Check out these fabulous Korean festivals!

Check out these fabulous Korean festivals!

Stripes Korea

This was last updated Mar. 2

 

Jeju Fire Festival

Date: Mar. 12 – Mar. 15
Location: aebyeol Oreum
Introduction: Jeju Fire Festival is held to pray for good harvest and good health in the new year. Various folk games and hands-on programs are available, and the beautiful natural environment of Jeju Island makes the festival even more enjoyable.
Transportation:
Bus
From Jeju International Airport, take Bus 100 to Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal.
From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus bound for Pyeonghwaro Road.
Get off at Hwajeon Village.
* Shuttle buses available during the festival period.
* Transportation inquiries:
Tourism Policy Division (+82-2-64-728-2751), Air Traffic Division (+82-2-64-728-3191), Information Officers (+82-2-64-728-2021)
Homepage: http://www.jejusi.go.kr/buriburi/main.do (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Gurye Sansuyu Festival

Location: Jirisan Hot Springs Tourist Site
Introduction: Gurye Sansuyu Festival is an annual spring flower festival that takes place in the Jirisan Mountain hot springs area. 
Major programs include exhibition of local products made from sansuyu (cornus fruit), while other programs include traditional music and dance performances, experience programs, and fireworks.
Transportation:
Express/Intercity Bus
From Seoul Nambu Terminal, take a bus to Gurye Bus Terminal.
Local bus
From Gurye Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take a Nongeochon Bus bound for Jungdong and get off at Jeongsan Bus Stop.
Homepage: www.gurye.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm

Date: Dec. 6 - Mar. 22
Location: Main gardens
Introduction: Held at the Garden of Morning Calm, the Lighting Festival is the biggest festival of lights in Korea, covering 100 thousand pyeong illuminated by 30,000 lights. The gleaming lights add a festive glow to the garden during the winter season.  The main gardens are Hakyung Garden, Hometown House Garden, Bonsai Garden, Moonlight Garden, Sky Path and Garden of Eden, with colorful lights adorning the trees. In the event of inclement weather, lights may be turned off for safety.
Transportation:
Bus
From Sangbong Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal take a bus bound for Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal.
OR,
Take bus No. 1330 at Cheongnyangni Transfer Center (in front of Lotte Department Store). Get off at the Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal. From Cheonpyeong Terminal, take a bus bound for The Garden of Morning Calm.
Subway
Cheongpyeong Station (Gyeonchun Line), Exit 1. Go left until you reach the 3-way intersection and turn right. Continue straight toward the Cheongpyeong Catholic Church. Pass by Cheongpyeong Elementary School, turn left, and you will see the Cheonpyeong Bus Terminal.
From the terminal, take a bus bound for The Garden of Morning Calm. Alternatively, take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus.
Homepage: www.morningcalm.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival

Date: Mar. 27 – Mar. 29
Location: Yeonghoham Hwahap Multipurpose Plaza
Introduction: When April arrives, Hwagae region looks as if it is carpeted in snow. In fact, it is the region’s beautiful white cherry blossoms that transform the landscape into a soft, downy wonderland. One of the most popular attractions of the festival is the Simri (10-ri) Cherry Blossom Road. It is also known as the “marriage road,” as legend says if lovers walk down this road while holding hands, they will get married and live happily forever. Apart from the stunning beauty of the cherry blossoms, there is a series of exciting seasonal programs and cultural events for visitors to enjoy.
Transportation:
Express/Intercity Bus
From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Hadong Bus Terminal.
From Hwagae Bus Terminal, cross Hwagaegyo Bridge and go straight for approx. 100m to arrive at Hwagae Market on the right.
Homepage: www.hadong.go.kr

 

Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival
Date: Apr. 2 – Apr. 5
Location: Areas around the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin
Introduction: Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival is held in early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom to commemorate the achievement of Korea’s Dr. Wangin, who traveled to Japan over 1,600 years ago to spread Korean knowledge, culture, and arts. The festival takes place at Historical Site of Dr. Wangin and Sangdaepo Historic Park. Tourists and local residents can enjoy various events during the festival period.
Transportation:
Bus
From Seoul Central City Terminal, take an intercity bus bound for Mokpo.
From Mokpo Bus Terminal, take a local bus bound for Yeongam and get off at the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin Bus Stop.
KTX
From Yongsan Station, take a train bound for Mokpo Station.
Homepage: wangin.kr (Korean only)

 

