Events / Meetups

Jul

15-19

A massive celebration of Korea's favorite combination: fried chicken and beer (chimac = chicken + maekju). Daegu is the birthplace of many of Korea's biggest fried chicken franchises, and this festival brings them all together with live music, beer gardens, cooking competitions, and more fried chicken than you can possibly eat. Held at Duryu Park in central Daegu. One of the most fun and uniquely Korean food festivals.

Jul

24-26

Waterbomb Seoul 2026 is a large scale summer music festival in South Korea that combines live concert performances with massive water fights. The festival features performances from K-Pop, Hip-Hop, and EDM artists. Throughout the event, giant water cannons drench the crowd, and attendees bring their own water guns to participate in water battles. The early lineup for the 2026 Seoul festival includes Jay Park, BIBI, Kiss of Life, and WJSN's Dayoung.

Aug

1-3

Korea's most iconic rock and indie music festival, celebrating its 21st year. Three days of live music at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park in Incheon, featuring top-tier rock, indie, and alternative musicians from around the world alongside Korean acts. Beyond the main stages, enjoy rookie talent showcases, club-style pop-ups, food trucks, and craft beer. Easily accessible from Seoul via subway (about 1 hour to Songdo).

Jul-Aug

24-9

The most internationally famous festival in Korea and one of the largest summer festivals in the world. Two weeks of mud-fueled chaos at Daecheon Beach — mud wrestling, mud slides, mud baths, a mud prison, foam zones, and a massive beach party. The mineral-rich Boryeong mud is famous for its skin benefits. Live K-pop performances and fireworks at night. The final weekend is the biggest, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. Located about 2.5 hours southwest of Seoul by express bus. Book accommodation far in advance — the entire beach area sells out.

Sep

19-20

The Korean edition of the world-famous Ultra Music Festival. Features massive production, world-class DJ lineups, and the underground RESISTANCE stage for techno and house. Past lineups include Martin Garrix, Marshmello, Adam Beyer, Peggy Gou, and KSHMR. Typically held in September at a major Seoul-area venue. Dates and venue for 2026 TBA — check the official site for announcements. One of the most anticipated electronic music events in Asia.

Sep-Oct

25-4

One of Korea's most important traditional cultural festivals. Features colorful, intricate masks and elaborate performances of the ancient Korean mask dance tradition (Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori). The highlight is the Tallori Daedongnanjang Parade, where locals, tourists, and international troupes dance together in vibrant masks. Also enjoy folk games like Chajeon Nori (chariot battle) and interactive exhibits on Korea's traditional performing arts. Held in Andong, the heartland of Korean Confucian culture.

Oct

9-11

History comes alive at the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. The highlight is King Jeongjo's Royal Parade — thousands of participants in Joseon-era costumes reenact the king's grand procession along the fortress walls. Experience royal court cuisine at King Jeongjo's Dasobangwa, explore fortress-building workshops, and enjoy spectacular night tours of the illuminated fortress. Suwon is about 30 minutes from Seoul by subway or KTX, making this an easy day trip.

Oct

10-13

Asia's leading film and content market, allowing participants to enjoy BIFF Official Selections and diverse line-ups from sales companies. It features both physical and online booths.

Oct

3-18

One of Korea's most visually stunning festivals. Thousands of colorful lanterns float along the Namgang River in Jinju, creating breathtaking reflections on the water. The tradition dates back to the Imjin War (1592), when lanterns were floated on the river as a military signal. Today the festival features massive lantern installations, cultural performances, a parade, fireworks, and food trucks with global cuisine. Often compared to Thailand's Loy Krathong water lantern festival.

Oct-Nov

30-1

A celebration of Korea's most iconic dish. Join kimchi-making workshops where you learn the art of making different regional varieties, watch live cooking demonstrations by top chefs, sample dozens of kimchi flavors, and compete in kimchi-tasting challenges. A feast for the senses that offers an authentic, hands-on taste of Korean culinary culture in the heart of Gwangju. Take home your own batch of freshly made kimchi.

Nov

6-22

Seoul's signature winter light festival along Cheonggyecheon Stream. Hundreds of vibrant lanterns line the stream — from mythical creatures and historical figures to modern pop culture installations. Enjoy hands-on lantern-making workshops, traditional Korean music and dance performances, and street food vendors along the water. The lanterns are illuminated at night, making evening visits the most magical. Free admission. Located in central Seoul, easily walkable from Gwanghwamun or Jonggak stations.