The Land of Ginseng is one that thoroughly understands the importance of preserving its rich history and culture. As such, numerous festivals are held throughout Korea each year to showcase the beauty of the country and to foster an understanding of its rich history and culture. Some of these festivals have become tourists attractions on their own, and are definitely worth planning your trip around.
Boryeong Mud Festival
July, at the Daecheon Beach
During the festival period, tourists from all over the world flock to Daecheon Beach to experience a unique festival showcasing the beneficial properties of the Boryeong mud. Visitors can partake in numerous activities such as mud wrestling, mud sliding, swimming in a mud mega tub and generally have loads of fun! In the evening, the party carries on towards the beach, with music and fireworks making this a delightful, family-friendly event.
Ginseng Festival
September, at the Goumsan County
The Ginseng Festival, locally known as the Geumsan Insam Festival, is the leading festival of Geumsan County, which is located in the Chuncheongnam-do province. The county is the largest producer of ginseng in Korea, and as such, a festival is held there to promote the beneficial effects of Geumsan ginseng. There are various exhibits on everything related to ginseng, as well as traditional folk performances, singing and dance contests. There is also a special fair for international ginseng trade and various programs for international tourists.
Muju Firefly Festival
June, at the Namdaecheon Stream
The Muju Firefly Festival is an eco-friendly event that celebrates these fascinating creatures, held in the beautiful mountainous area of Muju. In Korea, the firefly are indigenous only to the Namdaecheon Stream in Muju. They are prominent not only to the area’s natural environment, but also in the traditional folklore of the surrounding area. All these are celebrated in the festival, with various firefly-themed events that also educates visitors on the important connection between man and nature.
Hyoseok Culture Festival
September, at the Bongpyeong Culture Village
The Hyoseok Culture Festival is a unique festival combining literature with tourism, held to celebrate Bongpyeong – the birthplace of Lee Hyo-Seok, a leading korean novelist. The Festivals focuses on one of Hyo-Seok’s most famous short story When the Buckwheat Blossoms, which took place in the backdrop of Bongpyeong, and offers various excursions to places mentioned in the story. Although international visitors may not be able to fully enjoy the historical and cultural significance of the festival, it is still worth a visit, if only to enjoy the natural beauty of Bongpyeong.
Gwacheon Hanmadang Festival
September to October, at Gwacheon City
Held every fall at Gwacheon City, the Gwacheon Hanmadang Festival is a celebration of the unique spirit of street art culture. Hanmadang literally means “a place where everybody can gather together”, and the festival extols exactly that, with a large selection of performances held in public spaces like major road-side street, open-air stages and more. There is a wide range of performances for everybody to enjoy, from street theater, Madang playes, circus acts, street dance and much more.
Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival
October, at Namgang Riverside Area
This is an extravagant parade of colorful lanterns filling out the river over the Namgang Waterfronts, acros from Jinjuseong Fortress and Chokseongnu Pavillion. The festival originated from the Jinjuseong battles in the worst suffering period of the Japanese invasion, and has evolved through time to become the current iteration of the Lantern Festival. The spectacular view of the floating lantern parade, as well as the magical fireworks makes this festival a must-see attraction renowned across the country.
Andong Mask Dance Festival
late September, at Hahoe
The Andong Mask Dance Festival is the biggest event at Hahoe, usually held around late September to early October. The festival showcases various Korean and international dance troupes paying homage to local folklore, which centered on these mask dance performances to appease restless spirits around the area. Now, the event has grown to become a showcase not only for traditional Korean mask dance, but also for various traditional dances from countries around the world.
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