Events in Korea

Korea's long history, agrarian culture, and mix of religions provide a multitude of different festivals and holidays throughout the year. Some are more regional than others but all very colorful and having specific customs and unique characteristics making ones visit to Korea even more exciting and rewarding.

Most official holidays, have fixed dates based on the Western calendar however, majority of the traditional Korean events and holidays still follow the lunar calendar.

New Year's Day
It’s a recent concession to the westernization and is celebrated with a real zest with many folk festivities and fire works.
 
Lunar New Years Day
Known as Seollal, this Korean event is considered more significant than first January. It falls sometimes between January and February. It’s a time to renew family ties by meeting one another and observing ancestral rites. It’s a day of love, partying and gifts of food and riches

Independence Movement Day
This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence - proclaimed on March 1, 1919 - from Japanese colonial rule. A reading of the declaration takes place in a special ceremony in Seoul, where it was first read to the public. Ceremonies are also held in other provincial cities.

Arbor Day
On April 5th everybody gets involved in sprucing up the cities by planting trees, flowers and bushes in accordance of Korea’s commitment to its reforestation program.

Buddha's Birthday
Observed on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (April-May), it is an important event in Korea. Special ceremonies and rituals are held at various Buddhist temples throughout the week commemorating the birth of Buddha. The courtyards are strung with paper lanterns which are lit in the evenings illuminating the compound with a dazzling display of light. Over the years a variety of events have been added to it and now it is more popularly known throughout the world as the Lotus Lantern Festival which includes exhibition of traditional lanterns in a variety of shape and sizes. Everyone is welcomed to construct and hang the lanterns. The biggest attraction is the Lotus Lantern Parade. A total of approximately 100,000 lanterns in the procession, joined by delightful Korean classical music provide a glimpse into Korea’s traditional culture. Not to be missed.

Children's Day
It is a day (May 5) of various celebrations and fun filled activities for children.

Memorial Day
On June 6th the nation pays tribute to its people who gave lives for the country. The largest memorial service is held at the National Cemetery in Seoul.

Constitution Day
This day (July 17) commemorates the promulgation of the Republic of Korea's Constitution in 1948.

Liberation Day
Korea celebrates the Liberation Day On August 15. On this day in 1945, Korea was liberated from Japan's 35-year-long colonial rule. The day also marks the establishment of the government of the Republic of Korea in 1948.

Chuseok
It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month by the lunar calendar (Aug. 15). Along with hanshik, Dano and Seollal, this is one of the four most important traditional Korean events. It’s a Korean Thanksgiving Day. It is also called Hangawi or the Harvest Moon Festival. Families hold memorial services at home or at family graves. Viewing the full moon and making a wish is an important feature of the evening. Tug-of-war contests and other folk activities are held in many regions.

National Foundation Day
This day (October 3) marks the mythical founding of the first nation of Korea by the legendary god-king, Dangun in 2333 B.C.

Armed Forces Day
On October 1 a tribute is payed to all the armed forces of Korea. The largest parade takes place in Seoul with grand displays of military hardware and a thrilling aerial show.

Christmas
Both Christians and non-Christians alike celebrate this day, as in the West.

Other major festivals and events in Korea

Dano festival
It is a long-running traditional festival (May-June) that celebrates the completion of planting and hope for good harvest. It’s a major event in Korea. The festival is a combination of various shamanist and memorial rituals with lots of leisure, eating and drinking, mask dances and merrymaking.

Cherry blossom Festival
Places that are famous for Cherry Blossoms are Jinhae or Seoul’s Yeoui-do Yunjungno. Around the end of March or the beginning of April you can expect to see cherry blossoms in full bloom. The blossoms are at their peak one week after they first start to bloom. So plan ahead and go before the petals have all fallen off. Most romantics love to just be there and take in the sultry springtime weather.

Hi Seoul Festival
Held in the capital of Korea, the Hi Seoul Festival is a great way to experience the history and colorful culture of Seoul with an aim to blend Korea’s natural beauty and rich culture, with various folk performances highlighting the festival. Beside this, other exciting events are also scheduled including the Hi Seoul Food Festival and Seoul Magic Festival.

Apart from these events and festivals of Korea, there are loads of other well-established seasonal festivals including many Korean cultural events and arts festivals held in the country throughout the year. The dates for many are designated according to the lunar calendar. So it’s always best to check for the current schedules before planning your trip. And don’t forget to bring your camera!

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