Category: Korea

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/

Andong Moonlight Travel Festival (Woryeong Yahaeng)

Date: July 26th – August 4th, 2024

This annual summer festival takes place around the iconic Woryeonggyo Bridge in Andong. The highlight is the breathtaking display of traditional lanterns illuminating the bridge. Immerse yourself in Andong’s rich cultural heritage through captivating performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities. Explore nearby historical treasures like Imcheonggak House, the Seven-Story Brick Pagoda of Beopheungsa Temple Site, and the Andong Ice Storage. Experience the essence of Andong’s cultural legacy with performances like the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama and the Andong놋다리밟기 (a traditional bridge-crossing performance).

Highlights:

• Main Programs: Traditional lantern exhibition, Andong Culture Salon (talk concert)
• Sub-programs: Candlelight concert, MBTI-themed lighting street
• Performances: Hahoe Mask Dance Drama, Andong 놋다리밟기
• Exhibition: Special exhibition on the joy of reading
• Food & Drinks: Beverages, snacks, street food, food trucks

Location: Sang-a-dong, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Admission: Free

Contact: +82-54-857-8561

Find us on:

• Instagram:
• Website: adnighttrip.com

Busan Sea Festival

🗓️ July 26 ~ 28, 2024

*Please note that the following information is from the 2023 festival. The 2024 festival details are currently being updated.*

The 27th Busan Sea Festival, Busan’s representative summer festival, will be held for six days from August 1st to 6th, 2023 at Haeundae Beach and Dadaepo Beach.

The festival will feature a variety of events, including "Night Pool Party," the nation’s largest hip-hop pool party, and "Wonderful Colorful," a dazzling show under the sunset. In addition, there will be a variety of programs to enjoy at the beach, and anyone is free to watch and participate.

[Haeundae Beach]

* Night Pool Party
August 4th, 2023 (Fri) 20:00~22:00 / Haeundae Beach Special Stage

[Dadaepo Beach]

* Wonderful Colorful
August 5th, 2023 (Sat) 18:20~20:30 / Dadaepo Beach
* Busan Zumba Sea
August 1st, 2023 (Tue) 18:30~21:00 / Dadaepo Blue Plaza
* Dadaepo Beach Salsa Dance Festival
August 2nd, 2023 (Wed) 18:00~21:30 / Dadaepo Beach
* Handicapped People’s Sea Festival
August 3rd, 2023 (Thu) 13:00~18:00 / Dadaepo Blue Plaza
* Open Sea Open Concert
August 3rd, 2023 (Thu) 19:00~21:00 / Dadaepo Beach Special Stage
* Dadaepo Folk Music Concert
August 4th, 2023 (Fri) 19:30~21:00 / Dadaepo Beach Special Stage

[Sea Playground]

Busking and experience programs will be held at Haeundae Beach and Dadaepo Beach.

※ Details will be announced on official SNS and website.
※ Contents are subject to change depending on the organizer’s circumstances.

📍 Address: Dadae-dong, Saha-gu, Busan

💰 Admission: Free

📞 Contact: +82-51-713-5000

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

🖥️ Website: www.bfo.or.kr/festival_sea

Samyang Black Sand Beach Festival

Date: July 19th – 20th, 2024

The Samyang Black Sand Beach Festival is a health and healing festival set against the backdrop of Samyang’s black sand beach and emerald waters.

Experience the benefits of black sand: Enjoy activities like black sand찜질 (찜질 refers to a traditional Korean heat therapy) and walks, known for their health benefits.

Ocean adventures: Ride the waves with surfing, feel the wind in your hair while yachting, or enjoy a game of beach soccer.

Dazzling finale: As night falls, be captivated by a spectacular fireworks display.

Highlights:

• Main Programs: Black sand 찜질, sand walking, mineral water play, fireworks display, celebratory performances, Samyang song festival.
• Additional Programs: Youth beach soccer, youth festival.
• Visitor Activities: Food market, surfing, yachting.

Location: 13-6 Seonsaro 8-gil, Samyang-il-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Admission: Free

Contact: +82-64-728-4713

Find us online:

• Instagram:
• Website:

Get Ready to Set Sail at the 2024 Ulsan Shipbuilding & Marine Festival!

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Ulsan Shipbuilding & Marine Festival, taking place from July 19th to 21st at Ilsan Beach in Ulsan! This three-day extravaganza celebrates the city’s rich maritime heritage with a ton of exciting events for all ages.

Kick off the festivities on Friday, July 19th with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring live music and entertainment. Throughout the weekend, get ready for unique experiences like the "Creative Boat Contest" and the "Night Run Ilsan", guaranteed to make waves!

