South Korean Festivals from July to December 2010
Here are some reasons why you should enjoy the celebrations in South Korea!
JULY
Hansan Rami Fabric Festival (in Daejon): Hansan ramie originated in the Baekje Kingdom and was sent as a tribute to the King during the Joseon Dynasty. Pearly white and gracious in appearance, ramie fabric textiles have been appreciated as the best fabric for summer wear. Each year, it offers a wonderful time to appreciate ramie fabrics and elegant traditional ramie clothes, as well as trendy new styles. Everyone including visitors can try their hand at making and painting the fabric, and enjoy lavish fashion shows of traditional Korean attire.
Boryeong Mud Festival (in Daejeon): Boryeong’s mud flats have a high concentration of Germanium and a host of other minerals that are beneficial for the skin. During the festival, many fun activities are organized such as mud slides, mud wrestling, and mud massages, enabling visitors to become covered from head-to-toe in this “healthy” mud. With festivities running day and night, the Boryeong Mud Party is a fun-packed beach party that’s sure to be a highlight of your summer. Every year, the festival is visited by nearly 80,000 international travelers.
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AUGUST
Gangjin Celadon Cultural Festival (in Gwangju): This is one of the most boastful celebrations in Korean cultural art history. Named as a national treasure, the inlaid pattern in celadon blue is expressed as the perfection of technology and beauty. During the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the superior beauty of traditional-style celadon porcelain-ware as well as more modern styles.
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SEPTEMBER
Geumsan Insam Festival (in Daejeon): Geumsan, located in the south Chungcheong Province, is the home of Goryeo Insam. About 80 percent of the country`s Ginseng supplies are produced here. Geumsan is famous for its high-quality ginseng. The Insam Festival, which has been held every September since 1981, is a traditional cultural event in which villagers pray for a good harvest the following year. Programs include ginseng harvesting experiences, performances of traditional arts and rituals, concerts, an international ginseng trade fair and a ginseng cooking competition.
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OCTOBER
Gimje Horizon Festival (in Gwangju): Gimje holds an agricultural festival, The area where the festival is held serves as an excellent educational site, where visitors can experience a variety of traditional rural Korean culture and customs. Especially related to the rice farming culture. 'Byeokgolje' is a representative irrigation facility used when there is water shortage. It's known as the center of Korea's 5,000 year-old rice farming culture, so the festival represents Gimje's natural,cultural and historical backgrounds.
Seogwipo Chilsimni Festival (in Seogwipo): This festival is a comprehensive festival in which people can experience [Jejudo island's->] unique lifestyle and culture. It features diverse art and cultural programs typical of Jejudo island, most notably a large parade as well as a variety of hands-on activities.
Busan Jagalchi Festival: It is the seafood festival balancing the cooking contest of the foreigners and the relay race of sea, with different kinds of fun and entertainment. Every year, Busan is organized at the Jagalchi Seafood Market area during the month of October. The visitors coming to Busan gets to see different kinds of event such as a boat launch ceremony, a fish dance exhibition, and fireworks.
Busan International Film Festival: This is held annually in Busan. Despite its short history, the film festival has grown into one of the most influential film festivals in Asia, filling Busan with famous film makers, actors, critics, fans and huge audiences. The films are screened at numerous theaters in the Nampodong street area.
Gwangju kimchi festival: This festival celebrates everything about kimchi, Korea’s most representative food. Outstanding kimchi chefs and curious visitors come to see the many varieties of kimchi such as pickled cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, etc, and other foods such as Gwangju’s local food. There are also demonstrations for visitors on how to make kimchi and a kimchi culinary contest.
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NOVEMBER
- Food Korea Food Show: Food Korea is a major international food show with well-known brands from around the world. A variety of events introduce traditional and new kinds of Korean food and culture.