, Talk show |
| Features | Korea’s largest marine fireworks show featuring the landmark Gwangandaegyo Bridge. |
| Accessibility | ★★★ (Subway is available, but crowd density is dangerous before and after the event) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★★ (The spectacle of fireworks blending with Gwangandaegyo Bridge is unrivaled) |
3. Boryeong Mud Festival
Link: https://www.mudfestival.or.kr/en/festival/1_mud_festival/info.html
[Why Recommended] The Korean festival most loved by foreigners. If you want to experience liberation and escape by rolling in the mud without worrying about saving face, this is the best choice.
[Introduction & History] In July 1998, Boryeong City first held this event to promote the excellence of mud cosmetics developed using natural sea mud. Contrary to the initial intention, foreign tourists went wild for the mud experience, and it went viral. Now, beyond product promotion, it has established itself as Korea’s best global experience-oriented festival symbolizing ‘Escape from Daily Life’ and ‘Wild Fun’.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every late July ~ early August (approx. 10 days) |
| Location | Chungcheongnam-do Boryeong Daecheon Beach area |
| Visitors | Over 1.2 million annually (High ratio of foreigners) |
| Attractions | Giant Mud Bath, Mud Slide, Mud Run, K-POP Concert, Mud Mob-scene |
| Features | The ultimate participatory festival where you dive into mud; highest foreign participation rate. |
| Accessibility | ★★ (Located outside the metropolitan area; difficult to book transport and lodging during peak season) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★★ (Sense of freedom from full-body mud experience and active fun) |
Romantic Ranking: Best Night View Spots for Couples
Selection Criteria: Romantic atmosphere, beautiful night views, photogenic spots.
We recommend these places if you want to take lifetime photos while walking quietly with your loved one.
1. Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival
Link: https://yudeung.com/?lang=en
[Why Recommended] The dreamy atmosphere created by tens of thousands of lanterns floating on the river is unrivaled. It offers the most traditionally Korean yet most romantic night.
[Introduction & History] It originated from the military signals used during the Jinju Fortress Battle of the Imjin War (1592) to block the Japanese army from crossing the Namgang River and to send news to families outside the fortress. To honor this patriotic spirit and family love, it became a standalone festival in 2000. It has grown into a global festival introducing Korean lanterns to the world.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every early October (approx. 2 weeks) |
| Location | Gyeongsangnam-do Jinju Namgang River area (Opposite Jinjuseong Fortress) |
| Visitors | Over 1.5 million annually |
| Attractions | Hanging wish lanterns, Floating lanterns, World lantern exhibition, Water fireworks, Pleasure boat experience |
| Features | The night view is overwhelming with lanterns on the river, and the historical story is solid. |
| Accessibility | ★★ (Far from the metropolitan area, heavy traffic congestion in the city) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★ (Harmony of historical significance and dreamy night scenery) |
2. Seoul Lantern Festival
[Why Recommended] The best winter date course accessible right in the center of downtown Seoul. You can enjoy restaurant hopping and exhibition viewing all at once.
[Introduction & History] It started in 2009 as the ‘Seoul Lantern Festival’ to commemorate the ‘Visit Korea Year’. Starting from displaying traditional lanterns along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, it has now expanded to Gwanghwamun Square. It has evolved into Seoul’s representative winter brand festival combining advanced technologies such as LED, media art, and projection mapping beyond simple traditional lantern displays.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every mid-December ~ early January (Winter season) |
| Location | Seoul Jongno-gu (Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza) |
| Visitors | Over 2 million annually |
| Attractions | Large traditional Hanji lanterns & character lanterns, Light sculptures, Media facade, Floating wish lanterns |
| Features | A feast of light enjoyed for free in the city center; excellent accessibility. |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (Center of Seoul, connected to subway stations) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★ (Romantic winter night walk and visual delight) |
3. Seoul International Fireworks Festival
Link: https://www.hanwhafireworks.com
[Why Recommended] Fireworks exploding against the backdrop of the 63 Building and the Han River night view are the pinnacle of a Seoul date. It is the one day a year when Seoul shines the brightest.
[Introduction & History] It was started in 2000 by Hanwha Group as part of its CSR activities. The scale grew in 2002 to wish for the success of the World Cup, and it has since settled as a festival delivering messages of hope and joy to Seoul citizens every autumn. It is an international competition where world-class fireworks companies compete in technology and artistry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every 1st Saturday of October (One day) |
| Location | Seoul Yeongdeungpo-gu Yeouido Han River Park area |
| Visitors | Over 1 million annually (Largest crowd for a single event) |
| Attractions | Over 100,000 fireworks, Multimedia show with music/lighting, Daytime citizen events |
| Features | A massive fireworks show harmonizing with Seoul’s symbolic night view. Huge crowds gather for this single-day event. |
| Accessibility | ★★★ (Good location, but movement is nearly impossible due to control and crowds on the day) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★★ (The grandeur and emotion of fireworks exploding right before your eyes) |
Family & Tradition Ranking: Korean Beauty to Show Children
Selection Criteria: Educational value, Experience programs, Korean traditional culture.
