Korean Holidays and Festivals: A Guide to the Best Holidays and Festivals in Korea

South Korea is a country rich in culture and tradition, and the calendar is filled with a variety of holidays and festivals throughout the year. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always something to look forward to. In this guide, we'll highlight some of the best holidays and festivals in Korea.


Lunar New Year (Seollal, 설날)

Seollal is the most important holiday in South Korea, celebrated on the first day of the Lunar New Year. It is a time for families to come together, perform traditional rituals, and exchange gifts.




Chuseok (추석)

Chuseok is a harvest festival celebrated on August 15th in the lunar calendar and is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. It usually falls in September or October. It is a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional food and games.




Cherry Blossom Festival

The Cherry Blossom Festival is held in April and is a celebration of the blooming of cherry blossom trees in Korea. During the festival, visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of cherry blossom trees in full bloom and participate in a variety of activities and events.




Buddha's Birthday (Seokga Tansinil, 석가탄신일)

Seokga Tansinil is a holiday that celebrates the birth of the Buddha and is celebrated in late April or early May. It is a time for Buddhists to pay homage to the Buddha, perform good deeds, and make offerings at temples.




Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe, 연등회)

The Lantern Festival is held in early May and is one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals in Korea. It is celebrated on Saturday, one week before the Budda's Birthday.  During the festival, thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, creating a stunning display of light and color.




Boryeong Mud Festival

The Boryeong Mud Festival is held in July and is one of the most unique and fun festivals in Korea. The festival features mud-themed activities, such as mud wrestling, mud slides, and mud baths, and attracts visitors from all over the world.




Busan International Film Festival

The Busan International Film Festival is held in October and is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in Asia. The festival features a diverse range of films from around the world and attracts a large number of movie enthusiasts.




Seoul Firework Festival (서울불꽃축제)

The Seoul Firework Festival is held in October and is a mesmerizing display of fireworks, music, and lights in the heart of Seoul. During the festival, thousands of fireworks are launched into the sky, creating a breathtaking display of color and light.



Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)

The Seoul Lantern Festival is held in November and is a stunning display of lanterns and lights in the heart of Seoul. During the festival, thousands of lanterns are lit, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.





Conclusion

South Korea is a country filled with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and there's always something exciting happening. Whether you're looking to experience traditional holidays and festivals or enjoy unique and fun events, there's something for everyone in Korea.