A Month-By-Month Guide To South Korea's Cultural Celebrations

South Korea for a small country that it is hosts 2,000 festivals every year, ranging from centuries-old traditions to contemporary cultural extravaganzas. Beyond its K-pop fame and technological innovations, South Korea boasts a vibrant calendar of celebrations that showcase its deep cultural roots, artistic spirit, and love for seasonal beauty.

Whether you’re drawn to colourful lanterns, fiery food festivals, or serene harvest rituals, there’s always something happening in South Korea to enrich your journey in 2025. Here’s a month-by-month guide to some of the country’s most captivating festivals and events.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival

When: January
Where: Hwacheon, Gangwon Province
Kick off the year with this quirky and thrilling festival that celebrates winter in all its frosty glory. Held on the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream, this festival is centred around catching sancheoneo (mountain trout) through holes drilled in the ice.

Why visit?
Fishing isn’t the only attraction—enjoy snow sledging, ice skating, and massive ice sculptures. For the adventurous, barehanded fishing in freezing water is an unforgettable (albeit chilly) experience! The picturesque snowy landscapes add a magical touch.

Jeju Fire Festival

When: February
Where: Jeju Island
Jeju’s Fire Festival is a vibrant celebration inspired by traditional agricultural rituals, where locals would burn fields to rid them of pests and prepare for a bountiful harvest.
Why visit?
Witness spectacular fire shows, torch-lit parades, and large-scale bonfires illuminating the night sky. The festival also offers folk games, cultural performances, and the opportunity to savour Jeju’s unique cuisine.

Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March
Where: Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province
As spring blooms across South Korea, the small city of Jinhae transforms into a sea of pink and white cherry blossoms, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Why visit?
Walk under cherry blossom tunnels and along picturesque streams, especially the famous Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station. The festival also includes parades, military performances, and fireworks, making it more than just a floral spectacle.

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

When: April
Where: Yeouido, Seoul
Cherry blossoms take centre stage in April, but the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival in Seoul offers a unique urban twist.
Why visit?
Enjoy the vibrant blooms of cherry blossoms along the Han River while partaking in cultural performances, art exhibitions, and street food feasts. The cityscape backdrop gives this festival a contemporary charm.

Boseong Green Tea Festival

When: May
Where: Boseong, South Jeolla Province
May marks the beginning of tea harvesting season in Boseong, the heart of South Korea’s green tea production.
Why visit?
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of lush green tea fields, participate in tea-picking and tea-making sessions, and savour freshly brewed green tea. The festival also offers nighttime illuminations of the tea fields, creating a surreal experience.

Dano Festival

When: June
Where: Gangneung, Gangwon Province
The Gangneung Danoje Festival is one of South Korea’s oldest cultural celebrations, designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Why visit?
This festival blends shamanistic rituals, traditional music, and wrestling competitions in a lively celebration of the harvest season. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional herbal hair-washing and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the historic city.

Boryeong Mud Festival

When: July
Where: Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province
Summer gets messy (in the best way) at the Boryeong Mud Festival, a celebration of fun and wellness on Korea’s west coast.
Why visit?
Dive into mud pools, participate in mud wrestling, or glide down giant mudslides. Beyond the fun, Boryeong mud is known for its mineral-rich properties, so it’s as good for your skin as it is for your mood.

Seoul Fringe Festival

When: August
Where: Seoul
Celebrate the arts at the Seoul Fringe Festival, an independent event showcasing everything from theatre and dance to visual arts and music.
Why visit?
This festival is a platform for creative freedom, with performances taking place in cafes, parks, and unconventional venues across the city. It’s a fantastic way to connect with South Korea’s contemporary art scene.

Andong Mask Dance Festival

When: September
Where: Andong, North Gyeongsang Province
Step into the world of traditional Korean mask dances (talchum) at this cultural festival in Andong, known as the “capital of Korean spirit.”
Why visit?
Enjoy vibrant performances of masked dances, storytelling, and rituals passed down through generations. The Hahoe Folk Village nearby provides an idyllic setting to further explore Korea’s traditions.

Jinju Lantern Festival

When: October
Where: Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province
Held in memory of fallen soldiers from the Imjin War, the Jinju Lantern Festival lights up the Nam River with thousands of glowing lanterns.
Why visit?
The festival combines stunning visuals with historical significance. Write a wish on a lantern and set it afloat on the river, or marvel at intricate lantern displays telling stories from Korean history.

Gimje Horizon Festival

When: November
Where: Gimje, North Jeolla Province
Celebrate Korea’s agricultural heritage at the Gimje Horizon Festival, a tribute to traditional farming practices and the beauty of the harvest.
Why visit?
From rice-planting competitions to straw craft demonstrations, this festival offers a hands-on look at rural Korean life. The sweeping plains of Gimje provide a picturesque backdrop to the festivities.

Busan Christmas Tree Festival

When: December
Where: Busan
End the year with holiday cheer at the Busan Christmas Tree Festival, where the streets of Nampo-dong are adorned with dazzling lights and festive decorations.
Why visit?
Stroll through illuminated alleys, enjoy live music performances, and embrace the warm holiday spirit. The festival is a magical way to celebrate Christmas in South Korea.
South Korea’s festivals are a window into its vibrant culture, blending history, tradition, and innovation. With celebrations for every season, there’s no better way to experience the country’s spirit than by joining its festivities.

Mark your calendar and travel on a year-round cultural journey through South Korea’s extraordinary festivals.