Festivals - Korea travel information

Anseong Namsadang Performances (안성 남사당놀이 상설공연)

2021-07-08

198-2, Namsadang-ro, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-31-678-2518

Namsadang refers to performance troupes which started during the late Joseon period (1392-1910). At the time, Namsadang troupes traveled throughout villages, entertaining the people with traditional performances such as pungmulnori, tightrope walking, and more. Regular Namsadang performances in Anseong first began in order to commemorate Anseong Namsadang, known to be the best of all Namsadang troupes, and the troupe's leader, Baudeogi.

Jeonju International Film Festival (전주국제영화제)

2025-07-11

22 Jeonjugaeksa 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-288-5433

Jeonju International Film Festival features an exciting combination of fun and films for people to enjoy.

Eumseong Pumba Festival (음성품바축제)

2026-06-30

28, Seolseonggongwon-gil, Eumseong-eup, Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-871-3415

The Eumseong Pumba Festival is rooted in the life of the late Choi Gwi-dong, often remembered as a saint of compassion and love. Although he lived with a disability himself, Choi traveled throughout Mugeuk-ri in Geumwang-eup collecting food—not for himself, but for beggars who were too weak even to beg. His life later inspired Father Oh Woong-jin to establish Kkottongnae, and his example of selfless service continues to inspire many today. Various explanations have been passed down regarding the origin of the word pumba. Traditionally, it refers to an onomatopoeic refrain used in gakseori taryeong, the songs associated with wandering performers and itinerant peddlers. The Eumseong Pumba Festival combines this traditional image of pumba with Choi Gwi-dong’s spirit of philanthropy and compassion. Although modern society enjoys greater material prosperity, spiritual emptiness and social inequality still remain. The festival was created around the idea that society can find catharsis through satire and humor and be healed through love and sharing. For this reason, the Eumseong Pumba Festival has become a unique cultural festival dedicated to putting the values of love, compassion, and sharing into practice.

Korea Food & Tourism Expo (한국음식관광박람회)

2021-09-17

27, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-2210

Seeking to become better and more advanced every year, the Korea Food & Tourism Expo offers a wide array of hands-on experience programs and seminars on food culture. Those hoping to participate in contests or special exhibitions should sign up on the festival website. For more information on the festival schedule, please see the website or call festival organizers using the number provided.

Jeju Canola Flower Festival (서귀포유채꽃축제)

2026-03-19

381-17 Noksan-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-760-3942

The Jeju Canola Flower Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Jeju, bringing news of spring arrival with fields upon fields of bright yellow flowers. Large numbers of visitors come to the festival every year to take in this beauty. In addition to enjoying the vibrant landscape, visitors can participate in a variety of festival events that showcase the unique spirit of Jeju Island.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

2025-07-11

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Damyang Bamboo Festival (담양 대나무축제)

2026-07-02

130, Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City
+82-61-380-3152

Held under the slogan “Shine Bright, Bamboo!” this year’s festival celebrates the spirit of bamboo with a message of hope. During the day, visitors can enjoy lively hands-on programs and performances. At night, the bamboo forest lights up, offering a completely different festival experience. The festival features a wide range of programs that bring together tradition and modern creativity. As visitors walk through the bamboo grove and listen to the wind moving through the trees, they can take in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Damyang. With family, couples, and friends, visitors can enjoy the beauty and calm of bamboo while reflecting on the value of sustainable nature. In the green bamboo forest, the festival offers bright, memorable moments filled with hope.

Goseong Myeongtae Festival (고성통일명태축제)

2022-12-28

125, Haeoreumhaebyeon-gil, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info:+82-33-682-8008

To ensure a good haul and community prosperity, this festival is held at Geojinhang Port, known as the primary place of Pollack fish in Korea. The festival includes numerous hands-on events such as a sea festival, a cultural festival, and a local culture experience.

The festival has helped the city to promote their local seafood, farm products and other specialties, thus contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Hahoe Byeolsingut Tallori (Mask Dance Drama of Hahoe) (하회별신굿탈놀이 상설공연)

2025-12-04

3-15, Hahoejongga-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The National Folk Museum's Korean Folk Performances for Visitors (국립민속박물관 우리민속한마당)

2021-07-07

37, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3704-3114

The National Folk Museum is the leading museum depicting Korean folk culture that attracts 3 million visitors every year. Every Saturday, the museum offers free performances where Korean music, traditional dance, martial arts, and mask plays are performed for Korean and international spectators to illustrate Korea’s major seasonal events, special exhibitions, and traditional intangible cultures.