South Korea is gearing up for an unforgettable season ahead. From the pulsating heart of Seoul to Gwanghwamun, Daegu and Gangnam, the country renowned for its trendy culture, prepares to embrace the versatility of celebrations in the country that range from K-pop performances, outdoor library projects and beguiling art events. Moreover, you can explore the latest trends in Korean art and music, indulge in a culinar adventure, and immerse yourself in the magic of traditional mask dances.
While festivals like the 61st Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, K-pop events like the INK Concert or internationationally famed 29th Busan International Film Festival already have the spotlight, we bring you a closer look at a series of other captivating events that will leave you spell bound.
Check out the top 5 events happening in South Korea in 2024
Whether it is witnessing ancient rituals that look like they stepped out of a historical drama or dancing the night away at a K-pop concert. You can get that all in one trip. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready as South Korea is hosting myriad experiences, events and festivals in the days ahead that will leave you wanting more.
1. Seoul Outdoor Libraries in Seoul Plaza & Gwanghwamun
The Seoul Outdoor Libraries, located in Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square, offers world’s first buildingless library project for readers and visitors. In the heart of downtown Seoul, these unique outdoor libraries provide the perfect setting to relax and read, with the beautiful backdrop of iconic landmarks like Gwanghwamun Gate, Mount Bukaksan, and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
At the Seoul Plaza location, visitors can lounge on bean bags and enjoy an open-sky reading experience, while the Gwanghwamun Square location offers a more scenic, historical ambiance, equipped with parasols and bean bag chairs for comfort. Both spaces invite people to participate in themed programs such as the Travel Library, which delves into the culture and arts of various cities, and Welcome Seoul, a cultural experience aimed at both domestic and international visitors.
Running from April 5 to November 10, 2024, the Seoul Outdoor Libraries will host special programs every Thursday through Sunday in Seoul Plaza and Friday through Sunday in Gwanghwamun Square. The Gwanghwamun location will be particularly enhanced, expanding its offerings from the Gwanghwamun and Sejong Lounges to the spacious Yukjo Yard, ensuring more visitors can enjoy the facilities.
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2. 2024 Gangnam Festival
The 2024 Gangnam Festival is a vibrant cultural and arts event that will take place at COEX, a popular destination in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. One of the highlights of the festival is the Gangnam Fashion Festa, which will feature an opening ceremony showcasing the district’s cultural and tourism resources and utilize the COEX Byeolmadang Library as a runway.
A family-friendly event scheduled for September 26 to September 29, 2024, exciting events include the Maru Park Green Concert, and the Yeongdong-daero K-Pop Concert, which will be held on a grand stage set up on a 7-lane road. Additionally, the K-Culture Stage & Gourmet Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore Korean culture while indulging in international food and craft beer. There’s also the International Peace Marathon, which marks the finale of the festival.
3. 2024 Andong Maskdance Festival
The 2024 Andong Maskdance Festival is a captivating event that celebrates the power of mask dance to bring people together. From September 27 to October 6, visitors can experience the magic of mask dances from around the world, with a special focus on Korea’s rich tradition of mask dance. Beyond the performances, the festival offers a variety of interactive experiences, including mask dance lessons, mask-making workshops, and exciting competitions like the World Mask Contest and Creative Mask Competition.
The highlight of the festival is the Talnori Daedongnanjang Parade, a grand procession where citizens, tourists, and international performance teams join together in a vibrant celebration of mask dance.
4. 2024 Seoul Music Festival
The 2024 Seoul Music Festival is a must-attend event for K-pop and Korean Wave enthusiasts. This three-day festival, which will take place from September 27 to 29, offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of K-pop at the picturesque Nodeul Island on the Han River.
Enjoy captivating performances by popular K-pop artists, witness the excitement of the K-Pop Cover Dance World Finals and K-Pop Dance Gala Show featuring contestants from 13 countries, and participate in a variety of interactive experiences, including K-pop dance classes, beauty brand experiences, karaoke singing, and sampling Seoul’s delicious bakery treats.
