Author: Ben Jolley

Tongyeong Night Out

Date: September 27th – 28th, 2024

This event aims to revitalize nighttime tourism in Tongyeong by utilizing the city’s rich historical and cultural resources.

What to expect:

• A diverse range of nighttime attractions, entertainment, and hands-on experiences.
• A new paradigm for nighttime tourism in Tongyeong.
• Programs designed to boost the local economy and promote nighttime tourism.

Highlights:

• Nighttime tourism programs utilizing local cultural heritage resources.
• Exhibitions, workshops, performances, and interactive programs linked to traditional cultural heritage and local businesses.
• Cultural and artistic exchange programs through collaboration and fusion of traditional and contemporary art.
• Tours allowing residents and tourists to enjoy historical and cultural tourism resources at night.
• Engaging programs that bring together tradition and modernity, artisans and artists, adults and children.

Location: 20 Sebyeong-ro, Tongyeong-si

Admission: Free

Contact: +82-55-644-5222

Find us online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ty_night_on/
• Website: https://www.ty-night.com/

🗓️ August 31 ~ September 8, 2024

The Muju Firefly Festival is a celebration of ecology, featuring a diverse program of cultural events, environmental activities, artistic performances, and educational opportunities.

During the festival, visitors can:

• Embark on a magical firefly exploration tour, riding shuttle buses to prime firefly habitats.
• Discover the wonders of the Bandi Nuri Pavilion, an indoor exhibit where live fireflies can be observed year-round.
• Participate in the Namdaecheon Life Plus program, releasing fish into the Namdaecheon River and learning about the importance of ecological preservation.
• Enjoy traditional cultural performances, such as the Joseon Dynasty Royal Records Parade and the Muju Anseong Nakhwa Nori (fireworks display).

Highlights:

1. Main Programs
* Firefly Exploration Tour: Journey by shuttle bus to firefly habitats for an unforgettable encounter with these luminous creatures.
* Bandi Nuri Pavilion: Experience the magic of fireflies year-round in this dedicated indoor exhibit.
* Namdaecheon Life Plus: Engage in a hands-on activity releasing fish fry into the Namdaecheon River, fostering an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.

2. Additional Programs
* Joseon Dynasty Royal Records Parade Reenactment: Witness a historical spectacle recreating the procession of the royal records.
* Muju Anseong Nakhwa Nori: Be captivated by a traditional Korean fireworks display.
* Bandi Starry Night: Under the clear skies of Muju, join astronomy experts for an insightful guided tour of the constellations.

3. Other Activities
* Explore a variety of vendors offering local agricultural products, crafts, and delicious food.
* Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the festival with food stalls and entertainment.

📍 Location: 326-14, Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do (Deungnamu Sports Ground)

💰 Admission: Free (some activities may have fees)

📞 Contact: +82-63-324-2440

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflymuju/

🖥️ Website: www.firefly.or.kr

Seoul International Writers’ Festival

Date: September 6th – 11th, 2024

The Seoul International Writers’ Festival is a global literary event held annually since 2006, aiming to establish Seoul as a hub for the exchange between Korean and world literature. Celebrating its 13th anniversary this year, the festival, themed "Particles & Waves," will feature a variety of literary events including talks, performances, and exhibitions with writers from around the world.

Program Highlights:

1. Opening Ceremony & Lecture: Featuring lectures by Korean and international writers on the theme of "Particles & Waves," along with a celebratory performance by various artists.
2. Writers’ Dialogue: In-depth conversations between two writers, one Korean and one international, focusing on their literary works and social issues.
3. Thematic Discussions: Panel discussions with 2-3 Korean and international writers on specific literary themes and language-related topics.
4. Convergence Sessions: Interactive programs and crossover events with other genres, encouraging audience participation.
5. Exhibition: Featuring media art exhibitions and a book fair showcasing participating authors’ works throughout the festival.

Location: 29, Changgyeonggung-ro 35-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Hyehwa-dong)

Admission: Free

Contact: +82-2-312-1581

Social Media & Website:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siwf_insta/
• Website: https://www.siwf.or.kr

Beat the Heat at the Jangsu Cool Valley Festival!

