A total of 42 festivals have been designated as 2015 Culture Tourism Festivals by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
All sections are based on the results of on-the-spot assessments and expert evaluations. The 42 selected festivals are classified into four categories; Premier Festival, Top Festival, Outstanding Festival, and Up-and-Coming Festival.
Juldarigi, or tug-of-war, is a time-honored cultural heritage unique to the local area which dates back over 300 years. The local residents join the juldarigi wishing for the nation’s security, good harvest and harmonious unity among the local residents.
As one of Ulsan’s most important festivals, ‘Ulsan Whale Festival’ is operated mainly in the form of Ulsan’s local folk programs and hands-on programs. The traditional Ulsan method of whale fishing is recreated off the coast of Ulsan. This recreation is based on historical evidence, with a large number of people dressed in traditional outfits who perform ‘Madangnori’ that demonstrates the art of whale fishing. This is a great opportunity to observe traditional whale fishing. In addition, there are a wide range of programs to enjoy, such as Whale Singing Competition for amateur singers, water multimedia show and whale boat race contest. Other hands-on programs include whale market, whale watching trip and more.
For centuries, Korean pottery has been regarded as one of the best displays of artistic talent worldwide. Mungyeong town is a renowned pottery-producing center with over 900 years of history. This festival celebrates the traditional Chasabal (tea bowl), whose modest, simple, almost rough exterior creates its unique beauty. Learn about this amazing time-honored craft from some of the area’s best Chasabal masters and even create your own traditional tea-bowl.
Every 13th May was the planting bamboos following lunar calendar from Goryo dynasty but this custom has been dissappeared from 1920. Hence, this festival is celebrating the beauty and benefits of the bamboo plant. Visitors can experience water sports such as ‘Log Rafting’ and ‘Water Bicycle’ using bamboos. And Damyang’s famous cuisines using bamboo would be the big joy of enjoying festivals.
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 herb medicine 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 Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine 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.
Boseong is considered the birthplace of the commercial tea industry and is the largest producer of tea in the country.
At the Boseong Green Tea Festival, some of the most popular festival events (most of which are held out in the green tea fields) are the hands-on experience programs such as picking tea leaves, making tea, and sampling green tea snacks. Other events such as the tea exhibition & sale, and a number of celebratory performances are also scheduled to be held during the festival period.
Once a year in Jindo in Jeollanam-do province, the sea mysteriously parts and visitors can walk through the sea from the mainland to a nearby island. This phenomenon is caused due to the difference in high tides and low tides, which creates a 2.8km long road measuring 40 to 60 meters in width. The Jindo Miracle Sea Festival takes place when this phenomenon happens. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sea road, gathering abalone and various other fun activities that make up the festival program.
The Chuncheon International Mime Festival presents a wide array of performances by hundreds of performing arts teams from Korea and abroad. Performances feature diverse genres include mime, music, dance, installation art, and short films. Moreover, Chuncheon is easily accessible by public transportation, and also offers transportation accessible to other popular tourist attractions like Namiseom Island and Soyangang Dam.
Firefly is Korean National Monument Number 322. Night time fireflies exploration event is the most popular one. Also this festival designated as one of 50′s beautiful site in Korea by CNNgo.
The region of Hansan-myeon is famous for producing ramie, one of the world’s oldest fabric crops. The Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival celebrates the high quality, luxury clothing that is produced from ramie fabric and which receives wide acclaim.
Many people visit this festival to see the beautiful clothes on display. One of the main events is a fashion show, and visitors will also have the opportunity to try on some of the clothes and even try out the fabric weaving process.
The ramie crop is also used in making food, and visitors can try rice cakes, ice cream, tea and other refreshments all made from ramie. It is the must visit festival for all shopping and food aficionados.
This festival takes place at Busan’s beautiful Haeundae Beach, an extremely popular summer vacation spot. The festival is full of events inspired by the beach’s beautiful white sand. One of the highlights of the festival is the hot sand bath (beneficial for health and beauty), where visitors are buried in the sand from head to toe. Other events include a beach volleyball competition, an exhibition of different types of sand from around the world, and a marathon race.
This festival celebrates the beautiful lotus flowers and highlights the importance of preserving wild flowers. Though the festival’s program contains many events related to lotus flowers, making paper lotus flowers and making lotus flower soap are two particularly popular programs with foreigners. Various other attractions are located nearby, including several Baekje (BC18~AD660) cultural historic sites such as the Baekje Wangneungwon (royal mausoleum), Nakhwaam, and the Baekje Historical Museum.