The festival also offers a diverse range of activities, including:

• Engaging Tours: Explore the wonders of Donggu District with guided tours.
• Thrilling Water Sports: Dive into the action with various water sports and activities.
• Interactive Exhibitions: Discover fascinating exhibits showcasing Ulsan’s shipbuilding prowess.
• Lively Performances: Dance the night away at the "Ilsan EDM Festival", be amazed by talented dancers at the "National Youth Street Dance Competition", and enjoy the "Ilsan Beach Water Bomb" spectacle. As the sun sets, groove to live music with "Deep Night" and "So Cool Busking" performances.
• Relaxing Beach Vibes: Unwind and soak up the sun at the "Ilsan Summer Village", a dedicated beachside lounge area.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Dates: July 19th – 21st, 2024
• Location: Ilsan Beach, Donggu District, Ulsan
• Address: 10, Haesuyokjang 10-gil, Dong-gu, Ulsan
• Admission: Free (Except for Night Run Ilsan, Cruise Tour, and Creative Boat Contest)
• Contact: +82-52-716-5007
• Website: https://www.ussf.co.kr/
• Instagram: [Insert Instagram handle here]

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of all things maritime! Join us at the 2024 Ulsan Shipbuilding & Marine Festival for a weekend filled with fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

Taebaek Sunflower Festival

Date: July 19th ~ August 15th, 2024

The Taebaek Sunflower Festival, hosted by the Sunflower Foundation and the Guwau Village Festival Committee, is a purely civilian-led festival. Our foundation and the Guwau Sunflower Village believe that there is no greater masterpiece than nature itself. By wisely utilizing nature, we aim to paint the canvas of the earth with the yellow hues of sunflowers and combine it with the artistic touch of humanity. Together, we aspire to transform Guwau Village into a healthy, natural, must-visit destination, a unique space unlike any other in the world.

Main Programs:

1. Journey through a field of 1 million sunflowers and a cosmos hill
2. Stroll and relax in a pine forest with native plants at 800m above sea level on the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range
3. "Sky Sunflower Concert" (planned), Charity Concert for the less fortunate (70s-80s music)
4. Exhibition of paintings by middle-aged artists (planned)
5. Outdoor sculpture exhibition (featuring works by Yongseon Seo, Andy Thompson, Eiichi Okubo, Seokho Choi, and more), Sunflower crafts (handkerchiefs, scarves, bandanas), Sunflower oil pressing
6. Goat feeding experience
7. Taebaek Citizen Startup Association experience and local product sales
8. Sunflower painting and sales

Location: 38-20, Guwau-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

Admission: Free

Contact: 010-3371-2000

Instagram:

Website: www.sunflowerfestival.co.kr

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!

Busan Food Film Festa 2024: A Celebration of Rice, Everyday Life, and Extraordinary Escapes

🗓️ June 28 – June 30, 2024

Get ready for a delicious fusion of food and film at the Busan Food Film Festa! This year’s theme, "Rice: Everyday Life and Extraordinary Escapes," will take you on a cinematic journey exploring the diverse world of rice.

Feast Your Senses:

• Food Terrace: The festival’s signature program returns, offering a unique dining experience. Enjoy dishes inspired by the films while engaging in insightful conversations with culinary experts.
• Big Roof Screenings: Relax under the massive Big Roof of the Busan Cinema Center and enjoy exciting daily performances, trendy food stalls from across Korea, and a wide selection of coffee and drinks.
• Festive Fun: Explore the vibrant flea market, indulge in tasty treats from various food trucks, and join the family-friendly pizza-making experience.

Exciting Programs:

• Film Screenings:
  • Opening Night Gala
  • General Screenings
  • Outdoor Screenings
• Special Events:
  • Food Terrace
  • Food Salon
  • Food Therapy
  • Themed Zones: Food Zone, Food Truck Zone
  • Flea Market
  • Potluck Table

📍 Location: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan

💰 Admission: Free (Fees may apply for specific programs)

📞 Contact: +82-51-710-6948

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

🖥️ Website: https://bfff.kr

Seoul Land Luna Park: A Dazzling Light Festival

Dates: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Experience the magic of "Luna Park," Seoul Land’s dazzling light festival, just a stone’s throw away from the city. Every night, the park transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of light and sound, covering over 69 acres with mesmerizing illuminations.

At the heart of the festival, Seoul Land’s iconic "Earth Sphere" comes alive with a captivating 3D mapping and music show. Prepare to be amazed by the festival’s highlight – a gigantic 20-foot mirror ball, the largest in Korea, casting shimmering reflections across the park. You can also witness a vibrant laser show featuring powerful music, dazzling lights, and a full spectrum of laser beams.

