As a general note, most celebrations happen in the spring or autumn.

  • The Day the Buddha Came (aka Buddha's Birthday; throughout the country): During what is sometimes referred to as the "Festival of Lanterns," every temple in the country gets lit up like a Christmas tree in celebration of the birth of the Enlightened One.
  • Baekje Cultural Festival (Buyeo or Gongju): Every October, this historical event celebrates the great Baekje kings with over 100 traditional performances and events throughout the area.
  • Boryeong Mud Festival (Daecheon, Chungcheongnam-do): Held on the muddy beaches of Daecheon every July, this is basically organized mud play. Not only is it a great photo op, but you also get a beneficial skin treatment while rolling around in the mud. The dirty activities include mud wrestling, mud slides, and making mud soap. Mud pies are optional.
  • Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF; Busan): The largest and most renowned of Korea's film festivals, it is a wonderful showcase for current films from throughout Asia. Usually held sometime in October.
  • Andong Mask Dance Festival (Andong, Gyeongsangnam-do): Although the highlight of the festival is the Korean talchum (mask dance), performers from other countries show off their masked splendor, as well.
  • Gangneung Danoje Festival (Gangneung, Gangwon-do): Celebrating the traditional "Dano" (the fifth day of the fifth month of the Lunar year), it is one of the few places you can see traditional shamanistic rituals. It usually happens sometime in June.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.