Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Buddha’s Birthday
Dates vary, usually falls around mid-May. Seoul’s temples are illuminated with thousands of paper lanterns, and a huge Buddhist-theme, lantern-lit float parade winds its way through Jongno, downtown. Tip: The liveliest temple festivals take place in the vicinity of Bongwon-sa Temple.
Hi Seoul Palace Festival
May. A “digital palace” is built on Seoul Plaza, outside City Hall, and the city’s five major palaces host various historical reenactments and musical performances. www.hiseoulfest.org
Hi Seoul Hangang Festival
July-August. Water sports, a rock concert, and other activities take place both on the Han River (Hangang) and along the parks lining its banks. www.hiseoulfest.org
Seoul Drum Festival
October. Drummers, traditional and modern, from around the world converge on Seoul. Most of the action takes place in and around the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Tip: Hang around the plaza behind the center at lunchtime when free performances often take place. www.drumfestival.org
Hi Seoul Art Festival
October. Showcases the work of young, experimental artists at gala concerts, parties, and a festival art market; includes a busking Festival in Cheonggyecheon, the restored city center stream. www.hiseoulfest.org
Hi Seoul Light Festival
December-January. Elaborate light displays decorate the wintry city center. There’s also a temporary skating rink installed on Seoul Plaza, site of an ice ballet. Tip: If you want to go skating here, buy a ticket as early in the morning as possible. www.hiseoulfest.org
