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Festivals and public holidays
There is always something on: every town has its festival, every season its flower or its fish. Here are the ones worth shifting an itinerary for, and the public holidays that force you to.
Updated 7 October 2026
How to use this
Dates change every year — many celebrations follow the lunar calendar, and blossom festivals follow the weather. The periods below are when they usually take place: check exact dates on the Korea Tourism Organization website a few weeks before leaving.
A festival draws huge crowds. Book your accommodation early, and aim for weekdays rather than the weekend.
Spring
Late March to mid-April, from south to north. The Jinhae festival near Busan is the country's largest; in Seoul, the Yeouido riverside and Seokchon Lake; in Gyeongju, Bomun Lake.
March. A celebration of the island's old pastoral practices, on the slopes of a volcanic cone.
Late April to early May. The rendezvous for independent cinema, in a city that is easy to visit between screenings.
The weekend before Buddha's Birthday, in May. A parade of tens of thousands of lanterns crosses central Seoul; temples nationwide are decorated for a month. On UNESCO's intangible heritage list.
May. Harvest time in the terraced plantations of the south-west, among the country's finest landscapes.
Summer
Late May or June. Shamanic rites, mask drama, traditional wrestling and a big market: one of the country's oldest festivals, UNESCO-listed.
Late July. Mud baths, slides and concerts on Daecheon beach. The festival most popular with foreigners.
Early August. Concerts and events on the city's beaches.
June to August. The lotus ponds of Buyeo and Jeonju, the hydrangeas of Jeju and Busan.
Autumn
Late September to early October. Korean mask drama and troupes from around the world, at Hahoe village and in town.
September or October. Asia's biggest film festival, open to the public.
October. Hundreds of giant lanterns float on the Nam River beneath a fortress.
Late September to early October over the Han River, in autumn over Gwangalli beach in Busan. A million spectators: arrive several hours early.
October. A re-enactment of King Jeongjo's journey to the fortress, with thousands of participants.
Mid-October in the mountains, early November in Seoul and the south. Seoraksan, Naejangsan and the palaces of Seoul are the great classics.
September to November, in even-numbered years. Asia's most important contemporary art event.
Winter
January. Thousands of anglers on a frozen river, rod in hand over a hole in the ice. You grill your catch on the spot.
Late January to early February. Giant snow sculptures at the foot of a sacred mountain.
From November or December to January. Lanterns along Cheonggyecheon stream, Christmas markets, an ice rink in front of City Hall.
On 1 January Koreans go to watch the first sunrise of the year on the east coast, at Jeongdongjin or Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Effect for travellers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day | Limited |
| January or February (lunar) | Seollal, Lunar New Year | Three days; transport saturated, many shops closed |
| 1 March | Independence Movement Day | Limited |
| 5 May | Children's Day | Parks and family sites overrun |
| April or May (lunar) | Buddha's Birthday | Temples very busy, lanterns everywhere |
| 6 June | Memorial Day | Limited |
| 15 August | Liberation Day | Limited |
| September or October (lunar) | Chuseok, harvest festival | Three days; same effects as Seollal |
| 3 October | National Foundation Day | Limited |
| 9 October | Hangeul Day | Limited |
| 25 December | Christmas | More a couples' day than a family one; restaurants full |
Good to know
Palaces during the holidays
At Seollal and Chuseok, Seoul's palaces are generally open, often free, with traditional games in the courtyards.
Long weekends
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day off is often granted on the Monday: hotel prices follow.
Local festivals
Garlic, crab, persimmon, fireflies: almost every county has its own. Ask at the tourist office when you arrive in a town.