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival

Date: Mar. 27 – Apr. 6
Location: Jinhae Jungwon Rotary Intersection and areas of Jinhae
Introduction: Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is held in the areas of Jungwon Rotary and downtown Jinhae with splendid cherry blossoms. Varied programs including a pre-event, cultural performances, a military performance, and others will take place during the festival.
Transportation:
Express/Intercity Bus
From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Hadong Bus Terminal.
From Hwagae Bus Terminal, cross Hwagaegyo Bridge and go straight for approx. 100m to arrive at Hwagae Market on the right.
Homepage: www.hadong.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival

Date: Apr. 8 – Apr. 11
Location: Hoedong-ri, Gogun-myeon, Jindo-gun
Introduction: Once a year at Jindo Island in Jeollanamdo, the sea mysteriously parts and visitors can walk through the sea from the main island to a smaller nearby island. This phenomenon is due to the buildup of pebbles and sand created over time with the tide, creating a 2.8-kilometer-long road measuring 40-60 meters in width that appears at extreme low-tide. The Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival takes place at the same time as this phenomenon. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sea road, gathering abalone and various other fun activities that make up the festival program. The spectacular sight of the sea parting is 
widely known and about half a million visitors flock from all over the world just to witness this amazing event.
Transportation:
Express/Intercity Bus
From Seoul Central City Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take a bus to Jindo Bus Terminal.
Bus
- From Jindo Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Gagye-Hoedong or Songgun-Hoedong and get off at Hoedong Bus Stop.
- Walk for approx. 40m along the sea to reach the festival venue.
Homepage: tour.jindo.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Changnyeong Nakdonggang Yuchae Festival

Date: Apr. 16 – Apr. 19
Location: Namji Yuchae Complex & Namji Sports Park
Introduction: The Nakdonggang Yuchae Festival takes place at Namji Yuchae Complex, the single largest field of canola flowers in Korea. The flowers and the sparkling Nakdonggang River make wonderful backdrops for photos. The fields are also alive with butterflies and honeybees flying from blossom to blossom.
Transportation:
Bus
From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Changnyeong Intercity Bus Terminal.
From Changnyeong Intercity Bus Terminal, take Nongeochon Bus bound for Changnyeong-Namji to Namji Bus Stop.
Homepage: www.cng.go.kr/tour/festival (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Herb Island Light Festival

Date: Until Apr. 30
Location: Pocheon Herb Island
Introduction: Herb Island Lighting Fesitval features a romantic ambience created by splendid lighting displays. It is comprised of a pink wish tunnel, sparkling buildings, Santa Village, photo zone and other twinkling places for visitors to enjoy.
Transportation:
Bus
Take an express bus to Pocheon Intercity Bus Terminal. Take Bus No. 57 bound for Sinbuk Oncheon (Sinbuk Hot spring) at the 
local bus stop outside the bus terminal. Get off at Samjeong-ri and go straight on Samcheongol-gil Street to arrive at Herb Island.
OR Soyosan Station (Seoul Subway Line 1). Take Bus 57, and get off at Samjeongri. Go straight on Samcheongol-gil Street to arrive at Herb Island.
Homepage: www.herbisland.co.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)

 

Yeongju Korea Seonbi Culture Festival

Date: May 1 - May 4
Location: Seonbichon Village & Areas of Seocheon Stream
Introduction: The Yeongju Seonbi Culture Festival takes place from early to mid May every year at the Seonbichon Village and Korean Seonbi Culture Training Center in Sunheung-myeon, Yeongjusi. Yeongju Seonbi Culture Festival promotes Korea’s moral culture through idealogy of Seonbi. You will be able to restore your personal character with the knowledge of Seonbi’s basic values.
Transportation:
Intercity/Express Bus
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus bound for Yeongju.
From Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, take an express bus bound for Yeonju.
Bus
From Yeongju Bus Terminal, take Bus 53 bound for Sosuseowon Confucian Academy.
Homepage: seonbi.yctf.or.kr (Korean only)

 

Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival

Date: May 1 – May 5
Location: Multiple locations in Yangnyeong-si, Daegu
Introduction: A tradition dating back 350 years, the Daegu Yangnyeongsi (herb medicine market) was an international market 
where herbal medicines from China, Russia, Europe, and other regions were sold. The Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival displays medicinal herbs found in Korea’s mountains and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a wide  range of relaxing and curative traditional medicinal procedures. The festival will be a fascinating event for international visitors who are interested in Korea’s medicinal herbs and the medical sciences and traditions of Asia.
Transportation:
Subway
Banwoldang Station (Daegu Subway Line 1 or 2), Exit 16 or 18. Jungangno Station (Daegu Subway Line 1), Exit 1.
Bus
- In front of (previous) Jeil Bank: Bus 349, 401, 650 , 518, 704, 106, 202, 1410, 503, 730, 706, 303, Express 2
- In front of Daegu: Bus 349, 401, 650, 518, 704, 106, 202, 410, 1909, 503, 730, 706, 303-1, Donggu (East Side) 1-1, Express 2
- In front of Hyundai Department Store & Dong-A shopping Mall: Bus 305, 405, 840, 414, 909, 609, Bukgu (North Side) 2
- In front of Hyundai Department Store & Dong-A shopping Mall: Bus 305, 405, 840, 414, 1609
Homepage: herbfestival.org (Korean only)

