What are the major festivals celebrated in South Korea?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
South Korea is a land of festivals and celebrations, from centuries-old religious events to modern musical extravaganzas. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the country’s most important festivals – from Chuseok to Seollal to Buddha’s Birthday – so you can get a taste of the culture and traditions behind them. Stay informed about any travel restrictions or travel rules in place, as they may vary depending on your destination within the country.

Major Festivals Celebrated in South Korea:

1. Seollal (Lunar New Year)

Seollal, or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in South Korea. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, usually falling in January or February. Families come together to pay respects to ancestors, perform ancestral rites, enjoy traditional food like tteokguk (rice cake soup), play traditional games, and wear hanbok (traditional clothing).

2. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)

Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is another significant festival celebrated in South Korea. It takes place in autumn, around September or October, and is a time for families to gather and give thanks for the year's harvest. Koreans visit ancestral graves, prepare and share a bountiful feast featuring traditional dishes like songpyeon (rice cakes), and participate in folk games such as ssireum (Korean wrestling).

3. Boryeong Mud Festival

The Boryeong Mud Festival is an annual summer festival held in Boryeong, South Korea. It is a popular event that attracts both locals and tourists from around the world. Participants indulge in various muddy activities like mud wrestling, mud sliding, and mud painting, while also enjoying live music, fireworks, and beauty pageants. This festival has become a fun way to embrace the therapeutic properties of the mud found in Boryeong.

4. Lantern Festival (Jinju Namgang Yudeung)

The Lantern Festival, also known as Jinju Namgang Yudeung, is a famous autumn festival held in Jinju, South Korea. It commemorates the historic Jinju Battle and pays tribute to the spirit of the Korean people. During this festival, the city is adorned with thousands of colorful lanterns, and there are lantern parades, traditional performances, and exhibitions showcasing artistic lantern designs created by local and international artists.

5. Busan International Film Festival

The Busan International Film Festival, commonly known as BIFF, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia. It takes place annually in Busan, South Korea, showcasing a diverse range of films from different countries. BIFF not only serves as a platform for filmmakers and industry professionals but also offers the public the opportunity to enjoy screenings of various genres and engage in film-related activities.

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