South Korea is currently hosting a diverse array of cultural festivals across the country, showcasing everything from traditional performing arts to regional culinary specialties. These autumn celebrations offer visitors unique opportunities to experience Korean heritage while enjoying seasonal festivities that highlight the nation's rich cultural traditions.
The Kkotdaerim Festival is taking place through this Sunday in Gochang, North Jeolla Province, celebrating the community spirit of Gochang nongak, which has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. This comprehensive cultural event features an extensive program that includes traditional theatrical performances, street busking, academic forums, concerts, and cultural exhibitions. Festival attendees can actively participate in colorful parades, sample authentic local cuisine at numerous food booths, and engage in hands-on traditional craft experiences that preserve age-old Korean artisanal techniques.
Meanwhile, food enthusiasts are flocking to the Hongseong Namdang Port Shrimp Festival in Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province, which continues through October 20. Namdang Port has earned recognition as Korea's premier destination for autumn shrimp, attracting culinary adventurers from across the nation who come to savor the clean, rich flavor of daeha, or giant shrimp. The festival offers interactive experiences including bare-handed shrimp catching competitions and shrimp peeling contests, complemented by live musical performances, cultural shows, singing competitions, and a bustling night market that creates an energetic festive atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy spectacular sunset views over the port and witness impressive water fountain shows.
In North Gyeongsang Province, the Cheongdo Provence Light Festival continues through November 30, transforming a French-inspired village into a magical nighttime spectacle. This unique destination features more than 100 designated photo zones and charming houses that evoke the pastoral beauty of southeastern France. The festival draws inspiration from the atmospheric landscapes that captivated renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse, creating an immersive experience that celebrates both Korean creativity and European artistic heritage.
For those seeking a more serene cultural experience, Sejong National Arboretum is hosting its annual nighttime opening through October 11, providing visitors with the rare opportunity to explore romantically illuminated botanical gardens after dark. This year's event features enhanced lighting displays strategically placed throughout key areas, including the Four Seasons Greenhouse, Festival Plaza, and the Korean Traditional Garden. Weekend cultural programming adds another dimension to the experience, with orchestra performances, traditional Korean music festivals, open-air cinema screenings, and immersive story-based theatrical shows scheduled every Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. Admission prices are set at 2,500 won for adults, 2,000 won for teenagers, and 1,500 won for children.
The Yangpyeong Catfish Whiskers Festival, held in the picturesque village of Sumimaru in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, runs through September 7. This rural celebration takes place in an area renowned for its pristine water quality and presidential award-winning countryside charm. Festival activities include hands-on experiences such as catfish fishing, fruit syrup-making workshops, and all-terrain vehicle rides. Families can enjoy designated bubble play zones, scenic picnic areas, and traditional Korean meals featuring specialties like spicy fish stew. Admission fees range from 19,000 won to 49,000 won, depending on the selected activity packages and experiences.