This festival includes Fireworks Street Performances, Fireworks Parade, and Experience Event such as making a postcard with light, light magic zone and light kid’s playground.
Gangjin was flourishing celadon production area for long time. Celadon Festival mainly includes experience programs such as Celadon a pattern rubbed copy sculpture, exhibition, and Korea traditional custom experience.
This festival has been designated as top festival for 9 consecutive years.
Bonghwa Eun-uh (Sweet Smelt) Festival, held in Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, offers numerous participatory programs including sweet smelt fishing, underwater race and quiz show. Sweet smelt fishing, the festival’s highlight, is held two times a day during the week, and three times on Saturdays. Winners of the underwater race and the quiz show will receive local specialty products as prizes. Moreover, there are several educational and cultural programs including a freshwater fish exhibition featuring trout and other species, a sweet smelt ecology center where visitors can observe the natural environment that the fish live in, the Korean Currency Museum, Bonghwa tourist photo center, sweet smelt painting, ceramic, Hanji (Korean traditional paper) handicraft, and stone inscription.
Jangheung is a small county in Jeollanam-do that is located near the sea of Boseongman Bay, and has the big lake created by Jangheung Dam and Tamjingang River.
The Janheung Jeongnamjin Water Festival (also called the Jeongnamjin Aqua Festival) is held every year around the end of July. Unlike conventional festivals with exhibits, performances and shows, the Jeongnamjin Water Festival aims to offer something different by experiencing summer and water-themed events where visitors can enjoy a multitude of fun and exciting summer activities.
Pentaport Rock Festival is an emerging rock festival ardently supported by not just local rock fans, but by worldwide music fans. This year, the festival will take place from August 2nd to 4th, in Songdo city. Overseas rock bands will be playing in the lineup with local rock musicians for an energetic rock music festival that’s out of this world!
Under the theme of “Festival of Lights, Ocean of Romance”, the Mokpo Maritime Culture Festival has a variety of events and programs that festival attendees can experience diverse maritime cultural activities and performances that are held on a floating stage. With plenty of things to see and enjoy, the festival is currently one of the major summer celebrations of the region.
The Great Battle of Hansan (1592) is one of the four most famous sea battles in Korean history. Visitors to this festival, which celebrates the anniversary of the great event, will learn all about the battle while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of Tongyeong.
The Goesan Red Pepper Festival is held during harvest season to promote the excellence of peppers grown in Goesan, a major production area of Korea. The festival has numerous programs, including pepper-picking and fish-catching contest (using bare hands), pepper recipe competition, pepper cooking contest, and garden pepper planting.
Brightly colored and full of flavor, Korean peppers are a particularly popular agricultural product. This is a fun festival where visitors can taste or buy Korean peppers, and talk with farmers.
Hyoseok Cultural Festival is held to commemorate modern Korean writer Lee Hyo-seok and his popular novel ‘When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom,’ which demonstrates the connection between human life and beauty of nature through the dazzling scenery of Bongpyeong. In fact, Bongpyeong is the author’s hometown, and appears frequently in his novels.
The Festival offers various participatory programs such as poem exhibition, literature night, Hyo-seok essay contest, nature experiences (e.g. fingernail coloring using balsam), buckwheat food cooking, and many more. Furthermore, visitors may tour Lee Hyo-seok’s birthplace and memorial hall.
This festival presents all of the world’s martial arts forms, as well as Korea’s traditional martial arts. This festival opens with the theme ‘World’s Martial Arts and Culture’, demonstrating Taekkyeon, Taekwondo, and Hapkido by Korea’s traditional martial arts groups. Martial artists from 16 nations have been invited to the festival, and will take part in demonstrations and performances. Programs have been prepared for non-Korean speakers and visitors will get a chance to try out many of the martial arts on display.
Once a year in Jindo in Jeollanam-do province, the sea mysteriously parts and visitors can walk through the sea from the mainland to a nearby island. This phenomenon is caused due to the difference in high tides and low tides, which creates a 2.8km long road measuring 40 to 60 meters in width. The Jindo Miracle Sea Festival takes place when this phenomenon happens. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sea road, gathering abalone and various other fun activities that make up the festival program.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung(Lantern) Festival originates from during Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjinwaeran War(Japanese invasion in 1592) as a military strategy to prevent Japanese troops from wading the Namgang River. Fireworks show, lantern pictures, local traditional food & specialty shops are awaited for you.
