Author: Emily Patel

Get Ready for an Electrifying Experience: The Gwangju Fringe Festival Returns in 2024!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable celebration of art and energy as the Gwangju Fringe Festival returns for its 9th edition from September 21st to 29th, 2024!

This year, prepare to be swept away by the dual themes of Street Arts and Street Dance. The festival will transform iconic locations like Geumnam-ro Street, the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall, and the Kimdaejung Convention Center into vibrant stages of artistic expression.

Under the intriguing banner of "A Chance Encounter with ______", the festival intertwines with the Gwangju Biennale, offering a unique lens through which to experience the city. Get ready for a captivating fusion of urban dynamism and local flavor, where everyday life transforms into art, forging connections between artists and audiences.

Here’s what awaits you:

Festival Dates & Locations:

• Street Arts Festival: September 21st – 22nd
  • September 21st: Geumnam-ro Street
  • September 22nd: Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall
• Street Dance Festival: September 28th – 29th
  • Kimdaejung Convention Center

Dive into a World of Artistic Expression:

Street Arts Festival (September 21st – 22nd):

• Performances: Be captivated by over 25 performances, featuring:
  • 10 invited acts from across Korea and around the world
  • 14 participating acts showcasing the best of Korean talent
  • 1 original production created specifically for the festival
• Side Events:
  • Experience the collaborative spirit of "Sound of the Square", a joint project with the Gwangju Biennale.
  • Witness the future of street art at the "2024 Gwangju Street Arts Fringe Academy", a mentoring program nurturing local artists.
  • Engage in thought-provoking discussions at the "Gwangju Connection Base", a forum for the Street Arts Network.

Street Dance Festival (September 28th – 29th):

• Dance Battles: Feel the heat of competition in the preliminary and final rounds of live dance battles.
  • Be blown away by special performances from renowned artists shaping the street dance scene.
• Performances:
  • Witness the culmination of talent in the final round of performances, following preliminary online video submissions and live judging.
  • Be inspired by performance showcases from the esteemed judging panel.

Festival Information:

• Location: 111 Biennale-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
• Admission: Free
• Contact: +82-62-670-7475
• Connect with us:
  • Instagram: @gwangju_fringefestival
  • Website: Gwangju Fringe Festival

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Gwangju Fringe Festival!

Journey to Nijimori: Experience the Magic of Natsu Matsuri

Date: July 27th – August 4th, 2024

Step into the enchanting world of Nijimori (Rainbow Forest) and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Natsu Matsuri, a summer festival steeped in tradition and brimming with excitement. Witness the temporary truce between the feuding Sorano and Aino clans, once allies driven apart by a bitter rift. During these joyous days, they set aside their differences to safeguard Nijimori from misfortune, praying for a season of happiness and prosperity through ritualistic duels and lively celebrations.

Festival Highlights:

Prepare to be captivated by a dazzling array of events, from the rhythmic energy of Mikoshi processions to the elegant grace of Yukata & Cosplay contests. Test your mettle in thrilling Samurai duels, raise a glass (or two!) in lively Beer drinking competitions, and surrender to the enchantment of live band performances beneath a sky illuminated by hundreds of wishing lanterns.

Event Schedule:

Time	Event
1:00 PM	Samurai Duel
2:30 PM	Beer Drinking Contest
3:30 PM	Samurai Duel Finals (Bridge Crossing)
5:00 PM	Mikoshi Procession
6:00 PM	Yukata & Cosplay Runway
7:30 PM	Live Performance
8:00 PM	Wishing Lantern Release

Don’t Miss Out:

• Interactive Samurai Duel: Choose your allegiance – Aino or Sorano – and participate in challenges to lead your clan to victory!
• Yukata & Cosplay Contest: Embrace the festive spirit! Dress to impress in your finest Yukata, Cosplay, or themed outfit and grace the runway. Prizes await the most dazzling participants.

Prizes (Awarded Daily):

• Grand Prize: One Ryokan Stay Voucher
• Gold Prize: Ten Nijimori Mizuno Cards
• Silver Prize: Two Nijimori Coins

Explore Nijimori Village:

Beyond the bustling festival grounds lies Nijimori Village, a charming haven filled with delightful shops and eateries. Discover unique treasures at the Hikari General Store, savor authentic ramen at Niji Ramen, or indulge in delectable sushi at Moriya. Quench your thirst with a cup of freshly brewed coffee at Aino Panya, browse for souvenirs at the Gift Shop, or rent a beautiful Yukata at the Costume Shop. With an array of options, including an arcade, Izakaya, LP bar, bookstore, and more, Nijimori Village promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Plan Your Visit:

📍 Location: 567-12 Cheonbosan-ro, Topdong-dong, Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
💰 Admission: 20,000 KRW
(Follow us on Instagram for discount events announced a month prior, and watch for free admission opportunities during the festival!)
📞 Contact: +82-31-857-5557
⭐️ Instagram: Follow us on Instagram
🖥️ Website: Explore Nijimori

Chill Out at Simnipo Beach: A Night for You

🗓️ Date: July 6, 2024

This event is designed to introduce the beautiful scenery of Simnipo Beach on the Incheon West Sea and offer visitors a special "chilling" experience, a time to relax and unwind.

