Festivals - Korea travel information

Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival (한산모시문화제)

Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival (한산모시문화제)

2025-01-08

1089 Chungjeol-ro, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-950-4256

Ramie fabric is a traditional Korean cloth with good ventilation, making it the fabric of choice for summer clothing. Hansan’s ramie is used to make high-end clothing due to its delicate and elegant texture. It is also an eco-friendly fiber that is extracted from ramie grass and weaved into a loom. Hansan’s ramie weaving was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011 in recognition of its unique production technology as well as its ability to strengthen community solidarity in the process. At the Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival, visitors can participate in the “Ramie School” program and learn the weaving process. Other attractions include Gilssam Nori, a ramie-weaving work, and a fashion show featuring clothes made from Hansan ramie is a highlight not to be missed.

◎ Tip
During the festival, a free shuttle bus operates from the Hansan Mosi Hall parking lot to the festival venue.

Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival (산청한방약초축제)

Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival (산청한방약초축제)

2025-01-07

61 Donguibogam-ro 555beon-gil, Geumseo-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-6601

The Sancheong Herbal Medicinal Festival is a celebration for those interested in traditional herbal medicine. Dongui bogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) and its author, Heo Jun, are highly regarded in Korean medicine. Sancheong, where Heo Jun studied, is home to Jirisan Mountain, rich in medicinal herbs with over 1,000 species and often seen as a treasure trove by Korean medicine doctors. The festival features Korean medicine clinics offering treatments like acupuncture, while the festival square is transformed into an herbal garden with photo zones, tea drinking spots, spaces for making herbal flower pots, and exhibitions and sales of herbal flower pot goods. Visitors can also participate in making herbal sweet rice puffs, nostalgic herbal dalgona candy, herbal cocktails, and herbal tea brewed in a large decoction pot.

◎ Dongui bogam
Dongui bogam is a medical encyclopedia completed in 1610, written by Heo Jun after a meticulous study and observation of medical books and practices of China and Joseon. It is considered the best medical encyclopedia in the East and was registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World in 2009.

Yeoncheon Paleolithic Festival (연천 구석기축제)

Yeoncheon Paleolithic Festival (연천 구석기축제)

2025-01-02

1510 Yangyeon-ro, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-832-2570

A prehistoric cultural festival is held at the Archaeological Site in Jeongok-ri, where the first humans inhabited the Korean Peninsula. In 1978, the discovery of an Acheulean hand axe in Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon, garnered global attention, challenging Movius’s theory that divided Paleolithic cultures into Eastern and Western categories. Being recognized for its significance in world prehistoric culture, the festival began as a small event in 1993 to promote and preserve the important Jeongok-ri archaeological site. Now, it has grown into a large-scale festival, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Every May, Yeoncheon becomes a hub for experiencing prehistoric cultures from around the world. This special experiential festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the wisdom of early humans who lived in harmony with nature, providing unforgettable inspiration and enjoyment.

◎ Acheulean Hand Axe
The Acheulean hand axe is a stone tool from the Paleolithic period discovered at the archaeological site in Jeongok-ri. It features double-edged blades that exhibit skilled craftsmanship.

Jeju Fire Festival (제주들불축제)

Jeju Fire Festival (제주들불축제)

2025-03-05

San 59-8 Bongseong-ri, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-728-2753

Jeju Fire Festival is a representative cultural festival related to Jeju's culture of livestock care. Held every March at Saebyeoloreum Volcanic Cone, the night sky lights up with fiery red. The festival features a media façade show, torch march, fire show, and more as well as various programs and food trucks.

Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival (논산강경젓갈축제)

Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival (논산강경젓갈축제)

2023-09-18

45, Geumbaek-ro, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-730- 2973

Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival is held in the town where the largest salted seafood market in Korea is located. The salted seafood in the area is known for its long tradition and special process. During the festival period, visitors can buy salted seafood at special discounted prices.

Yangyang Songi Festival (양양송이축제)

Yangyang Songi Festival (양양송이축제)

2023-09-11

Nammun-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-671-3803

Yangyang Songi Festival takes place annually during the harvest season for Yangyang’s famed specialty, pine mushrooms. Visitors can purchase these mushrooms as well as mushrooms and other specialty products grown throughout the country.

Muju Firefly Festival (무주 반딧불축제)

Muju Firefly Festival (무주 반딧불축제)

2025-01-07

326-14 Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-eup, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-324-2440

Fireflies, beloved for their twinkling tails at night, are a precious insect designated as Natural Monument No. 322 in Korea. Muju, known for its pristine environment, is a prime habitat for these enchanting creatures. The Muju Firefly Festival celebrates this natural wonder every year. Participate in the main event, “Firefly Exploration,” to experience the magic of fireflies dancing under the night sky. Additional programs include “Bandi Star Picnic,” where you can enjoy stargazing and delve into astronomy, creating unforgettable memories as fireflies light up the dark night.

◎ Tip
To avoid discomfort from insects and weather conditions, it’s advisable to wear long pants and closed shoes. Be aware that weather conditions like rain or storms may affect the visibility of fireflies during the festival.

Chunhyang Festival (춘향제)

Chunhyang Festival (춘향제)

2024-04-07

1447 Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-620-5770

Taking place in Namwon, Chunhyang Festival celebrates the love between Chunhyang and Lee Mongryong, based on the famous Korean love story, Chunhyangjeon. Held since 1931, the festival aims to spread the story not only around Korea but to international visitors as well through hands-on experiences and moving performances. The highlight of the festival is the beauty pageant that attracts many people.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)

2025-01-07

287 Gangnam-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-761-9111

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is an event that continues the practice of making wishes by floating colorful lanterns down the Namgang River. This practice of over 400 years originated from the Siege of Jinju in 1592. The festival begins at sunset when lanterns of various shapes and sizes are lit on the Namgang River. World Pungmul lanterns, wish lanterns, traditional lanterns, religious lanterns, and customized lanterns embroider the night with colorful lights. Fireworks and lighting shows are held against the backdrop of this beautiful night view, along with various cultural shows. The festival operates food trucks where visitors can enjoy delicious foods from around the world. 

◎ The Siege of Jinju and Yudeung
During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, yudeung (oil lanterns) were lit in the battle at Jinjuseong Fortress to stop the Japanese army from crossing the Namgang River. The lanterns were also used as a means of contacting families outside the fortress.

Cheonan World Dance Festival (천안흥타령춤축제)

Cheonan World Dance Festival (천안흥타령춤축제)

2025-01-08

208 Beonyeong-ro, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-900-7020

The Cheonan World Dance Festival is a global event that brings everyone together through dance, transcending nationalities and language barriers. Dancers from all over the world gather in Cheonan to participate in various festival programs. The National Dance Competition is the highlight of the festival, with a total prize of about KRW 100 million. There is also the Street Dance Parade across the city center and the International Dance Competition in which dance teams from across the globe participate. Other shows include the energetic performances of the National University Cheerleading Competition and the exciting “Improv Dance Battle,” where everyone can join in on the fun.