Korea Places to Visit

Miryang Arirang Festival (밀양아리랑대축제)

Sammun-dong, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, “Miryang Arirang” is famous for its repetitive lyrical phrase “Look at me.” The Miryang Arirang Festival is held to remember and develop this traditional piece of music. This historic event began as the Miryang Cultural Festival in 1957. The highlight of the festival is the musical Miryanggang Odyssey, where a magnificent fantasy world of light unfolds against the backdrop of Yeongnamnu Pavilion and the Miryanggang River. Visitors can also check out the historical exhibits of “Miryang Arirang” at the Arirang Exhibition, and enjoy other exhibits, activities, and performances like the Miryang Arirang Song Contest and Arirang Experience.◎ Miryang ArirangOne of Korea’s three major “Arirang,” “Miryang Arirang,” is played to cheerful and upbeat music, but the lyrics contain the tragic story of Arang, the daughter of the Miryang governor.

Mokpo Port Festival (목포항구축제)

6 Samhak-ro 92beon-gil, Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do

*The information below is based on the 2025 festivals. Details for the 2026 festivals will be updated as they become available.*“Mokpo is a port.” This phrase is familiar to Koreans as both a movie title and a popular song. Mokpo, one of three major ports in Korea, is a key center for trade and logistics. The Mokpo Port Festival recreates the traditional Pasi Market culture of Mokpo Port, offering a variety of food, entertainment, and experiences. Visitors can participate in live auctions at a ship for fresh seafood and enjoy the ocean view while grilling their purchases at the cooking station. In addition, the festival features a variety of maritime parades, navy band performances, and shows by art troupes from Mokpo’s overseas sister cities, all reflecting Mokpo’s identity as a port city.◎ Pasi MarketA market formed on the sea where merchant ships and traders gather near fishing grounds.

Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 달빛기행)

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace is a high-quality cultural event held at Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage. The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty under the moonlight.

Muju Firefly Festival (무주반딧불축제)

326-14 Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-eup, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Fireflies, beloved for their twinkling tails at night, are a precious insect designated as Natural Monument in Korea. Muju, known for its pristine environment, is a prime habitat for these enchanting creatures. The Muju Firefly Festival celebrates this natural wonder every year. Visitors can participate in various programs to experience the magic of fireflies dancing under the night sky. ◎ TipTo avoid discomfort from insects and weather conditions, it’s advisable to wear long pants and closed shoes. Be aware that weather conditions like rain or storms may affect the visibility of fireflies during the festival.

Mungyeong Chasabal Festival (문경찻사발축제)

932 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Home to many ceramic masters and artisans, Mungyeong holds the Mungyeong Chasabal (Tea Bowl) Festival every year to honor and develop traditional Korean pottery and ancestral craftsmanship. The festival holds an exhibit with more than 200 kinds of high-quality and high-end ceramics and an online auction of luxury tea bowls. There is also a performance, “A Day of a Mungyeong Potter,” in which craftsmen tell stories and provide explanations behind their tea bowls to add fun and content to the festival. Visitors can mold their own clay and make tea bowls, and children can partake in various programs, such as playing with clay and performing a tea ceremony.◎ ChasabalChasabal, also known as dawan, is a bowl used for drinking tea. Mungyeong’s traditional tea bowl is made in a firewood kiln called “Mangdaengi,” which uses wood rather than modern gas or electric kilns to make a fire.

Mungyeong Omija Festival (문경오미자축제)

20-1 Beoljaejangteo-gil, Dongno-myeon, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Mungyeong Omija is produced in a clean environment at an altitude of 300-700 meters with eco-friendly methods in the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. It has been designated as the only Omija Special Industrial Zone in the country, producing about 45% of the Omija production of the country.

Music in PyeongChang (평창대관령음악제)

325 Solbong-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Music in PyeongChang is dedicated to inspire the audience with the passion for music and build a foundation for future musicians. The festival welcomes all who love music with a variety of music programs that take place among the beautiful nature of Gangwon State.

