Festivals & events happening in Korea

Gugak Performance Jinyeon (국악공연 진연)

Jan 1 – Dec 31 · 10 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The gugak performance “Jinyeon, The Music of the Royal Banquet” offers a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of traditional Korean arts on a single stage.

Buyeo-gun Chungnam Gugak Group’s Saturday Show(부여군충남국악단 토요상설공연)

Mar 7 – Oct 31 · 충청남도 부여군 규암면 백제문로 388

Jindo National Gugak Center’s Saturday Show ‘I Love Gugak’(국립남도국악원 토요 상설 공연 ‘국악이 좋다’)

Mar 7 – Nov 28 · 전남광주통합특별시 진도군 임회면 진도대로 3818

APAP Artwork Tour (APAP 작품투어 (안양공공예술프로젝트))

Mar 10 – Nov 30 · 180 Yesulgongwon-ro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Anyang Public Art Project (APAP) started in 2005 and has led to the creation of many beautiful works of art that decorate the city's public spaces.

Ssokssokdeul-i Festival (국립극장 쏙쏙들이페스티벌)

Mar 14 – Dec 26 · 16 Heyri-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Ssokssokdeul-i Festival is a program organized by the National Theater of Korea’s Stage Arts Support Center, designed to make performing arts more accessible in everyday life.

Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Group’s Saturday Gugak Show(대전시립연정국악단 토요국악)

Mar 14 – Nov 28 · 대전광역시 서구 둔산대로 181 (만년동)

K-Gugak Stage (K-국악 스테이지)

Mar 14 – Dec 12 · 전북특별자치도 남원시 양림길 54 (어현동)

ARI-The Spirit of Korea(아리아라리)

Apr 4 – Nov 27 · 강원특별자치도 정선군 정선읍 애산로 51

Gombaengi Teotta (곰뱅이텄다)

Apr 4 – Nov 29 · 경기도 안성시 보개면 남사당로 198-2

Raftman(뗏꾼)

Apr 4 – Nov 28 · 강원특별자치도 정선군 정선읍 애산로 51

Jeonju Hanok Village Traditional Performance Parade (한옥마을전통연희 퍼레이드-노상놀이야)

Apr 18 – Oct 31 · 44 Taejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do

The Jeonju Hanok Village Traditional Performance Parade is packed with various street performances, allowing visitors to experience Jeonju's folk culture on the streets.

Dancing Sangsoe: The Pilbong Gut Encounter(춤추는 상쇠〈만남〉)

Jul 4 – Sep 5 · 전북특별자치도 임실군 강진면 강운로 272

Earthen Vessels: Stories of Our Lives (도기陶器, 우리를 담은 질그릇)

Jul 29 – Oct 25 · 110 Haseo-ro, Buk-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju

Earthen Vessels: Stories of Our Lives is a special exhibition held at the National Gwangju Museum.

Garden Night Market (가든 나이트 마켓)

Jul 29 – Aug 29 · 94 Daegongwon-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan

The Garden Night Market is a night market held in urban parks during the summer season. It consists of 10 sales booths, 5 experience booths, 10 food booths, and 16 food trucks, providing a variety of experiences for citizens and tourists.

Seoul Fringe Festival (서울프린지페스티벌)

Aug 6 – Aug 23 · 94 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Seoul Fringe Festival has been held every summer annually since 1998. The festival is open to artists of all genres, from dance to music and media art.

Gaya Theme Park Light Festival (가야테마파크 빛 축제 빛을 향한 항해)

Aug 14 – Aug 23 · 161 Gaya thema-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

The Gaya Theme Park Light Festival showcases the story of departure, navigation, and the encounter with Gaya through light sculptures, illuminations, media art, and photo zones. Walking along the path of light resembling the blue sea and night sky.

K-Illustration Fair Magok (K-일러스트레이션페어 마곡)

Aug 20 – Aug 23 · 143 Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

The K-Illustration Fair Magok takes place at the COEX Magok Exhibition Center, showcasing the influence of illustration on people’s lifestyles in both everyday life and special occasions.

