Ring in the New Year at Korea’s Southernmost Tip: Ttangkkeut Sunset & Sunrise Festival

🗓️ December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025

Celebrate the transition from 2024 to the Year of the Blue Snake (Eulsa year) at Korea’s iconic Land’s End (Ttangkkeut), the southernmost point of the Korean peninsula! This New Year’s Eve bash offers a unique blend of traditional Korean festivities and modern entertainment, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the setting sun and rising dawn.

What Awaits You at Ttangkkeut?

This isn’t your average New Year’s celebration. The Ttangkkeut Sunset & Sunrise Festival offers a vibrant mix of experiences:

1. Electrifying Performances: Get ready to groove to the sounds of Heogak, DickPunks, and Park Kang-soo at the Ttangkkeut Music Concert. Don’t miss the dazzling street performances featuring fire shows, bubble artistry, and balloon creations. The countdown to the new year culminates in a spectacular fireworks display!

2. Embrace the New Year with Tradition: Craft hope ribbons, pen down your New Year’s resolutions and family mottos, and get a glimpse into your future with a tarot card reading. Experience the warmth of hope candle making and engage in traditional Korean folk games.

3. Delicious Eats: Indulge in a variety of local delicacies at the Ttangkkeut Youth Pojangmacha (food stalls). Warm up with a comforting bowl of Tteokguk (rice cake soup) for just 2,500 won.

4. Explore and Commemorate: Receive a special Year of the Blue Snake souvenir when you visit Ttangkkeut Tower. Embark on a stamp rally adventure, leading you through Ttangkkeut Tower, World’s End Park, the Observatory, and the Marine Natural History Museum.

Location and Details

📍 Address: 42 Ttangkkeut Maeul-gil, Songji-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do

🛏️ Accommodation near the event:

💰 Fee: Free (some programs are paid)

📞 Inquiries: 061-530-5159~5160

🖥️ Homepage: http://tour.haenam.go.kr

What is Ttangkkeut?

Ttangkkeut, translating to "Land’s End" in Korean, is a village at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, in Haenam County, South Jeolla Province. Its coastal scenery is notable for both natural beauty and cultural relevance. The village is a popular destination for its sunrise and sunset views, particularly during the Ttangkkeut Sunset & Sunrise Festival. This festival draws visitors who gather to see the first sunrise of the new year, appreciating its geographical marker and tradition. With its peaceful landscape, Ttangkkeut offers an environment well-suited for reflection and is a meaningful site for those considering new ventures or personal milestones.

Dive into Winter Fun at the Smelt Festival!

🗓️ Mark your calendars: December 21, 2024 – February 16, 2025

Get ready for a unique winter experience at the Smelt Festival! More than just fishing, this festival offers a chance to embrace the chilly season and create lasting memories. Try your hand at smelt fishing and savor the taste of freshly fried smelt. This year, we’re adding a special twist: free sledding if the ice freezes thick enough! Plus, cozy up and fish in comfort from our heated bungalows.

What makes this Smelt Festival special? This year, we’re adding the thrill of sledding (weather permitting) to our lineup of winter activities, making it a truly unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Here’s what awaits you:

• Main Attraction: Smelt Fishing – Test your angling skills and experience the thrill of the catch!
• New This Year: Sledding (weather permitting) – Glide across the ice for a truly exhilarating winter adventure!
• Family Fun: Free Smelt Dip Net Experience for Children and Left-Handed Dip Net Experience for Women – A fun and engaging activity for all ages.
• Delicious Treats: Smelt Fries and Snacks – Warm up with crispy, delicious smelt fries and other tasty treats.
• Warm and Cozy: Bungalow Rentals – Enjoy smelt fishing in comfort, sheltered from the elements.

📍 Location: 37-48, Gobigogae-ro 741beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

🛏️ Find Accommodation Near the Festival

💰 Admission Fees:

• Adults: 15,000 won
• Children (36 months – Elementary School): 8,000 won
• Infants (Under 36 months with supporting documents): Free

📞 Contact: 010-9483-1366

🖥️ Website: http://www.ssfestival.co.kr

What is Smelt Fish?

Smelt fish are small, silvery fish found in both freshwater and marine environments in the northern hemisphere. They have a delicate texture and mild flavor, making them a popular choice for culinary dishes, often prepared fried or grilled. Smelts are anadromous, migrating from saltwater to freshwater to spawn, usually in colder months. This migration ties them to winter activities and festivals, such as the Incheon Smelt Festival, where communities partake in smelt fishing. The seasonal fishing not only provides the enjoyment of a fresh catch but also fosters communal gatherings centered around preparing and sharing meals.