🗓️ August 2nd – 11th, 2024

Escape the summer heat at Korea’s only festival held entirely in a valley! The Jangsu Cool Valley Festival takes place in the stunning natural setting of Banghwa-dong Recreational Forest in Jangsu-gun. Known for its lush forests and pristine streams, it’s the perfect place to relax and cool off.

True to its name, the "Cool Valley" Festival offers a variety of ways to beat the summer heat. Enjoy shaded areas, refreshing water activities, and cool breezes. Take a dip in the 20-meter swimming pools, zoom down waterslides, and dance the night away at the "Valley Bomb" EDM party. On opening night, witness a spectacular fireworks display, a unique sight over the valley.

When hunger strikes, indulge in delicious Korean beef barbecue, juicy meatballs, crispy fried chicken, and other tasty treats. The festival also offers a range of exciting activities, including trout fishing, underwater running competitions, temporary tattoo booths, and caricature artists.

Tickets go on sale in late June.

Here’s what you can expect:

Main Events:

• Fireworks Display
• Cool Valley "Valley Bomb" EDM Party
• Trout Fishing Experience

Other Activities:

• Water Park
• "Cool Valley Popstar" – Local Talent Show

Food and Drinks:

• Korean Beef Barbecue
• Apple Beer
• DIY Gelato Kits
• Various Snacks

📍 Location: 778 Banghwadong-ro, Beonam-myeon, Jangsu-gun, Jeollabuk-do

💰 Admission:

• Festival Entrance Fee: 2,000 won
• "Valley Bomb" Party: 20,000 won
• Water Park: 2,000 won

📞 Contact: +82-63-350-2356

⭐️ Instagram:

🖥️ Website: https://www.jangsufestival.com/

Yeongdong Grape Festival

🍇 Dates: August 29th – September 1st, 2024

Every year at the end of August, the Yeongdong Grape Festival takes place in Yeongdong, a region famous for its delicious grapes. This festival celebrates the nation’s largest grape cultivation area (2,209 hectares) and the high quality of Yeongdong grapes.

This isn’t just a festival for eating grapes! You can enjoy a variety of activities, from picking grapes yourself to making wine and juice. There are also fun experiences like grape stomping, engaging all five senses.

Located within easy reach of the Seoul metropolitan area, it’s perfect for a day trip. The festival also offers a variety of programs designed for children.

Highlights:

• Main Program: Grape sales
• Side Programs: Various hands-on experiences
• Visitor Participation: Grape picking, grape stomping, and more

📍 Location: 117, Yeongdong Healing-ro, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

💰 Admission: Free (some activities may require a fee)

📞 Contact: +82-43-745-8918

⭐️ Instagram:

🖥️ Website: www.ydgrape.co.kr

Immerse Yourself in a Sea of Purple at the Janghang Liriope Festival!

🗓️ Mark your calendars: August 23rd ~ August 27th, 2024

Prepare to be mesmerized at the Janghang Pine Forest, a nationally renowned destination attracting over a million visitors annually. This breathtaking location boasts a sprawling 280,000 square meter pine forest carpeted with a staggering 6 million liriope flowers, creating the largest liriope colony in all of Korea.

The festival offers a feast for the senses, where the vibrant purple hues of the liriope flowers blend seamlessly with the lush green pine forest and the azure waters of the sea. Indulge in the wonders of nature while savoring a variety of delectable treats, making this event a signature festival of Seocheon County.

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

1. Performances:

• Grand Opening Ceremony
• Official Events
• Jazz & Craft Beer Festival

2. Engaging Experiences:

• Therapeutic Healing Classes
• Photography Contest
• Liriope Farm Party
• Eco Playground

3. Additional Delights:

• Local Food Stalls
• Craft Beer Booths
• Agricultural Products & Souvenirs
• Pop-Up Stores

📍 Location: 58-48, Songnim-ri, Janghang-eup, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

💰 Admission: Free

📞 Contact: +82-41-950-4020

⭐️ Follow us on Instagram:

🖥️ Visit our website: www.seocheon.go.kr

Fall in Love at the Yongseol Lake Festival

Experience the magic of the "Love at Yongseol Lake Festival," a family-friendly event held every weekend from July 20th to October 20th, 2024. Enjoy a diverse lineup of indoor and outdoor activities, from bouncy houses and captivating performances to delicious food and unique artisan crafts.

