Upcoming events in Korea in May

Seoul Spring Festival 2026
Seoul| Apr 10 – May 5

Seoul Spring Festival 2026

Experience Everything from K-Beauty, K-Fashion, and K-Pop to K-Food and K-ArtThe Seoul Spring Festival, the city’s premier cultural and tourism festival,brings Seoul’s latest trends and sensibilities together in one place!This year, the Hangang River becomes our stage!The entire Hangang River area will harmonize into one,creating a massive festival venue that spans acrossthe water and the riverbanks.

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival)
Seoul| May 16 – May 17

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival)

Started approximately 1,200 years ago during the Silla dynasty and continued through the Goryeo Yeon Deung Hoe and Joseon lantern festival, the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival is a traditional festival registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Gyochon Cultural Performance Silla Ogi
Gyeongju| Apr 11 – May 23

Gyochon Cultural Performance Silla Ogi

After returning from his studies in the Tang dynasty, Silla scholar Choi Chi-won was captivated by a clown troupe performance in Gyeongju’s Gyochon Village and later recorded it in his poetry, “Hyangak Japyeong.” Inspired by this, the Gyochon Cultural Performance “Silla Ogi” reimagines five traditional plays: Geumhwan, Daemyeon, Sanye, Woljeon, and Sokdok.

Samgwangsa Lantern Festival
Busan| May 4 – May 24

Samgwangsa Lantern Festival

At Samgwangsa Temple, thousands of lotus lanterns glow through the night in celebration of Buddha’s Birthday, illuminating the slopes of Baegyangsan Mountain.

Busan Old Town Revitalization Festival [Taxchelin]
Busan| May 22 – May 24

Busan Old Town Revitalization Festival [Taxchelin]

Enjoy the charm of of Busan's old downtown through "Taxchelin!" Taxulain is a combination of taxi and Michelin, and it is a festival where you can enjoy performances, experiences, and tours centered around local hidden gems recommended by veteran taxi drivers with over 10 years of experience.

Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace
Seoul| Apr 16 – May 31

Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace

The Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace is a high-quality cultural event held at Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage. The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty under the moonlight.

Jeju Food and Wine Festival
Jeju| May 23 – Jun 13

Jeju Food and Wine Festival

The Jeju Food & Wine Festival (JFWF), Jeju’s premier gastronomic festival, is a cultural event that showcases the value of Jeju’s local ingredients and culinary heritage to both domestic and international audiences through dishes crafted from the island’s pristine produce.

Infinity Flying
Gyeongju| Apr 4 – Jun 30

Infinity Flying

“Infinity Flying” is a high-energy, nonverbal performance recognized as one of Korea’s signature shows.

Seoul International Garden Show
Seoul| May 1 – Oct 27

Seoul International Garden Show

The Seoul International Garden Show decorates the area of Seoul Forest with a lineup of various themed gardens created by students, citizens, businesses, and cooperations both domestic and overseas regions.

Last updated April 30, 2026

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