The Cheonan World Dance Festival celebrates the traditional dances, songs and costumes of Korea. Visitors may participate in singing and dancing competitions, or attend a demonstration of Korea traditional wedding.
Gimje is the region where meet the sky and ground so that’s the reason this festival was made. Gimje Horizon Festival hosts various activities such as performances, street parade, Ssireum(wrestling), and traditional wedding.
This festival takes the theme of ‘Jeongseon Arirang’, a variation of the Korean folk song ‘Arirang’, which was developed in the Jeongseon province. The Jeongseon Arirang Festival was started to preserve the ‘Jeongseon Arirang’, an intangible cultural asset, and to pass along its culture to following generations.
One of the festival’s main events is a performance of the famous ‘Arirang’ folk song, and there are many other events and programs. In addition, there is a folk market called the ‘Jeongseon 5 Day Market’, which opens every five days, where visitors can experience the lively bustling atmosphere of a Korean folk market and purchase agricultural products at low prices.
Known to many as ‘golden mushrooms,’ ‘diamonds in the woods,’ and ‘mystic and magical mushrooms,’ songi mushrooms that naturally grow under old pine trees are strictly prohibited from public access. However, at Yangyang Songi Festivals, visitors may tour the natural habitat of these luxurious and precious mushrooms, pick them, and sample dishes made with them.
Pung-gi ginseng is only grown in the Sobaeksan mountains and is widely known for its superior quality. The reason Pung-gi ginseng is so highly valued is because of its high contents of ‘saponin,’ which is effective in regulating blood pressure and reenergizing the body. It is even believed to help reduce the risk of cancer. The Pung-gi Ginseng Festival coincides with the peak of the harvesting season each year, which takes place around October.
During the festival period, visitors can participate in various events such as harvesting ginseng and sampling cuisines made from the expensive Pung-gi ginseng. There are also many other tourist attractions located in the Yeongju region, including the Buseoksa Temple and Sobaeksan Pung-gi Hot Springs.
Jarasum International Jazz Festival, held every year on Jarasum Island, attracts more than 100,000 visitors around the world every year. This festival has designated as one of best 10 festivals in Gyeonggi-do. This year, around 50 bands from all around the world will performing on a stage during festival.
This festival celebrates the herbs of Mt. Jirisan, which are commonly known for great medicinal properties, making this the perfect event for visitors eager to improve their health through natural remedies.
At this festival visitors will be exposed to a wide variety of Korea’s medicinal herbs and medical traditions. Along with many other exciting events, you will even be able to sample traditional Oriental medicinal cuisines made from herbs. Visitors can sample herbs for free, and can later take home their favorite herb or remedy at an extremely reasonable price. Some herbs can even be grown at home!
Gwangju Kimchi Culture Festival is for everyone who is interested in Korean representative food Kimchi. The festival is devided into 2 themes(Seeing and Experiencing) Visitors can see the history and hundreds kinds of Kimchi in the exhibition. In addition they can experience making Kimchi by themself and taste variety range of Kimchi.
The Haemieupseong Fortress in Seosan City is the most undamaged fortress in Korea. Built around 600 years ago during the Joseon period, the fortress is a historically significant site where both the commander-in-chief of Chungcheong-do Province and the great Admiral Yi Sun-shin had once served. It is also a sacred ground of martyrs as nearly 1,000 Roman Catholics were executed in 1866. In modern times, the fortress served as the backdrop for the turbulent Donghak Peasants Revolution (1894) and Catholic Persecution.
The Seosan Haemieupseong Festival offers a variety of exciting programs with a theme of the traditional Korean market. This includes diverse cultural performances such as tightrope walking, folk music, traditional orchestral music, and outdoor theatricals. Visitors to the festival will also have a chance to experience hands-on activities like traditional crafts, folk games, and drawing performances.
The 7080 Chungjang Recollection Festival is one of Gwangju’s most famous events. It takes place for 5-6 days every October. The festival is themed on a revisit to the 70’s & 80’s. There are various events, performances, exhibitions, and hand-on activities which evoke feelings of nostalgia. The streets in the venue are decorated to resemble those from decades ago. The 7080 Chungjang Recollection Festival also features a street parade, alumni reunions, performance by intangible cultural assets, and the Chungjangro Alley Cultural Event.
