Festival Hopping in South Korea: 6 Unforgettable Events for Summer, Autumn & Winter

From water-logged music raves to one-of-a-kind mud and ice festivals, there’s no doubt that South Korea knows how to stage an unforgettable event. Spring and cherry blossom season may have come to a close, but the rest of the year still has so much in store. Truly, 2024 is primed to be another spectacular year for travellers in South Korea, with every season promising something you’ve never seen before. Carefree summer parties, luminous autumn festivities, and winter sporting events — here are a handful of our favourite festivals in South Korea for every season.

Sun-soaked summer festivals in South Korea

1. Waterbomb Festival 2024 – Multiple places

Image credit: Waterbomb Festival Official Website

When in 2024: 5–7 July (Seoul), 13 July (Jeju), 20 July (Daegu), 27 July (Busan), 3 August (Incheon), 10 August (Daejeon), 17 August (Sokcho), 24 August (Suwon), 31 August (Gwangju)

With K-pop taking over the world, it’s not at all surprising that South Korea is home to some of the most exciting music festivals around the world. But in the sizzling summer heat? The iconic Waterbomb Festival 2024 is undoubtedly on top of our list.

As the name suggests, Waterbomb Festival is the most refreshing summer K-pop festival in the country. Giant water cannons spray the musical performers, DJs, and festival-goers with water non-stop as they dance and party to incredible music. There are even organised water fights throughout the day! For pyro-enthusiasts, stay till the evening when fireworks light up the sky. Staged across South Korea from Seoul to Jeju, Waterbomb is truly one of the must-do events for summer. 

Image credit: Waterbomb Festival Official Website

And of course, the musical acts are second to none. The event’s official Instagram account has already begun announcing the lineup for Waterbomb Festival 2024, with top-tier K-pop names such as Nayeon of TWICE, Taemin, Jay Park, and Kiss of Life slated for the Seoul leg. If you’re ready to see your favourite idols belt out their hits while getting soaked in the summer sun, then you better not miss this one! It’s one of the K-pop festivals that has been so successful that it’s even getting staged in destinations outside South Korea, including Japan, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Dubai. 

Other great music festivals in South Korea this summer include the 18-day Daegu International Music Festival in Daegu (21 Jun–8 Jul 2024) and the 2024 ACC World Music Festival in Gwangju (30 Aug–1 Sep 2024).

2. Boryeong Mud Festival – Boryeong

Image credit: Boryeong Mud Festival | Official Facebook Page

When: 19 July – 4 August 2024

Embrace your inner child and play in the mud at the Boryeong Mud Festival. The carefree summer festival promises a one-of-a-kind experience on Daecheon Beach in the city of Boryeong — an event where you can truly let loose. 

Boryeong Mud Festival or Mudfest puts mud in the centre of the festivities. In fact, the festival was originally created to promote and celebrate the mineral-rich mud from the Boryeong mud flats, used in cosmetics and skin-care products. Exhibition stalls during the festival may have some of these products on display, too! 

Image credit: Boryeong Mud Festival | Official Facebook Page

Head to the Mud Zone if you’re ready to play; here, Korean locals and foreigners get muddy with activities like mud wrestling, obstacle courses, and slides. Trust us: you’re going to get dirty. But it’s all in good, messy, and rowdy fun! Shower stalls are available for washing off, so you won’t have to worry about travelling home caked in mud. 

Not keen on getting down and dirty? There are other activities going on at the Boryeong Mud Festival if you’re not in the mood for the mud. Take the kids to play at the mud-less Children’s Zone, browse through the events hall to explore local products, and stay until nighttime for a concert at the main square. Dubbed as the largest summer festival in the world, this Korean Mudfest is absolutely one of the best ways to spend a sun-soaked day in South Korea!

Best events to attend during the cosy autumn season

3. Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival — Jinju

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

When: October 2024

Tangled vibes, anyone? It’s impossible not to get caught up in the magic of autumn during the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. The annual lantern festival injects a little romance in fall as approximately 70,000 lanterns are released to float on the Namgang River. It’s a dreamy sight straight out of a movie that you’ll truly have to see to believe! 

An enchanting spectacle that pays tribute to the First Siege of Jinju when soldiers released lanterns on the river to stop Japanese forces from crossing, the lantern festival highlights the heritage and creativity of the locale. You’ll see traditional lanterns floating on the river but more eye-catching are the water lanterns that are crafted in different shapes: from phoenixes and dragons to Korean landmarks and even local historical figures. 