Mungyeong Saejae Bare-foot Walking Festival (오감만족 문경새재맨발페스티벌)

Aug 22 · 932 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Mungyeong Saejae Bare-foot Walking Festival, held annually in Mungyeong, is a bare-foot walking festival covering approx. 7 kilometers.

Cheonan K-Culture Expo (천안 K-컬처박람회)

Sep 2 – Sep 6 · 1 Dongnipginyeomgwan-ro, Mokcheon-eup, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

The Cheonan K-Culture Expo is a K-culture–driven cultural industry fair held primarily at the Independence Hall of Korea, a landmark symbolizing Korea’s spirit of independence and national identity.

Hongseong Namdang Port Jumbo Shrimp Festival (홍성남당항 대하축제)

Sep 4 – Nov 8 · 1-1 Namdanghang-ro 213beon-gil, Seobu-myeon, Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Namdang Port, located at the west end of Hongseong, is a famous west coast port known for its exceptional seafood.

Hyoseok Cultural Festival (평창효석문화제)

Sep 4 – Sep 13 · 157 Ihyoseok-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Korean novelist Lee Hyo-seok is from Pyeongchang, Gangwon State, and is known for his novels that combine stories with the beauty of nature.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Muju Firefly Festival (무주반딧불축제)

Sep 4 – Sep 12 · 326-14 Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-eup, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Fireflies, beloved for their twinkling tails at night, are a precious insect designated as Natural Monument in Korea. Muju, known for its pristine environment, is a prime habitat for these enchanting creatures.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Starry Sea Busan - Night Camp Picnic (별바다부산 나이트 캠크닉)

Sep 4 – Sep 19 · 1674 Dadae-dong, Saha-gu, Busan

Dadaepo Beach Park will transform into a festival full of emotions. The Starry Sea Busan - Night Camp Picnic is a special event that highlights the charm of Dadaepo, famous for its beautiful sunsets.

Gwangju ACE Fair (광주 ACE Fair)

Sep 10 – Sep 13 · 30 Sangmunuri-ro, Seo-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Held at the Kimdaejung Convention Center, the 2026 Gwangju ACE Fair is a comprehensive cultural content festival where broadcasting, animation, characters, games, and webtoons converge.

Red Food Festival (장수한우랑사과랑축제)

Sep 10 – Sep 13 · 393 Hannuri-ro, Jangsu-eup, Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk-do

The Red Food Festival celebrates the famous agricultural products of Jangsu, such as Hanu beef, apples, tomatoes, and omija, all themed around the color red.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Seoul International Writers' Festival (서울국제작가축제)

Sep 11 – Sep 16 · 26 Insadong 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul International Writers' Festival was founded in 2006 with aims to lay a foundation for connecting Korean literature and international literature.

Daejeon Jung-gu Book Festival (대전 중구 북페스티벌)

Sep 12 – Sep 13 · 85 Jungang-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon

The Jung-gu Book Festival builds on the diverse reading cultures and voices discovered within Jung-gu, bringing them together to foster new connections throughout the district.

Bucheon International Comics Festival (부천국제만화축제)

Sep 18 – Sep 20 · 1 Gilju-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

As Korea’s leading comic-focused festival, the Bucheon International Comics Festival features a wide range of events, including the special exhibition of Bucheon Comic Awards winners, comic exhibitions, and the Singing BICOF.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale (경기도자비엔날레)

Sep 18 – Nov 1 · 263 Gyeongchung-daero 2697beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale features a range of exhibitions and educational events. The event takes place at various locations in Korea famous for ceramics, including Icheon, Yeoju, and Gwangju.

Jinan Red Ginseng Festival (진안홍삼축제)

Sep 18 – Sep 20 · 160 Maisan-ro, Jinan-eup, Jinan-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Jinan-gun, known as Korea’s exclusive red ginseng special zone, is a plateau that lies at an average of more than 300m above sea level, producing high-quality red ginseng with a strong aroma and firm texture.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Siheung Gaetgol Festival (시흥갯골축제)

Sep 18 – Sep 20 · 287 Dongseo-ro, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do

By incorporating games and activities, Siheung Gaetgol Festival aims to raise awareness about ecology, the environment, and family.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Suwon Hwaseong Media Art (수원화성 미디어아트)

Sep 19 – Oct 6 · Jangan-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Suwon Hwaseong Media Art is a nighttime festival held against the backdrop of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its launch in 2021, the event has presented large-scale media art inspired by the fortress and its history.

