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South Korea is the land of K-Pop beats, heart-fluttering K-dramas, and a skincare routine that could rival a ten-step waltz. But go beyond that, and you’ll find the country hosts numerous festivals every year, fusing international trends with the infectious energy of “Hallyu” (the Korean Wave) and rich regional traditions.
We’re talking about “daebak” (amazing) experiences. Imagine pulsating performative dances, dazzling film premieres with celebrity sightings, K-Pop energy concerts and more. Setting the stage for a sensory overload unlike any other, here fireworks paint the sky, age-old stories take reign, and the undeniable charm of Korean culture takes centre stage.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Korea Tourism Organisation has unveiled the “100 K-Culture-Tourism Events” for the 2023-2024 Visit Korea Year. This initiative presents a series of events throughout the year, giving tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in Korean Culture.
The “K-Culture Travel Events 100” aims to showcase the best of Korea’s culture, art, nature, and more to international visitors. These events and festivals, spread across the country, will highlight Korea’s rich cultural heritage, art, sports, entertainment and tourism and more.
To keep up the spirit of joy and excitement throughout your trip to Korea, we’ve listed the top 5 events happening in South Korea throughout 2024, ensuring your vacation remains truly unforgettable.
1. INK (Incheon K-Pop) Concert
15th INK Incheon K-Pop Concert: Experience the Best of Korean Music
The 15th INK Incheon K-Pop Concert is a K-Pop lover’s dream come true. Organised to be held on September 7th 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Incheon Munhak Stadium Main Stadium, it features a stellar lineup of established and rising K-Pop solo stars and bands. This legendary festival is your chance to witness Korea’s hottest K-Pop stars live!
Here’s what you can expect:
A Star-studded lineup from RIIZE, ITZY tripleS, 8TURN, TIOT, to UNIS, Yves, POW, and VVUP, the concert boasts a diverse range of talent. Plus, the electrifying event is accompanied by fansign events, loads of food trucks and experience booths. As a matter of fact, the INK Concert has been a staple in the K-Pop scene since 2009, featuring iconic performances over the years by MAMAMOO, NCT, aespa, Stray Kids, TWICE, GOT7, EXO-K, Red Velvet, and even BTS.
Incheon, a popular tourist destination and the hub of this electrifying energy, offers a chance to explore famous landmarks like the Gyeongin Ara Waterway, Songdo Central Park, Wolmido (often seen in K-dramas), the vibrant Chinatown, Yeongjongdo Island and many other attractions.
For more information:
You can find details about ticketing and artist announcements on the official INK Incheon K-Pop Concert website or social media pages (search for “INK Incheon K-Pop Concert”)
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2. 61st Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival
The 61st Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is happening in 2024 from Friday, October 4th to Sunday, October 6th. Held within the majestic grounds of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this festival promises a captivating journey through Korean history and culture.
Steeped in history, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is an annual event not to be missed. The event is held at the awe-inspiring Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, built by King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty to honour his father and strengthen the nation in wealth and power. Experience the spirit behind the fortress’ construction and the visionary urban reforms it sparked. The festival also features modern reinterpretations of the “Five-Day Record of the Eulmyowonhaeng in Suwon,” a historical document detailing a royal visit.
Here’s what you can expect :
Celebrating Legacy and Innovation, this festival commemorates King Jeongjo’s vision for a prosperous nation, while bringing the past to life. Witness historical reenactments, captivating artistic performances, and cultural exhibits that reimagine the construction of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the urban reforms it sparked. More than just a history lesson, the festival offers a vibrant cultural experience which is a feast for the senses. Immerse yourself in traditional music and explore historical sites like Hwaseong Fortress and Yongyeon Pond, where the stories of the past come alive.
Plan Your Trip:
A must-attend event for anyone interested in Korean history and culture, this cultural festival is conveniently located at the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress area including Haenggung Square, about 30 kilometres south of Seoul. You can also find more details about the event on the official website of the Suwon Cultural Festival.
3. Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival
Don’t miss the Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival, a vibrant celebration of Korea’s performing arts tradition! Scheduled from October 3rd to 6th at Anseong Land, Gyeonggi-do, this festival is your chance to witness the Namsadang Nori, a unique performance style in South Korean heritage.
The Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival celebrates Korea’s first performance troupe, the Namsadang. These wandering entertainers, captivating audiences through markets and villages during the Joseon Dynasty with acrobatics, song, and dance, originated in Anseong. The festival honours their legacy and the artistic spirit of “Baudeogi ” within Namsadang Nori performances.
Recognized by CIOFF, an official advisory and cooperation organisation of UNESCO, since 2006 , the Baudeogi Festival has now become a global stage for Korean traditions. Here, visitors experience his vibrant art form, solidifying the festival’s reputation as “most Korean yet world-class.”
