Korea is a country rich in history and culture, with numerous traditional festivals held throughout the year.
Korea's traditional festivals offer a vibrant mix of history, culture, and community spirit, making them must-visit experiences for travelers and locals alike. As someone who loves these celebrations, I find them perfect for family outings, providing immersive cultural experiences and fun activities for all ages.
Here’s a brief guide to the best traditional festivals in Korea for 2025 — don’t miss these unforgettable events.
Also please just keep it as your favorite and plan your trip accordingly with the festival dates provided. ✈️
1. Seollal 설날 (Lunar New Year) – January 29, 2025
Seollal is one of Korea's most significant holidays, marking the Lunar New Year. Families gather to honor ancestors, enjoy traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup), and engage in games such as yutnori.
Children often receive sebaetdon (New Year's money) from elders, making it especially exciting for them.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Traditional Games: Participate in yutnori (윳놀이) and jegichagi (제기차기, a Korean shuttlecock game).
- Cultural Experiences: Visit local cultural centers offering Seollal programs.
Where to Experience:
- Korean Folk Village: Offers immersive Seollal celebrations.대한민국 정부포털
- National Museum of Korea: Hosts special events during Seollal. It is usually free for all of museum and tranditional palace.
Note: Seollal dates vary annually based on the lunar calendar. For the most accurate dates, refer to the Korean Cultural Center's official website.대한민국 정부포털
2. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival – March 24 to April 3, 2025
Celebrated in Jinhae, this festival is renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms. Families can enjoy leisurely walks under the blooming trees, participate in parades, and watch cultural performances.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Cherry Blossom Viewing: Stroll along Yeojwacheon Stream.
- Parades and Performances: Enjoy military band performances and street parades.
Where to Experience:
- Yeojwacheon Stream: Famous for illuminated cherry blossoms at night.
- Gyeonghwa Station: Offers picturesque views of cherry blossoms along the railway.
3. Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) – April 25–27, 2025
Held in Seoul to celebrate Buddha's birthday, this festival features thousands of illuminated lanterns. The highlight is the lantern parade, captivating for both adults and children.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Lantern-Making Workshops: Create your own lanterns.
- Lantern Parade: Witness the grand procession of lanterns through the city.
Where to Experience:
- Jogyesa Temple: Central hub for festivities.이벤트브라이트+1대한민국 정부포털+1
- Bongeunsa Temple: Hosts various cultural events during the festival.Twinkl+8Chuseok - Korean Thanksgiving+8Korea Times+8
4. Boryeong Mud Festival – July 19 to 28, 2025
Located at Daecheon Beach, this festival is famed for its mud-based activities, believed to have therapeutic benefits. It's a hit among families seeking fun and relaxation.타임앤데이트
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Mud Slides and Pools: Safe and enjoyable for children.
- Mud Painting: Kids can get creative with mud art.
Where to Experience:
- Daecheon Beach: Main venue with various mud-related activities.
5. Andong Mask Dance Festival – September 26 to October 5, 2025
This festival in Andong showcases traditional Korean mask dances, offering insights into the country's folk heritage. It's both educational and entertaining for families.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Mask Dance Performances: Engaging shows that captivate audiences of all ages.
- Mask-Making Workshops: Hands-on activities for children to create their own masks.
Where to Experience:
- Hahoe Folk Village: Traditional setting enhancing the cultural experience.
6. Chuseok (Harvest Festival) – October 6 to 8, 2025
Often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok is a time when families honor their ancestors and celebrate the harvest. Traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes) are prepared, and various folk games are played.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Making Songpyeon: Engage children in preparing these traditional rice cakes.
- Folk Games: Play traditional games like ssireum (Korean wrestling) and ganggangsullae (circle dance).
Where to Experience:
- Korean Folk Village: Offers immersive Chuseok experiences.
- Local Community Centers: Often host Chuseok events and workshops.
Note: Chuseok dates vary annually based on the lunar calendar. For the most accurate dates, refer to PublicHolidays.co.kr.
7. Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival – October 1 to 13, 2025
Held in Jinju, this festival illuminates the Namgang River with thousands of lanterns, each telling a story or representing a cultural symbol. The vibrant displays are mesmerizing for children and adults alike.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Lantern Displays: Evening walks along the river to view illuminated lanterns.
- Lantern-Making Workshops: Opportunities for children to craft their own lanterns.
Where to Experience:
- Namgang River Area: Central location for the lantern displays.
8. Jeonju Bibimbap Festival – Dates to be announced
Jeonju, known as the birthplace of bibimbap, hosts this culinary festival celebrating the iconic dish. Visitors can participate in cooking classes, taste various regional specialties, and enjoy cultural performances.
Recommended activities: Bibimbap cooking workshops, sampling local delicacies.
Where to experience: Jeonju Hanok Village.
9. Gwangju World Kimchi Festival – Dates to be announced
Dedicated to Korea's most famous fermented dish, this festival in Gwangju offers visitors a chance to learn about kimchi-making traditions, taste different varieties, and understand its cultural significance.
Recommended activities: Kimchi-making classes, kimchi tasting sessions.
Where to experience: Gwangju Kimchi Town.
10. Seoul Lantern Festival – December 12, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Taking place along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, this festival showcases intricate lantern displays that depict various themes and stories, illuminating the heart of the city during winter.
Recommended activities: Evening lantern walks, participating in lantern-making activities.
Where to experience: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul.
These festivals provide a deep dive into Korea's rich cultural tapestry, offering experiences that range from culinary delights to mesmerizing performances. Whether you're a local or a traveler, attending these events will surely enrich your understanding and appreciation of Korean traditions.
