Summer is a time for fun festivals that draw crowds of tourists and locals together. And South Korea has so many of them. We're taking a look at the 10 best Korean summer festivals you should check out this year!
Haeundae Sand Festival (Busan)
Image Credits: Marco Cantu Gea via Flickr
Busan is the place to go for sand and sun. Our first festival takes place here. You can attend this event either as a spectator or one of the artists creating beautiful sand castles or sand sculptures. Besides the competitions, you can play games and listen to live music. If you've been wanting to visit Haeundae Beach before, this is the perfect time!
Dates: May 19-22, 2023; World Sand Sculpture Exhibition displayed until June 6, 2023
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival (Buyeo County)
Image Credits: Image via Korea Tourism Organization
In terms of underrated festivals, Boyeo Seodong Lotus Festival ranks very high. Dedicated to the lotus flowers blooming at Seodong Park, it's also a cultural event based on the love story between King Mu of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa of Silla. With countless lotus flowers, lanterns, and lotus-themed activities, it's the perfect event if you're looking for something more peaceful and relaxing.
Dates: July 13-16, 2023
Boryeong Mud Festival (Boryeong)
Image Credits: worknplay inc via Flickr
Now this is probably the most famous Korean summer festival. Boryeong Mud Festival is held annually at Boryeong, a city famous for its nutrient-rich mud used in face masks and cosmetics. As you might guess, it's a very messy affair. There are mud slides, mud pools, mud painting, mud wrestling - basically anything you can think of. You'll leave this festival happy and very muddy!
Dates: July 21-August 6, 2023
Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival (Jangheung County)
Image Credits: 유별난 허메이 via Instagram
Dates: July 29-August 6, 2023
Busan Sea Festival (Busan)
Image Credits: Busan Sea Festival via Haps Korea Magazine
Back to the ocean. South Korea has several famous water and sea festivals (we've already mentioned some of them), but this is its first general sea festival and Busan's biggest one. Extending over five beaches, this event features live concerts, dance contests, and lots of water games. You'll stay cool and have lots of fun at the Busan Sea Festival!
Dates: August 1-6, 2023
Hwacheon Tomato Festival (Hwacheon County)
Image Credits: Enjoy Holiday Tour Sdn Bhd via Instagram
Do you feel the need to get messy? Or do you need an excuse to squash something? Hwacheon hosts this unique festival, where you can toss and squash tomatoes to your heart's content. You can even hunt for a golden ring in a pool of these fruits! If you'd prefer to stay clean, then you can visit the stalls selling tomato products and try tomato-themed activities instead.
Dates: August 3-6, 2023
Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival (Incheon)
Image Credits: Luis Canau via Flickr
Summer is the season for rock festivals, and Incheon Pentaport is the most popular one in South Korea. With Korean acts like Bibi and N.Flying and international acts like Nine Inch Nails and Japanese Breakfast, you can tell it's a fun and exciting weekend. The festival also features EDM, pop, and other genres for audience goers who aren't as fond of rock 'n' roll.
Dates: August 4-6, 2023
Sinchon Water Gun Festival (Seoul)
Image Credits: Bao Huy via Flickr
We had to include one more water festival, because it gets HOT in the city! Seoul's Sinchon neighborhood becomes a battlefield for people of all ages who want to beat the heat. Besides the water gun fights, there are water slides, DJ and street performers, and wedding ceremonies. Yes, people actually get married at the Sinchon Water Gun Festival. Would you give this strange venue a try?
Dates: August 12-13, 2023
Daegu Chimac Festival (Daegu)
Image Credits: Image via Korea Tourism Organization
We mentioned this festival in our chimaek blog, but if you're unfamiliar with the term: chimaek (치맥) is Koreans' favorite combination of fried chicken and beer (or maekju, 맥주). In Daegu, you'll experience this combo in a whole new way through chicken and beer tastings and late night EDM parties. Whether you're going solo, as a couple, or with friends, you'll have an awesome time at this chimaek festival.
Dates: August 30-September 3, 2023
Muju Firefly Festival (Muju County)
Image Credits: Korea Tourism Organization Malaysia via Facebook
Another hidden gem, our final festival celebrates the fireflies that thrive in Muju's marshes and are being threatened by pollution. Visitors will explore the marsh and learn more about the creatures that live there. They'll also watch live performances and fireworks displays. But the best part is releasing wishing lanterns and watching the fireflies come out at night.
Dates: September 2-10, 2023
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If you're in Korea to check out these amazing festivals, don't forget to wear a hat and sunscreen. Drink lots of water - hydrate, don't diedrate, Seoulmates. And if you're unable to make it to any of these events, try a Seoulbox for your travel and Korean snack fix!
