Photo: Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival
As September rolls around, temperatures start to
drop and a collective sigh can be heard across the nation as people
everywhere finally feel relief from the summer's suffocating heat.
Autumn in Korea, with its mild temperatures and gentle breezes, is a
perfect time to travel. Festivals are among the most unique events in
Korea, and from September to November they seem to pop-up almost
everywhere. Crops ripen and are harvested during this time, giving
festival-goers a chance to sample fresh, delicious treats and local
delicacies.
Festivals in Korea combine some of the most fascinating
elements of Korean history, culture, arts, and food, making each
festival a unique reflection of its local flavor. In Korea, there seems
to be a festival for just about everything! No matter if you're in
Korea for a couple of days or for a few months, you owe it to yourself
to visit a least one of these recommended festivals this fall.
September
Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival
- Date: September 4 – September 13, 2015
- Location: Lee Hyoseok Cultural Village in Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
The Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival is held in
Bongpyeong-myeon Village in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do to commemorate
Lee Hyo-seok, a modern Korean novelist most famous for his short story
"When Buckwheat Flowers Blossom." The area where the festival is held
is the novelist's birthplace as well as the setting of the famous
story. In addition to a writing contest, an exhibition of illustrated
poems, and the ‘Night of Literature’ event, there is an array of
programs offered such as strolling through a buckwheat field and making
traditional buckwheat foods.
Wonju Hanji Festival
- Date: September 10 – September 13, 2015
- Location: Hanji Theme Park in Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
Many visitors may already know that "hanji" is a
type of traditional Korean paper, but did you also know that it can be
used to make dolls, crafts, lanterns, and even clothes? Simple as it
may seem, you'll be absolutely blown away by all that can be done with
this amazing material. Visitors will even get a chance to make their
own hanji artwork!
Andong Maskdance Festival
- Date: September 25 – October 4, 2015
- Location: Downtown Andong, Talchum Park, Hahoe Village and surrounding areas in Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Designated by Korea's Cultural Heritage
Administration as Important Intangible Cultural Properties,Korean
traditional mask dance performances are a must-see for those hoping to
understand more about Korean culture. Artists from home and abroad will
not only treat you to a series of captivating performances, but will
also encourage you to join in the free-spirited fun!
October
Yangyang Songi Festival (Pine Mushroom Festival)
- Date: October 1 – October 4, 2015
- Location: Namdaecheon Stream and Songi Field in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
The Yangyang Songi Festival (Pine Mushroom
Festival) is a prime opportunity to wander the Yangyang region of
Gangwon-do, gathering fresh pine mushrooms growing in the wild. Whether
you're interested in learning more about the natural mountain habitat
of the mushrooms (under strict control throughout the year) or simply
want to sample some delectable pine mushroom cuisine, this fun, quirky,
country festival is not to be missed.
Busan International Film Festival, BIFF
- Date: October 1 – October 10, 2015
- Location: Theater District in Nampo-dong, Suyeong Bay Yachting Center, Haeundae Beach, and other locations in Busan
The largest film festival in Asia, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is THE must-see event for movie buffs.
Major theaters in Busan will screen domestic and international films, giving you a variety of options to choose from.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival
- Date: October 1 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Namgang River in Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and
Tourism. Visitors can make their own wish lanterns and send it
downstream or even submit an entry into the most innovative lantern
contest. Traditional lanterns from all over the world will be on
display as well, but the festival's main draw is the simple beauty of
thousands of lanterns lighting up the night.
Geumsan Insam Festival
- Date: October 2 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Ginseng Expo Plaza and Ginseng and Herb Street in Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Geumsan is one of the most famous places in Korea
for ginseng (insam). The festival has it all: a ginseng foot spa,
hands-on ginseng harvesting, and a ginseng market where ginseng
products can be purchased at special discounted prices. If you are
interested in health foods or want a closer look at Korea's well-being
culture, this is the festival for you.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
- Date: October 3, 2015
- Location: Yeouido Hangang River Park in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
World-famous professional fireworks teams set the
sky ablaze with spectacular fireworks, accompanied by lighting
displays, laser shows, and a range of superb performances and events.
Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival
- Date: October 4 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Namwoncheon Stream area in Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Of all the ginseng in Korea, Yeongju ginseng is
particularly famous for its high level of saponins and its seemingly
miraculous effects. Whether you need a fresh and healthy pick-me-up or
just want a chance to harvest ginseng and sample some delectable
ginseng dishes, the Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival is well worth the
trip out to the countryside.
Gimje Horizon Festival
Photo credit: Gimje City
- Date: October 7 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Byeokgolje in Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do
The Gimje fields in Jeollabuk-do represent the
granary of Korea where expansive fields stretch endlessly across the
horizon. The festival aims to promote Gimje as home to the largest
fields in Korea where a large volume of rice is produced. Major events
include harvesting rice, a festival mascot show, catching grasshoppers,
making crafts with rice straws, and flying kites along the horizon.
Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival
- Date: October 7– October 11, 2015
- Location: Anseong Matchum Land in Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
This festival celebrates the proud and
fascinating history of Korea's oldest performance troupe, Namsadang.