These are festivals where you can directly experience traditional culture seen only in books and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
1. Gangneung Danoje Festival
Link: https://www.danojefestival.or.kr/default_eng.asp
[Why Recommended] A UNESCO-recognized living cultural heritage. With rituals, shamanism (Gut), and a large market (Nanjang), you can show children the prototype of Korean tradition.
[Introduction & History] Rooted in ancient harvest rituals recorded in historical texts, it has continued for 1,000 years, solidified as a ritual serving the Deity of Daegwallyeong since the Goryeo Dynasty. It maintains a unique form where Confucian rituals, shaman rituals, and folk plays coexist. Recognized for these values, it was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Around Lunar May 5th (Dano) every year (approx. 1 week) |
| Location | Gangwon-do Gangneung Namdaecheon Danojang area |
| Visitors | Over 500,000 annually |
| Attractions | Brewing sacred liquor, Washing hair in Iris water, Gwanno Mask Drama, Shaman ritual, Ssireum (Wrestling), Large Market (Nanjang) |
| Features | A festival that best demonstrates Korean excitement and community spirit combining rituals and markets. |
| Accessibility | ★★★ (Improved accessibility with KTX Gangneung Station, good access to the city) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★ (Most Korean traditional culture and the vibrancy of a large marketplace) |
2. Andong Maskdance Festival
Link: http://en.maskdance.com/2024/main.asp
[Why Recommended] The experience of wearing a mask and dancing is the best play for children. It is great for combining a history trip with the serene scenery of Hahoe Village.
[Introduction & History] It started in 1997 based on the National Treasure Hahoe Masks and the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, transmitted for 800 years in Andong Hahoe Village. It sublimated the culture of the common people, who used masks to break class barriers and taboos with satire, into a modern festival. It is an international festival inviting mask dance troupes from around the world.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every late September ~ early October (approx. 10 days) |
| Location | Gyeongsangbuk-do Andong Maskdance Park, Downtown, Hahoe Village |
| Visitors | Over 1 million annually |
| Attractions | Domestic & Int’l Mask Dance Performances, Mask Play Parade, Madanggeuk, Mask Making |
| Features | A dynamic festival where the audience dances and enjoys together through the universal subject of ‘Masks’. |
| Accessibility | ★★ (Small provincial city with limited public transport; distance between major tourist sites) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★★ (Exciting Mask Dance Parade and high-quality traditional performances) |
Art & Mania Ranking: Seeking Deep Inspiration and Culture
Selection Criteria: Artistic depth, Trends, Professionalism in specific fields.
Festivals for those who want to gain cultural fulfillment and inspiration beyond simple sightseeing.
1. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
Link: https://www.biff.kr/eng
[Why Recommended] The holy land for cinephiles who love movies. You can meet new works by masters first and spend a special autumn communicating directly with movie stars.
[Introduction & History] Launched in September 1996 as Korea’s first international film festival with the goal of globalizing Korean cinema and developing the Asian film industry. Led by the first festival director Kim Dong-ho, it grew rapidly into an Asian film hub through sections like ‘New Currents’ that discover talented Asian directors. It is now the best film festival representing Asia along with Tokyo and Hong Kong.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Every early October (approx. 10 days) |
| Location | Busan Haeundae-gu Centum City area (Busan Cinema Center, etc.) |
| Visitors | Over 150,000 (ticketed audience) |
| Attractions | Screening of various genre films (Opening/Closing, World Premiere), Guest Visit (GV), Outdoor Stage Greeting |
| Features | A festival for cinephiles with abundant programs where filmmakers and audiences communicate directly. |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (Perfect transport and infrastructure in major venues like Centum City) |
| Entertainment | ★★★★★ (Diverse film screenings, cultural events, and meeting with stars) |
2. Gwangju Biennale
Link: https://www.gwangjubiennale.org/en/index.do?sellan=en
[Why Recommended] Asia’s largest contemporary art festival. You can check the forefront of contemporary art and enjoy deep contemplation through artworks containing social messages.
[Introduction & History] It is the first biennale founded in Asia in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of liberation and the ‘Year of Art’ and to promote Korean art to the world. It is particularly based on the ‘Gwangju Spirit’ of sublimating the tragedy of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement (1980) into culture and art. It has played a role in sharing messages of democracy, human rights, and peace with the world through experimental and progressive contemporary art.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Held every 2 years in Autumn (approx. 2~3 months) |
| Location | Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall and City Art Museum, etc. |
| Visitors | Hundreds of thousands per event |
| Attractions | National Pavilion Exhibition, Theme Exhibition, Artist Talk, Citizen Participation Performance, Art Market |
| Features | Prestigious enough to be counted among the world’s top 5 biennales; a deep artistic event presenting social discourse. |
| Accessibility | ★★★★ (Excellent intercity transport network like KTX; easy movement within the city) |
| Entertainment | ★★★ (Great for modern art lovers, but can be somewhat difficult for the general public) |
The Best Way to Encounter the Most Intense Side of Korea
These festivals, where the most traditionally Korean beauty and excitement coexist with global trends, will show you the most intense and beautiful faces of Korea.
Don’t miss out on these brilliant moments that are too precious to only see with your eyes. Your next travel destination should be right where the festival is happening.