Recent Posts, Posted by Matt in Chungcheong,Festivals & Holidays,Gyeonggi,Gyeongsang,Jeolla,Seoul, 8 Comments

Summer Festivals in Korea

Spurred into action by Mr. Michael H.’s recent comment, here is a quick run-down of 12 summer festivals in Korea taking place over the next few weeks. They’ll be hot and busy, but that’s what summer in Korea is all about. If you go, I’d love to hear about it!

Muju Firefly Festival (Muju, North Jeolla Province)
June 13-21
Hurry down to South Jeolla Province to see one of Korea’s natural monuments in action. The firefly is the inspiration behind this festival, which also includes trout fishing and rafting.
(more info: call +82-63-1330 or visit here [Korean only].)

3rd World Taekwondo Culture Expo (Muju, North Jeolla Province)
July 3-10
In the run up to finishing a Taekwondo Park in 2013, the city of Muju holds its expo celebrating Korea’s national sport. Events include an “extreme” Taekwondo performance, a Taekwondo musical and an open tournament. If that’s not enough, participate in making a large vat of Jeonju bibimbap for 1,000 people.
(more info: call +82-63-1330 or visit here.)

7th Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival (Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province)
July 10-19
Celebrate the beauty and multiple uses of the lotus at this festival in the historically significant town of Buyeo, former capital of the Baekje kingdom.
(more info: call +82 11 41 1330 or visit here [only Korean].)

Boryeong Mud Festival (Daecheon Beach, South Chungcheong Province)
July 11-19
Based on word of mouth referrals, if there is one Korean festival that foreigners living here enjoy, that would be the Boryeong Mud Festival. Located on Daecheon Beach, attendees get into their skivvies and wrestle around in the mud, purchase supposedly therapeutic mud products, and indulge in some mud massage. Evening activities include music and fireworks.
(more info: call +82 11 41 1330 or visit here then click on “English.”)

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival (Incheon City)
July 24-26
This popular annual event (formerly called the Songdo Rock Festival) attracts famous home grown and foreign rock stars on two outdoor stages. A laser show and a Korean cultural show are also on site. Easily reached via Seoul Metro.
(more info: call +82-32-1330 or visit here.)

13th Pucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province)
July 16-26
PiFan is one of Korea’s premier film festivals. This year’s screenings will include special family and animation programs. The festival site is easily reached via Seoul Metro.
(more info: call +82-32-1330 or visit here.)

Pohang International Fireworks Festival (Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province)
July 25-26
Pohang’s Homigot Beach is famous for its beautiful sunrise, but the city is best known as the home to Posco, one of the world’s largest steel producers. At this festival, 5 large barges will light of Yeongil Bay with a fireworks, concert and multimedia show. It’s Korea’s largest fireworks show.
(more info: call +82-54-1330 or visit here.)

14th Busan Sea Festival (Busan City)
August 1-9
This popular festival in Korea’s 2nd largest city is an umbrella to some 30 small to large festivals, including an “International Beach Dance Festival”, a “Sea Literature Festival”, “Busan International Rock Festival” and so many others. The main venue is the famous Haeundae Beach, where some 12 million people visit annually.
(more info: call +82-51-1330 or visit here.)

Gangjin Celadon Festival (Gangjin, South Jeolla Province)
August 8-16
Korea’s immaculate celadon pottery was world famous in the 10th-14th centuries and Gangjin was a production center of Korean celadon. Today, some 16 kilns are still operating, and at this festival, attendees can make their own pottery. Additional activities related to agriculture and ancient Korea’s Goryeo Kingdom are on offer.
(more info: call +82-61-1330 or visit here.)

The Great Battle of Hansan Festival (Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province)
August 12-16
Commemorating one of Korea’s most famous sea battles, this festival in the very attractive southern port city of Tongyeong offers a “realistic reenactment” of Korea’s successful repeal of Japanese invaders with its turtle-shaped ships.
(more info: call +82-55-1330 or visit here [site under construction].)

Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province)
August 13-18
Jecheon was the site of Korea’s first international music and film festival back in 2005, and this year some 71 films from 25 countries will be on offer. Additionally, 20 music concerts are also planned. This year, programs specific to Japanese film music and composers are on tap.
(more info: call +82-43-1330 or visit here.)

Seoul Fringe Festival (Seoul)
August 14-September 1
For eight years, the Seoul Fringe Festival has been an important independent performing arts venue in Asia. The event includes performances, exhibits, films and live concerts spread over a diverse cross-section of venues.
(more info: call +82-2-325-8150 or visit here.

There you have it! Twelve fantastic summer festivals in Korea. I hope you will attend some and let me know your thoughts! (Festival descriptions are thanks to the Korea Tourism Organization.).
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