Modafe Dance FestivalThe Modafe international modern dance festival has been held annually for a quarter of a century, showcasing new trends and directions in modern dance in Asia and around the world. The festival has grown every year to become the Mecca of contemporary dance in Asia, attracting numerous foreign dance companies and artists. In recent years it has expanded to include the fields of contemporary art, film, architecture and drama, encompassing workshops, exhibitions and performances.
Venue: Arko Arts Theater, Mary Hall at Sogang University, Dongrang Arts
Center
Date: 11 May to 7 June 2009
Website: www.modafe.org
Lotus Lantern FestivalThe annual celebration of Buddha's birthday is a delightful experience for visitors to Seoul, who are welcome to join in the many festivities and activities that take place in and around Jongno Street and the beautiful temples of the city usually in early May each year. Included is an exhibition of wonderful traditional paper lanterns that come in every shape and size depicting various symbolic animals and objects. The associated Buddhist Street Festival is packed with activities, from folk dancing, traditional games and lantern-making lessons to temple food tastings. The culmination of all the excitement is the spectacular Lantern Parade when thousands of Buddhists carry their lanterns along Jongno Street.
Venue: Jongo Street and various temples
Date: Parade: 26 April 2009
Time: 7pm to 9.30pm
Website: www.llf.or.kr
Hi Seoul Spring FestivalSeoul's spring festival provides fun for everyone, locals and visitors alike, with a vast and varied program of events that keep the city center even more abuzz than usual, day and night. Among the events are a light show, musical and dance performances at Seoul Plaza, tea ceremonies, exhibitions of traditional costumes, fireworks, magic show, rock festival, triathlon and marathon, art exhibitions and a food fair.
Venue: Around the Seoul City Hall Plaza, Gwanghwamun Gate, Cheonggyecheon stream, and Deoksugung Palace
Date: 2 - 10 May 2009
Website: www.hiseoulfest.org
White DayOn Valentine's Day in Korea women buy chocolate for men; on White Day, a month later, it's reversed. Popular White Day gifts include white or dark chocolate, marshmallows, white clothing, jewelry or objects of sentimental value. Black Day is held on 14 April, an informal tradition where single people get together to eat Jjajangmyeon (white Korean noodles with black bean sauce), commiserating not having received gifts on Valentine's or White Day.
Date: 14 March annually.
Changing of the Palace GuardAt Daehanmun and Deoksusung Palace, visitors are invited to watch the Changing of the Palace Guard. Other highlights include a guard patrol ceremony held from Deoksugung to Sungryemun, and the Watchman Ceremony at the latter. These regal events are a must-see for 'pomp and circumstance' enthusiasts.
Venue: Sungryemun, Daehanmun and Deoksusung Palace.
Date: Daily (except Mondays)
Time: 11am to 4pm.
Seoul International MarathonOne for the sports enthusiasts, the Seoul International Marathon progresses through the heart of the city annually. The marathon attracts competitors and spectators from all over the world. Visitors should take note that relevant traffic lights are restricted for the duration of the race.
Date: 15 March 2009
Website: www.marathon.donga.com
Seoul Medicinal Herb Market FestivalFeatures of the Seoul Medicinal Herb Market Festival include Shaqman street rites, a medicinal herb exhibition, an herb-chopping competition and free consultations. Sajikdaeje is a traditional rite held at the festival to honor the land god 'Sa' and the grain god 'Jik', and to ask for peace and good harvests.
Venue: Sajik-dong Sajikan
Date: September 2009 TBA
Seoul Drum FestivalThe Seoul Drum Festival is held annually at Seoul Plaza, as well as various other venues in and around the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. This cheerful and harmonious event provides an opportunity for visitors to experience percussive arts, and showcases Seoul's history and cultural diversity.
Venue: Seoul Plaza
Date: 3 - 5 October 2009
Website: www.drumfestival.org
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