Festival & Event Calendar — Nationwide Festivals in Chronological Order

Festival & Event Calendar — Nationwide Festivals and Events in Chronological Order

Here is a chronological guide to festivals and events happening across Korea, all in one table. Alongside major seasonal festivals, you will find date-specific happenings such as exhibitions, night openings, ticketed concerts, and downtown pop-ups. Dates are based on official announcements and press releases for 2026; past events are archived in the "Past Events" table below. Click through each link for detailed travel info, schedules, transportation, and booking tips.

Ongoing and Upcoming Events — October to December 2026

October is the peak festival month of the year. With Hangeul Day (October 9) falling on a Friday, the three-day weekend (October 9–11) sees overlapping festivities: the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival, Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, Hoengseong Hanwoo Festival, and LetsRun Park Autumn Festival all take place simultaneously. The following weekend (October 15–18) brings another wave of regional specialties in Ganggyeong, Gochang, and Yangyang. By late October, chrysanthemum festivals take center stage. The Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival opens on October 23, and the Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival kicks off on October 31, overlapping over the October 31–November 1 weekend. As November rolls in, mega regional festivals wind down, giving way to the Busan Fireworks Festival, autumn foliage, and illuminated light events. To view the autumn schedule month-by-month, check out the Autumn Festival Calendar; for holiday travel routes, see Hangeul Day Long Weekend Getaways.

Monthly Overview — A Year at a Glance

Highlights by Region

Busan — Kicks off in June with the Gwangalli Eobang Festival and Busan Port Festival, followed by Pokémon Mega Festa and Waterbomb Busan in July and August, the Busan Biennale spanning August to November, and culminates with the Busan Fireworks Festival in November. See 2026 Busan Summer Travel Guide for summer itineraries and Busan for city guides.

Gangwon — Features the Gangneung Danoje Festival and Donghae Lavender Festival in June; the Taebaek Sunflower Festival, Gangneung National Heritage Night Tour, and Waterbomb Sokcho in July and August; followed by the Hoengseong Hanwoo Festival and Yangyang Pine Mushroom & Salmon Festival in October. Mt. Mindungsan's silver grass waves throughout the autumn. See Gangwon-do for regional travel tips.

Seoul — Runs the Seoul Outdoor Library from spring through autumn, Yeowoorak Festival and Seoul Summer Beach in July, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival in September, the Seoul Silver Grass Festival in October, and the Seoul Lantern Festival in December. For summer routes, check out Seoul Summer Festival Guide.

Chungcheong, Jeolla & Gyeongsang — Chungnam is home to the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival, Boryeong Mud Festival, and Ganggyeong Fermented Seafood Festival. Jeonbuk hosts the Muju Firefly Festival, Gochang Moyangseongje, and Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival. Jeonnam features the Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival. Gyeongbuk offers the Andong Wolyeong Night Tour and Andong Maskdance Festival. Gyeongnam shines with the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival and Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival, while Ulsan hosts the Ulsan Shipbuilding & Marine Festival.

Past Events — June to September 2026

Most annual events return around the same time each year. Use these dates as a rough guide for planning next year's trips, but always verify confirmed dates via official announcements 1–2 months prior to the event.

Choosing by Festival Type

• Nighttime Highlights — Lantern festivals, fireworks displays, National Heritage Night tours, and winter illuminations. Since the main attractions begin after sunset, check public transit and last shuttle schedules beforehand.
• Food & Harvest Festivals — Hoengseong Hanwoo beef, Ganggyeong fermented seafood, Yangyang pine mushrooms & salmon, Daegu Chimac (chicken & beer). Hands-on workshops and tastings often require advance reservation.
• Heritage & Performing Arts — Gangneung Danoje, Andong Maskdance Festival, Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, Yeowoorak Festival. Check performance timetables in advance to avoid missing headline shows.
• Flora & Landscapes — Lavender, lotus blossoms, sunflowers, silver grass, and chrysanthemums. Real-time bloom reports matter more than official opening dates.
• Ticketed Concerts & Music Festivals — Waterbomb, Pentaport Rock Festival. Ticketing phases and entry rules vary significantly by event.
• Exhibitions & Extended Programs — Busan Biennale, Seoul Outdoor Library. Running across multiple months, these allow you to visit on quiet weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

How to Check Unconfirmed Event Schedules

Many regional festivals announce their final dates just 1–2 months before opening. The most reliable sources are local municipal culture/tourism portals and official festival websites. Outdoor events may be delayed or cancelled due to heavy rain or wind, so it is wise to double-check notices on the morning of your trip. If you need to secure lodging early, opt for free cancellation options until dates are officially locked in.

Verified Sources

• Busan Fireworks Festival Official Overview: https://busanfireworks.com/bbs/content.php?co_id=overview
• Seoul Silver Grass Festival (Seoul Metropolitan Government Festivals): https://festival.seoul.go.kr/festival/main/festivalView.do?festacode=683
• Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival Official: https://yudeung.com/
• Gimje Horizon Festival Official: https://festival.gimje.go.kr/
• Seoul International Fireworks Festival Schedule (Hangang Parks): https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/eventMng/detail.do?evntSn=454&mid=538&srchType=list
• Mt. Myeongseongsan Silver Grass Festival (Asia Economy, Jul 22, 2026): https://view.asiae.co.kr/article/2026072209583212206
• Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival (VisitKorea): https://korean.visitkorea.or.kr/kfes/detail/fstvlDetail.do?fstvlCntntsId=ce41cc99-42cf-4556-a3cf-f593b2736ab4
• Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival (Bridge Economy, Sep 28, 2026): https://www.viva100.com/article/20260928500580
• Other event dates reflect official announcements and press reports referenced on their individual guide pages.

Last verified: 2026-10-04