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

During the festival, visitors can make their own traditional lanterns too! Alternatively, red wish-lanterns will also be available for sale; write down your secret wishes, then hang them up with all the other wish lanterns in the glowing red tunnel. Afterwards, you can roam the festival grounds to sample street food delights such as rice cakes and skewers. Musical performances and historical reenactments guarantee a variety of entertainment at the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival.

Moreover, we recommend staying until the fireworks display at the end of the night. Dazzling pyrotechnics lighting up the sky and colourful lanterns setting the waters aglow — for sure, this is one of the best sights you’ll see while hopping across festivals in South Korea. 

4. Seoul International Fireworks Festival – Seoul

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

When: 5 October 2024

If you can’t get enough of fireworks, then you won’t regret making the trip to South Korea purely for festivals dedicated to brilliant pyrotechnics. One such event is the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, an annual celebration organised by Hanwha Group to showcase the best pyrotechnics that the city has to offer. Can’t wait till New Year’s Eve for your fireworks fix? Then this is an event you definitely shouldn’t miss. 

Make your way to Yeouido Hangang Park for the fireworks-fuelled event. Every year, the world’s best fireworks companies come to Seoul to show off their most spectacular creations for this festival. Be prepared for a big crowd, though — more than a million people show up each year to watch Asia’s most magnificent pyrotechnics show light up the night sky. 

Image credit: tawatchaiprakobkit via Canva Pro

Moreover, it’s not just the pyrotechnics stealing the show at the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Organisers call it a “multimedia fireworks show,” with the mix of fireworks, music, and laser lights setting the stage for a show-stopping production. 

As massive as the fireworks are, the show is visible from plenty of spots around Seoul. If being in the centre of the action isn’t your kind of thing, then head to other viewing spots, instead: Ichon Hangang Park, Nodeul Island, or Namsan Park, among others. Make a picnic out of it and bring a blanket, food and drinks, and a few friends for the best experience. 

Winter festivals for a magical season in South Korea

5. Cheorwon Hantangang Ice Trekking Festival – Cheorwon

Image credit: Seoul Tourism Organization

When: January 2025

Feeling outdoorsy? Winter is the perfect time to indulge in the great outdoors. With the cool weather and fluffy snow, we can’t imagine a more idyllic setting for adventures out in the wild. Festivals offer a great opportunity to explore the less-trodden landscapes of South Korea. If you’re in the country during winter, the Cheorwon Hantangang Ice Trekking Festival is a must-try for outdoor enthusiasts!

Lace up your boots for an 8.5km ice trekking expedition in the scenic Hantangang River area, which was named a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020. Trekkers will walk on the frozen river along the towering canyon, uniquely shaped rock cliffs, and icy fountains — a magical frosty snowscape that only emerges during wintertime.

Image credit: Seoul Tourism Organization

Whether you’re planning to trek or not, make a beeline for the main festival venue at Seungil Bridge. Winter mania has taken over here: massive snow sculptures, ice tunnels, and delicious local bites for anyone who wants to get lost in the season’s magic. Snow sledding, dog sledding, and other winter sports are also on the table! 

6. Seogwipo International Winter Sea Penguin Swimming Festival – Seogwipo

Image credit: Jeju Tourism Organization

When: 1 January 2025

Up for a winter swim? In the city of Seogwipo, locals kick off each new year with a cold swim in the ocean at the Seogwipo International Winter Sea Penguin Swimming Festival. Even though Jeju Island is probably the warmest place in South Korea to spend the winter season, it’s still a major challenge to go for a dip in the cool winter waters of Jungmun Saekdal Beach. Thousands of locals and tourists join the event each year, so there must be something enticing about the cold water!

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization

A popular New Year’s Day celebration, the swimming festival encourages participants to wash away the burdens of the past 12 months and welcome the new year afresh. Everyone is welcome to join in. If you’re healthy and fit, pack your swimwear and make your way to the popular Jeju beach for a quick dip in mid-winter. 

For travellers who aren’t keen on braving the cold waters, fret not; swimming is only one part of this fun festival. Light-hearted activities take place throughout the day, from dance competitions to wrestling events. If you’re in the city early, we recommend joining the sunrise trek up the iconic volcanic cone Seongsan Ilchulbong to witness the first time the sun emerges in the new year.

Brought to you by Korea Travel Organization