Stay in Korea for the Spring 2020

Come to Korea in the Spring!! 

Spring is one of South Korea's seasons that don't last long but is a beautiful and romantic time to be in as well!! Usually Spring last from mid March to May and every year you will witness beautiful cherry blossoms (usually beginning of April). Because of the Cherry Blossoms there are various seasonal items and perfect locations to take the perfect picture!!

Flower Festivals ONLY in the Spring

Cherry Blossoms are everywhere in South Korea during the Spring, but unfortunantly they don't last long so here is a list of places we recommend for you to go if you want to capture the perfect Instagram picture or your new profile pic!! Also keep in mind that most of the dates are to be determined (TBD) due to we can't know when the cherry blossoms will show.  

The Apricot Blossom Festival (Gwangyang Maehwa) 

Dates for 2020: First half of March TBD  

Once a year since 1997, the celebrations of this festival are specified on the Apricot fruit and its products. This festival takes place in Maehwa, a village in South Jeolla region and Maehwa in Korean translates to apricot due to the popularity. The scenery is beautiful and with the Baegunsan Mountain located near the acres of apricots, creates a romantic view!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Dates for 2020: Usually April 7 on wards, but depends on cherry blossom blooming 

Every April at this festival you will experience cultural street performances and be able to enjoy a stroll through the Cherry Blossom tunnel!! Also the Hangang River is there too so you may want to enjoy a picnic there and do the classical thing of eating chicken and beer or ramen and enjoying the view. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: 04.5 - mid-April

Another great place for Cherry Blossom is Seokchon lake as there are trees lined up around the entire lake! Besides of taking your pictures and enjoying the view, you can also enjoy many activities, exhibitions and cultural performances as well. 

Visit this Website for more information!


Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: Average March 24 TBD 

Want to go to the great island? There are plenty of beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Jeju!! At the Jeju the cherry blossoms there are considered the King Cherry Tree Blossoms since they are the largest and most luxurious among all cherry blossoms. Keep in mind tho that the full blooming of these trees only last for about 2 to 3 days!! All the other trees will continue to blossom from late March to the second week of April. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

This festival is held in the area of Jungwon Rotary and Downtown Jinhae with the blooming of cherry blossoms!! There are various programs such as a pre-event, cultural performances, military performances and more!!   

Visit this Website for more information!


Icheon's Baeksa Village Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

The Icheon's Baeksa Village is home to a number of "sansuyu" (cornus fruit) trees which have been growing there over 100 years!! Through each season the trees change colors but in early Spring they change to bright Yellow and in Autumn to vivid red fruits. Because of these amazing trees the festival is hosted to bring visitors and experience the gorgeous trees through Korean traditional folk games and a Sansuyu Flower Parade. We believe is one of the places you won't want to miss out!!  

Visit this Website for more information!

Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

Another great place to experience the gorgeous Cherry Blossoms is at the Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival!! The event is held at the Cheongpung lake area of Jecheon where you can experience various flowers besides the cherry blossoms such as the white cherry trees, forysthia and azalea. Also there will be exhibitions, performances, bungee jumping by the lake, and many water sports!! Great way to enjoy your spring vacation!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Taean Tulip Festival

Dates for 2020: Average second week of April 'till March TBD 

Want to see other kind of flowers besides Cherry Blossoms!? well check out this great event where is located at the Korea Flower Park in thhe Chungcheongnam-do Province. The Park is purposely designed for this festival and is considered in the TOP 5 by the World Tulip Summit!! There will also be ceremonies, singers and cultural art performances, animal feeding experiences and a firework show!! A lot more too!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Learn more about Culture and Arts!!

If you want to learn more about South Korean culture and the history of arts in this great country, you will want to schedule to experience one of these amazing festivals ONLY during Spring!!

Jeju Fire Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Beginning of March TBD 

Yes FIRE!!! this festival is held in order to pray for a good harvest and good health in the new year in accordance to the lunar calendar. At the event visitors will be able to experience various folk games, hands-on programs and a beautiful natural environment of Jeju Island!! Don't worry the festival is completely safe and monitored.