Connect with Korea’s Living Legacy at the Intangible Heritage Festival!

🗓️ September 28th, 2024

Get ready to experience the vibrant pulse of Korean culture at the Intangible Heritage Connecting Festival in Jeonju! This one-day event bridges the past and present, showcasing Korea’s rich traditions in exciting and modern ways. Join us for a day of music, crafts, games, and unforgettable experiences!

What Awaits You:

1. Intangible Heritage Fusion Concert ‘Shinrak’: Prepare to be mesmerized by a unique fusion concert at Gyeonggijeon Plaza. Local Pansori masters will collaborate with a chamber orchestra and percussionists, creating a captivating performance that blends tradition with contemporary sounds.

2. Intangible Heritage Busking ‘PAN908’: Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Korean music at the mini stage of Gyeonggijeon Plaza. Enjoy captivating performances featuring percussion, theatre, Pansori, Gayageum, and Daegeum.

3. Traditional Craftsmanship Up Close: Meet the masters! Learn from intangible cultural heritage artisans, including master carpenters and fan makers, who will be demonstrating their skills and sharing the stories behind their crafts.

4. Modern Twists on Tradition: Explore how Korea’s intangible heritage is being reinterpreted for the modern age through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

5. Event Zone & Free Gifts: Snap a photo, share it on social media, and spin the roulette wheel for a chance to win a small gift! Free photo printing services will be available.

6. Intangible Heritage Flea Market: Discover unique handcrafted treasures and hear the stories of the artisans at over 30 vendor booths. Find a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home!

7. Traditional Folk Games: Rediscover the joy of traditional Korean folk games. Learn the rules and join in the fun!

Event Details:

📍 Location: 44 Taejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do (Pungnam-dong 3-ga)

💰 Admission: Free

📞 Inquiries: 070-4750-5076

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

🖥️ Homepage:

Experience the Vibrant Streets of Seongbuk at the Dada Festa!

Date: September 28th, 2024

Immerse yourself in the dynamic street culture of Seongbuk-gu at the 2024 Seongbuk Street Culture Festival, affectionately known as the Dada Festa! This vibrant, locally-focused festival showcases the unique charm of Seongbuk’s streets and its diverse community. Co-created with local universities, youth, residents, artists, multicultural families, and immigrants, the Dada Festa offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exotic cuisine and captivating performances to engaging art markets and interactive activities. Spanning a 200-meter stretch in front of Seokgwan Elementary School, the festival is brought to life by its charming mascots, ‘Dol-i’ and ‘Meng-i’.

Discover the Six Zones of Dada Festa:

1. Performance Dada: Enjoy a diverse array of cultural arts performances presented by talented multicultural performance teams, local university students, and emerging young artists.

2. Dada Art Market: Discover unique treasures and support local talent at the youth art market, showcasing the works and goods of budding young artists and university students.

3. Local in Dada: Connect with the heart of the community! This zone provides a platform for local institutions, organizations, and resident groups to showcase their activities and contributions.

4. Dada Food Market: Embark on a culinary adventure! Savor a variety of multicultural foods and experiences presented by multicultural families and marriage immigrants, fostering connection and cultural exchange with local residents.

5. Dada – Simple Market: Support local businesses and discover hidden gems at the Simple Market, featuring vendors from around Dolgoji-ro, neighboring small business owners, local groups, and communities.

6. Dada Land: Dive into interactive experiences and engaging events led by university students, resident clubs, and local artists. Dada Land offers a playground of fun activities for all ages.

Event Details:

• Location: Seokgwan-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 02-6906-3106
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dada_festa
• Website: Seongbuk Street Culture Festival <Dada Festa> Homepage

Catch the Wind at Daegu’s Geumhogang River Wind Sound Road Festival

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of community and culture at the Geumhogang River Wind Sound Road Festival, taking place from September 28th to 29th, 2024! This annual festival, a beloved tradition in Daegu’s Buk-gu district, transforms the scenic banks of the Geumhogang River into a buzzing hub of music, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.