For a touch of romance, head to the Romantic Garden, adorned with wedding-themed gazebos and giant LED flowers radiating colorful lights. Throughout the park, you’ll find countless photo opportunities with full moon silhouettes, crescent moons, and other enchanting installations, perfect for capturing unforgettable memories.

Main Events:

• Luna: The Legend of Light show
• Mirrorball Dance Time
• Fireworks display
• Various evening performances at the Earth Sphere stage

Additional Programs:

• Traditional Korean fairy tale puppet shows and magic shows for children
• Character roadshows
• Family-friendly busking and live band performances

*Please refer to the Seoul Land website for detailed performance schedules.

Location: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Admission: Free with the purchase of a Seoul Land park ticket (day pass or night pass)

Contact: +82-2-509-6000

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/today_seoulland/

Website: http://www.seoulland.co.kr

Busan International Magic Festival

Dates: March 23rd, 2024 ~ December 15th, 2024

The Busan International Magic Festival, launched in 2006, is the largest magic festival in Korea and the only one of its kind in the world. Themed around "magic," a rising blue ocean in the cultural content industry, the festival is a dream come true for over a million magic enthusiasts in Korea.

The 19th Busan International Magic Festival, running until December this year, offers a diverse range of events, including:

• Magic Fantasia Season 2
• Magic Circus [Spring]
• Magic Convention
• 6th Busking Championship
• Magic Circus [Autumn]
• Christmas Special Magic Gala Show

Here’s a closer look at each event:

1. Magic Fantasia Season 2

• Dates: March 23rd (Sat) – March 24th (Sun), 2024
• Venue: Busan Citizens’ Hall Small Theater
• Program: Special performances and more
• Organizer: Busan International Magic Festival Organizing Committee
• Sponsors: Busan Metropolitan City, Haeundae-gu, Busan Arts College
• Tickets: YES24 Ticket, Naver, Interpark Ticket, Noliui Balgyeon, Clip Service, etc.

2. Magic Circus [Spring]

• Dates: April 6th – April 28th, 2024 (Every Saturday and Sunday)
• Venue: Spo1 Park Dream Narae Children’s Theater
• Program: Magic Circus (Performance + Experience)
• Organizer: Busan International Magic Festival Organizing Committee
• Sponsors: Busan Metropolitan City, Haeundae-gu, Busan Arts College
• Tickets: YES24 Ticket, Naver, Interpark Ticket, Noliui Balgyeon, Clip Service, etc.

3. Magic Convention

• Dates: June 28th (Fri) – June 30th (Sun), 2024
• Venue: Dureraum Square
• Program: FISM QC BIMF International Magic Competition, Magic Gala Show, Lectures, etc.
• Organizer: Busan International Magic Festival Organizing Committee, Dureraum
• Sponsors: Busan Metropolitan City, Haeundae-gu, Busan Arts College
• Tickets: YES24 Ticket, Naver, Interpark Ticket, Noliui Balgyeon, Clip Service, Dureraum, etc.

4. 6th Busking Championship

• Dates: June 28th (Fri) – June 29th (Sat), 2024
• Venue: Haeundae Gunam-ro Area
• Program: International Magic Busking Championship, etc.
• Organizer: Busan International Magic Festival Organizing Committee
• Sponsors: Busan Metropolitan City, Haeundae-gu, Busan Arts College

5. Magic Circus [Autumn]

• Dates: August 31st – September 29th, 2024 (Every Saturday and Sunday)
• Venue: Spo1 Park Dream Narae Children’s Theater
• Program: Magic Circus (Performance + Experience)
• Organizer: Busan International Magic Festival Organizing Committee
• Sponsors: Busan Metropolitan City, Haeundae-gu, Busan Arts College
• Tickets: YES24 Ticket, Naver, Interpark Ticket, Noliui Balgyeon, Clip Service, etc.

6. Christmas Special Magic Gala Show

• Dates: December 7th – December 15th, 2024 (Every Saturday and Sunday)
• Venue: Busan Cinema Center
• Program: Special performances, experience programs, etc.
• Organizer: Busan International Magic Festival Organizing Committee
• Sponsors: Busan Metropolitan City, Haeundae-gu, Busan Arts College
• Tickets: YES24 Ticket, Naver, Interpark Ticket, Noliui Balgyeon, Clip Service, etc.

Location: 74, Motgolbeonyeong-ro 71beon-gil, Nam-gu, Busan, Busan Arts College

Fees: Varies by program (Free/Paid)

Contact: +82-51-626-7002

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/busanmagicfestival/

Website: www.hibimf.org