Have you ever tasted fermented Seafood? Some people might be familiar with fermented seafood but most people is unfamiliar with this. But taste is good especially with rice! Ganggyeong is well-known for salted seafood for a long time. This fermented seafood is used when we make Kimchi which is Korea’s representative food. Today, Ganggyeong fermented seafood market accounts for half of the nation’s total sales of fermented seafood.
Since its inception in 1960, chrysanthemum farming in Changwon (Masan) has proliferated, accounting for 13% of nationwide chrysanthemum farming. The Changwon Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival presents numerous exhibitions, cultural programs, food tasting, and many more.
Icheon is famous for producing the best rice in Korea. In fact Icheon rice is so good that it used to be served to the kings of Korea in the past, and is still thought of today. The Icheon Rice Culture Festival celebrates its famous rice and also the local agricultural practices. Major events of the festival include the parade that transported rice to Hanseong (the old name for Seoul) for presentation to the king, and the huge rice cauldron that is capable of feeding thousands of people.
Do you know what is the source that Koreans enjoy and work hard in their fields? I think fermented food could be the answer. Almost every food in Korea uses red-pepper paste or fermented soybean paste. Today, many people get more interested in their health and well-being, the hot sauce has become an even greater part of the Korean diet.
All sections are based on the results of on-the-spot assessments and expert evaluations. The 42 selected festivals are classified into four categories; Premier Festival, Top Festival, Outstanding Festival, and Up-and-Coming Festival.
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Premier Festivals |
Gimje Horizon Festival, Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival |
|---|---|
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Top Festivals |
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival, Gangjin Celadon Festival, Ganggyeong Fermented Seafood Festival, Muju Firefly Festival, Mungyeong Traditional Chatsabal Festival, Yangyang Songi Festival, Icheon Rice Cultural Festival, Cheonan World Dance Festival, Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival |
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Outstanding Festivals |
Gapyeong Jarasum International Jazz Festival, Gwangju 7080 Chungjang Recollection Festival, Goreong Daegaya Experience Festival, Daegu Yangyeongsi Herb Medicine Festival, Damyang Bamboo Festival, Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, Sancheong Jirisan Medicinal Herbal Festival, Jindo Miracle Sea Festival, Punggi Insam Festival, Chuncheon International Mime Festival |
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Up-and-Coming Festivals |
Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival, Gwangalli Eobang Festival, Gijisi Juldarigi Festival, Goesan Red Pepper Festival, Mokpo Maritime Culture Festival, Boseong Green Tea Festival, Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival, Bonghwa Eun-Uh(Sweet Fish) Festival, Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival, Jeongseon Arirang Festival, Jeju Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival, Changwon Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival, Chungju World Martial Arts Festival, The Great Battle of Hansan Festival, Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival, Haeundae Sand Festival, Pohang International Fireworks Festival, Hansan Mosi Cultural Festival, Haemieupseong Festival |
Hwachon Sancheoneo Festival, Period : Jan 10, 2015~ Feb 01, 2015
Real winter covered with snow and ice in every January in the whole area of Hwacheon, Gangwon-do that is famous for clean region where Sancheoneo and otter live. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is opened in every January under the slogan of “Unfrozen Hearts, Unforgettable Memories” at Hwacheon that has geographical feature of the fastest ice freezing in the country because of cold valley wind and clean water. This is unique theme experience festival full with good shows and 40 or about various experience programs such as ice sledding, snow sledding, snow sculpture and ice soccer, Sancheoneo experience programs combined with the image of Hwacheon that has clean natural environment with the first grade clean water in Bukhangang (river) for catching Sancheoneo by hand, Sancheoneo fishing on the ice to catch the fish easily and enjoy the fishing by everybody, breaking the ice with 40cm thickness and above and looking at Sancheoneo in the deep water for your exciting play available for experiencing at Hwacheon only and heart-warm memory in winter. 
Jeju Field-burning Festival, Period : Mar 05, 2015 ~ Mar 08, 2015
On the first full moon of the lunar calendar year, one of the many hills on Jeju-do Island is set ablaze to wish for a plentiful harvest. The festival originated from Jeju’s traditional farming custom of burning rice fields and vegetable gardens in early spring to exterminate pests and ease cultivation. 
