Top Korean Festivals to Experience in 2025/2026

South Korea offers a diverse range of festivals, blending ancient traditions with modern spectacles. In this article, we'll guide you through some of the top Korean festivals, including the Seoul Lantern Festival and the Boryeong Mud Festival. Get ready to dive into vibrant celebrations on your South Korea tour - experiences you'll carry home with unforgettable stories and memories to last a lifetime.

Seoul Lantern Festival

Date: December 12, 2025 to January 11, 2026 (Exact Dates TBD)

The Seoul Lantern Festival, held annually along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, is more than just a visual feast - it's a cultural experience showcasing Korean culture, tradition, and artistry.

In this celebration in Seoul, you can stroll beneath hundreds of vibrant lanterns, from mythical creatures to historical figures, or enjoy hands-on activities like lantern-making workshops or traditional performances of Korean music and dance along the river. Plus, satisfy your cravings with delicious Korean food and traditional snacks.

With fresh displays and activities each day, this Korean festival offers a magical glimpse into local culture.

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Boryeong Mud Festival

Date: July 25 to August 10, 2025

Get ready to awaken your inner child! Every summer, the coastal city of Boryeong becomes a muddy wonderland during the famous Boryeong Mud Festival, one of the largest summer festivals in Korea. Visitors from all over the world come to dive into its mineral-rich mud, said to have health benefits.

There's mud wrestling, mudslides, and even a mud prison for the daring adventurers! Be prepared to get messy and make unforgettable memories - just don't wear clothes you're not ready to toss afterward! With music performances adding to the lively atmosphere, this festival is a messy yet incredibly fun way to soak in South Korea's carefree beach culture.

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (Cherry Blossom Festival)

Date: March 29 to April 6, 2025

One of the most beautiful Korean festivals, the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival celebrates cherry blossom season in a mesmerizing style. The city of Jinhae transforms into a pastel paradise, with trees blooming in vibrant shades of pink and white.

People flock to the picturesque streets to enjoy scenic walks, boat rides, and delicious seasonal treats like tteok (rice cakes) under the petals. The festival highlight is the cherry blossom parade, where you can join the locals in celebrating the arrival of spring.

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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

Date: January 10 to February 1, 2026 (Exact Dates TBD)

A winter wonderland awaits at the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Gangwon Province, renowned for its clean waters and natural beauty. Known as one of the most famous winter festivals in Korea, the festival invites visitors to try ice fishing through thick ice, catch fish with bare hands, or enjoy activities like ice sledding, snow sculptures, and ice soccer.

The festival's theme, "Never Freezing Warm-heartedness, Never Melting Memories," captures the spirit of this magical event. Warm up with hot fish soup after an exciting day in the snow - perfect for all ages seeking adventure in a winter paradise.

Gwangju Kimchi Festival

Date: October 17 to 19, 2025 (Exact Dates TBD)

The Gwangju Kimchi Festival is a celebration of one of South Korea's most iconic dishes: kimchi. This vibrant festival invites visitors to learn the art of kimchi-making and sample a variety of flavors.

You can join kimchi-making workshops, watch live cooking demonstrations, and even compete in kimchi-tasting challenges. It's a feast for the senses, offering an authentic taste of Korean culture in the heart of Gwangju.

Kimchi, Salted and Fermented Vegetables

Andong Mask Dance Festival

Date: September 26 to October 5, 2025

The Andong Mask Dance Festival is an unmissable cultural experience, presenting the ancient Korean tradition of mask dancing. Held in the city of Andong, the festival features colorful, intricate masks and elaborate performances.

The highlight is the Tallori Daedongnanjang Parade, where locals, tourists, and international troupes come together to dance in vibrant masks. You can also enjoy situational plays, folk games like Chajeon Nori (Chariot Battle) and Notdari Bapgi (Walking over a Human Bridge), and explore the rich history of Korea's traditional mask dance through interactive exhibits and workshops.

Jeju Fire Festival

Date: March 14 to 16, 2025

The Jeju Fire Festival is a lively celebration that kicks off the spring season with spectacular bonfires. The festival's roots lie in the traditional "bangae" practice in Jeju, where fields are set ablaze to clear away the old and prepare for new growth.