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Early April TBD 

The history behind this festival is that it celebrates the greatest achievements of Korea's Dr. Wangin who travelled to Japan over 1,600 years ago to spread cultural and art knowledge. Dr. Wangin's teachings includes the Thousand-Character Text (a primer of Chinese Characters) and the Analects (Discourses) of Confucius. The festival takes place at the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin and Sangdaepo Historic Park. There will be various performances and cultural exhibitions!!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Goryeong Daegaya Experience Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Second week of April TBD 

Daegaya (AD 42-562) was a nation that inhabited the Korean Peninsula around the 4th Century. Daegaya nation was sophisticated and held extremely high standards of culture. They created the Gayageum (the twelve-stringed traditional Korean harp) which became a large role of establishing the culture of music. Therefore the nation is thought to be a powerful force in the area (now gyeongsangnam-do) and to have influence on the wider world. At the festival you will be immersed into the ancient history of Korea's Daegaya since there are interactive programs with relic exhibitions, wooden boat-making "mokseons" (which were used to trade with other societies) and much more!! Nearby the festival there is a Farming Village where you can go pick strawberries and experience the Korean Farming Lifestyle!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival

Dates for 2020: Average last week of April to May TBD

Do you enjoy Ceramics!? Come to the Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival which takes place at Mungyeongsaejae Open Set in Gyeongsangbuk-do an area famous for traditional ceramics!! The event has been occurring since 1999 and has become a premier festival recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism! If you come you will be able to join in a traditional tea ceremony and pottery-making programs which are operated by local artisans and won't mind to help you out! 

Visit this Website for more information!


Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average beginning of May TBD

Interested in Herbs!? This event is a tradition that goes back to 350 years ago since it was an international market where herbal medicines from China, Russia, Europe, and many other regions were sold! The festival displays medicinal herbs found in Korea's mountains and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a wide range of relaxing and curative traditional medicinal procedures. This is great for those who are really interested in Korea's medicinal herbs as well as the sciences and traditions of Asia. 

Visit their Official Website for more information!

We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!

Stay in Korea for the Winter

Winter in Korea
The winters in South Korea are an especially charming time to visit, partly because of the fact that the snow adds beautiful scenery and enhances the feeling of love. Also if you are a big fan of K-dramas you won't want to miss out the opportunity to re-act some of the popular scenes!! (aka Winter Sonata) 

Bukhansan National Park/Samgaksan (Triangle Mountain)

Dates for 2019: Anytime! Check weather forecast before hand!! 

This Park is the ONLY National Park in the Seoul Metropolitan area!! The mountain is rich in biodiversity since its home for more than 1,300 species of plants and animals. They also have a great wealth of historical and cultural heritage sites and over 100 Buddhist temples and hermitages. However you can visit this Park any season since each season will give you a different taste and experience!!

Gangchon Rail Bike Park

Dates for 2019: November - February

Do you love observing nature and just disconnect your mind from daily tasks? Then head on over to Gangchon Rail Bike Park as you will be able to ride along a path and observe the countryside of South Korea. The Park is considered an eco-friendly featuring low-key bicycle tours over converted railroads lines in a scenic locale.

Since it's Winter the water will be frozen and you will be able to experience beautiful unique views!!

Visit this Website for more information!

Nami Island 

Dates for 2019: Anytime! Check weather forecast before hand!! 

As we mentioned earlier, you could re-act your favorite K-Drama scenes if they were taken during the winter, and Winter Sonata is one of the popular ones and it was here Nami Island!! At this Park you will even find a statue of the lead actors from the drama. Also Nami Island is considered as one of the most romantic places to visit in Korea during the winter, so if you don't have a boo don't be surprised by the multiple numbers of couples.

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Busan Jagalchi Market

Dates for 2019: Closed on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month 

If you are a Foodie, you may already know that Winter in Korea is the best time to eat all of your favorite seafood dishes since most are seasonal!! At the Jagalchi Market you will find the freshest fish and seafood (in general) to take home or take it to a stall were they can cook it for you right away!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Seonjaryeong Mountain

Dates for 2019: Anytime! Check weather forecast before hand!! 