Goryeong Daegaya Experience Festival, Period : Apr, 2015~
Goreyo Daegaya Experience Festival introduces and promotes Daegaya, an ancient kingdom known for its quality steel production around 1,500 years ago. The festival presents a range of hands-on experience programs based on the deep-seated history of the region such as the rural communities experience program. The exhibition of relics from Daegaya times shows the life and wisdom of the Daegaya people.
Gijisi Juldarigi Festival, Period : Apr, 2015~
Juldarigi, or tug-of-war, is a time-honored cultural heritage unique to the local area which dates back over 300 years. The local residents join the juldarigi wishing for the nation’s security, good harvest and harmonious unity among the local residents.
The Gijisi Juldarigi Festival has a “pre-festival” period where you participate in making the rope to be used in the tug-of-war match. The main rope is massive, measuring up to 200m in length, 1.8cm in diameter, and weighing as much as 40 tons.
When the rope making is finished, the festival can now officially start. The festival normally lasts for 4 days from Thursday to Sunday in the second week of April. The teams are made up at the festival site and they wish for good harvest and prosperity before beginning. The two ropes (male rope and female rope) are then connected together to symbolize unity and solidarity. Anyone, young or old, male or female, can take part in this traditional Korean sport. The whole event itself is a spectacular sight to behold, with countless of people on both sides pulling the rope, shouting and cheering together. Adding to the festivity is the exciting melody of Korean traditional music and hundreds of flags fluttering in the background.
Ulsan Whale Festival,Period : Apr, 2015~
As one of Ulsan’s most important festivals, ‘Ulsan Whale Festival’ is operated mainly in the form of Ulsan’s local folk programs and hands-on programs. The traditional Ulsan method of whale fishing is recreated off the coast of Ulsan. This recreation is based on historical evidence, with a large number of people dressed in traditional outfits who perform ‘Madangnori’ that demonstrates the art of whale fishing. This is a great opportunity to observe traditional whale fishing. In addition, there are a wide range of programs to enjoy, such as Whale Singing Competition for amateur singers, water multimedia show and whale boat race contest. Other hands-on programs include whale market, whale watching trip and more.
Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival, Period : Apr, 2015~
For centuries, Korean pottery has been regarded as one of the best displays of artistic talent worldwide. Mungyeong town is a renowned pottery-producing center with over 900 years of history. This festival celebrates the traditional Chasabal (tea bowl), whose modest, simple, almost rough exterior creates its unique beauty. Learn about this amazing time-honored craft from some of the area’s best Chasabal masters and even create your own traditional tea-bowl.
Damyang Bamboo Festival, Period : May, 2015~
Every 13th May was the planting bamboos following lunar calendar from Goryo dynasty but this custom has been dissappeared from 1920. Hence, this festival is celebrating the beauty and benefits of the bamboo plant. Visitors can experience water sports such as ‘Log Rafting’ and ‘Water Bicycle’ using bamboos. And Damyang’s famous cuisines using bamboo would be the big joy of enjoying festivals.
Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Festival, Period : May , 2015~
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 herb medicine 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 Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine 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.
Boseong Green Tea Festival, Period : May , 2015~
Boseong is considered the birthplace of the commercial tea industry and is the largest producer of tea in the country.
At the Boseong Green Tea Festival, some of the most popular festival events (most of which are held out in the green tea fields) are the hands-on experience programs such as picking tea leaves, making tea, and sampling green tea snacks. Other events such as the tea exhibition & sale, and a number of celebratory performances are also scheduled to be held during the festival period.
Jindo Miracle Sea Festival, Period : May , 2015~
Once a year in Jindo in Jeollanam-do province, the sea mysteriously parts and visitors can walk through the sea from the mainland to a nearby island. This phenomenon is caused due to the difference in high tides and low tides, which creates a 2.8km long road measuring 40 to 60 meters in width. The Jindo Miracle Sea Festival takes place when this phenomenon happens. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sea road, gathering abalone and various other fun activities that make up the festival program.
Chuncheon International Mime Festival, Period : May , 2015~
The Chuncheon International Mime Festival presents a wide array of performances by hundreds of performing arts teams from Korea and abroad. Performances feature diverse genres include mime, music, dance, installation art, and short films. Moreover, Chuncheon is easily accessible by public transportation, and also offers transportation accessible to other popular tourist attractions like Namiseom Island and Soyangang Dam.
