South Korea celebrates its seasons with real enthusiasm. These are the festivals most worth timing a trip around.
Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (late March–early April) — Korea's most famous cherry blossom event, held in Jinhae near Changwon in the south. Over 350,000 cherry trees line the streets and the railway tracks; the visual effect at peak bloom is genuinely extraordinary. Expect enormous crowds on weekends, but the atmosphere is joyful rather than oppressive.
Lotus Lantern Festival (May, Buddha's Birthday) — Buddhist temples throughout the country hang paper lanterns, and in Seoul a large lantern parade moves through the streets near Jogyesa Temple. It is one of the most photogenic events in the country and less hectic than the cherry blossom season.
Boryeong Mud Festival (July, Daecheon Beach) — the mudflats near Boryeong on the west coast are the site of what has become a surprisingly popular festival: mud pools, mud wrestling, mud slides, and beach parties. The mineral-rich mud is genuinely good for your skin. Very popular with expats and younger travelers.
Andong Maskdance Festival (late September–early October) — Andong in North Gyeongsang Province hosts this traditional festival of mask dance performances drawn from Korea and around the world. It is one of the more serious cultural festivals, rooted in a specific local tradition, and worth the detour from Gyeongju.
Busan International Film Festival (October) — Asia's most important film festival, running since 1996, draws directors and films from across the continent. The venues are scattered around Haeundae and the new Cinema Center. Worth attending even if you only catch a handful of screenings.
Seoul Lantern Festival (November–December, Cheonggyecheon Stream) — illuminated sculptures line the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream through central Seoul. A good reason to visit after peak tourist season.
Pyeongchang Trout Festival (January–February) — ice fishing on a frozen river, with the option to catch trout bare-handed through holes in the ice. Peculiar and fun. There are warming tents, soju, and barbecued fish.