Korea is a country that knows how to celebrate. Every season has a festival waiting, from muddy beach parties and lantern-filled rivers to vibrant parades. Korea’s annual festivals are among the most thrilling cultural experiences you can have, whether you’re planning a beach vacation in the summer, a winter break in the snow, or a spring excursion to see the cherry blossoms.
To help you choose the ideal event for your trip dates, this guide lists the biggest festivals in Korea by season.
🌸 Spring Festivals in Korea
Spring is when Korea bursts back to life after the cold winter. Flowers bloom, the air warms up, and cities and towns across the country hold some of the most famous festivals of the year.
- Jinhae Gunhangje Festival – Korea’s largest cherry blossom celebration (Changwon, April).
- Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – Cherry blossoms along the Han River in Seoul (April).
- Lotus Lantern Festival – Lantern parades and cultural events around Buddha’s Birthday (Seoul, April–May).
[Explore More Spring Festivals »]
☀️ Summer Festivals in Korea
Summer in Korea means beaches, music, and a whole lot of fun. Expect water fights, concerts, and Korea’s most famous mud party.
- Boryeong Mud Festival – Mud slides, beach parties, and live music (Boryeong, July).
- Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival – Asia’s leading festival for fantasy, sci-fi, and horror films (Bucheon, July).
👉 [Explore More Summer Festivals »]
🍁 Autumn Festivals in Korea
Autumn is often considered the best time to visit Korea. The weather is cool, the leaves turn red and gold, and the cultural calendar is packed.
- Andong Mask Dance Festival – Traditional Korean talchum mask dances and folk performances (Andong, Sept–Oct).
- Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival – Thousands of glowing lanterns floating on the Namgang River (Jinju, October).
- Busan International Film Festival – Asia’s biggest film festival on the global stage (Busan, October).
- Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival – Join locals in the UNESCO-recognized kimchi-making tradition (Seoul, November).
👉 [Explore More Autumn Festivals »]
❄️ Winter Festivals in Korea
Korea’s winters are super cold, but there’s still hot fun to be expected. Festivals celebrate snow, ice, and the warmth of gathering together.
- Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival – Ice fishing, sledding, and snow fun (Hwacheon, January).
- Taebaeksan Snow Festival – Gigantic snow sculptures and mountain winter sports (Taebaek, January).
- Seoul Lantern Festival – Cheonggyecheon stream illuminated with creative lanterns (Seoul, November–early winter).
👉 [Explore More Winter Festivals »]
Why Add Festivals to Your Korea Trip?
Based on my own experience, attending festivals during your trip can create some of the most memorable moments. Festivals allow you to fully immerse yourself in local culture, connect with the spirit of each region, and enjoy authentic Korean cuisine, performances, and traditions firsthand. These experiences go beyond typical tourist attractions, offering a deeper understanding of Korea’s rich cultural heritage and leaving memories that stay with you for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Korea has a festival waiting for you whenever you travel there. From spring blossoms to summer mud parties, autumn lanterns, and winter ice fishing, these events are a highlight of any trip.
👉 Use this guide as your starting point, then dive deeper into each season to plan your perfect festival experience.