Festivals - Korea travel and tourism information

Suwon Hwaseong Festival (수원화성문화제)

2026-06-24

825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-5191-3647

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. Historic scenes recorded in the Wonhaeng Eulmyo Jeongni Uigwe come vividly to life through high-quality cultural programs. Visitors can also take part in the King Jeongjo Royal Parade, the largest royal procession reenactment in Korea, where citizens and guests from around the world become part of the spectacle. As a leading global festival, the Suwon Hwaseong Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the joy of a celebration that transcends time and space while bringing people together in the historic setting of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

2026-03-11

99 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2011-1740

Started approximately 1,200 years ago during the Silla dynasty and continued through the Goryeo Yeon Deung Hoe and Joseon lantern festival, the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival is a traditional festival registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The lanterns at Yeon Deung Hoe Festival brighten the heart and the world!

Daegu International Musical Festival (대구국제뮤지컬페스티벌)

2024-07-17

180 Yaoeeumakdang-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
+82-53-622-1945

Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF) offers various musical programs to promote K-musicals to the world.

Jongmyodaeje (Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite of Joseon) (종묘대제)

2022-10-05

157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4806, +82-2-6011-1067

Jongmyodaeje, Korea’s Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite, is a traditional ritual that has been recognized with many important designations. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56 (Jongmyo Jerye), and Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 (Jongmyo Jeryeak). The ritual is held yearly on the first Sunday of May. It begins with eogahaengnyeol, the fabulous royal parade dating from the Joseon dynasy, which is truly a sight to behold as it moves through the modern city.

Jongmyodaeje originated as a royal ancestral ritual to honor the past kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty. During the Joseon era, the ritual was held five times a year (spring, summer, autumn, winter, and December) until it was abolished by Japanese colonial rule. In 1969, Jongmyodaeje was reinstated and has been held in May every year since.

Jongmyo Shrine, the destination of the procession, was the setting of ceremonial rituals during the Joseon dynasty. Originally, Jongmyo only referred to Jeongjeon (Main Hall) where the memorial tablets of Joseon’s reigning kings and queens are enshrined. Today, however, Jongmyo also encompasses Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace) where the tablets of posthumous kings and queens are enshrined and Gongsindang (Hall of Meritorious Subjects) where the tablets of esteemed ministers of the state are kept.

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival (태백산 눈축제)

2024-01-03

168 Cheonjedan-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-553-6900

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival is a festive winter event that takes place admist the grandeur of the Taebaeksan Mountain. Various programs like snow carving contest, snow sculpture exhibition, ice sledding, igloo café and more are planned for entertainment and fun.

Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival (한화와 함께하는 서울세계불꽃축제)

2024-09-13

330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-02-519-9778

Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival, a large festival in Korea, is an annual event organized by Hanwha Group since 2000. Every year, major fireworks teams are invited to perform fireworks displays and to light up the night sky of Yeouido. The event is also filled with various subsidiary events during the daytime.

Seoul Drum Festival (서울드럼페스티벌)

2024-04-25

445 Yangneong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-537-7109

Seoul Drum Festival is a representative music festival in Seoul that has been held in spring since 1999. The festival features performances by Korean and international artists along with exhibition and experience booths to learn more about drums. Participants of all ages can joyfully experience percussion in person through hands-on activities.

Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection (광주 추억의 충장축제)

2026-06-30

226-22, Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City
+82-62-608-4672

The Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection is Gwangju’s largest signature festival, originating on Chungjang-ro in Dong-gu. Built around the universal theme of memories, it is Korea’s first festival of its kind, bringing together people of all generations and backgrounds. Geumnam-ro and May 18 Democracy Square, the festival’s main venues, hold profound significance in the history of democracy. They symbolize not only remembrance of the past but also Gwangju’s journey toward a hopeful future. Recognized for its excellence, the festival has been designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as both a Cultural Tourism Festival and an Honorary Cultural Tourism Festival. It has also gained international recognition through consecutive honors at the Asia’s Pinnacle Awards and Gwangju’s designation as a World Festival City. Looking ahead, the festival aims to grow into a truly international event through collaboration with the Asia Culture Center, embracing the cultures and shared memories of Asia. In doing so, it strengthens Gwangju's role as a leading cultural city of Asia and provides a meaningful platform for communication and harmony through culture.

Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) (부산국제영화제)

2025-08-08

120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
+82- 688-3010

Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was the first international film festival in Korea that is now considered one of the biggest in Asia.

The festival boosted Busan as a city of culture and art, while helping the Korean film industry by improving production and distribution. The festival also helps search for talented movie directors and unknown movies through previewing various film genres.

The festival plans to continue its work of making Busan the heart of the film industry, increasing the market and investment to improve the film industry.

Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival (부여서동연꽃축제)

2022-05-04

52, Gungnam-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-41-830-2208

Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival has been designated as an excellent festival four years in a row by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The festival takes place every July during the summer's peak when the lotus flowers bloom. The festival is based on a historical love story, with programs and performance events focused on story delivery. The festival venue is designed to fit in with the natural settings nearby, serving as a perfect backdrop for taking memorable photos with families and friends.

Festivals - Korea travel information