Gyeonggi Festivals & Events

Held at the Garden of Morning Calm, the Lighting Festival was the first light festival in Korea to combine the natural surroundings with lights, covering 330 thousand square meters. Held from December to March, the environmental-friendly LED lights shine throughout the garden.

The Icheon Ginseng Festival has been held annually since 2015 to promote the benefits and value of the locally grown ginseng. The festival features sales as well as events.

The Black Music Festival feature performances across various genres, including hip hop, R&B, soul form both local artists and international artists. Along with performances, visitors can enjoy various cultural events and hands-on experience programs.

Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion stands looking over the Hwahongmun Gate and Yongyeon Pond and is a place where the aspirations of King Jeongjo live on. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress has a total of four pavilions, and Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion is located on the northwestern side of the fortress. The fortresses were built to act as a watchtower for keeping an eye on outside invasion, with Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion being located at the most strategic point. Although it was built as a military watchtower, it was designed to also act as a pavilion, and Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion was recognized as a National Treasure in 2011 for outstanding techniques and aesthetics that represent the Joseon dynasty in the 18th century.

As Korea's leading comic-focused festival, the Bucheon International Comics Festival features a wide range of events, including the special exhibition of Bucheon Comic Awards winners, comic exhibitions, and the Singing BICOF. Visitors can explore Comics Bunker, where they can find merchandise from various artists, along with a comic book café. The festival also includes the World Webtoon Forum and the International Cosplay Championship, as well as talk & signing events with renowned domestic artists.

The Namsadang Noripae, which was at the heart of popular culture during the Joseon dynasty, can be likened to today's touring musical theater companies. Anseong is the birthplace of the Namsadang, which expressed the joys and sorrows of the times through various forms of entertainment. The Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival inherits the tradition and culture of Namsadang and the artistic spirit of Baudeogi, the first female to have become the leader of Namsadang troupe in the Joseon dynasty. It is designated as an official festival of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFFⓇ), an official partner of UNESCO since 2006. Namsadang Nori (Itinerant Troupe Performance) is held at the festival, along with other shows, including Pungmul Nori (Folk Music and Dance Performance) and foreign folk performances. Visitors can catch the tightrope show every day, which is performed on a rope three meters off the ground. Other attractions include the reenactment of a traditional Korean wedding and royal procession and the World Parade. ◎ Namsadang and Baudeogi Namsadang was a performance troupe that went around singing, dancing, and performing various tricks. The troupe was initially composed of single men, but women also came to be members after the female performer and leader Baudeogi.

By incorporating games and activities, Siheung Gaetgol Festival aims to raise awareness about ecology, the environment, and family. "Gaetgol" refers to the water channels flowing through tidal flats during low tide, home to various halophytes, wetland creatures, and over 60 species of birds, making it an ecological treasure trove. The festival features a wide range of exciting programs. The activities include the "Eco-orienteering Mission Game," where participants wear "Family Run" T-shirts and explore the festival grounds, a salt playground on the salt pans, Gaetgol Metaverse Family Run, Gaetgol Test, and Family Speed Quiz. Families completing the missions receive a completion medal from the festival. ◎ Tip Don't miss the Acoustic Festival, Jazz Concert, and Gaetgol Moonlight Night Tour set against the backdrop of the salt playground at the old salt field and Gaetgol. As an eco-friendly festival, it promotes a car-free environment. Bring your tumblers and reusable containers to participate with a sense of pride.

Hwaseong Boating Festival is a maritime cultural festival held at Jeongok Port, the closest port to Seoul. Jeongok Port is just over a two-hour distance from Seoul by public transportation and is beloved by couples for its beautiful sunsets. The festival offers a full day of diverse sea-related experiences, including sailing yachts, powerboats, marine cable cars, sea fishing village experiences, and non-motorized watercraft activities. The festival also features an EDM party by the sea at night, dance performances by residents, plogging, and concerts, providing plenty of entertainment. ◎Tip The picturesque sunsets at Jeongok Port are frequently featured in Korean TV shows, making it a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos. Be sure to try various angles and settings for the best shots!

A prehistoric cultural festival is held at the Archaeological Site in Jeongok-ri, where the first humans inhabited the Korean Peninsula. In 1978, the discovery of an Acheulean hand axe in Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon, garnered global attention, challenging Movius's theory that divided Paleolithic cultures into Eastern and Western categories. Being recognized for its significance in world prehistoric culture, the festival began as a small event in 1993 to promote and preserve the important Jeongok-ri archaeological site. Now, it has grown into a large-scale festival, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Every May, Yeoncheon becomes a hub for experiencing prehistoric cultures from around the world. This special experiential festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the wisdom of early humans who lived in harmony with nature, providing unforgettable inspiration and enjoyment. ◎ Acheulean Hand Axe The Acheulean hand axe is a stone tool from the Paleolithic period discovered at the archaeological site in Jeongok-ri. It features double-edged blades that exhibit skilled craftsmanship.