Fall Festival in Korea

 

 

 

 

 

Many events take place around the world during the fall, but many Koreans and people worldwide may not know much about Korea’s fall festivals. Korea actually hosts several amazing events, such as the Andong Mask Dance Festival and the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. I am writing this to introduce and promote some of Korea’s most famous fall festivals.

 

First, let’s start our tour in Andong, a city famous for its rich traditions and culture. The Andong Mask Dance Festival is held in Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by mountains and rivers. As you walk through the village, you’ll see performers wearing colorful masks, dancing to the beat of traditional drums. The dances often tell funny or dramatic stories that reflect Korean life and values from centuries ago. The festival began in 1997 to keep alive the mask dance traditions that date back to the 12th century. Visitors can also join mask-making workshops, watch fireworks at night, and taste Andong’s famous local dishes like Andong jjimdak (braised chicken).

 

Next, we travel south to Jinju for the breathtaking Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival. This festival lights up the Namgang River with thousands of glowing lanterns floating on the water. Each lantern carries wishes and messages from people all over the world. The festival honors soldiers who died during the Jinjuseong Battle in the 16th century, using lanterns to guide their spirits. As you stroll along the river, you can enjoy street performances, food stalls, and even make your own lantern to release into the night sky, a truly magical experience.

 

Now let’s head west to Suwon, home of the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival. This festival celebrates the beauty and history of Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can watch reenactments of royal processions, archery performances, and military parades that bring the 18th century back to life. You can even try wearing a hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit, and walk along the fortress walls while enjoying the crisp autumn air. The festival perfectly combines history, culture, and fun.

 

Finally, our journey ends in Seoul with the K-Royal Culture Festival, where modern Korea meets royal tradition. This festival takes place at Korea’s beautiful royal palaces, including Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung. You can experience traditional court music, royal ceremonies, and night tours of the palaces beautifully lit up after dark. The festival also offers art exhibitions, food experiences, and performances that let visitors step back into the time of Korean kings and queens.

 

In conclusion, Korea’s fall festivals are more than just celebrations — they are living museums of history, art, and tradition. From dancing masks in Andong to glowing lanterns in Jinju, from the royal marches of Suwon to the palace lights of Seoul, each festival offers a unique window into Korea’s culture. If you ever visit Korea in the fall, don’t miss the chance to experience these unforgettable festivals yourself.