The Best Fall Festivals in South Korea

Many festivals take place in South Korea during the fall and winter, but some are better suited for foreigners, as language isn’t required to fully enjoy them. These festivals are visual, fun, and filled with great food and traditions. As cooler months approach, South Korea becomes an ideal place to experience the country’s rich traditions. This isn’t just a shift in weather; it’s a celebration of the harvest, culture, and community. This post highlights the top fall festivals that make this season unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Best Festivals For Cooler Days

Name it and there is probably a festival for it in South Korea. From fish to films, South Korea enjoys celebrating everything. Here are the must-see Fall and winter Festivals within a few hours from Camp Walker in Daegu South Korea. Most of them reflect the autumn harvest, the people’s dedication to their culture and traditions as well as its new-found influence on the rest of the world. Although there are a dozen festivals I can think of, here are four of my personal favorites.

Chuseok 

All Over South Korea
Thursday, September 24th through Sunday, September 27th

This is not your typical festival. Chuseok is the South Korean equivalent of the American Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a three-day festival devoted to the harvest and ancestors. Chuseok foods have ceremonial relevance, as does their placement on the dinner table. It’s both visual and complicated for foreigners.. So look for it next year. Hopefully, you’ll get an invite from a friend.

Chuseok is mainly celebrated at home with family and friends. However, there are also public performances: singing, dancing, and storytelling. And if you are lucky enough to be invited, I wholeheartedly recommend that you go. But don’t forget a gift. Common Chuseok gifts include pears, apples, grapes, and Spam. Yes, Spam.

Andong Mask Dance Festival 

Andong Hahoe Village
Tentatively listed as September 24 to October 3, 2026

The festival has over 50 events, but the highlight is the National & International Mask Dance Performances and World Mask Competitions. Competitors come from all around the world. We went the day they had performances by the Philippines and Japan. A taste of Thailand just before our first of three trips: Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.

There are dozens of vendors hawking everything from sneakers to kitchen spoons to soaps and perfumes. Fresh and dried fish, octopus, silkworms, and fresh fruits and vegetables baked under the intense sun. Nuts, spices, berries, and something that resembled Rice Crispy treats toppled into tall towers… easily toppled by unsteady hands. Hands-on demonstrations of mask making, dance groups including very young (and possibly mildly inappropriately dressed) belly dancers.

Address: 239 Yuksa-ro, Junggu-dong, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, Korean Address (KakaoMap): 탈춤공원 안동탈춤공연장

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival

The Jinju Lantern Festival is one of the most beautiful festivals I have attended. Thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the Namgang River near Jinjuseong Fortress. Some float on the water, while others form large displays along the riverbank. Steven and I enjoyed walking around and photographing the lanterns after dark.

The festival also includes cultural performances, international lantern displays, and activities for visitors. One tradition allows people to write wishes on lanterns. I recommend arriving before sunset to explore the fortress and surrounding area. Then, stay after dark when the illuminated displays become the main attraction.

When: Usually October.

Where: Namgang River, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province.

Address: 626 Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

The Busan International Fireworks Festival

The Busan International Fireworks Festival attracts enormous crowds to Gwangalli Beach. Fireworks explode above Gwangan Bridge, accompanied by music and colorful lighting effects. I have attended fireworks displays in several places, but Busan was particularly impressive. The combination of fireworks, music, and the illuminated bridge made the evening memorable.

Most visitors gather along Gwangalli Beach for the closest views. However, Hwangnyeongsan Mountain offers another viewpoint overlooking the city and coastline. Expect large crowds, limited parking, and heavy traffic around the beach. I recommend arriving early, choosing your viewing location, and using public transportation.

When: Usually October or November. Exact dates vary.

Where: Gwangalli Beach, Busan.

Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

Tips for Attending Fall Festivals in South Korea

Fall festivals in South Korea attract large crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays. I recommend checking official festival websites before making travel plans. Dates sometimes change, and certain activities require advance reservations. Arriving early also gives you more time to explore before the largest crowds arrive.

Public transportation is often easier than driving, especially at major festivals. Wear comfortable shoes because you may spend several hours walking between performances, food stalls, and exhibits. Evenings can get chilly in October and November, so bring a jacket.

You can also find information about upcoming festivals through several useful resources:

• Visit Korea: The Korea Tourism Organization publishes festival dates, locations, and visitor information.
• Local Tourism Offices: Stop by tourist information centers for maps, brochures, and local event schedules.
• Expat Communities: Facebook groups and local expat communities often share festival experiences and transportation advice.
• Travel Apps: Check Klook for organized tours, tickets, and transportation options.
• KakaoTalk Groups: Local community groups sometimes share information about smaller festivals that receive less international attention.

I also recommend checking the weather forecast before leaving. Some outdoor performances and activities may change because of rain or strong winds. Allow extra time for transportation, especially when thousands of visitors are leaving at once.

Final Thoughts

Fall is a wonderful time to explore South Korea. The cooler temperatures make walking around festival grounds more comfortable, especially compared to the summer heat. I recommend attending at least one festival during your visit. And if your trip extends into the colder months, check out my Best Winter Festivals in South Korea for more seasonal experiences.

Like it. Pin it.