Hey there, fellow travelers! π With June 2025 officially here and summer quickly approaching, are you getting that exciting travel itch again? Personally, whenever I plan a trip, I always make sure to check out the unique festivals of that country. And let me tell you, Korea is absolutely bursting with diverse and captivating festivals all year round! Today, I'm going to skip past the spring festivals (sadly, they've already passed) and instead, introduce you to some amazing K-Festivals for the second half of 2025 and early 2026 that you absolutely should add to your travel bucket list. Ready to dive into some exciting travel dreams with me?
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Summer: Cool & Passionate Festivals π
When the weather gets hot, festivals that help you beat the heat are the best! Get soaked and cool down, or watch spectacular fireworks light up the night sky. Don't miss out on festivals starting from June!
Boryeong Mud Festival (Water Fun/Play) π₯³
Quite literally, a festival where you cover yourself head-to-toe in mud! The Boryeong Mud Festival takes place annually around July at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong. It's a super fun festival for all ages to relieve stress and just have a blast. Besides the mud experience, there are also various events like K-Pop concerts and fireworks. How about taking a refreshing plunge into the mud in July 2025?
- When: July 2025 (Expected)
- Where: Daecheon Beach area, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Highlights: Mud experiences, K-Pop concerts, fireworks
Busan International Rock Festival (Music) πΈ
If you're a rock music fan, you definitely can't miss the Busan International Rock Festival! The passionate live performances along the Nakdong River in late summer are truly amazing. You can release all your stress while watching renowned local and international rock bands. Combining this hot festival with a trip to Busan in August 2025 would be a fantastic idea!
- When: August 2025 (Expected)
- Where: Samnak Ecological Park, Sasang-gu, Busan
- Highlights: Domestic and international rock band performances, food trucks, various events
Summer festivals can be very hot, and sudden showers might occur. It's best to dress lightly and bring an umbrella or raincoat. Sunscreen is also a must!
Autumn: A Harvest of Abundance and Artistry π
Cool autumn weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Don't miss out on festivals where you can immerse yourself in culture and art amidst beautiful nature!
Andong International Maskdance Festival (Tradition/Art) π
Held annually in late September to early October in Andong, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Hahoe Folk Village, the International Maskdance Festival offers a truly special experience. You can see not only traditional Korean mask dances but also mask dance performances from around the world all in one place. You'll find yourself tapping your feet to the exciting mask dances and deeply captivated by the beauty of tradition. I truly think this is a must-visit for autumn 2025.
- When: Late September ~ Early October 2025 (Expected)
- Where: Talchum Park and Hahoe Folk Village area, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Highlights: Mask dance performances (Korean & international), mask-making experience, traditional cultureδ½ι¨
Busan International Film Festival (Film/Art) π¬
Asia's largest film festival, the Busan International Film Festival, takes place every year in early October around Busan's Haeundae area. If you love movies, this festival is a truly incredible opportunity. You can discover diverse films from all over the world and even get a chance to interact directly with directors and actors. A feast of cinema unfolding against the backdrop of the sea, doesn't that sound wonderful?
- When: Early October 2025 (Expected)
- Where: Busan Cinema Center and Haeundae area, Busan
- Highlights: Film screenings from around the world, open talks, Q&A sessions, red carpet events
Autumn festivals can be very crowded, so it's a good idea to book your accommodation and transportation in advance. Especially for popular festivals, tickets can sell out quickly, so hurry!
Winter: Festivals of a Shining Winter Wonderland ❄️
Even in the cold winter, you can enjoy special festivals that warm you up in Korea. There are dazzling lights, ice, and plenty of delicious food. Embrace the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 with beautiful festivals!
Pyeongchang Trout Festival (Winter Sports/Food) π£
If you want to truly enjoy the romance of winter, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival is perfect! Not only can you experience the thrilling sensation of catching trout directly from the ice, but you can also enjoy your fresh catch as sashimi or grilled right there. There are also various winter activities like snow tubing and ice skating, making it highly recommended for family trips. It runs from late 2025 to early 2026, so don't miss it!
- When: December 2025 ~ January 2026 (Expected)
- Where: Odeacheon Stream area, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- Highlights: Trout ice fishing, bare-handed trout catching, snow tubing, ice sculpture exhibition
The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival (Light Festival) ✨
The Garden of Morning Calm's Lighting Festival, which illuminates the winter night with beautiful lights, is truly fantastic. The entire arboretum is decorated with millions of lights, making you feel as if you've stepped into a fairy tale. It's perfect for a romantic date or a family outing. Experience this beautiful symphony of light from December 2025 to March 2026.
- When: December 2025 ~ March 2026 (Expected)
- Where: The Garden of Morning Calm, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
- Highlights: Light sculptures, night openings, beautiful gardens
Planning Your 2025 Second Half K-Festival Trip π
Besides the festivals I've introduced, there are so many more festivals in Korea! When planning your trip for the second half of 2025, using these tips can help you make your journey even more enriching.
- Check official festival websites: It's crucial to check the official websites for the most accurate information on festival dates, locations, and programs. (Schedules for the second half of 2025 have either been confirmed or will be announced soon.)
- Choose by festival theme: If you love water activities, choose a summer festival; if you want to experience traditional culture, an autumn festival; and if you want to enjoy winter romance, a winter festival. Choose the festival that suits your taste!
- Book transportation and accommodation in advance: During festival periods, crowds flock, and it can be difficult to book transportation and accommodation, so it's a good idea to prepare in advance.
- Connect with nearby tourist attractions: If you don't want to just attend the festival, include other nearby tourist attractions in your plan to make your trip more fulfilling!
2025 Second Half K-Festival Key Summary
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
So, there you have it – a look at some of the K-Festivals worth visiting from the second half of 2025 through early 2026! What do you think? The diverse experiences Korea offers each season are truly incredible, aren't they? I hope you'll plan your trip well in advance and create unforgettable Korean travel memories in 2025! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments below~ π
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