Enjoy a variety of programs including:

• Live music on the Simnipo outdoor stage
• Yoga and Nordic walking with the stunning backdrop of the ocean
• Delicious food stalls featuring local specialties
• Photo zones to capture your memories
• Fun social media events

Highlights:

• Experience yoga or Nordic walking
• Enjoy live music performances
• Savor local delicacies at the food market prepared by residents of Nae-dong Village
• Join the Simnipo tidal flat experience (09:30 – 13:30)
• Browse the local produce stalls and discover fresh, locally-sourced goods

📍 Location: 382, Yeongheungbuk-ro, Yeongheung-myeon, Ongjin-gun, Incheon

💰 Admission: Free
* Yoga/Nordic Walking Experience: 10,000 won (pre-registration required, includes welcome food and lucky draw ticket)

📞 Inquiries: +82-32-899-7444

⭐️ Instagram:

🖥️ Website: http://십리포해수욕장.kr/12sub02.html

Sanjicheon Festival

Date: September 27th – 29th, 2024

The Sanjicheon Festival is held annually in September to promote Geonip-dong and revitalize the local economy. Sanjicheon Stream was once a lifeline for the people of the old Jeju Fortress.

The festival kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Geonip-dong Folklore Preservation Society. Visitors can enjoy various hands-on programs such as fishing for flatfish with a traditional fishing rod (chomdae), making oil rice cakes, floating wish lanterns on the Sanjicheon Stream, and carrying water with traditional water carriers. There will also be exciting performances by guest singers, a Sanjicheon singing contest, a youth dance contest, and various cultural and artistic performances. The closing ceremony will feature the Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 71, along with a boat launching ceremony.

1. Main Programs

• Sanjicheon Singing Contest
• Youth Dance Contest
• Various cultural and artistic performances

2. Side Programs

• Kim Man-deok Rice Donation Drive
• Sanjicheon Busking and Flea Market
• Booths operated by local organizations

3. Visitor Participation Programs

• Flatfish fishing experience with a traditional fishing rod (chomdae)
• Oil rice cake making
• Water carrying with traditional water carriers
• Sanjicheon road drawing
• Floating wish lanterns on the Sanjicheon Stream

4. Other Information

• Food stalls (kimbap, jokbal, noodles, etc.)
• Chilmeori Yeongdeunggut (National Important Intangible Cultural Property)

📍 Location: 7 Sanjiro, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Geonip-dong)

💰 Admission: Free

📞 Contact: +82-64-728-4652

⭐️ Instagram:

🖥️ Website:

Busan Craft Beer Festival: A Summer Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss

Get ready to raise a glass (or two!) at the Busan Craft Beer Festival, happening July 3rd-7th, 2024 at BEXCO, Busan! 🍻

This highly anticipated event is a must-do for beer aficionados and anyone looking for a fun-filled summer experience. Now in its seventh year, the Busan Craft Beer Festival has solidified its reputation as Korea’s premier craft beer celebration.

Here’s why you need to add it to your calendar:

Discover Korea’s Finest Brews:

Indulge in a wide variety of craft beers from renowned Korean breweries. Discover new favorites as you sample unique flavors and styles, all while enjoying delicious food pairings curated to complement the beers.

Something Cool Awaits:

Beat the summer heat with innovative "Something Cool" collaborations. Imagine refreshing craft beer blended with shaved ice or crafted into unique highballs – the perfect way to cool down and enjoy the festival vibes.

Entertainment Under the Stars:

Experience the vibrant energy of the festival with live music and busking performances taking place throughout the event. The BEXCO outdoor plaza will come alive with dazzling lights and an electric atmosphere.

More Than Just Beer:

This year’s festival is extra special as it coincides with the Busan Motor Show! Plus, thanks to generous sponsorship from Believe Seoung Hospital, a leading healthcare provider in Busan, attendees can expect an even more memorable and enjoyable experience.

Here’s a taste of what awaits:

• Craft Beer Tasting & Food Pairings: Embark on a flavorful journey through Korea’s craft beer scene.
• "Something Cool" Creations: Quench your thirst with innovative beer-infused concoctions.
• Live Music & Busking Performances: Enjoy a vibrant soundtrack as you explore the festival.
• Nostalgic Photo Booth: Capture fun memories at the Believe Seoung Hospital photo booth.
• Cool Summer Tattoos: Get inked with temporary tattoo stickers.
• Interactive Quiz Show: Test your knowledge and win prizes.
• Talent Show: Show off your skills and entertain the crowd (planned).

Event Details:

• Dates: July 3rd – July 7th, 2024
• Location: BEXCO, 55, APEC-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
• Admission: Free
• Age Restriction: 19+ for alcohol consumption
• Contact: +82-51-740-7549
• Website: https://www.busanbeerfestival.com/
• Instagram: Follow @busan_beerfestival for updates!

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of craft beer, music, and summer fun!