What to Expect :
The Baudeogi Festival bursts onto the scene in the heart of autumn, offering a vibrant celebration with breathtaking acrobatics, lively music and dance, and even become part of the show with interactive audience participation. Witness the time-honoured tradition of Namsadang Nori performances, that’s easy for everyone to understand and enjoy.
Expect to see a variety of acts, including the percussion and wind music of Pungmul Nori, the masked dances of Beona Nori, the Mudong Nori (farmers’ dance), and the awe-inspiring Salpan (acrobatics on the ground). Don’t miss the daring tightrope walkers (eorum) and the lively 12-bal nori, followed by the post-performance gathering “dwipapuri” where you can celebrate alongside the performers!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Baudeogi Festival offers a full experience, including a lively street parade, a commemorative service, and exciting evening events that will leave you with lasting memories.
4. The 29th Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), launched in 1996, is a cornerstone of Asian cinema. The 29th Busan International Film Festival will be held from October 2nd to 11th, 2024, in Haeundae Gu, Busan, South Korea. It’s become a major platform for showcasing new films and introducing first-time directors to the world stage.
BIFF stands alongside other prestigious Asian festivals like that of Hong Kong and Tokyo, but it takes special pride in its youthful energy. It attracts a large young audience and actively fosters the development of talented new filmmakers. The festival has played a vital role in propelling Busan’s reputation as a cultural and artistic hub. It’s also significantly impacted the Korean film industry by boosting production, distribution, and discovering hidden gems through diverse genre screenings.
What to Expect :
The Busan International Film Festival is a magnet for film enthusiasts. With over 200,000 attendees and participation from 1,500 film professionals across 45 countries, it’s a true meeting point for the global film industry. The festival offers a diverse program with something for everyone, showcasing an extensive selection of films from around the world across various genres. Last year, over 269 films from 70 countries were showcased at the BIFF.
Witness world premiere screenings of renowned directors’ new films, at the Gala Presentation, discover rising Asian talent and most talked about films in “A Window on Asian Cinema,” and see the future of filmmaking with “New Currents.” “Flash Forward” offers innovative features from non-Asian directors, while “World Cinema” showcases masterpieces alongside the year’s best films. Finally, “Korean Cinema Today” provides a fresh look at Korean cinema alongside screenings of the latest hits, outdoor events, midnight screenings and many more events .
Moreover, the programs consist of the open talk with moviemakers, their outdoor stage greetings, and other dynamic, interesting events that always attract a large number of people.
Plan Your Trip :
To secure your spot in this cinematic celebration, be sure to book your tickets and accommodation well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. The 29th Busan International Film Festival will be held at the Busan Cinema Center, an architectural marvel designed by Coop Himmelblau. This impressive venue boasts a 4,000-seat outdoor theatre, four indoor screens, a media centre, archive space, conference rooms, and more, creating a dynamic space for screenings, industry forums, and educational activities.
5. 19th Busan Fireworks Festival
Brace yourself for a night of wonder! The 19th Busan Fireworks Festival ignites Busan’s autumn sky with a dazzling display of light and colour. This spectacle on Busan’s skyscape is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, annually attracting over a million visitors eager to witness a mesmerising performance.
More than just fireworks, the festival organised by the Busan Culture & Tourism Festival Organizing Committee unfolds at the iconic Gwangalli Beach, offering a vibrant celebration brimming with cultural events, captivating high-tech laser shows, and the awe-inspiring pyrotechnics that have become synonymous with Busan’s fiery spirit. Although most people flock to the beach for a closer view of the festivities, nearby Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, Dongbaekseom Island, and Igidae Coastal Park also offer great views of the fireworks.
What to Expect:
As anticipation hangs heavy in the air, the festival erupts with the first fiery bursts launching from a barge nestled before the majestic Gwangan Bridge. One by one, streaks of light paint the night sky, culminating in a breathtaking explosion of colour that spreads across the bridge and beyond. The entire spectacle unfolds against the vast canvas of the ocean, visible from any vantage point overlooking Gwangalli Beach.
Over a million spectators, their eyes glued to the dazzling display, create an electric atmosphere that pulsates through the night. Prepare to be mesmerised as the shooting fires draw a line on the black night sky one by one and suddenly spread out with a popping sound in a pyrotechnic banquet so vast, it stretches beyond the horizon, leaving you breathless.
Plan Your Trip:
The fireworks display launches from a barge near the Gwangan Bridge, then spreads out over the bridge and ocean. While Gwangalli Beach is a popular choice, consider alternative elevated viewing locations for a unique perspective. Dongbaekseom Island, Igidae Coastal Park, Marine City, Hwangnyeongsan Beacon, Dalmaji Gil Road, and Cheongsapo Village offer fantastic options.
Also, be prepared for crowds and plan to arrive early to secure your spot. Pack some food and snacks to share, creating a festive atmosphere while you wait. The anticipation leading up to the fireworks is just as exciting as the main event. Soak in the vibrant energy and enjoy the camaraderie with fellow festival-goers.