This is my fourth winter in Seoul, and while it does get awfully chilly at night, there’s just something about how this city celebrates the season that makes it a fun time to be here. For example, if you walk by the Lotte Department Store in Myeong-dong or the Shilla Hotel along Euljiro Street, you can always count on fantastic displays of colored lights, and the other day I almost got run over by a horse-drawn carriage lit up like a Christmas tree prancing towards the Cheonggyecheon (청계천) [video].
Autumn is my favorite season in Korea, when balmy days replace the heat and humidity of summer! It’s the best time to get out and discover one of Korea’s many festivals. Here’s a rundown of what to see this month:
Geumsan Insam (Ginseng) Festival (Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province) August 29-September 7
Geumsan is famous for its high-quality ginseng. The Insam Festival, which has been held every September since 1981, is a traditional cultural event in which villagers pray for a good harvest the following year. Programs include ginseng harvesting, performances of traditional arts and rituals, concerts, an international ginseng trade fair, a ginseng cooking competition and more. (more info: 041-750-2391 or www.geumsan.go.kr/festival)
Anyoung! Welcome to my Korea travel and culture blog.
I hope this site helps you learn more about Korea's many travel destinations. If I can help, please let me know.
