For older or historical observances in Korea see traditional festivals of Korea.
Many new festivals have originated in South Korea in response to the country's tourism initiatives. Contributing to this growth is a gradual change to a five-day work week and greater leisure.
Koreans mostly use the Gregorian calendar, which was officially adopted in 1896. However, traditional holidays are still based on the old calendar.
Lists of festivals by region Seoul Seoul Lantern Festival
Region: Around Cheonggyecheon, accessible by Seoul Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station, or Seoul Subway Line 2, City Hall Station (Seoul). Date (Schedule): From the first week of November to the third week of November, approximately History: The festival was held in 2009 for the first time in Seoul along with the restored Cheonggyecheon stream. During 12 days, over 520,000 people visited this festival. The next year, in 2010, the main theme was 'Seoul, Forest of Life for Hope'. Compared to the previous year, the number of visitors quadrupled. Foreign reporters who were visiting Korea for the G20 Seoul Summit reported at the festival. With some success, in 2011 its name was changed from the Seoul World Lantern Festival to the Seoul Lantern Festival and the theme was "Stories of Seoul's Past through Lanterns Plus"; there was again rapid growth, a 24% rise in the number of total visitors. In 2012 "a glimpse into Seoul's roots and the daily life of Korean Ancestors" was the main theme. Other similar festivals: Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival Special activities: Visitors can climb up the Seoul City Wall, set afloat lanterns of hope, create traditional lanterns, and can buy traditional Korean paper lanterns with a discount promotion.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival Region: Yeouido Han River park. / Subway - Seoul Subway Line 5 Yeouinaru Station exit 1 Date: October, September (Still unconfirmed) History: From 2000 on, this festival has been held annually in Yeouido (except for 2001 due to the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States), 2006 (because of nuclear tests in North Korea), and 2009 (because of concerns about Influenza A virus subtype H1N1). In 2000 this festival was held for the first time with four countries represented: South Korea, the United States, Japan and China, with each team making its own show every Saturday. In 2002 the festival was designated as a formal festival for World Cup, and all five teams attended the festival: Australia, the United States, Japan, China, Italy and South Korea. In 2003's team were South Korea, Australia, Japan and China. In 2004's team were Australia, South Korea, China, and Italy. 2005's team were South Korea, the United States, China, and Italy. In 2007 only three countries, South Korea, the United States, and Japan attended. In 2008 only two countries, South Korea and Hong Kong, took part; however, In 2010 South Korea, Canada, and China attended. In 2011 Portugal joined South Korea and Japan. More recently in 2012 South Korea, Italy, the United States and China attended. Other similar festivals: There is another fireworks festival in Haeundae, Busan. Visitors can have a picnic in the park while waiting for the start with family or friends.
Seoul Spring Flower Festival
Region: Yeouido // Behind the National Assembly, also called Yoonjoong-ro.:ko:윤중로 People can access Seoul Subway Line 5 Yeouinaru Station, Seoul Subway Line 9 National Assembly Station, Seoul Subway Line 2 Dangsan Station. Date: Early April depending on the blooming of the cherry blossoms History: The festival was first started in 2005, and since then every year from approximately the middle of April to the end this festival is held in Yeouido. Other similar festivals: There are many similar festivals in Korea because cherry blossoms were planted in many places in South Korea. The origin of cherry blossoms is contested, with some arguing they originate in Japan, though Koreans claim the local variety is native. The blossom festival at Jinhae Gunhangje is one of the most popular flower festivals in South Korea. The 51st annual festival was held in Jinhae in April 2013. Special activities: There are singing contests, photo exhibitions, small band concerts, and so on. Official homepage
Seoul Eulalia Festival Region: Worldcup Park which is in Mapo District. Worldcup Park was finished in 2002 while Korea readied for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It was originally a landfill of Seoul but the place was re-purposed as a park and stadium and a variety of trees and plants were planted. The festival can be reached by Seoul Subway Line 6 World Cup Stadium station. Date: Every October History: The festival has been held since 2002 when the park was made. The park usually prohibits entry after sunset, but during the festival, people can enter until 10 pm. Other similar festival: Hwawangsan Eulalia Festival Special activities: Walking around the park, small amateur saxophone concerts, and so on.
Gyeonggi Province
Goyang International Flower Festival Region / Traffic: ilsan Lake Park / Seoul Subway Line 3 Jeongbalsan station. Date (Schedule): Every Spring of 3 years. (It was held between last April 27 and May 12) History: This festival has held in 1997. Every 3 years with a different theme, this festival greets their tourists. The first festival was held in 1997 and its theme was 'Flower meeting Human'. Over 20 countries attended this festival. The second festival was held in 2000 and its theme was 'Collaboration between Human and Flower'. All 39 countries attended this festival. The third festival was held in 2003 and its theme was 'Delight Human as Flower'. Two fewer countries attended this festival in contrast with the last festival. The next festival was held in 2006 and its theme was 'One world with Flower'. 27 countries attended at that time but over 100 companies from South Korea attended. The fifth festival was held in 2009. Its theme was 'On-Nuri, Got-Nuri, which meaning 'Whole over the world with flower'. 24 countries attended this festival in 2009. The latest festival was held in 2012, themed with 'World flower parade'. In total, 40 countries attended this festival Other similar Festival : Anmyeondo Korea Floritopia. Special activities: There is much to do at this festival. Not only look around hundreds of kinds of flowers but also tourists can buy flowers at reasonable prices. Moreover, make one's own vase, make some accessories with flowers such as key rings, notes, etc.
Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale Region / Traffic: Gyeonggi Icheon / Tourist have to take their car or express bus from Seoul, Address : 389, Gwango-dong, Icheoncity, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea Date (Schedule): It will be held in 2014 from 28 September to 17 November (during 51 days). History: This festival has lasted 27 years with various "Yo-Jang", which is named for a ceramic factory. This city was designated by UNESCO as one of the creative cities in the world in 2010. For over 20 years, this festival became one of the famous festivals in Korea. From Bronze Age, Icheon was a village where people make variety kinds of ceramics. For this reason, this city dwellers have made ceramics for a long time naturally. Other similar festival: Gwangju Ceramic for king festival. Special activities: Kids can make their own ceramic with a master of ceramic making and they also are able to play with soil for ceramic. Plus, tourists can buy some ceramics for kitchen dishes, lay-out, exhibitions, and other purposes.
Jarasum International Jazz Festival Region / Traffic: Date (Schedule): History: Other similar festival: Special activities: Official Homepage:
South Chungcheong Province
The Great Admiral Yisunsin Festival Region / Traffic: Around Onyang hot spring spare and downtown / Subway - Seoul Subway Line 1 Onyang hot spring Station Date (Schedule): 4/26~4/28 History: This is the Asian cultural tourism festival. This festival is held to celebrate Yisunsin's great achievement of overcoming the national crisis. This event is held every year before or after his birthday to imbue the mind with patriotic spirit. Other similar festival: Celebrating the Birth of Great Admiral Yi Sun-shin Festival Special activities: There is a celebration concert, parade, the military service examination revival performance, and so on. Official Homepage
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival
Region / Traffic: Around Buyeo-gun Seodong park Date (Schedule): 7/18~7/21 History: Buyeo is the final capital of Baekje. In Buyeo, lotus flowers in July. Lotus Festival is held to pay tribute to the love of good Seon Wha Princess Youth and Seo Dong at a later date became King Mu. Sendong Park is the place of the festival. The festival's landscape (flowers of various lotus) has a stark, unworldly beauty. Traces of the past are left in the place name which is called "Marae embankment". So, It cast people's minds back Seodong who sold 'Ma'. Other similar festival: Muan Lutus Festival, Iksan Seodong Festival Special activities: There is a painting festival of large flowers and sketching competitions. In addition, this event tried to recapture the ceremonial walk of the king. There are traditional music performances and a gala concert of the musical Seodongyo Official Homepage
Boryeong Mud festival
Region / Traffic: Around Daechon beach in Boryong, Chungchongnam-dohttp://www.daechonbeach.or.kr/r Date (Schedule): 7/19~7/28 History: Boryeong Mud Festival was held for the first time in 1998 when mud cosmetics development in 1996. Boryeong mud has become more famous for the Boryeong Mud Festival and domestic production of mud raw material. Other similar festival: Nonpul Mud Festival Special activities: The festival is divided into the opening ceremony, planning events (mud, mud cosmetics), and experience event. Experience event is the most primary concern. There are mud games, obstacle races, and so on. Official Homepage
North Chungcheong Province
Cheongpungho Cherry Blossoms Festival
Region / Traffic: Around Cheongpungho, Jecheon, Chungbuk Date (Schedule): 4/19~4/21 History: This is a historied festival which started 17 years ago. In 2008, Jecheon city was changed this festival's name 'to Chonpunho Cherry Blossom Festival' for the dissemination of the 'Chonpunho name restoration campaign'. Other similar Festival: Yeouido Spring Flower Festival Special activities: During the festival, traditional markets are held. There is a local cuisine. Also, agricultural special product exhibition and sale events are held. It is possible that there is an early performance event, experience events, the exhibition event, and also experience events performances of the Chinese arts team, and dance parade in the world.
Sobaek Mountain Loyal Azalea Festival
Region / Traffic: Around Sobaek Mountain, Namhan riverside Date (Schedule): 5/29~6/2 History: This festival was started in 1983 In order to heal the sick mind of residents by Chungju dam construction and for Danyang's prosperity as loyal azalea. One year, two years after, Sobaek Mountain Loyal Azalea Festival, has solidified the facts can hold a festival of longer, various events and more period. Other similar festival: Gunpo Loyal Azalea Festival, Hwangmae Mountain Loyal Azalea Festival Special activities: there are a riverside concert, musical, circus, and hiking. Stars can be observed, and there is a beauty contest. Official Homepage
Gangwon Province Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival Region / Traffic: Hwacheoncheon site at Hwacheon-up, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, and other 5 up and myeon Date (Schedule): January 5 (Saturday) 2012 ~ January 27 (Sunday) (23days) History: Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival is opened in every January under the slogan of “Unfrozen Hearts, Unforgettable Memories” at Hwacheon that has the geographical feature of the fastest ice freezing in the country because of cold valley wind and clean water. Another similar festival: Jiokbae Water Festival Special Activities: