Local Festivals
As in many other parts of the world, local communities in Korea have developed a variety of cultural programs and events to mark their achievements or to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage bequeathed to them. In Boryeong in Chungcheongnam-do Province, for instance, the local mud festival attracts summer holidaymakers from all over Korea and from overseas, while in Andong of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province the annual international mask dance festival entertains tourists visiting the city. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival held annually in January is one of the biggest winter festivals.
Other popular festivals include the Gimje Horizon Festival, which is focused on the local agricultural heritage preserved in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do Province, the Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival, and the Jeonju Bibimbap Festival, which is held to celebrate the heritage that has helped the city of Jeonju gain an international reputation. In Jinju of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival has begun to serve a similar function. Held to commemorate the ordinary people of Jinju, who fought heroically to protect their hometown against invading Japanese forces during the Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of 1592) at the turn of the 16th century, the festival provides tourists with fantastic nighttime views of lanterns floating along the Namgang River. In Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province, the Chuncheon International Mime Festival (CIMF) offers an exciting range of performances presented by ‘mime theater’ companies gathered for the event from across the world.
As in many other parts of the world, local communities in Korea have developed a variety of cultural programs and events to mark their achievements or to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage bequeathed to them. In Boryeong in Chungcheongnam-do Province, for instance, the local mud festival attracts summer holidaymakers from all over Korea and from overseas, while in Andong of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province the annual international mask dance festival entertains tourists visiting the city. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival held annually in January is one of the biggest winter festivals.
Andong International Mask dance Festival. This festival contributes to the effort to preserve and revive the Hahoe byeolsingut tallori and boost other mask-related cultural activities around the world.
Boryeong Mud Festival. One of the most popular summer festivals in Korea today, the Boryeong Mud Festival attracts tens of thousands of international holidaymakers every year.
Other popular festivals include the Gimje Horizon Festival, which is focused on the local agricultural heritage preserved in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do Province, the Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival, and the Jeonju Bibimbap Festival, which is held to celebrate the heritage that has helped the city of Jeonju gain an international reputation. In Jinju of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival has begun to serve a similar function. Held to commemorate the ordinary people of Jinju, who fought heroically to protect their hometown against invading Japanese forces during the Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of 1592) at the turn of the 16th century, the festival provides tourists with fantastic nighttime views of lanterns floating along the Namgang River. In Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province, the Chuncheon International Mime Festival (CIMF) offers an exciting range of performances presented by ‘mime theater’ companies gathered for the event from across the world.