Once considered lower than the lowest servant, the Namsadang troupe
rose to greatness in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and still remains a
symbol of Korean pop culture and the city of Anseong (the troupe's
birthplace). The group's traditional performance called Namsadang Nori,
was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.
Jeonju International Sori Festival
- Date: October 7 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Sori Arts Center and Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
Pansori is a genre of traditional Korean folk
music traditionally performed with one singer and one drummer. Pansori
was designated a National Intangible Cultural Property in 1964 and
inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. If you have yet to hear the
haunting melodies of Pansori, Jeonju this is the place to be. Whether
it's a song of joy or sorrow, Pansori singers weave a story that is so
full of raw emotion that it transcends the language barrier and stays
with you forever.
Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival
- Date: October 8 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Hwaseong Haenggung Palace Plaza & Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hwaseong is an impressive fortress that
encompasses most of downtown Suwon, winding around the city and over
the foothills of the nearby mountains. In celebration of the fortress'
incomparable beauty and important history, performers at the Suwon
Culture Festival present a series of historical reenactments and events
that once again bring Hwaseong to life, wrapping visitors in the magic
of this treasured UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Main events include a
reenactment of the Royal Parade of King Jeongjo the Great, a fireworks
display, and the Citizen's Parade.
Busan Jagalchi Festival
- Date: October 8 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Jagalchi Market District in Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan
The Jagalchi Market is probably the most
well-known seafood market in all of Korea, chock-full of fresh seafood
caught in the waters right off port. Always a major tourist
destination, the marketplace becomes even more popular during this
annual festival.
Jarasum International Jazz Festival
- Date: October 9 – October 11, 2015
- Location: Jarasum Island in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Local and international jazz musicians congregate
on the island to fill the lakeside air with the sweet sounds of jazz
throughout the day and night.
Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival
- Date: October 9 – October 10, 2015
- Location: Herbal Medicine Alley in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
This festival is located right in the heart of
Seoul and easily accessible via subway. Red ginseng, ginseng, and a
number of medicinal herbs can be purchased at affordable prices, making
for the perfect souvenir for loved ones back home. During the
festival, you'll also be able to sample a number of herbs, enjoy a
taekwondo demonstration, and participate in a range of singing, writing,
and other competitions.
Ganggyeong Fermented Seafood Festival
- Date: October 14– October 18, 2015
- Location: Ganggyeong Jeotgal (Salted Seafood) Market, etc. in Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
As Korea's largest salted seafood market, Ganggyeong Jeotgal Market serves as the venue for the Ganggyeong Fermented Seafood Festival.This
festival is an ideal place to taste the unique flavor of salted seafood
dishes and experience the daily life of Korean fishing villages.
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
- Date: October 22 – October 25, 2015
- Location: Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
Bibimbap is one of Korea's most well-known foods
and is a staple in restaurants and homes all across the nation.
Discover more about this signature dish by learning to cook traditional
bibimbap, checking out the ‘101 Kinds of Bibimbap’ exhibition,
participating in cooking competitions, sampling local recipes, or
joining in one of the other events at this culinary festival.
Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival
- Date: October 24 – October 28, 2015
- Location: Jungoe Park in Buk-gu, Gwangju
In Korea, no table is complete without a side of
kimchi. Come and see why this unusual dish is so essential to the
Korean people. During the festival, not only will you get a chance to
make your own kimchi, but you will also see 100 or more kinds of Korean
kimchi, as well as kimchi-like dishes from countries around the world.
Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival
- Date: October 30– November 8, 2015
- Location: Gagu-ri area in Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
The Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival offers an
opportunity to see chrysanthemums of rich fragrance and various colors.
Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular autumn flowers in Korea. At
the exhibition hall, visitors can see various chrysanthemum artworks,
harvest edible chrysanthemums, and enjoy a street performance and
traditional performances.
November
Suncheon Bay Reeds Festival
- Date: November 6 – November 8, 2015
- Location: Suncheon Bay in Dongcheon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
In autumn every year, Suncheon Bay, which is one
of the top coastal wetlands in Korea, becomes the venue of the Suncheon
Bay Reeds Festival. The festival offers various programs that
incorporate culture, arts, rural life, ecological learning, and
economics. During the festival period, visitors can take part in a
number of hands-on programs such as the Suncheonman Healing Tour with
eco-environment experts, making small items using reeds, and reed
weaving.
Namdo Food Festival
- Date: November 13 – November 15, 2015
- Location: Juknokwon in Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
Jeollanam-do is comprised of 22 cities and is most
well-known for its food. Come try out some of the regional
specialties, like grilled goat meat and Mokpo Nakji (octopus) and see
what all the fuss is about.
Bangeo Festival
- Date: November 12- November 15, 2015
- Location: Moseulpo Port in Seogwipo-si, Jeju
Held every November at Moseulpo Port, the
southernmost region of Jeju-do, the Bangeo (yellowtail fish) Festival
attracts a large number of tourists every year. In addition to seeing
Jeju's gorgeous seascape, you'll also have the opportunity to watch a
ship parade, participate in a fishing contest, or even try to catch a
fish with your bare hands.
* This column was last updated in August 2015,
and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We
advise you to check details from the official websites before visiting.
<Last updated on August 18, 2015>
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