When & Where:

• Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday, July 20th – October 20th, 2024 (10 weekends total)
  • July: 20th-21st
  • August: 17th-18th
  • September: 21st-22nd
  • October: 5th-6th & 19th-20th
• Time: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Yongseol Artspace, 101 Yongseolhosu-gil, Jukssan-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do

Admission: Free (Fees may apply for some activities and food)

Contact: 031-676-9512 / 010-7265-7458

Connect Online:

• Website: Yongseol Lake Festival
• Instagram: Follow @anseongtheatre

Festival Highlights:

1. Yongseol Art Market & Interactive Art Experiences

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art at the Yongseol Art Market and participate in engaging art experiences for all ages.

• Dates & Times: July 20th – October 20th, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Yongseol Artspace Outdoor Area

Art Market Treasures:

Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from local artisans:

• Quilts, embroidery, accessories, jewelry
• Dried flower crafts, resin coasters
• Homemade fruit preserves, nuts, and snacks
• Handmade accessories
• Smartphone photo printing
• Knitted bags, accessories, and pet supplies
• Fabric crafts and pet clothing
• Various topiaries
• Wildflowers and bonsai trees

Interactive Art Experiences:

Unleash your creativity with hands-on activities:

• Picture tower building
• Baby character painting
• Sublimation transfer experience
• Sensory development fish & whale painting
• Pressed flower notebook making
• Hello Kitty Madeleine & Pepero making
• DIY herb sachet & beaded bracelet making
• Photo booth decoration
• Finger knitting bracelet making
• Keychain making
• Terrarium making

Special On-site Events:

• Temporary tattoos for kids
• Photo printing service
• Wishing tree event
• Balloon event
• Bonus: Enjoy these events for free by participating in 3 or more art experiences or by sharing your festival fun on social media using the event hashtag!

2. Grand Opening Ceremony

Join us for a festive celebration to kick off the Yongseol Lake Festival!

• Date & Time: July 20th, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
• Location: Yongseol Artspace Indoor Performance Hall

Ceremony Highlights:

• Pre-show: Spectacular Magic Juggling Show
• Congratulatory performance
• Official ceremony
• Commemorative photo session and outdoor booth tour

3. Cultural Performances: A Feast for the Senses

Experience a diverse range of captivating performances throughout the festival.

• Dates & Times: July 20th – October 20th, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Yongseol Artspace Indoor Performance Hall & Outdoor Stage

Indoor Performances (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM):

• July 20th (Sat): Spectacular Magic Juggling Show
• July 21st (Sun): Bubbleman’s Fantastic Bubble Show
• August 17th (Sat): My Cotton Candy Man
• August 18th (Sun): Silent Comedy Mime Show
• September 21st (Sat): Baby Character & Talking Tree Show
• September 22nd (Sun): Spectacular Magic Juggling Show
• October 5th (Sat): Touching Sand Art Performance
• October 6th (Sun): Dream Magic Show
• October 19th (Sat): Laughter & Emotion Filled Ventriloquism Show
• October 20th (Sun): Bubbleman’s Fantastic Bubble Show

Outdoor Performances (12:30 PM – 4:30 PM):

Enjoy a vibrant mix of live music and entertainment throughout the day:

• Magic, musicals, instrumental performances, pop music, instrumental music, haegeum, jazz, yodeling, saxophone, band, fusion pop, and more

4. Bouncy House Fun Zone

Let the little ones bounce to their heart’s content in our themed bouncy house zone!