Andong Maskdance Festival (안동국제탈춤페스티벌)

Sep 24 – Oct 4 · 239, Yuksa-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Andong Maskdance Festival is a global celebration where the memories carried by masks come to life through dance.

Cheonan World Dance Festival (천안흥타령춤축제)

Oct 1 – Oct 5 · 208 Beonyeong-ro, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

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.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Gimje Horizon Festival (김제지평선축제)

Oct 1 – Oct 5 · 442, Byeokgolje-ro, Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk-do

The Gimje Horizon Festival is Korea’s only Honorary Cultural Tourism Festival dedicated to traditional farming culture, as designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Gyeryong Military Culture Festival (계룡軍문화축제)

Oct 1 – Oct 5 · 16, Jeongjang-ri, Sindoan-myeon, Gyeryong-si, Chungcheongnam-do

The 2025 Gyeryong Military Culture Festival will take place from September 17 (Wed.) to 21 (Sun.) at the Gyeryongdae Runway and venues across the city under the slogan “Gyeryong’s Dream, K-Military Culture Taking Flight to the World!” Recognized as one of Kore…

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Jeongseon Arirang Festival (정선아리랑제)

Oct 1 – Oct 4 · 104, Bongyang-ri, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

The Jeongseon Arirang Festival is Jeongseon County’s signature cultural tourism festival created to preserve and carry forward the history, cultural value, and traditions of Jeongseon Arirang, one of Korea’s best-known folk songs.

Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival (안성맞춤 남사당 바우덕이축제)

Oct 2 – Oct 5 · 198-2 Namsadang-ro, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Namsadang Noripae, which was at the heart of popular culture during the Joseon dynasty, can be likened to today’s touring musical theater companies.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Bupyeong Pungmul Festival (부평풍물대축제)

Oct 2 – Oct 4 · 34-1, Bupyeong-daero, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon

Celebrating its 30th edition, the Bupyeong Pungmul Festival brings rhythm, excitement, and community spirit to the heart of the city.

Busan International Rock Festival (부산국제록페스티벌)

Oct 2 – Oct 4 · 29-50, Samnak-dong, Sasang-gu, Busan

First held in 2000, the Busan International Rock Festival is Korea’s first and longest-running international rock festival.

Geumsan World Insam Festival (금산세계인삼축제)

Oct 2 – Oct 11 · 30, Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-eup, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Held in Geumsan, Chungcheongnam-do, long known as the home of ginseng with a history spanning more than 1,500 years, the Geumsan World K-Insam Festival invites visitors of all ages to experience ginseng in every form.

Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival (산청한방약초축제)

Oct 2 – Oct 11 · 61 Donguibogam-ro 555beon-gil, Geumseo-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

The Sancheong Herbal Medicinal Festival is a celebration for those interested in traditional herbal medicine. Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) and its author, Heo Jun, are highly regarded in Korean medicine.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Soraepogu Festival (소래포구 축제)

Oct 2 – Oct 4 · 86-17 Jangdong-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon

Soraepogu Festival, a maritime ecology festival, has been held annually since 2001. Sorae Port has become a popular attraction, visited by over 7 million domestic and international tourists each year.

Bongsan Mask Dance(봉산탈춤 다 모여라~ )

Oct 2 – Oct 4 · 서울특별시 종로구 종로1길 45 (세종로)

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)

Oct 3 – Oct 18 · 287 Gangnam-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

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.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival (경북영주 풍기인삼축제)

Oct 3 – Oct 11 · Seongnae-ri, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Ginseng is a well-known traditional Korean medicinal herb. High quality ginseng in Korea is mostly produced in Punggi, a region in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the place where the Punggi Ginseng Festival takes place.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Gumcheon Siheung Haenggung Cultural Festival (금천시흥행궁문화제)

Oct 4 · 44 Eunhaengnamu-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul

The 'Geumcheon Siheung Palace Cultural Festival' is a representative historical and cultural festival of Geumcheon-gu that embodies the district's historical identity and cultural artistic significance.

