Festivals in Seoul

• Date

• April 24~May 21.

• Venue

• Jongno area (Jogyesa(temple), Insa-dong, & Jonggak Intersection)

The Lotus Lantern Festival, attended by around 3,000 people, including prominent figures from Buddhism society, guests and believers, starts with the lantern lighting ceremony at Seoul Plaza. At the lighting ceremony, large lanterns are lit in hope for the development of Seoul and world Peace.

• Date

• May 1 ~ 9

• Venue

• The Hangang(River) (Ttukseom, Banpo, Yeouido), Gwanghwamum Square, and the whole city.

• Host and Sponsor

• Seoul Metropolitan City, Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture.

The Hi Seoul Festival not only represents Seoul, a city of culture, but also is a cheerful festival where Seoulites and visitors get together to have fun. The theme for this year is the ‘The Hangang(River) + Nonverbal’.

• Date

• May 15 (Sat.) ~ Oct. 8 (Fri.)/ Tue. ~ Sun., 19:30 ~ (for 100min.)

• Venue

• Seoul Plaza [Art Fence Stage (200㎡) and Plaza]

performances of various genres and events for citizen participation.
- Performances of every genre incl. opera, musical, pop music, traditional music, dance & performances, and classical music.
- More stages for citizens in addition to ‘I am a star, too’, and the Fall Fashion Festival, etc.

Monthly Themes

• Date

• May

• Venue

• Sungjungjun of Gyeonghuigung (Palace)

TV drama ‘Dae Jang Geum’, one of the most popular Korean wave dramas, is reborn as a magnificent musical performance. Seoulites and foreign visitors will experience a fun and enjoyable performance in tandem with the beauty of an old palace in Seoul.

• Date

• May (the 1st Sunday of May)

• Venue

• Jongmyo (Royal Shrine).

Jongmyojerye is a ritual for the worship of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. This ritual comprises of music and dance. It was the biggest and most important ritual of the Joseon Dynasty. The ritual and the court music for ritual, which is called Jeryeak, were designated as Intangible Cultural Properties by UNESCO. On the first Sunday of May, the ritual and the royal carriage parade take place from Gyeongbokgung to Jongmyo.

• Date

• June

• Venue

• Gukak-ro (Myodong Intersection)

Gukak-ro Festival aims to provide an arena where tradition and modernity meet to develop new Korean traditional music whilst introducing the genuine charm of traditional Korean music. The special stage is set up at Myodong intersection for many traditional cultural performances, such as Gilnori, the Bongsan mask dance, and folk songs.

• Date

• June 11 ~ 13

• Venue

• Nakseongdae Park and Seoul Science Park.

The Seoul International Jazz Festival provides an arena where jazz music lovers from all walks of life, including foreign residents in Korea, jazz musicians, college students, and jazz club members, can get together to enjoy some quality jazz. Not only famous professional jazz musicians but also amateur musicians will be able to find programs that they can participate in. The festival also provides an art market where people can exchange and share jazz albums, mementoes, accessories, paintings, and information.

• Date

• August

• Venue

• Seoul Plaza, Jeongdong, Bukchon, Daehak-ro, Insadong, Hongik Univ. area, etc.

Nighttime in Seoul is wide open to citizens and foreign visitors. Cultural spots in Seoul will remain open at night and many cultural programs will be provided during the summer nights.

• Date

• September 3 ~ 5

• Venue

• Seoul Forest and Daehak-ro, etc.

The drum is a common musical instrument. Featuring all kinds of drums, performances, an international percussion competition, parade, percussion art market, the Seoul Drum Festival will be held in Seoul and will be a dynamic and cheerful experience for citizens and foreign visitors, alike.

• Date

• September (the 3rd Sunday of September)

• Venue

• Sajikdan (in Sajik Park, 1-28 Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu).

Sajikdaeje was designated as important intangible cultural asset No. 111 on October 19, 2000. Sajikdaeje is a ritual where people pray to the god of grain and the god of land for a good harvest. In the past, Sajikdaeje was one of the most important national events.

• Date

• September 22

• Venue

• Seoul Plaza.

In order to provide opportunities for professional musicians, traditional Korean music lovers, citizens and foreign visitors to enjoy traditional Korean music, various types of performance (e.g., fusion and other popular formats) will be performed.

• Date

• October

• Venue

• Seoul Wold Cup Stadium.

Aimed at exchanges and the harmonization of pop music in Asia, hugely talented and popular Asian musicians will be to perform at the festival.

• Date

• October 2

• Venue

• Hangang Park and Yeouido.

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is a multi-media fireworks show that combines fireworks, a water screen, music and laser performances. Children, couples, families, and men and women of all ages will all find something special about this show this unique fireworks show.

• Date

• October 9

• Venue

• Seoul Plaza.

This festival is held to commemorate the erection of the statue of King Sejong, which was built to promote Korea’s proud cultural heritage - Hangeul. Through various programs designed to help foreigners approach and understand Hangeul, the festival provides foreign residents with opportunities to learn about Hangeul and experience Korean culture.

• Date

• December 2010 ~ January 2011

• Venue

• Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon, buildings around venue, etc.

The Seoul Festival of Light is held in five-color themed light zones and is a step up from past festivals that simply relied on sparkly lights and shapes. Here, ‘media art’ is introduced, the fusion of culture and technology, inviting all citizens to experience a fantastic world of illumination.