If you just LOVE SNOW and enjoy the views, head to Pyeongchang and hike the Seonjaryeong Mountain as it is really popular among locals to do so during the winter!! It's not as steep and dangerous as one might think, as to they have a trial to which you should follow to get to the top and enjoy the view!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Taebaeksan Snow Festival

Dates for 2019: 1.19 - 2.3

Taebaek City is popular during Winter as to since 1994 they have been hosting various events during this time due to the beautiful snow city they become. At this festival you will be able to do snow rafting, snow sledding, and take pictures with world class ice sculptures!! and much more!!

Visit their Informational Website for more information!

Hwacheon Trout Festival

Dates for 2019: 1.5 - 1.27

Fishing is of great part of Korean culture, a lot of families take this activity as bonding and hobby for everyone to enjoy. At this festival there will be unique styles of catching the local fish!! Also there will be local contests in ice football, skiing, and sledding you won't want to miss out these experiences!!

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Penguin Swimming Festival

Date for 2019: 1.1

Up for a challenge? this festival unfortunately does not mean it's title instead is a competition were people take off their clothes (not nude) and run towards the icy water and see who can go the deepest!! In exchange participants are given fish cakes and warm soup to "bring them back to life"

Visit this Website for more information!

Vivaldi Park Ski World

FINALLY where can I go Skiing? well here you go.... the Vivaldi Park becomes a popular Skiing Park during the Winter due to the snow. At this park you get direct access to the snowy slopes making it a heaven for ski-enthusiasts. Also there are other leisure facilities at the resort for tourists such as a bowling alley, forest bathing sites and bumper cars!!

Visit their Official Website for more information!

We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!

Stay in Korea for the Fall

Autumn Activities in Korea

Oh Autumn.... Most of us love this weather and the beautiful views you can experience due to the change of leave colors and nice breezy weather. Therefore coming to Korea should not take so much convincing for you to come huh? Trust me when I say you will want to be here during that time because not only is the best weather here but also because there are various festivals, holidays and view spots you won't want to miss out!!

September

There are a few events that happen in September and you won't want to miss out the opportunity to experience them!!

Gwangju World Kimchi Festival

(Every two years from early September to November)

This festival celebrates what could be called Korea's national food, kimchi. At the festival visitors may sample a wide range of kimchi varieties and learn how to make some as well. In addition, exhibitions, educational and hands-on programs will be held too. You can also tour around Gwangju, which is known as "home of delicacies". 

Admission for Adults: ₩14,000     Youth: ₩6,000 

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Paju Booksori Festival

(Usually second week of September)

Are you a Book Lover!? then you will not want to miss out this Book Festival in Paju!! The event draws half a million of book lovers from all around for a week-long celebration. In there you can find around 100 publishers and many notable book-related organizations in attendance. There are dozens of bookshops in Paju Book City one of only 16 official book towns in the world and includes a variety of themed exhibitions, performances and hands on activities for the whole family!! (credit)

Admission is FREE

Dates for 2019: TBD

Official Website HERE

Chuseok

(15th Day of the 8th Month of the Lunar Calendar)

You probably have heard about this holiday, but if you haven't it's a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in both North and South Korea. If you are familiar with American holidays you could say Chuseok is American's Thanksgiving since families come together to share food and stories to give thanks to their ancestors.

Keep in mind that since it's a very important holiday many stores and restaurants will be closed!!

Dates for 2019: September 12 to September 14

Visit HERE for more information about what it means and how it is celebrated!!

Andong Mask Dance Festival

(Usually end of September and beginning of October)

This festival was designed by Korea's Cultural Heritage Administration as Important Intangible Cultural Properties. Therefore this festival is a MUST if you are wanting to understand more about Korean culture. The event is full of performances and hands on activities for you to join the free-spirited environment!!

Admission is NOT FREE but it's pretty cheap!!

Adults: ₩7,000 Students: ₩5,000

Dates for 2019: 09.27 - 10.6

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Gimje Horizon Festival

(End of September and beginning of October)

This festival is a Traditional Farming Festival that represents the Republic of Korea. You will be able to experience all the fall fragrances, offering content that can satisfy all five sense of every family member, including a street full of things to see, food streets, and experiential street. Come heal your body and mind, letting go of exhaustion from daily life and visit the Gimje Horizon Festival!! 

