Korea Autumn & Winter Festival Guide 2025
From floating lanterns and mask dances to snowy mountains and Christmas lights — Korea’s final quarter of 2025 is full of color, music, and local traditions. This nationwide guide helps you plan October–December 2025 with travel info, links, and local tips.
October 2025 – Autumn Colors & Culture
1) Seoul Street Arts Festival
- Date: October 5–9, 2025
- Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream & Seoul Plaza, Seoul
- Highlights: Street performances, open-air installations, and live shows across downtown Seoul.
- How to get there: Subway Line 1 or 2 → City Hall Station (Exit 5), 5 minutes on foot.
- Tip: Visit in the evening for the best illuminated atmosphere.
- Official links: https://www.ssaf.or.kr/en/ssaf/about
2) Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival
- Date: October 1–13, 2025
- Location: Namgang River, Jinju (Gyeongsangnam-do)
- Highlights: Thousands of glowing lanterns on the river, drone shows, and fireworks.
- How to get there: KTX from Seoul → Jinju Station (3h). Shuttle or taxi to the riverside park.
- Tip: Stay overnight to see both lanterns and fireworks. Try Jinju bibimbap for dinner.
- Official links: Jinju City Page
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival | Jinju City
Period : Annually, From October 1 ~ (weekdays and every other weekends) Main events : Torch-lit procession, Hanging Wishing Lantern, Floating lanterns on the River, making creative lanterns, World Lantern Exhibition, fireworks, and other cultural events Ji
www.jinju.go.kr
3) Andong Mask Dance Festival
- Date: October 2–6, 2025
- Location: Hahoe Folk Village, Andong
- Highlights: Traditional talchum mask dances, folk parades, and cultural performances.
- How to get there: KTX from Seoul → Andong Station (2h 10m), then Hahoe shuttle (30m).
- Tip: Rent a hanbok and explore the UNESCO heritage village.
- Official links: TourAndong Official
Andong
Put on a mask and dance—you're already the star of the festival! The 2025 Andong International Mask Dance Festival will take place from September 26 to October 5, 2025! Awaken the deep-seated spirit of Korea that stirs within and embark on a joyful journ
www.tourandong.com
4) Gwangju Chungjang Festival
- Date: October 2–6, 2025
- Location: Chungjang-ro Street, Gwangju
- Highlights: Retro 1970–80s street culture with music, art, and old-style food stalls.
- How to get there: KTX from Yongsan → Gwangju Songjeong (2h 45m), then subway to Chungjangno 4-ga.
- Tip: Visit after sunset for neon lights and performances.
- Official links: https://tour.gwangju.go.kr/home/board/B0048.cs?act=read&articleId=7030&m=343&utm
21회를 맞이한 충장축제 | 상세 | 시즌별여행 : 광주관광 오매광주
21회를 맞이한 충장축제 | 상세 | 시즌별여행 : 광주관광, 광주여행의 모든정보, 광주광역시 공식 관광 홈페이지입니다.
tour.gwangju.go.kr
5) Jeju Tamna Cultural Festival
- Date: October 6–12, 2025
- Location: Jeju City, Jeju Island
- Highlights: Folk parades, traditional performances, and exhibitions celebrating Jeju’s culture.
- How to get there: Flight from Gimpo → Jeju (1h), then 15-minute taxi to the festival area.
- Tip: Combine your trip with Hallasan National Park foliage hikes.
- Official links: https://www.visitjeju.net/en/detail/view?contentsid=CNTS_000000000022291
The 58th Tamna Culture Festival
Festival of 1.2 Million Jeju People, Tamna Culture Festival Under the goal of finding and restoring the culture of “Tamna,” which is an old name for Jeju, this festival shows Jeju’s history, cultural heritage, and arts. This festival is the Jeju peop
www.visitjeju.net
November 2025 – Fireworks, Food & Traditions
1) Busan Fireworks Festival
- Date: November 8, 2025
- Location: Gwangalli Beach, Busan
- Highlights: Korea’s largest fireworks display synchronized with music over the Gwangan Bridge.
- How to get there: KTX from Seoul → Busan (2h 40m). Subway Line 1 → Gwangan Station (Exit 3).
- Tip: Arrive by 4 p.m. for a good spot. Bring a mat or portable chair.
- Official links: https://busanfireworks.com/?utm
부산불꽃축제
가을 부산바다를 화려하게 수놓는 '부산불꽃축제'
busanfireworks.com
2) Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival
- Date: Early–Mid November 2025
- Location: Seoul Plaza & Gwanghwamun
- Highlights: Join locals for kimchi-making, tastings, and culture programs about UNESCO-listed kimjang.
- How to get there: Subway Line 1 or 2 → City Hall Station (Exit 5), 5 minutes walk.
- Tip: Great for families; check sign-up info online.
