South Korea — Events
Changing of the Palace Guard
At 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.
White Day
On 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.
Seoul International Marathon
One 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.
Hi Seoul Festival
Seoul’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 artistic fireworks, a village of big-top theaters, parades, a farm experience in the city, picnic on the bridge, and the Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber music.
Lotus Lantern Festival
The 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.
Modafe Dance Festival
The Modafe International Modern Dance Festival has been held annually for over 25 years, featuring new trends and directions in Asian and international modern dance. The festival has grown over the years to become the Mecca of contemporary dance in Asia, attracting many foreign dance companies and artists. Most recently it has expanded to include the fields of contemporary art, film, architecture and drama, encompassing workshops, exhibitions and performances.
Pentaport Rock Festival
Summer in Seoul brings a number of the world’s top rock bands to the Korean peninsula for the Pentaport Rock Festival in Incheon. The festival is usually held at the end of July and is scheduled to coincide with Japan’s Fuji Rock Festival. Visitors to Korea are able to enjoy many of the bands and artists scheduled to play at the more expensive Japanese festival for half the price. The Pentaport Rock Festival is held over three days, camping facilities are available and concert goers are advised to pack raincoats and gumboots.
Seoul Medicinal Herb Market Festival
Features 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.
Seoul Drum Festival
The 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.
Busan International Film Festival
The Pusan international Film Festival is South Korea’s biggest film festival and one of top film festivals in Asia. The festival focuses on showcasing up and coming talent from Asia but there are also many other international premieres to be seen. The festival is held at a number of venues throughout the seaside city of Busan. One of the more offbeat venues is a huge open air cinema at the Busan Yacht Club.
