Jeju Festivals and Events: Exciting Cultural Celebrations

 

Introduction

It’s never too late to go to Jeju Island. Jeju is a place where you’ll find the most exciting festivals and events held by the locals. It’s an Island where you can make unforgettable memories, and a place to leave all your worries behind.

In this article, we’ll be sharing some of the most popular festivals and events in Jeju. From beach soccer competitions to cultural and art performances, Jeju Island has a little bit of something for everyone. Let’s dive right in!

 

1) The Pyoseon Beach White Sand Festival

Pyoseon Beach White Sand Festival is the most anticipated festival to occur every August. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise. The white sand, local delicacies, and Jeju’s traditional culture create a harmony like no other. The beach has a children’s pool, various performances, and many other activities that tourists can enjoy. There are different types of competitions too like Beach soccer competition, water game event, singing competition, and much more!

Fun fact: The fine and soft white sand at Pyoseon Beach is known to be effective for neuralgia. 

Location: Minsokhaean-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

 

2) The Yerae Eco-village Experience Festival

Yerae Eco-village is a home to beach sceneries and cultural heritages. At night, you’ll feel as if you’re in a magical land as you’re surrounded by colorful fireflies at the Yerae stream. Every August, the Yerae Eco-village holds a festival. It’s filled with fun and exciting events like singing competitions, halibut catching, the observation of firefly larva, Korean wrestling, and many entertaining performances. 

Location: 82, Yerae-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea 

 

3) DoduOraemul Festival

DoduOraemul Festival is located in the area of Doduhang Port and is the only festival in the area. The festivals theme is DoduOraemul also known as yongcheonsu (spring water). There are many eventful programs that you can discover like dipping your feet in spring water, air bouncing, water performance, and treasure hunts.

Location: 26, Doduhang-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

 

4) The Bangseonmun Festival 

The Bangseonmun Festival celebrates a historical location with stunning views through cultural and artistic events. Bangseonmun is a gate that provides entry to the dwelling place of Taoist hermits, also known as sinseon. The landscape is so breathtaking that it was thought to be a border separating our world from the world of sinseon. It’s famously known for its blooming azaleas and Korean rosebays during the spring season

The Bangseonmun Festival’s unique element is that it focuses on literary and artistic activities like cultural writing competition, Bangseonmun test, and tea gatherings with sinseon. Hikers love the 5 km trekking route from Gojigyo Bridge to Bangseonmun. For the strollers and festival-goers, the beautiful views will leave you mesmerized, so don’t forget to keep your cameras ready.

Location: Bangseonmun Valley, Ora-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

 

5) Geumneung Wondam Festival

The Geumneung Wondam Festival is to promote and protect Wondam. Wondam is a wall made of stone near the shore to keep fish from escaping when they flood in at high tide. Before, walls like these were common on the island, but they are steadily vanishing now. The Geumneung Wondam Festival is organized to keep this tradition alive. 

One of Geumneung Wondam festival’s engaging aspects is the fishing activity. The festival offers the perfect opportunity for you to try your hand at fishing by the refreshing seaside. Tourists can also stop by snack booths or experiential event spaces nearby to enjoy a fun-filled time. 

Location:  Geumneung-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

 

If you can't make it to Jeju, bring the island's spirit to your home with our Seoulbox, filled with Jeju-inspired treats and goodies. Enjoy a taste of Jeju wherever you are!

 

6) The Seogwipo Chilsimni Festival

Seogwipo is the second biggest city on Jeju Island. The name Chilsimni translates to ‘70 Lees,’ representing a distance of approximately 28km, and originated from the historical measurement between Jeonghihyeon in Seong-eup and Seogwipo's port. Locally, it’s referred to as the symbolic distance representing Seogwipo residents’ aspirations and desires.

The festival-goers get to experience local art and lifestyle while engaging themselves in the island’s culture. You’ll be welcomed by a colorful tunnel with hundreds of wishes written and tied onto a fence. The many activities will undoubtedly keep everyone entertained. From stage performances to singing competitions, this festival is sure to give you a fun time! 

If you’re someone whose first thought is “food!” then you’ll be overjoyed with free delicious food samples, and restaurants that serve famous local dishes like jeonbokjuk (rice porridge with abalone), Seonggeguk (sea urchin soup), and Makeoli (Korean rice wine).

Location:  689, Seohong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

 

7) The Jeongeui Village Folk Festival

Since 1994, the Jeongeui Village Folk Festival has been held annually to promote harmony among village residents and preserve traditional culture. Over the years, it has evolved into a prominent traditional festival, showcasing the unique customs and culture of Jeju-do people to not just Pyoseon-myeon residents, but to tourists as well. The festival ends beautifully with a firework display on the final night, creating lasting memories for visitors.

Location:  14, Seongeupseomun-ro, Seongeup-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea (Seongeup Folk Village)

 

8) Chujado Yellow Corvina Festival

Chujado Island is known for its rich fishing ground. The top choices are the yellow corvina, Spanish mackerel, and anchovy from Chujado Island. A festival is hosted annually in September to celebrate the availability of yellow corvina. 

The festival spans over 3 days and includes fun activities like pungaeje (blessings for a good catch) and yongwangje (Dragon King Feast) for abundant fish and safety of fishermen. There’s also events that showcases Chujado artists’ works, a fishing boat parade,  striking needle bar, net weaving and much more!

Along with the scenic views, visitors can also revel in the taste of fresh seafood, and experience Jeju’s unique traditional culture. 

Location: Sites around Chuja-myeon, Jeju City

 

9) NANTA 

This is an exciting event for all those music and food lovers. NANTA show on Jeju Island is famous for its unique show that features Korean traditional drumming, and cooking expertise with a bit of humor. The skilled actors animate the kitchen by using knives, pots, and pans as musical instruments.

You’ll certainly be impressed and be left with a burst of joy and laughter by their coordinated wacky actions and enthusiastic presence.

Location: Jeju Nanta Theater, 56-26 Seondolmokdong-gil, Ara-dong, Jeju, Jeju-do

10) Jeju Art Circus

Who doesn’t love a good circus, right? When you’re in Jeju, Jeju’s Art Circus has the perfect mix of a good laugh and stunts that will leave make your jaw drop. Accompanied by Korean traditional music, witness professional performers stage aerial silk moves, juggling, and amazing tricks and acrobatics. 

 It’s definitely an event worth checking out!

 Location: 214 Donggwang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

 

11) Haenyeo Show

The Haenyeo (Woman Diver) show is a fun experience for tourists visiting Jeju. The famous female divers showcase their entire routine, starting with their pre-dive ceremony all the way to their harvest. They cut their catch in front of onlookers, allowing them to sample extremely fresh seafood right away! If you’re someone who enjoys a peaceful, and interactive experience, then this show is perfect for you.

Fun fact: Haenyeo (sea women) make a living by catching seafood while holding their breath, and using only a knife. They reach depths of around 10 meters / 30 feet, for several minutes - depending on their level of expertise.

Location: 284-12 Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

 

Conclusion

Jeju Island festivals and events convey both cultural and traditional experiences. The events include a range of activities, from beach parties, interactive programs to competitions and cultural fairs, there’s always something exciting for everyone. These occasions provide the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy Jeju’s vibrant ambience and create lasting memories with your loved ones. 

 

Image sources:

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https://www.kpopmap.com/travel/seogwipo-chilsimni-festival-%EC%84%9C%EA%B7%80%ED%8F%AC-%EC%B9%A0%EC%8B%AD%EB%A6%AC%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C/

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https://www.diveoclock.com/destinations/Asia/South_Korea/Haenyeo/

 

Author: Aaliyah