- Official links: https://koreakimchifestival.com/?utm
korea kimchi festival
koreakimchifestival-코리아김치페스티벌
koreakimchifestival.com
3) Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
- Date: November 1–4, 2025
- Location: Jeonju Hanok Village
- Highlights: Bibimbap cooking contests, food markets, and hanok culture experiences.
- How to get there: KTX from Seoul → Jeonju (2h), then taxi (15m) to Hanok Village.
- Tip: Visit early morning for smaller crowds.
- Official links: https://tour.jeonju.go.kr/eng/index.jeonju?facSid=RE_0000681&menuCd=DOM_000000202002001000&utm
비짓전주
글로벌 관광거점도시 전주의 공식 문화관광 사이트로, 전주의 명소, 축제, 공연, 추천여행, 관광지도, 교통, 쇼핑 등 전주여행정보를 제공합니다.
tour.jeonju.go.kr
4) Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival
- Date: November 6–10, 2025
- Location: Tongyeong, Gyeongnam
- Highlights: Reenactments, parades, and fireworks celebrating Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s naval victory.
- How to get there: KTX Seoul → Jinju (3h), then intercity bus (1h) to Tongyeong.
- Tip: Stay near the harbor for morning views.
- Official links: Hansan Battle Festival Official
통영한산대첩축제
하늘과 땅, 바다와 섬! 관광도시 통영으로! 한려수도 비경을 품고 있는 아름다운 고장 통영으로 오세요!
www.hansanf.org
December 2025 – Lights, Snow & Winter Magic
1) Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival
- Date: Early December 2025 – February 2026
- Location: Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do
- Highlights: Famous winter illumination garden with millions of LED lights.
- How to get there: ITX Yongsan → Cheongpyeong (1h 20m), then Gapyeong Shuttle Bus.
- Tip: Weekdays are quieter; combine with Nami Island.
- Official link: https://www.festival-of-light.com/garden-of-morning-calm-lighting-festival/?utm
Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival
About the FestivalAt the heart of the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival, a staggering 30,000 bulbs spring to life, casting a warm glow over 30,000 sq
www.festival-of-light.com
2) Seoul Christmas Festival
- Date: December 6, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- Location: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul
- Highlights: Light tunnels, installations, and winter markets downtown.
- How to get there: Subway Line 1 or 2 → City Hall Station (Exit 5).
- Tip: Visit after dark for full illumination
3) Taebaeksan Snow Festival
- Date: Late December 2025 – January 2026
- Location: Taebaek, Gangwon-do
- Highlights: Giant snow sculptures, sledding, and mountain winter events.
- How to get there: KTX Seoul → Taebaek Station (2h 40m).
- Tip: Dress warmly; temperatures can reach −10°C at night.
- Official link: https://www.taebaek.go.kr/eng/contents.do?key=987&utm
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival | 영문
영문 홈페이지에 오신것을 환영합니다.
www.taebaek.go.kr
4) Pyeongchang Trout Festival
- Date: December 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Location: Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang
- Highlights: Ice fishing, sledding, and winter snacks like grilled trout and sweet pancakes.
- How to get there: KTX Seoul → Jinbu Station (1h 45m). Shuttle or taxi (10m).
- Tip: Rent waterproof boots; mornings are best for fishing.
- Official links: Pyeongchang Trout Festival Official
평창송어축제
송어축제 텐트낚시,얼음 낚시, 실내 낚시, 맨손잡기 까지 겨울바람을 이겨야 송어를 잡는다. 민물생선의 귀족, 송어와 한 판 승부! ※ 개최 일정은 기후 사정에 따라 바뀔 수 있습니다. --> 놀이
www.festival700.or.kr
5) Busan Christmas Tree Festival
- Date: December 1, 2025 – January 5, 2026
- Location: Nampo-dong & Gwangbok-ro, Busan
- Highlights: Christmas trees, lights, music, and art installations in downtown Busan.
- How to get there: KTX Seoul → Busan (2h 40m). Subway Line 1 → Nampo Station (Exit 1).
- Tip: Visit after 6 p.m. and explore Gukje & Jagalchi Markets.
- Official links: https://www.visitbusan.net/en/index.do?lang_cd=en&menuCd=DOM_000000301005001000&uc_seq=449&utm
Festivals | When in Busan | Visit Busan
www.visitbusan.net
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Always confirm official websites before visiting; schedules may change due to weather.
- Book accommodations early for Seoul, Busan, and Jeju during festival weekends.
- Use KTX or express buses for intercity travel; T-money works nationwide.
- Download KakaoMap & Papago for navigation and translation.
- Wear warm layers from November; temperatures often fall below 0°C.
- Try seasonal snacks like hotteok, odeng, roasted chestnuts, and fish-shaped pastries.
※ Written by VM Story (Original content, all rights reserved).
Do not reproduce without permission.
