Seoul Korea Events: Top Festivals & Experiences You Won't Want to Miss

Explore Seoul’s vibrant events and festivals with All About Seoul, including tailored medical tourism options for a unique, immersive experience

seoul-korea-events

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government

As a travel mecca destination with an endless list of things to do, Seoul shines as one of the must-visit holiday spots for tourists. Naturally, there are tons of attractions to see, shopping sprees to be done, beauty treatments for hair and nails to receive, and more.

However, what better way to make your trip to Seoul special than taking part in a Korean festival or event that will give you a true taste of K-Culture?

Not only can All About Seoul (AAS) plan a magical trip to South Korea for you surrounding what is happening in Seoul right now, but we are also the leading K-medical tour service that will elevate your beauty and wellness by introducing you to the best medical professionals in the game.

We can help prove to you why celebrities and CEOs choose Korea for medical procedures.

6 Annual Korean Festivals To Attend In/Near Seoul

1. Seoul Lantern Festival

events in seoul korea

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Lantern Festival is held along the Cheonggyecheon stream every year at the same time as the Gwanghwamun Christmas market.

It is an exciting holiday festivity where you cannot only take in all of the lights but also enjoy the Christmas vibes and treats. It is one of the must-visit Seoul festivals towards the end of the year.

You can read more about the Seoul Lantern Festival, other events you can attend, and activities that you can do during the winter in Korea in our other article.

Seoul Lantern Festival dates: Mid-December to late January

Festival address: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Jongno District, Seoul

Seoul Lantern Festival Website

2. Seoul International Fireworks Festival

Source: Korea.net

One of the most spectacular Seoul events on the Korean festival calendar, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival is famous for drawing grand crowds every year.

It is known as Korea’s number 1 festival and is co-hosted by the conglomerate the Hanhwa Group.

Along the Han River, many Koreans and tourists alike enjoy setting up a picnic spot with friends and family and enjoying the grandiose fireworks displays through the night.

Seoul International Fireworks Festival dates: Early October

Festival address: Yeouido Hangang River Park, 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul

Seoul International Fireworks Festival website

3. K-Royal Culture Festival

Source: Yonhap News

Taking place at the five royal palaces of Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghuigung) and the Jongmyo Shrine, the K-Royal Culture Festival is an event where you can experience the previous life of Korean royalty.

seoul south korea upcoming events

Source: Seoul Festa Official

Not only will you feel like you have stepped into a time capsule of the Joseon Dynasty, but there are various exhibitions and crafts that you can experience, too.

K-Royal Culture Festival dates: Spring (late April to early May), Autumn (mid-October)

Festival address: Royal Palaces of Seoul, Jongmyo Shrine

K-Royal Culture Festival website

4. Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival

seoul-events

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is held every spring in Korea. It is one of the most anticipated events in Korea during the cherry blossom season.

Surrounding the iconic Seokchon Lake which also surrounds the picturesque Lotte World amusement park, this Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most famous in the city during the spring.

During the day you can take on over one thousand cherry blossom trees in their pink glory, and at night you can enjoy their lit-up appearance with the shining Lotte Tower as a part of the backdrop.

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival dates: Late March

Festival address: Seokchon Lake, 166 Songparanu-gil, Songpa District, Seoul

5. Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival

seoul-events-june

Source: Visit Korea

If you’re looking for an exciting day trip from Seoul, then Suwon is a must-visit tourist destination. Just an hour’s drive away from Seoul, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is held every October surrounding the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Festival dates: Early October

Festival address: 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal District, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Festival website

6. Seoul Silver Grass Festival

event-venues-in-seoul

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Silver Grass Festival is the place of your dreams if you are into taking photos that will have an impression on you for a lifetime.

It takes place at one of the prettiest parks in Seoul, with the largest population of silver grass that you can find in Seoul, perfect for taking majestic photos.