• Dates & Times: July 20th – October 20th, 11:40 AM – 4:20 PM
• Location: Yongseol Artspace Lawn

Monthly Bouncy House Themes:

• July: House Play
• August: Penguin Castle
• September: Animal Zoo Slide
• October: Jurassic World

Session Times:

• 1st: 11:40 AM – 12:20 PM / Exit & Cleanup: 12:20 PM – 12:40 PM
• 2nd: 12:40 PM – 1:20 PM / Exit & Cleanup: 1:20 PM – 1:40 PM
• 3rd: 1:40 PM – 2:20 PM / Exit & Cleanup: 2:20 PM – 2:40 PM
• 4th: 2:40 PM – 3:20 PM / Exit & Cleanup: 3:20 PM – 3:40 PM
• 5th: 3:40 PM – 4:20 PM / Exit & Cleanup: 4:20 PM –

Please Note:

• First-come, first-served basis. Once capacity is reached, a waiting list will be available.
• Limited capacity per session for safety reasons.
• Please adhere to the exit times for everyone’s safety.

5. Seasonal Participation Event: Catch the Surprise Gift!

Join the fun and see if you can snag a surprise gift!

• Dates & Times: July 20th – October 20th
• Location: Yongseol Artspace Outdoor Stage

6. Food & Food Trucks & Photo Zones: Delicious & Delightful

Indulge your taste buds and capture memories at our food stalls and photo zones.

• Dates & Times: July 20th – October 20th, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Yongseol Artspace Outdoor Area

Food Stalls & Food Trucks:

• Cotton candy, fire pit pizza, hotteok (sweet pancakes), snacks, drinks, noodles, chicken skewers, ice cream, corn dogs, tornado potatoes, and more

Please note: All performance schedules and content are subject to change.

Gangneung International Youth Arts Festival

🗓️ Dates: July 30th – August 11th, 2024

Launched in 2002, the Gangneung International Youth Arts Festival is a celebration of "Culture of the Century, Exchange of Youth, and Eternal Friendship." Every year, over 500 young artists from around 10 countries gather to participate in this vibrant festival.

The festival provides a unique platform for young people worldwide to showcase their talents through performances, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a chance to build lasting friendships and experience the beauty of Korean culture.

Beyond the captivating performances and exhibitions, the festival offers a variety of activities, including:

• Exploring local attractions
• Enjoying summer fun at the beach
• Participating in cultural exchange parties

These experiences allow international youth to connect with Korean culture and find inspiration in its artistic heritage.

Highlights:

• Main Program: Performances by international youth groups and art exhibitions.
• Side Program: Cultural exchange events (August 7th-8th).

📍 Location: Imdangdong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

💰 Admission: Free

📞 Contact: +82-33-642-7145

⭐️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gijaf__2023/

🖥️ Website: http://www.gijaf.org/

Muan Lotus Festival

Date: July 25th – 28th, 2024

The Muan Lotus Festival is one of the most representative summer festivals in South Jeolla Province, and the largest lotus festival in Korea. First held in 1997, the festival takes place every summer at the Hoesan White Lotus Pond in Ilroeup-myeon, Muan. Covering a vast 100,000 pyeong (approximately 82 acres), the pond is filled with lush green lotus leaves and pristine white lotus flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle of natural beauty. The festival offers a variety of events for visitors to enjoy.

Highlights:

1. Main Programs:

• Lotus Art Festival, Fireworks & Harmony Concert, and other performances

2. Sub-events:

• Hwangto Village Cooking Contest, Lotus Art Contest, Children’s Reading Golden Bell, and more

3. Visitor Participation Programs:

• Hands-on activities like lotus accessory making, handkerchief dyeing, and face painting, as well as the "Moonlight Walk Under the Lotus" and other main and sub-event programs.

4. Other Amenities:

• Water park, auto camping site, petting zoo, and other permanent facilities

Location: 333 Baengnyeon-ro, Ilroeup-myeon, Muan-gun, South Jeolla Province

Admission: Free (some programs may require a fee)

Contact: +82-61-450-5472

Instagram:

Website: https://tour.muan.go.kr