This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience with six themed zones designed to engage visitors of all ages:

1. Music Zone: Let the rhythm move you with electrifying performances throughout the festival!
* Opening Celebration Performance
* Closing Band Concert
* Geumhogang Flash Mob
* Geumhogang Song Festival
* Buk-gu Fringe Performance

2. Pub & Hip Zone: Unwind and soak up the lively atmosphere.
* Geumhotainer Pub
* Spacing Out Rest Area
* EDM Party (Masquerade Ball)
* Music DJ
* Busking

3. Play Zone: Spark your creativity and explore your artistic side.
* Art Picnic (Art Playground)
* Riverside Library
* Experience and Promotion Booths
* Art Flea Market
* Sketching Contest

4. Food Zone: Tantalize your taste buds with a diverse culinary adventure.
* Naruteo Restaurant
* Food Trucks
* Byeolmudae (Auxiliary Stage)
* Buk-gu 23-dong Harmony Booth

5. Leisure Sports Zone: Engage in friendly competition and exciting activities.
* RC Yacht Competition
* Shooting Experience
* CPR Training
* Arm Wrestling Competition

6. Welcome Zone: Start your festival journey with a warm welcome and engaging activities.
* Welcome Gate
* Geumho Tiger Boat
* Seon Yupyeongsang (floating platform)
* Recycled Robot RePo
* Paper Robot Making

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the heart of Daegu’s vibrant culture!

Event Details:

• Dates: September 28th – 29th, 2024
• Location: Sangyeok-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City
• Admission: Free (some activities may require a fee)
• Contact: 053-320-5120
• Website: www.hbcf.or.kr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happy_bukgu

2024 Happy JOY Day: The Reason for Existence

This October, get ready to experience an unforgettable evening with Happy JOY Day: The Reason for Existence! This exciting concert fan meeting promises a unique blend of music and interaction, creating a special memory for fans.

Event Details

• Event Type: Concert Fan Meeting
• Age Restriction: 7 years and older
• Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2024
• Time: 7:00 PM KST
• Venue: Myunghwa Live Hall
• Address: 30 Birdnaru-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Yeongdeungpo-dong 2-ga), South Korea

Performance Schedule

The concert fan meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 3, 2024, at 7:00 PM KST.

Ticket Pricing

Tickets are priced at 66,000 KRW for designated general seating.

A Night to Remember

Happy JOY Day: The Reason for Existence offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow fans and enjoy a night filled with music and entertainment. Mark your calendars and prepare for an extraordinary experience!

Travel Back in Time at the Suncheon Naganeupseong Folk Culture Festival

🗓️ October 3rd – 5th, 2024

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at the Suncheon Naganeupseong Folk Culture Festival! Journey back 600 years to the Joseon Dynasty and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this incredible walled city. With a mix of captivating performances, hands-on activities, and cultural displays, this festival offers something for everyone.

What Awaits You?

See History Come Alive:

• Grand Opening (October 3rd): Kick off the festivities with a spectacular military band parade, a powerful large drum performance, a historical appointment procession, and a captivating opening theme performance.
• Living History (Daily): Witness fascinating reenactments of daily life in the Joseon era, including the energetic Baekjung Nori, traditional wall building demonstrations, the changing of the guard ceremony, and the impressive mounted general patrol.
• Festival Performances (Throughout the Event): Enjoy a diverse range of traditional Korean arts, from the beautiful melodies of the city choir and Pansori storytelling to the mesmerizing sounds of the Gayageum Byeongchang and the enchanting illusions of a Joseon magician. Modern creative dance performances add a contemporary touch.
• Special Performances: Don’t miss the lively Naganeupseong character performances and the captivating Changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) performance of "General Kim Bin-gil." Experience the beauty and tradition of a Joseon-era wedding ceremony.

Join the Fun:

• Be Part of the Story: Participate in a dynamic flash mob fusion historical drama and test your skills in a Yut Nori competition. Gather your strength for the large tug-of-war and witness the thrilling Ssireum (Korean wrestling) competition.

Explore & Discover:

• Ongoing Activities: Browse through the bustling food and experience booths, offering a taste of traditional Korean cuisine and crafts. Discover unique treasures at the traditional household goods exhibition and sale.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 30, Chungmin-gil, Nagan-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do

Dates: October 3rd – 5th, 2024

Admission: Enjoy a special 50% discounted rate – only 2,000 won for general adult admission!

Accommodation: Find hotels near the festival 🛏️

Contact: 061-749-8831 📞

Website: www.suncheon.go.kr 🖥️