King Jeongjo's Royal Parade (정조대왕 능행차 공동재현)

Oct 4 · 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

King Jeongjo's Royal Parade to Hwaseong Fortress recreates one of the most remarkable events of the Joseon dynasty.

Suwon Hwaseong Festival (수원화성문화제)

Oct 4 – Oct 11 · 825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival reimagines, through a contemporary lens, the most magnificent moments of King Jeongjo’s eight-day royal procession to Hwaseong in 1795.

Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection (광주 추억의 충장축제)

Oct 7 – Oct 11 · 226-22, Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

The Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection is Gwangju’s largest signature festival, originating on Chungjang-ro in Dong-gu.

Imsil N Cheese Festival (임실N치즈축제)

Oct 8 – Oct 11 · 50 Doin 2-gil, Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Imsil N Cheese Festival is held every fall in Imsil, the birthplace of cheese production in Korea, at Imsil Cheese Theme Park and Imsil Cheese Village, which are proud symbols of the region.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

GHOST Festival (Gyeonggi Hallyu OST Festival) (GHOST(경기 한류 OST) 페스티벌)

Oct 9 – Oct 11 · 148-40 Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Gyeonggi Hallyu OST Music Festival, or the GHOST Festival, is Korea’s first festival dedicated to original soundtracks. It brings together the memorable music of K-dramas, films, and animation alongside performances by renowned K-pop artists.

Seosan Haemi Eupseong Festival (서산해미읍성축제)

Oct 9 – Oct 11 · 143 Nammun 2-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

The Seosan Haemi Eupseong Festival is a cultural festival held at Seosan Haemieupseong Walled Town, an ancient fortress with a 600-year history.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Sejong Hangeul Festival (세종한글축제)

Oct 11 · 216, Dasom-ro, Sejong-si

The Sejong Hangeul Festival is the only festival in Korea dedicated to Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. Held every year around Hangeul Day, it is Sejong City’s signature celebration of the Korean writing system.

Chuncheon Makguksu & Dakgalbi Festival (춘천막국수닭갈비축제)

Oct 14 – Oct 18 · 586, Onui-dong, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

Chuncheon Makguksu & Dakgalbi Festival celebrates dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and makguksu (buckwheat noodles), two of the most famous specialties of the city of Chuncheon.

Sunchang Jangryu Festival (순창장류축제)

Oct 15 – Oct 18 · 6-3 Minsongmaeul-gil, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Experience the most iconic spicy flavor of Korean cuisine, gochujang (red chili paste). This festival takes place in Sunchang, the renowned home of gochujang.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Yeongdong Nangye Korean Traditional Music Festival (영동난계국악축제)

Oct 15 – Oct 18 · 117, Yeongdong healing-ro, Yeongdong-eup, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

The Yeongdong Nangye Korean Traditional Music Festival is an annual performing arts festival dedicated to gugak, Korea’s traditional music and one of Yeongdong-gun’s most treasured cultural assets.

Dongnaeeupseong History Festival (동래읍성역사축제)

Oct 16 – Oct 18 · 80 Munhwa-ro, Dongnae-gu, Busan

The Dongnaeeupseong History Festival offers an immersive experience of the history and culture of Dongnaeeupseong Walled Town, where the Battle of Dongnaeseong Fortress took place against the Japanese army during the Imjin War in 1592.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Gangdong Prehistoric Culture Festival (강동선사문화축제)

Oct 16 – Oct 18 · 875, Olympic-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul

Now celebrating its 30th edition, the Gangdong Prehistoric Culture Festival is the only festival in Seoul devoted to prehistoric culture.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.

Mokpo Port Festival (목포항구축제)

Oct 16 – Oct 18 · 6 Samhak-ro 92beon-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

“Mokpo is a port.” This phrase is familiar to Koreans as both a movie title and a popular song. Mokpo, one of three major ports in Korea, is a key center for trade and logistics.

ⓘ Officially listed from last year's edition — this year's dates may shift.