Festivals
Jeju Fire Festival
Rooted in an ancient tradition called Bangae, where farmers would light their fields on fire to get rid of old grass and pests, now this festival celebrates the coming of Spring (in March). The highlight of the event is the burning of the Daljip (Big bonfire piles). With the burning, Koreans believe it will bring them good harvests and ward away evil.
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Busan One Asia Festival
This is one of the biggest music festivals in Asia! It's stadium can hold over 80,000 people and brings together many fans from all over the world. It's first year was just in 2016, but it has already gained massive popularity. Known for it's impressive lineups of K-pop stars, the 2017 festival had performers such as: B.A.P, GOT7, NCT127, Momoland, BlackPink, iKON and Wanna One!
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Jinju Lantern Festival
Thousands of people go to the Nam River every October to watch the water light up. Historical Importance: Many battles between Korea and Japan took place here. The entry fee is only about $10 and there is food, fireworks and street performers! People can also write wishes on lanterns and send them up into the sky.
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Boryeong Mud Festival
Ever wanted to roll around in the mud, just like when you were a kid? Well now you can! Play in the mineral mud baths, hang out with friends, swim the mud off in the lake and dance to your favorite k-pop songs all at the Boryeong Mud Festival! Tickets are only about $6-$10 per person for a whole day of fun!
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Ultra Korea Festival
This is an EDM festival that takes place every summer! It is headlined by worldwide EDM artists, such as: The Chainsmokers, RL Grime, Zedd and Axwell and Ingrosso! With four main stages, plenty of artwork and tons of people from around the world, you are sure to have a blast at the Ultra Korea Festival!
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Gwangju World Culture Kimchi Festival
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and millions of people gather at Yeojwacheon stream every year to see the largest concentration of cherry blossoms in Korea! Over 300,000 cherry trees are planted there! There are also lots of food stands and places to take really pretty pictures with the "Instagram-worthy" Cherry Blossom background. If you're there, be sure to look for the "One year stairs" (365 steps to the top!)
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Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
Sancheoneo is a type of fish and this festival is dedicated to the art of Ice- fishing!! Although the main event is traditional ice fishing, this festival also has many events on the snow, including: Ice sculptures, Bubble suits, Iced waterfalls, Bobsledding and even a Santa Claus Post Office!!! And, in case you're wondering about the picture, Yes- they also have a "Bobbing for Sancheoneo" contest!
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Andong International Mask Dance Festival
The city of Andong, in the Gyeongsangbuk-do province, is known historically as the birthplace of Confucianism. But now, every September, people gather from all around to watch the incredible mask dance performances, along with hearing the live traditional Korean instruments being played. There is, like the name suggests, also a dance party at night with all the masked performers!
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Jindo Sea Parting Festival
Once a year, during the summer, the sea parts from Jindo Island to Modo Island! It seems like a modern- day miracle, just like with Moses in the bible, but there is actually a scientific explanation for it, that you can read here: Jindo Sea Parting Article.
There is a legend about tigers invading Jindo, and once they got into the local villages, everyone fled except one girl- named Bbyong. Every night, Bbyong prayed to God to see her family again and God parted the seas about 2 miles (all the way to Modo), so that she too could escape to safety and be with her family. |
Sources:
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/articles/15-beautiful-pictures-of-the-jeju-fire-festival/
https://hellokpop.com/exclusive/busan-one-asia-festival-experience-2018/
https://everybodyhatesatourist.net/trip-reports/travel-diaries-photos/attending-jinju-lantern-festival-jinju-south-korea/
http://boryeongmudfestival.com/
https://edm.com/events/ultra-korea-lineup
https://ravenoustravellers.com/gwangju-world-kimchi-festival/
https://travelthroughlife.net/south-korea-jinhae-cherry-blossom-festival/
http://www.narafestival.com/ice_eng/
http://www.maskdance.com/eng/main.asp
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130426-jindo-sea-parting-festival-korea-red-tides-science-moses/
https://hellokpop.com/exclusive/busan-one-asia-festival-experience-2018/
https://everybodyhatesatourist.net/trip-reports/travel-diaries-photos/attending-jinju-lantern-festival-jinju-south-korea/
http://boryeongmudfestival.com/
https://edm.com/events/ultra-korea-lineup
https://ravenoustravellers.com/gwangju-world-kimchi-festival/
https://travelthroughlife.net/south-korea-jinhae-cherry-blossom-festival/
http://www.narafestival.com/ice_eng/
http://www.maskdance.com/eng/main.asp
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130426-jindo-sea-parting-festival-korea-red-tides-science-moses/