Seoul Silver Grass Festival dates: Every October

Festival address: Haneul Park, 95 Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo District, Seoul

Seoul Parks website

This is also a great spot for those who want to exercise by trekking or running. If you’re into fitness and looking fit, you could also consider adding a procedure to your medical tour like arm liposuction or buttocks reduction surgery that will target the stubborn areas that are difficult to target through exercise.

4 Must-Visit Korean Events To Attend In Seoul Every Year

1. Seoul Festa

events-happening-in-seoul

Source: Seoul Festa Official

Another event in Seoul that you simply must attend is the Seoul Festa. True to the name, it is a series of festivities and events that take place in and around Seoul, celebrating all of the city’s charms.

Held annually, the Seoul Festa has varying programs every year depending on the theme.

events-in-seoul-in-november

Source: Seoul Festa Official

Hosted in many iconic parts of the city such as Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, Noeul Park, Myeongdong, etc. you can expect essential aspects of Korean culture and entertainment such as barbecue parties, drone shows, stamp tours through tourist attractions, K-Pop concerts, and various festivals jam-packed with K-activities.

Seoul Festa dates: Every year around April or May (usually in the spring)
Event address: Various (all around Seoul)

Seoul Festa website

2. Seoul Fashion Week

music-events-in-seoul

Source: Vintage Clothing Guides

Held twice a year, Seoul Fashion Week is the most prominent fashion event in Seoul and aims to grow to a level of recognition similar to that of the world-famous Paris, London, and Milan Fashion Weeks.

During the fashion week, even if you don’t have tickets to one of the shows, you can head to DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) and witness models dressed to the nines.

There are usually photographers taking photos of these talents outside, as well. In fact, if you have modeling ambitions, you can also dress up and strike a pose, photographers may approach you to capture a once-in-a-lifetime photo of you.

kpop-events-in-seoul

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government

You might even have the opportunity to spot Korean celebrities such as NewJeans who are the ambassadors for Seoul Fashion Week.

Seoul Fashion Week dates: Annually in March and October

Event address: DDP, 281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul

Seoul Fashion website

Do you have modeling ambitions in South Korea? Or is there a model that you would like to look like?

You might consider getting some aesthetic procedures done to achieve the visuals that you have always wanted to achieve.

This might be through some procedures like facial liposuction or perhaps getting a Korean nose job.

Regardless of which procedure it is, All About Seoul is going to be your go-to for planning any of these procedures on your medical tour of Seoul.

free-events-in-seoul

3. Seoul Outdoor Library

seoul-event-calendar

Source: Korea.net

If you’re looking for free events in Seoul then this is one of the best options that will also appeal to your peace of mind.

There are three Seoul Outdoor Libraries at the moment, one in Seoul Plaza, one in Gwanghwamun Square, and one at Cheonggyecheon Stream.

In each of these places, you can find a number of bean bags, cushioned seating areas, and books on display, encouraging people to take the time to sit down and read with friends and family.

seoul-upcoming-events

Source: Seoul Festa Official

You can bring your own book or use one of the ones available as they have both Korean and English options available. They also host reading nights and film night events.

Don’t worry about visiting in the summer either as there are usually umbrellas provided to shield you from the sun.

Seoul Outdoor Library dates: April to November every year

Event address: Various but in the Jongno and Junggu Districts

Seoul Outdoor Library website

4. Palace Evening Tours

event-seoul

Source: Visit Korea

There are several evening tours of the royal palaces in Seoul available to not only experience the beauty of these historical buildings but also take in a different side of the royal grounds after dusk.

Out of the many excellent palace evening tours available, we’d highly recommend that you to visit the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour which explores the gorgeous Changdeokgung Palace and its surrounding gardens.

The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site which adds to the significance of exploring it by moonlight.

Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour dates: From September to November (may vary by year)

Event address: Changdeokgung Palace, 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul

Korea Heritage Agency website

If you’re keen on planning your trip around any of these activities on top of your medical tourism needs, then make sure to send All About Seoul an inquiry through the contact form on our website.

We have the perfect medical tour plan waiting for you!  

events-seoul

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