Reports indicate that electronic lights might take the place of traditional bonfires in 2025, you can still get involved by participating in fire-related rituals, like jumping over "bonfires" for good luck, and watching traditional fire dances that light up the sky. The energetic atmosphere is enhanced by fireworks and cultural performances, making it a thrilling experience. It's a perfect way to welcome spring with excitement and renewal.

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Busan Fireworks Festival

Date: November 8, 2025 (Exact Dates TBD)

Busan, known for its stunning beaches, hosts one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in South Korea. The Busan Fireworks Festival is a must-see, with an incredible show of fireworks lighting up the coastline, perfectly synchronized with music and high-tech laser light displays.

With over 1 million visitors each year, the festival draws massive crowds to Gwangalli Beach, while spots like Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, Dongbaekseom Island, and Igidae Coastal Park offer stunning views of the colorful spectacle. Along with live performances and a festive atmosphere, it's a celebration that promises unforgettable memories.

Jeongseon Arirang Festival

Date: September 25 to 28, 2025

Held in Jeongseon, a city famous for its mountainous landscapes, the Jeongseon Arirang Festival celebrates the iconic Arirang folk song–traditional Korean songs about love and the joys and sorrows of life. You can enjoy performances of traditional Korean music, dance, and, of course, the heartfelt renditions of Arirang, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The festival offers an in-depth exploration of Korea's folk culture and is a must-visit for music lovers.It features 83 events, including the Arirang Parade and the National Arirang Singing Contest.

Traditional Dancing Performance

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival

Date: March 29 to April 1, 2025

The Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience where visitors can walk across the sea! During low tide, a natural path emerges, connecting Jindo Island to a neighboring island. For an hour, you can stroll on the sea, collecting seafood like abalone and octopus with your bare hands.

The festival also celebrates Korea's intangible cultural heritage with performances like Jindo Arirang, Ganggangsullae (Circle Dance), and the Jindo Ssitgimgut (Purification Ritual). With global music trips, a traditional Korean wrestling competition, and an EDM night show, it's an unforgettable fusion of nature, culture, and entertainment.

Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe)

Date: April 25 to 27, 2025

Held every April or May to celebrate Buddha's birthday, the Lotus Lantern Festival lights up Korea with vibrant lanterns symbolizing peace and enlightenment. The highlight is the grand Lantern Parade, where thousands of glowing lanterns fill the streets.

This festival has a deeper spiritual focus. After the parade, Daedong Hanmadang invites visitors to join traditional circle dances, lantern-making, and even DJ performances under a sky of pink petals. It's a mesmerizing Korean festival that blends spirituality, culture, and celebration, bringing people of all ages together.

Lotus Lanterns

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

Date: October 3 to 5, 2025 (Exact Dates TBD)

Suwon's Hwaseong Cultural Festival brings history to life at the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress. The highlight is King Jeongjo's Royal Parade, where thousands in Joseon-era costumes reenact his grand procession.

You can also enjoy royal court cuisine at King Jeongjo's Dasobangwa, explore fortress-building experiences, and enjoy night tours. With impressive performances and historical reenactments, this festival is a must for history lovers and cultural explorers alike.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival

Date: October 4 to 19, 2025 (Exact Dates TBD)

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is known for its breathtaking lantern displays that light up the Namgang River in Jinju with colorful lights, making it one of Korea's most picturesque festivals. You can experience the tradition firsthand by making your own lanterns and floating them with wishes on the river, creating a personal connection to the event.

Similar to the Water Lantern Festival in Thailand, where lanterns symbolize peace and good fortune, Jinju's festival also features cultural performances, activities, and a diverse selection of global cuisine from food trucks.

Floating Paper Lanterns

Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year)

Date: February 17, 2026

Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year, is a vibrant celebration during which visitors can experience wearing hanbok (traditional clothing), enjoying tteokguk (rice cake soup), playing yutnori (traditional board game), making dumplings, and flying colorful kites.

Traditional performances like pansori (Korean storytelling music) and samulnori (drumming) add even more excitement. And don't miss the magical first sunrise of the year, a symbol of good luck! Seollal is the perfect chance to experience joy, togetherness, and rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy the Top Korean Festivals With Odynovo

From the enchanting lantern-lit nights in Seoul to the lively cherry blossom celebrations in Jinhae, South Korea's festivals offer a unique and fun way to get to know the local culture. They provide unforgettable experiences that allow you to connect with traditions while having the time of your life. Contact us to join these vibrant celebrations, which are sure to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Korea's dynamic spirit.