Muju Firefly Festival, Period : Jun, 2015~
Firefly is Korean National Monument Number 322. Night time fireflies exploration event is the most popular one. Also this festival designated as one of 50′s beautiful site in Korea by CNNgo.
Hansan Mosi(Ramie Fabric) Cultural Festival, Period : Jun , 2015~
The region of Hansan-myeon is famous for producing ramie, one of the world’s oldest fabric crops. The Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival celebrates the high quality, luxury clothing that is produced from ramie fabric and which receives wide acclaim.
Many people visit this festival to see the beautiful clothes on display. One of the main events is a fashion show, and visitors will also have the opportunity to try on some of the clothes and even try out the fabric weaving process.
The ramie crop is also used in making food, and visitors can try rice cakes, ice cream, tea and other refreshments all made from ramie. It is the must visit festival for all shopping and food aficionados.
Haeundae Sand Festival, Period : Jun , 2015~
This festival takes place at Busan’s beautiful Haeundae Beach, an extremely popular summer vacation spot. The festival is full of events inspired by the beach’s beautiful white sand. One of the highlights of the festival is the hot sand bath (beneficial for health and beauty), where visitors are buried in the sand from head to toe. Other events include a beach volleyball competition, an exhibition of different types of sand from around the world, and a marathon race.
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival, Period : Jul , 2015~
This festival celebrates the beautiful lotus flowers and highlights the importance of preserving wild flowers. Though the festival’s program contains many events related to lotus flowers, making paper lotus flowers and making lotus flower soap are two particularly popular programs with foreigners. Various other attractions are located nearby, including several Baekje (BC18~AD660) cultural historic sites such as the Baekje Wangneungwon (royal mausoleum), Nakhwaam, and the Baekje Historical Museum.
Pohang International Fireworks Festival, Period : Jul , 2015~
This festival includes Fireworks Street Performances, Fireworks Parade, and Experience Event such as making a postcard with light, light magic zone and light kid’s playground.
Gangjin Celadon Festival, Period : Jul , 2015~
Gangjin was flourishing celadon production area for long time. Celadon Festival mainly includes experience programs such as Celadon a pattern rubbed copy sculpture, exhibition, and Korea traditional custom experience.
This festival has been designated as top festival for 9 consecutive years.
Bonghwa Sweet Fish Festival, Period : Jul , 2015~
Bonghwa Eun-uh (Sweet Smelt) Festival, held in Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, offers numerous participatory programs including sweet smelt fishing, underwater race and quiz show. Sweet smelt fishing, the festival’s highlight, is held two times a day during the week, and three times on Saturdays. Winners of the underwater race and the quiz show will receive local specialty products as prizes. Moreover, there are several educational and cultural programs including a freshwater fish exhibition featuring trout and other species, a sweet smelt ecology center where visitors can observe the natural environment that the fish live in, the Korean Currency Museum, Bonghwa tourist photo center, sweet smelt painting, ceramic, Hanji (Korean traditional paper) handicraft, and stone inscription.
Jangheung Jeongnamjin Water Festival, Period : Jul , 2015~
Jangheung is a small county in Jeollanam-do that is located near the sea of Boseongman Bay, and has the big lake created by Jangheung Dam and Tamjingang River.
The Janheung Jeongnamjin Water Festival (also called the Jeongnamjin Aqua Festival) is held every year around the end of July. Unlike conventional festivals with exhibits, performances and shows, the Jeongnamjin Water Festival aims to offer something different by experiencing summer and water-themed events where visitors can enjoy a multitude of fun and exciting summer activities.
Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, Period : Aug , 2015~
Pentaport Rock Festival is an emerging rock festival ardently supported by not just local rock fans, but by worldwide music fans. This year, the festival will take place from August 2nd to 4th, in Songdo city. Overseas rock bands will be playing in the lineup with local rock musicians for an energetic rock music festival that’s out of this world!
Mokpo Maritime Cultural Festival, Period : Aug , 2015~
Under the theme of “Festival of Lights, Ocean of Romance”, the Mokpo Maritime Culture Festival has a variety of events and programs that festival attendees can experience diverse maritime cultural activities and performances that are held on a floating stage. With plenty of things to see and enjoy, the festival is currently one of the major summer celebrations of the region.