N Seoul Tower Global Night Walk (N서울타워 글로벌 나이트워크)

100-115 Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 백범광장

The N Seoul Tower Night Walk is a nighttime walking event that begins at Baekbeom Square and continues through the Seoul Education Research & Information Institute, Samsuni Stairs, Waryongmyo Shrine, Seokhojeong Pavilion, and the southern access road, before reaching N Seoul Tower Plaza. The program features an approximately 6-kilometer course, offering participants the opportunity to enjoy the night views of central Seoul and the surrounding landscapes of Namsan Mountain. Before and after the walk, a variety of programs are available, including warm-up stretching sessions, live performances, interactive events, checkpoint rewards, completion rewards, on-site activities, and the Namsan Night Market. Participants also receive commemorative items such as a functional T-shirt, LED armband, handkerchief, storage bag, finisher’s medal, certificate, and a coupon pack.

Namhae Garlic & Korean Beef Festival (남해 마늘한우축제)

2745 Namhae-daero, Namhae-eup, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do Namhae Museum of Exile Literature

Namhae Garlic & Korean Beef celebrates Namhae’s signature agricultural products: garlic and premium Korean beef. The festival takes place at the Namhae Exile Literature Museum, with five nearby parking areas for easy access. Visitors can browse and purchase a wide range of local specialties in one place, prepared by local farmers and fishermen, and enjoy the event alongside residents. There is a shuttle bus that takes passengers back and forth between the parking lot and the festival venue.

Nanta-Jeju(난타-제주)

56-26 Seondolmokdong-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do Jeju Nanta Theater

NANTA(난타)

26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Nodeul Spring Preview Festival (노들 미리봄 페스티벌)

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Nodeul Spring Preview Festival, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is an event that combines expert talk shows and beautiful music performances. Various programs are prepared, including invited lectures, media exhibitions, talk shows, and artist performances. In addition, the festival explores how Nodeul Island can expand its purpose and cultural experiences under its new role as "Nodeul Global Art Island."

Nonsan Strawberry Festival (논산딸기축제)

339-1, Gwanchok-dong, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Held every year in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do, the Nonsan Strawberry Festival is one of Korea’s premier festivals celebrating a regional specialty. As the nation’s leading strawberry-producing area, Nonsan has built a stable production base and efficient distribution network. Building on these strengths, the festival has evolved into an industry-oriented event that integrates agriculture, food processing, and tourism. The festival features strawberry sales and tastings, hands-on experience programs, performances, exhibitions, and industry networking events. It is distinguished by the active participation of local farmers and small business owners, who play a central role in its operation. Designated as a Cultural Tourism Festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for 2026–2027, the festival is also expanding its international reach and strengthening industry partnerships in preparation for the 2027 International Strawberry Industry Expo.

October Festa in Gwangalli (옥토버페스타 인 광안리)

29 Millak-ro 6beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan

The festival takes place at Gwangalli Beach in Suyeong-gu, Busan, featuring a variety of programs that highlight the regional characteristics and lifestyle of Suyeong-gu. Visitors can enjoy workshops, exhibitions and sales from local cafes & bakeries, hands-on activities, cultural events, and performances.

Oh Slow Vintage Market (오슬로우 빈티지 마켓)

33 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Oh Slow Vintage Market is the largest vintage market in Korea for those who pursue a slow life, with numerous teams participating in the market, including vintage, antique, second-hand, flower, and small items that align with the values of "slow life." The market is characterized by vintage items and furniture that have been around for a long time and have their own unique value, as well as rare antique items that have their own history and timeless beauty. Quality second-hand clothing and miscellaneous goods provide opportunities to purchase brand products or items in good condition at reasonable prices, going beyond just low prices. The flower section includes fresh flowers and pots for adding a personal touch. Additionally, there are stylish design items and beautifully crafted handmade crafts that enrich lifestyles. Visitors can enjoy an exciting atmosphere with DJ performances and can learn about participating vintage businesses and rare vintage products in detail through a vintage docent tour.

Old Thieves(늘근도둑이야기)

서울특별시 종로구 대학로12길 22 (동숭동) 지하1층 대학로 아트포레스트 1관