5 Must-Visit Fall Festivals in Korea

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Korea. As the temperatures drop, the mountains and fields are painted in golden hues, creating a magical backdrop that seems to invite romance and adventure. It’s the perfect time to explore the country’s outdoor wonders, and what better way to do that than by joining in the festivities? From traditional dances to vibrant lantern displays, Korea’s fall festivals offer a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment. If you’re planning a trip to Korea this fall, be sure to add one of these five festivals to your itinerary!

Andong International Mask Dance Festival

Located in the heart of Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Andong International Mask Dance Festival has been a celebration of Korea’s traditional mask dance since 1997. This annual event showcases the cultural heritage of Andong through a series of performances that include mask dances from around the world.

The festival offers visitors a chance to delve into the history and meaning behind these intricate masks, recognized as a UNESCO intangible heritage. Beyond the traditional dances, the festival is a lively affair, complete with busking performances, a flea market, street parades, musicals, and an array of activities that promise fun for the entire family.

Geumsan World Insam Festival

Insam, or Korean ginseng, has been a treasured natural remedy in Asia for centuries, renowned for its health benefits. In Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, where the best Korean ginseng is grown, the Geumsan World Insam Festival has been held every fall since 1981.

This festival is a tribute to the region’s rich history of ginseng cultivation, offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience the insam harvest firsthand. The festival also features activities like hongsam (dried insam) footbaths, facials, and cutting-edge AI-powered family content.

With a wide variety of insam products on sale, this festival is a must-visit for those interested in wellness and natural remedies.

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

Step back in time at the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, held annually at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. This fortress, built during the Joseon dynasty, is a stunning example of Korea’s architectural prowess and historical significance.

The highlight of the festival is the reenactment of King Jeongjo’s Royal Tomb Parade, a grand procession that commemorates the king’s journey to his father’s tomb. The festival also offers an array of hands-on experiences, from cooking royal cuisine to donning hanbok and trying traditional Korean archery. As night falls, a mesmerizing media art show lights up the Temporary Palace of Hwaseong Fortress, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, held every October in Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, transforms the Namgang River into a dazzling spectacle of light. This festival, centered around traditional Korean lanterns, offers a magical night-time experience with lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and themes illuminating the river and surrounding area.

Visitors can participate in lantern-making workshops, take a boat ride, or cross the river on a temporary bridge adorned with lights. The festival also features fireworks, drone light shows, and a captivating media art display, making it one of Korea’s most iconic fall festivals.

Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival

Just an hour from Seoul, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do, is known for its fertile land and high-quality produce, including rice, sweet potatoes, and peanuts. The Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival celebrates the region’s agricultural bounty and rich history. This festival is held at the old quay, where produce was once shipped to the royal kitchen during the Joseon dynasty.

Visitors can enjoy a recreated marketplace, where local produce is on sale, alongside traditional folk activities. This festival is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, offering a taste of Korea’s rural charm.