 

Ulsan Onggi Festival

Date: May 1 – May 5
Location: Area of Oegosan Onggi Village
Introduction: Ulsan Onggi Festival takes place within Oegosan Onggi Village, the largest onggi village in the nation, home to seven master artisans. The festival serves to promote this local product along with providing visitors with the chance to learn 
more about it through various programs and hands-on experiences.
Transportation:
Bus
Across from Ulsan Express Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 507 or 715 and get off at Gosan Village Bus Stop. 
Homepage: www.ulsanonggi.or.kr (Korean only)

 

International Horticulture Goyang Korea
Date: Apr. 24 – May 10
Location: Ilsan Lake Park and Wondang Flower Complex
Introduction: First held in 1997, International Horticulture Goyang Korea, an international flower exhibition, has attracted over 6.2 million visitors so far. The event is considered to be Korea’s representative international flower exhibition. The festival takes place 
at Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang from April to May with nearly 300 related organizations, groups, and companies from 36 countries showcasing flowers and various products made with flowers. Also, unique and rare plants exhibition, indoor garden decorated with flower art pieces, outdoor theme parks, making of flower plant experience, flower arrangement contests and other 
cultural events and performances are planned to add more joy to the flower festival. At night, lighting garden, LED performance, K-POP performance and other exciting events will also entertain visitors, creating the ambience of a joyful flower culture festival.
Transportation:
Subway
- Jeongbalsan Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1 or 2
- Pass through Ilsan Cultural Park towards Ilsan Lake Park (500 m).
Bus
Get off at Lake Park Bus Stop.
- Bus: 33, 88A
- Intercity Bus: 3000
- Airport Bus: 7300, 7400
Homepage: www.flower.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival

Date: May 1 – May 10
Location: Mungyeongsaejae Open Set Studio
Introduction: Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival takes place at Mungyeongsaejae Open Set Studio in Gyeongsangbuk-do, an area famous for traditional ceramics. The festival first started in 1999 and has gone on to become an premier festival recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism. Visitors will be able to join in traditional tea ceremony and potterymaking programs, operated by local artisans.
Transportation:
Express/Intercity Bus
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Mungyeong Bus Terminal.
Bus
From Mungyeong Bus Terminal Bus Stop, take a bus bound for Mungyeong Saejae and get off at Mungyeong Saejae Bus Stop.
Homepage: www.sabal21.com (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)

 

Taean Tulip Festival
Date: Apr. 14 – May 11
Location: Korea Flower Park
Introduction: Tean Tulip Festival offers excellent photo opportunities for both local residents and tourists alike with beautiful and vibrant tulips in full bloom. The festival venue is divided into sections, which are decorated in different themes, allowing visitors 
to enjoy the sight of colorful tulips among creative and fun backdrops.
Transportation:
Bus
- From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Taean Intercity Bus Terminal.
- From Taean Intercity Bus Terminal, take a village bus bound for Gomseom and get off at Morenon Bus Stop.
Homepage: www.koreaflowerpark.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Taean Flower Festival

Location: Taean Nature World
Introduction: Taean Flower Festival is held annually in the Sinon-ri area in Nam-myeon. During the festival, various cultural events and flower markets are held against the backdrop of beautiful flowers. Taean Flower Festival holds a themed festival for each season: tulips in spring, lilies in summer, lights in winter, and autumn flowers in fall. During the lily festival in summer, the venue is covered with lilies in shades of white, yellow, plum and red. The lake in the middle of the venue will be 
decorated in the theme of “Byeoljubu” (traditional Korean story of the Turtle and the Rabbit). There will be rabbit village to the left, a tortoise village to the right, and a character village on the perimeter of the venue. Hands-on programs such as feeding animals, making cookies, making soap bubbles, and making masks and face painting are also available.
Transportation:
Bus
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Central City Bus Terminal, take a intercity bus to Taean Bus Terminal.
From Taean Bus Terminal, take a taxi to the festival venue.
Homepage: www.ffestival.co.kr (Korean only)

 

NOTE: Festival dates and info subject to change.
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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED www.visitkorea.or.kr

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