Korea Places to Visit

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (진해군항제)

38, Beotkkot-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is one of Korea's most iconic spring festivals. It began in 1952 as a memorial ceremony honoring Admiral Yi Sun-sin and developed into a full-fledged festival in 1963. Today, the festival attracts more than two million visitors from Korea and around the world each year. During the festival season, approximately 360,000 King cherry trees burst into bloom across Jinhae, creating one of Korea's most spectacular spring landscapes. Centered around Jungwon Rotary and Bugwon Rotary, the festival features a variety of events including the eve celebration, memorial rite, and the Victory Parade. A particular highlight is the Military Band and Honor Guard Festival, a signature Gunhangje event held on Friday evenings and throughout the weekends during the festival period. Visitors also have the rare opportunity to enter the Korea Naval Academy and the Naval Base Command in Jinhae, both of which are normally closed to the public. In addition, they can visit famous cherry blossom destinations such as Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station, while exploring the century-old modern cultural heritage sites surrounding Jungwon Rotary. Together, these attractions offer a unique journey through the history, culture, and tranquil scenery of Korea’s historic naval city. Combining the beauty of cherry blossoms, the traditions of the Korean Navy, and the charm of modern history, Jinhae Gunhangje Festival offers an unforgettable celebration of spring.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)

287 Gangnam-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is an event that continues the practice of making wishes by floating colorful lanterns down the Namgang River. This practice of over 400 years originated from the Siege of Jinju in 1592. The festival begins at sunset when lanterns of various shapes and sizes are lit on the Namgang River. World Pungmul lanterns, wish lanterns, traditional lanterns, religious lanterns, and customized lanterns embroider the night with colorful lights. Fireworks and lighting shows are held against the backdrop of this beautiful night view, along with various cultural shows. The festival operates food trucks where visitors can enjoy delicious foods from around the world. ◎ The Siege of Jinju and YudeungDuring the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, yudeung (oil lanterns) were lit in the battle at Jinjuseong Fortress to stop the Japanese army from crossing the Namgang River. The lanterns were also used as a means of contacting families outside the fortress.

Jinju Traditional Crafts Biennale (2025 진주전통공예비엔날레)

18 Jinju-daero 879beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jinju Traditional Crafts Biennale explores the relationship between nature and humankind. The materials used in the craft—wood, earth, and metal—are drawn from nature and reborn through human hands and senses. By reflecting on this relationship, it reconnects the memories of tradition and modernity, time and place.

JUMP(코믹 마샬아츠 퍼포먼스 ‘점프’)

47, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

K-Gugak Stage (K-국악 스테이지)

전북특별자치도 남원시 양림길 54 (어현동) National Gugak Center Yewondang

K-Handmade Fair Busan (K-핸드메이드페어 부산)

30 APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

The K-Handmade Fair serves as a platform for exchange between creators and consumers. It is also a space where visitors can explore the market trends and sustainability of creator brands. Held annually with a unique theme, the fair provides creators with an opportunity to showcase their products, while visitors can purchase trendy, high-quality handmade goods, check out DIY kits, and take part in various hands-on experience programs.

K-Illustration Fair Busan (K-일러스트레이션페어 부산)

30 APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

The K-Illustration Fair takes place in BEXCO in Busan. The event exhibits illustration in a way that offers an inspiration to visitors' everyday life. It also acts as a platform where artists, consumers, and business partners can all connect, as well as showcase current trends in the illustration art industry.

K-Illustration Fair Magok (K-일러스트레이션페어 마곡)

143 Magokjungang-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

The K-Illustration Fair Magok takes place at the COEX Magok Exhibition Center, showcasing the influence of illustration on people’s lifestyles in both everyday life and special occasions. The fair also highlights the powerful impact of illustrated works across both online and offline marketing, as well as their continued growth as an industry. Visitors can explore the latest trends in illustration and discover the diverse world of artists.

K-Pop Cover Dance Festival World Final (K-POP 커버댄스 페스티벌 월드 파이널)

110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

The K-Pop Cover Dance Festival World Final brings together K-pop fans from around the world, offering them a chance to become the main stars on stage. Going beyond just dance, the festival provides a platform where K-pop fans worldwide can share their culture, build a global network, express their passion through dance, and connect the entire world through Korean culture and K-pop.

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The K-Royal Culture Festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

K-Vegan Beauty Fair (K-비건뷰티페어)

513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

K-vegan beauty fair provides visitors an opportunity to explore products from various vegan and climate-friendly beauty brands and participate in different events throughout the exhibition.

King Jeongjo's Royal Parade (정조대왕 능행차 공동재현)

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

King Jeongjo's Royal Parade to Hwaseong Fortress recreates one of the most remarkable events of the Joseon dynasty. In 1795, King Jeongjo traveled from Seoul to Suwon to celebrate the 60th birthday of his mother, Queen Heonui, sharing the eight-day journey with the people along the route. Based on records from the "Wonhaeng Eulmyo Jeongni Uigwe," the festival faithfully reenacts the royal procession with traditional costumes, performances, and ceremonial displays. Held through the cooperation of Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon, and Hwaseong, the event offers visitors a chance to experience the grandeur and spirit of a historic royal celebration.

Korea Art Festival (대한민국 미술축제)

57 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Korea Art Festival is the nation's largest art festival that connects the 12 major art fairs and biennales taking place nationwide. The 2025 festival takes place in September, inviting visitors to enjoy the world of art.

Le Masque(르 마스크)

서울특별시 종로구 혜화로 17 (명륜1가) et theatre 1

Lighting Festival at The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원전)

432 Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Held at the Garden of Morning Calm, the Lighting Festival was the first light festival in Korea to combine the natural surroundings with lights, covering 330 thousand square meters. Held from December to March, the environmental-friendly LED lights shine throughout the garden.

Marie Curie (마리 퀴리)

서울특별시 강남구 논현로163길 33 (신사동) Kwanglim Arts Center BBCH Hall