What's on, season by season

From Seoul’s glowing streets to the country’s coastal celebrations, each season in South Korea brings a new way to see, taste and celebrate the country’s culture. We've featured some of our favourite events below - and this is just a taster.

Cherry blossom frames a temple in South Korea

Spring

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival (late March – early April)
When spring arrives, South Korea turns pink. The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the country’s most loved, with riverside walks framed by clouds of petals and the Yeojwacheon Stream buzzing with music, markets and street food.

Lotus Lantern Festival, Seoul (May)
As Seoul marks Buddha’s Birthday, the city glows with thousands of hand-crafted lanterns. Join temple ceremonies, try your hand at lantern-making, and watch the night parade light up Jongno Street. It's a breathtaking mix of faith, craft and colour.

Summer

Boryeong Mud Festival (July)
Part beach party, part cultural quirk. At Daecheon Beach, locals and visitors dive into giant mud pools, try their hand at obstacle courses, and let go at live concerts. Its a joyful (and messy) celebration.

Busan Sea Festival (August)
In August, Busan becomes South Korea’s summer capital. Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches play host to live music and fireworks, surrounded by coastal cafés and the city’s cool, creative energy.

Autumn

Andong Mask Dance Festival (late September – early October)
Rooted in centuries-old ritual, Andong’s famous festival celebrates Korea’s traditional masked dance dramas - stories told through theatre, music and movement. Parades, performances and workshops fill the streets, connecting past and present in the country’s cultural heartland.

Seoul Kimchi Festival (November)
In the heart of the capital, locals gather to make, share and celebrate Korea’s most famous dish. Join cooking classes, sample regional recipes, and watch chefs turn tradition into art at Seoul Plaza. It's part festival, part feast.

Winter

Seoul Lantern Festival (November – early December)

Each winter, Cheonggyecheon Stream glows with thousands of lanterns - some delicate and traditional, others bold and imaginative. The result? A river of light winding through the heart of Seoul, capturing the city’s perfect balance of creativity and calm.

Taebaeksan Snow Festival (late January)

Each winter, Taebaek City takes snow seriously. From towering sculptures to slides, and art installations in the mountain air, it’s cool, creative and unmistakably Korean - a picture-perfect escape from the city.

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