The Great Battle of Hansan Festival, Period : Aug , 2015~
The Great Battle of Hansan (1592) is one of the four most famous sea battles in Korean history. Visitors to this festival, which celebrates the anniversary of the great event, will learn all about the battle while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of Tongyeong.
Geosan Red Pepper Festival, Period : Sep , 2015~
The Goesan Red Pepper Festival is held during harvest season to promote the excellence of peppers grown in Goesan, a major production area of Korea. The festival has numerous programs, including pepper-picking and fish-catching contest (using bare hands), pepper recipe competition, pepper cooking contest, and garden pepper planting.
Brightly colored and full of flavor, Korean peppers are a particularly popular agricultural product. This is a fun festival where visitors can taste or buy Korean peppers, and talk with farmers.
Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival, Period : Sep , 2015~
Hyoseok Cultural Festival is held to commemorate modern Korean writer Lee Hyo-seok and his popular novel ‘When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom,’ which demonstrates the connection between human life and beauty of nature through the dazzling scenery of Bongpyeong. In fact, Bongpyeong is the author’s hometown, and appears frequently in his novels.
The Festival offers various participatory programs such as poem exhibition, literature night, Hyo-seok essay contest, nature experiences (e.g. fingernail coloring using balsam), buckwheat food cooking, and many more. Furthermore, visitors may tour Lee Hyo-seok’s birthplace and memorial hall.
Chungju World Martial Arts Festival, Period : Sep , 2015~
This festival presents all of the world’s martial arts forms, as well as Korea’s traditional martial arts. This festival opens with the theme ‘World’s Martial Arts and Culture’, demonstrating Taekkyeon, Taekwondo, and Hapkido by Korea’s traditional martial arts groups. Martial artists from 16 nations have been invited to the festival, and will take part in demonstrations and performances. Programs have been prepared for non-Korean speakers and visitors will get a chance to try out many of the martial arts on display.
Suwon Hwasung Cultural Festival, Period : Sep , 2015~
Once a year in Jindo in Jeollanam-do province, the sea mysteriously parts and visitors can walk through the sea from the mainland to a nearby island. This phenomenon is caused due to the difference in high tides and low tides, which creates a 2.8km long road measuring 40 to 60 meters in width. The Jindo Miracle Sea Festival takes place when this phenomenon happens. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sea road, gathering abalone and various other fun activities that make up the festival program.
Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Jinju Namgang Yudeung(Lantern) Festival originates from during Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjinwaeran War(Japanese invasion in 1592) as a military strategy to prevent Japanese troops from wading the Namgang River. Fireworks show, lantern pictures, local traditional food & specialty shops are awaited for you.
Cheonan World Dance Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
The Cheonan World Dance Festival celebrates the traditional dances, songs and costumes of Korea. Visitors may participate in singing and dancing competitions, or attend a demonstration of Korea traditional wedding.
Gimje Horizon Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Gimje is the region where meet the sky and ground so that’s the reason this festival was made. Gimje Horizon Festival hosts various activities such as performances, street parade, Ssireum(wrestling), and traditional wedding.
Jeongseon Arirang Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
This festival takes the theme of ‘Jeongseon Arirang’, a variation of the Korean folk song ‘Arirang’, which was developed in the Jeongseon province. The Jeongseon Arirang Festival was started to preserve the ‘Jeongseon Arirang’, an intangible cultural asset, and to pass along its culture to following generations.
One of the festival’s main events is a performance of the famous ‘Arirang’ folk song, and there are many other events and programs. In addition, there is a folk market called the ‘Jeongseon 5 Day Market’, which opens every five days, where visitors can experience the lively bustling atmosphere of a Korean folk market and purchase agricultural products at low prices.
Yangyang Songyi Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Known to many as ‘golden mushrooms,’ ‘diamonds in the woods,’ and ‘mystic and magical mushrooms,’ songi mushrooms that naturally grow under old pine trees are strictly prohibited from public access. However, at Yangyang Songi Festivals, visitors may tour the natural habitat of these luxurious and precious mushrooms, pick them, and sample dishes made with them.