5. Welcome Daehakro Festival 2024
At the Welcome Daehakro Festival 2024, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Korean performing arts, right in the heart of Seoul. From October 5 to November 3, you can enjoy a diverse range of performances, from captivating nonverbal acts and musicals to traditional Korean shows, all unfolding across the bustling Daehakro area. You’ll also have access to special vouchers for local shops and restaurants, along with guided tours led by English-speaking guides to help you explore the rich culture of Daehakro. Don’t miss the opening ceremony, where a colorful parade will take over Daehakro Street, complete with appearances by famous celebrities and exciting events that will make your experience unforgettable!
6. 2024 Seoul Performing Arts Festival and Performing Arts Market
The 2024 Seoul Performing Arts Festival (SPAF), running from October 4 to 27, is Korea’s largest and most historic international performing arts event, showcasing a wide range of performances in Daehakro and nearby areas of Seoul. Since its inception in 2001, SPAF has emphasized diversity, inclusiveness, and accessibility, offering both artists and audiences opportunities for engagement and creative expression. Held at prominent venues like Daloreum Theater, National Theater of Korea and Daehakro Theater Quad, the festival reflects contemporary values and perspectives through its eclectic array of performances.
Running in conjunction with SPAF is the Performing Arts Market in Seoul 2024 (PAMS), happening from October 8 to 11. As Asia’s largest international performing arts platform, PAMS fosters meaningful collaborations and networking between domestic and global performing arts professionals. Highlights include the PAMS Choice showcase, PAMS Salon, and PAMS Pitching, promoting Korean performing arts to international markets and facilitating cultural exchange. This event will take place at the National Theater of Korea and Seoul Namsan Gukakdang, creating a dynamic space for the distribution and expansion of Korean performing arts worldwide.
7. Seosan Haemieupseong Festival
The Seosan Haemieupseong Festival offers a unique cultural experience in the historic setting of Haemieupseong Fortress, which boasts 600 years of history. Scheduled for 2 October to 5 October 2024, this festival blends tradition with modern entertainment, featuring a range of performances including orchestra concerts, musical galas, King Taejong’s royal processions, and even EDM parties—all set against the stunning backdrop of the fortress. You can unwind with a relaxing picnic on the expansive lawns and enjoy an evening stroll through illuminated pine and bamboo forests, adding to the festival’s enchanting atmosphere. The event takes place at Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress in Chungcheongnam-do, making it a perfect destination for history and culture lovers alike.
8. 2024 Fantasia Daegu Festa
The 2024 Fantasia Daegu Festa brings together the best of Daegu’s premier festivals, offering a vibrant mix of cultural events during two special periods in the spring and fall. In the spring, the festival kicks off with the Powerful Daegu Festival, featuring lively parades and performances, followed by the Daegu Lifestyle Culture Festival, the Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Culture Festival while also enjoying the energetic atmosphere of the Powerful K-Trot Festival.
The fall edition coming soon is scheduled from October 4 to 13, 2024, focuses on sentimental music and performing arts, with events like the Daegu International Opera Festival, World Orchestra Festival, Daegu International Music Festival, Daegu Folk Festival, and Daegu International Healing Performing Arts Festival, alongside the Daegu Cross-Genre Arts Festival. These events span various venues across Daegu Metropolitan City, making it a cultural feast for music lovers, artists, and festival-goers alike.
9. 27th Bucheon International Comics Festival
The 27th Bucheon International Comics Festival is set to be Asia’s premier event for comic enthusiasts, taking place from October 3 to 6, 2024, in the Bucheon-si area. This global festival will feature a special exhibition of Bucheon Comics Award winners, alongside a variety of engaging activities such as a cartoon exhibition, a meet-and-greet with a star artist, and an exciting webtoon concert. Fans can also look forward to a vibrant comic market offering creative goods from various artists and the thrilling international cosplay championship, where cosplayers from 15 countries will compete. If you are passionate about comics, cosplay, and pop culture, this event is definitely a must-visit.
10. Daejeon Bakery Festival
Get ready to indulge at the Daejeon Bakery Festival, where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air in Korea’s very own “city of bread”! From September 28 to 29, this festival is a paradise for pastry lovers, offering a unique chance to taste signature breads from the country’s most famous bakeries, all in one delicious location. The excitement doesn’t stop at the treats—witness the cutting of a massive 15-meter roll cake, try your hand at cake-making, and soak in the lively atmosphere with local artist busking and random play dance performances. It’s not just a food festival—it’s a full-on celebration of flavor, fun, and culture!