Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Byulbyul Yeonhee is a gukak festival where citizens can sit back, relax, and enjoy traditional Korean culture. The performance groups who will showcase their talents to audiences were selected through a competition. As a more modern take on traditional music, the National Gukak Center Art Company aims to have Korea's traditional elements appeal to a wider audience. -Courtesy of Performing Arts Market in Seoul


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

Uldolmok was the location of a naval battle 418 years ago, when 13 naval forces of Admiral Yi Sun-sin ran into 133 Japanese Naval forces and defeated them. The Japanese Navel force was planning on continuing to Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) after they won the battle in Namhae (South) sea at Uldolmok. The residents of Jeolla-do are the hidden helpers attributed to this victory, as they brought out their food and fishing boats to help the admiral and his naval forces. This battle is called ‘Myeongryangdaecheop’. The victory put an end to the Imjin War and saved the nation of Korea, which was hang on to its independence by a thread. Jeollanam-do hosts the Great Battle of Myeongryang Festival to commemorate the victory of Myeongryanghaejeon and celebrate the spirits of Yi Sun-sin and the residents of Jeolla-do who saved the country. Various programs are prepared for visitors of all ages to give them a feel of the real historical scene.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Seogwipo-si is home to warm winter at the southernmost point of Jeju Island and holds the Seogwipo Penguin Swimming Festival to welcome each new year.The festival aims to ring in the new year through boot camp activities making it an unusual festival that people really enjoy.Jungmun Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Jeju Island, is the festival venue and there will be various programs and exciting activities.


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

Designated as the first Slow City in Asia, Cheongsando in Wando-gun hosts the annual Cheongsando Slow Walk Festival. The festival is held every April, which is the best time of the year to enjoy the canola blossoms and barley with the sea in the background. During the festival, visitors can participate in various cultural events and exhibitions, and enjoy the spring scenery.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

The Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival will be held in Maryang-ri, Seo-myeon, Seocheon-gun. Visitors can enjoy the sight of blooming camellia flower trees and fresh caught baby octopus from the West Sea. Various events will be held such as baby octopus fishing, a Seocheon retrospective photo exhibition, local agricultural product sales, music performances, and more.


Chungcheongnam-do(Gongju-si)

Gongju National Museum is holding a Seollal·Daeboreum Tradition & Cultural Event so that visitors can celebrate Seollal and Daeboreum with their families at the museum.During the event, visitors can enjoy varied programs such as a jegichagi contest, new year's card making, folk games, and a samulnori performance.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

The annual Suwon Theatre Festival features diverse shows showcasing contemporary theater and events including an exhibition, vocal performances and citizen-led programs. The festival offers participants the opportunity to step into a historic space in the city of Suwon. The venue also features creative decorations using materials from recycled vehicles, tires and fabric. Individuals and families will be able to enjoy the range of events at the festival, located at a UNESCO World Heritage site.  


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Commemorating the event of PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and G-2 (Game-2; two years before PyeongChang 2018 Olympics), Hello PyeongChang Winter Festival will be held from February 4 to 6 around Gangneung Dano Park with various programs including an opening ceremony with performances by K-POP singers, cultural and arts groups, traditional performances themed on Gangwon-do traditional culture, World DJ festival, cultural art performance by EATOF (East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum), and professional arts groups’ performances. Reservation for the festival is available through the official website. Individual foreign guests are also able to make a reservation for the festival. In addition to the pre-welcoming ceremony, PyeongChang Connected Test Events will be held with Jeongseon Alpine Ski Contest, PyeongChang Bogwang Snowboard Contest and Pyeongchang Freestyle Ski Contest. Other festivals in Gwangwon-do including PyeongChang Winter Music Festival, (Feb 25-28, Alpensia and Yongpyong), Daegwallyeong Snow Festival (Jan 15-Feb 10, areas of Hoenggye-ri, Daegwallyeong-myeon) and PyeongChang Godeureum Festival (Jan 15-24, Areas of No.2 bridge of Joyanggang River, Jeongseon-eup) will offer more of the winter atmosphere to visitors.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

The Yeongju Seonbi Culture Festival takes place from early to mid May every year at the Seonbichon Village and Korean Seonbi Culture Training Center in Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si. A celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony is held on the first day, marking the beginning of the festivities. Other activities included a calligraphy performance, Seonghaksipdo Pangakgoyje ceremony and a bibimbap performance added more fun and entertainment to the first day. Following the opening celebration, a special parade entitled ‘Shinbaram Street Parade’ inspired by the ideals, spirit and patriotism of Sambong Jeong Do-Jeon (one of the major figures in Yeongju) takes place. Other festival events include Jangseong (traditional totem pole) sculpting competition, Sobaeksan Mountain Trail Hiking, Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) Cooking Competition, traditional wedding ceremony for multi-cultural families, Hanbok (Korean traditional costume) fashion show, writing contest, children’s Seonbi exercise presentation, traditional head of the family cuisine exhibition, and a concert at an time-honored traditional house. Details on programs are subject to change for each year.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

G-Star 2012 is a global game exhibition taking place from November 8th through 11th at BEXCO in Busan. It is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) of Korea together with the Busan Municipal City, and aims to improve the domestic game industry and introduce new gaming trends and the latest technologies. This year, 434 companies from 31 countries (the largest scale to date) will participate in the event under the theme of ‘Game, Touching the World’ Along with the game exhibition, there will be various programs including a business consulting session, recruitment fair, networking party, seminars and talks, game zone, Korea-China Game Culture Festival and so on. Admission is 6,000 won for adults and 3,000 won for children. Tickets are available online (Interpark) and at the door.