Punggi Insam Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Pung-gi ginseng is only grown in the Sobaeksan mountains and is widely known for its superior quality. The reason Pung-gi ginseng is so highly valued is because of its high contents of ‘saponin,’ which is effective in regulating blood pressure and reenergizing the body. It is even believed to help reduce the risk of cancer. The Pung-gi Ginseng Festival coincides with the peak of the harvesting season each year, which takes place around October.
During the festival period, visitors can participate in various events such as harvesting ginseng and sampling cuisines made from the expensive Pung-gi ginseng. There are also many other tourist attractions located in the Yeongju region, including the Buseoksa Temple and Sobaeksan Pung-gi Hot Springs.
Jaraseom Jazz Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Jarasum International Jazz Festival, held every year on Jarasum Island, attracts more than 100,000 visitors around the world every year. This festival has designated as one of best 10 festivals in Gyeonggi-do. This year, around 50 bands from all around the world will performing on a stage during festival.
Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival,Period : Oct , 2015~
This festival celebrates the herbs of Mt. Jirisan, which are commonly known for great medicinal properties, making this the perfect event for visitors eager to improve their health through natural remedies.
At this festival visitors will be exposed to a wide variety of Korea’s medicinal herbs and medical traditions. Along with many other exciting events, you will even be able to sample traditional Oriental medicinal cuisines made from herbs. Visitors can sample herbs for free, and can later take home their favorite herb or remedy at an extremely reasonable price. Some herbs can even be grown at home!
Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Gwangju Kimchi Culture Festival is for everyone who is interested in Korean representative food Kimchi. The festival is devided into 2 themes(Seeing and Experiencing) Visitors can see the history and hundreds kinds of Kimchi in the exhibition. In addition they can experience making Kimchi by themself and taste variety range of Kimchi.
Haemieupseong Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
The Haemieupseong Fortress in Seosan City is the most undamaged fortress in Korea. Built around 600 years ago during the Joseon period, the fortress is a historically significant site where both the commander-in-chief of Chungcheong-do Province and the great Admiral Yi Sun-shin had once served. It is also a sacred ground of martyrs as nearly 1,000 Roman Catholics were executed in 1866. In modern times, the fortress served as the backdrop for the turbulent Donghak Peasants Revolution (1894) and Catholic Persecution.
The Seosan Haemieupseong Festival offers a variety of exciting programs with a theme of the traditional Korean market. This includes diverse cultural performances such as tightrope walking, folk music, traditional orchestral music, and outdoor theatricals. Visitors to the festival will also have a chance to experience hands-on activities like traditional crafts, folk games, and drawing performances.
Memorial 7080 Chungjang Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
The 7080 Chungjang Recollection Festival is one of Gwangju’s most famous events. It takes place for 5-6 days every October. The festival is themed on a revisit to the 70’s & 80’s. There are various events, performances, exhibitions, and hand-on activities which evoke feelings of nostalgia. The streets in the venue are decorated to resemble those from decades ago. The 7080 Chungjang Recollection Festival also features a street parade, alumni reunions, performance by intangible cultural assets, and the Chungjangro Alley Cultural Event.
Ganggyeong Fermented Seafood Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Have you ever tasted fermented Seafood? Some people might be familiar with fermented seafood but most people is unfamiliar with this. But taste is good especially with rice! Ganggyeong is well-known for salted seafood for a long time. This fermented seafood is used when we make Kimchi which is Korea’s representative food. Today, Ganggyeong fermented seafood market accounts for half of the nation’s total sales of fermented seafood.
Changwon Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Since its inception in 1960, chrysanthemum farming in Changwon (Masan) has proliferated, accounting for 13% of nationwide chrysanthemum farming. The Changwon Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival presents numerous exhibitions, cultural programs, food tasting, and many more.
Icheon Rice Cultural Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Icheon is famous for producing the best rice in Korea. In fact Icheon rice is so good that it used to be served to the kings of Korea in the past, and is still thought of today. The Icheon Rice Culture Festival celebrates its famous rice and also the local agricultural practices. Major events of the festival include the parade that transported rice to Hanseong (the old name for Seoul) for presentation to the king, and the huge rice cauldron that is capable of feeding thousands of people.
Sunchang Fermented Soybean Festival, Period : Oct , 2015~
Do you know what is the source that Koreans enjoy and work hard in their fields? I think fermented food could be the answer. Almost every food in Korea uses red-pepper paste or fermented soybean paste. Today, many people get more interested in their health and well-being, the hot sauce has become an even greater part of the Korean diet.