Admission FREE     Experience programs: ₩10,000

Dates for 2019: 9. 27 - 10.6

Visit their Official Website for more information!

October

There are quite some events happening in this month so you will have to pick wisely which ones to go!!

Jinju Lantern Festival

(First week of October)

Do you enjoy being out during the dark and see beautiful lights of arts, then these lamps in this festival are seen as a representation of wishing for the world peace and mankind fortune each year. 

Admission is FREE 

Dates for 2019: 10.1 - 10. 13 

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival

(First week of October)

Anseong was the birth place of Namsadang (troupes of entertainers who traveled around the country during the Joseon Period) and the hub of Korean art and Culture. Namsadang Baudeogi Festival continue the heritage of the artistic spirit of Baudeogi. The festival was also declared as the official festival of UNESCO's CIOFF (International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts) in 2006. At the event there will be Baudeogi many ceremonies, courtyard performances, hanbok experience, traditional games, barehaded fishing, 7090 Concert and much more!!  

Admission is FREE and Family Friendly

Dates for 2019: 10.2 - 10. 6

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Jeonju International Sori Festival

(First week of October)

The Jeonju International Sori Festival is a traditional music festival which is held every fall at the Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do and other venues as well. They host indoor and outdoor programs for kids and adults. All great masters of gugak (Korean traditional music, for instance pansori and pungmul) perform at the festival when welcoming artists from all over the world!! 

For Admission you will have to purchase a ticket in their website

Dates for 2019: 10.2- 10.6

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Seoul Street Art Festival (SSAF)

(First week of October)

The Seoul Street Arts Festival turns a daily space into a stage while demolishing the boundaries between the audience and performers.It is the street arts festival that brings the city, people and art together based on the citizens’ involvement. The festival is widely open to people of all age and gender and it will be a great chance to find new attractions of the familiar city space while moving through every street corner. 

Admission is FREE

Dates for 2019: 10.3 - 10. 6 

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Busan International Film Festival

(First to second week of October )

The BIFF purpose is to introduce new films and first-time directors, especially those from Asian countries. An interesting feature about the festival is the great appeal to young people, in terms of large youthful audience it attracts and efforts to promote young talent.  

Admission is FREE but you do have to do a reservation online

Dates for 2019: 10.3 - 10. 12

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

(First week of October)

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is Suwon's landmark festival held every October at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site built to commemorate King Jeongjio's filial piety and dream for national prosperity and military power. 

Admission FREE     

Dates for 2019: 10.3 - 10.6

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

(Early October)

Yay Fireworks!! the Seoul International Fireworks Festival brings a million of people to the banks of the Han River every October. You can go there during the day and enjoy some performances and later on enjoy exuberant themed fireworks shows by teams from South Korea and abroad. After the show there is a DJ-led party!! 

Admission is FREE 

Dates for 2019: 10.6

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Guri Cosmos Festival

(Usually first week of October)

There are beautiful flowers in Guri during Autumn!! The festival is held in the beautiful Hangang River with the cosmos fully blossomed. Many people take idle walks or ride a bicycle to enjoy the refreshing river wind. This place is also ideal to have a picnic and the festival is held for two days with approximately 200,000 visitors!!

Admission FREE    

Dates for 2019: TBD

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival

(Usually second to third week of October)

This festival is known for its freshest and finest quality since the recipes were handed down from generation to generation, and still retaining the unique and authentic taste of salted fermented fish. All the ingredients are imported directly and prepared in modern facilities. Everything you find here is considered incredibly healthy!! 

Admission FREE    

Dates for 2019: 10.16 - 10.20

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Jeonju Bibimbap Festival

(Usually by the end of October)

The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place at the Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province). The festival centers on the widely popuar jeonju bibimbap, a popular dish served as a bowl of rice topped with various vegetables, beef and chili pepper paste. A variety of events await visitors at the festival, including concerts and magic shows. Organizers will be mixing a gigantic bibimbap (about 400 servings) as well as bibimbap cooking and a night market. 

Admission FREE    

Dates for 2019: 10.23 - 10.26

Visit their Official Website for more information!

We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!