Summer Events in Korea ๐
One of the most popular times to travel abroad is during the summerโbetween having longer holiday breaks, and the good weather, there is a great incentive to travel to unknown lands. A popular tourist destination is South Korea, with over 16 million overseas tourists visiting every year; and summer is the most popular season to visit. Thus, there are many summer events and activities prepared for both tourists and locals over June, July and August.
DAY TRIPS
Pocheon Art Valley
Pocheon Art Valley is a large quarry that is filled with art sculptures and stunning views. Walking around the valley gives you a wonderful mixture of natural Korean landmarks, such as stunning waterfalls and cute caves; and peculiar art exhibitions made by creative artists.
Chuncheon-si
Chuncheon-si is a city in Gangwon Province. It has many rural areas, all sorts of art exhibitions, the impressive Cheongpyeongsa Buddhist Temple, hidden waterfalls and much more. It became internationally famous after a popular K-drama, Winter Sonata, was filmed there. A walk around the city will give you a taste of a traditional Korea, and a feeling of living in a world of fantasy.
Yeouido Park
Yeouido Park is located in Seoul, and goes along the river Han, a major river in the Korean peninsula. It is the perfect location to ride a bike along the river. Although every season brings its delightful views and different experiences, the cool summer breeze on a sunny day (perhaps with an ice cream) makes for a perfect for a day at the park. And if riding bikes isnโt for you, you can always rent out hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and have a lovely stroll along the river.
Montmartre Park
This park is near a French town called Seorae Village in Seoul. The park has many trees, small play areas and... bunnies! There are little bunnies hopping around everywhere in the park, and they are not afraid of humans! So taking pictures and even petting them is very easy!
TEMPLES
South Korea is a country filled with temples, many of which are Buddhist. Although there are many stunning temples, here are three you must visit when you visit Korea.
The Cheongpyeongsa Temple is not only a beautiful temple in itself, the hike to the destination is one of a kind, with a beautiful waterfall midway. There is also a lake to make the view from the hill magical.
The Buseoksa Temple is one of the largest temples in Korea, and one of the oldest buildings made from wood. If the view was not already enough to make you fall in love with it, the feeling of an ancient, sacred place will most likely leave a mark within you.
The Hyangiram Temple is not only unique with its extraordinary path to the temple and breathtaking sunsets; it is also home to a 500-year-old Camellia tree.
FESTIVALS
The Pride Festival (also known as Seoul Queer Culture Festival) is one of the festivals you cannot miss! It mixes a celebration of one self with the unique and exciting Korean festival traditions. As the festival has become bigger, more and more events have been added, including films, lectures, live music and a massive parade.
The Boryeong Mud Festival is a famous and well-loved festival celebrated every summer in Boryeong. What started out as a marketing strategy in 1998 for beauty products using mud, has become a very anticipated festival that attracts both foreigners and local people. Slides, pools, live music and...mud. The perfect recipe for a good time!
The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival celebrates the blooming of lotus flowers from May to July. The festival is in historical sites and beautiful parks full of these flowers, and all sorts of performances are put on.
BEACHES
Everyone enjoys spending their holiday at a beach, especially when it is hot. Luckily, Korea is a province (it has many beaches!) and it is very hot in the summer. Perfect! Here are three beaches that you must visit when visiting.
Jungmun Beach is beach haven. There are rocky areas, sandy shores for miles, and palm trees creating shade. The waves are perfect for surfing, the waters are crystal clear, and everything is set up for a nice and relaxing time at the beach. The only problem will be trying to leave this place!
Hyeopjae Beach is a stunning beach with a beautiful view of an island nearby. On windy days, it is perfect for kite-surfing; and on calmer days, it is perfect for a safe swim in the water, as it remains shallow for miles.
Naksan Beach stretches out for many kilometres, white sand shining when the sun comes out, and clean crystal blue waters. Due to the wide flat land at the beach, some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets occur here.
MUSIC FESTIVALS
During the Korean summers, many amazing music festivals take place for all sorts of people. Rainbow Island is a festival for music and camping. If this is not your type of place, there is the Incheon Pentaport Rockfest for rock music; or Itโs A Fest! for alternative music. If you canโt decide what you want, DMZ Peace Trail Fest plays all sorts of music.
There are also many EDM concerts, the biggest one being the Ultra Music Festival (in Korea!) with artists such as David Guetta and Zedd. For slightly smaller festivals, you can check out the Seoul World DJ Festival or 5tardium. For a wider music range, but with the same vibe, the Spectrum Dance and Music Festival takes place in early September, and it plays EDM, Hip-hop and K-pop.
Clearly, there are many things to do in Korea in the summer. As it is a popular time to visit, there are no limitations with what this country has to offer. Will you visit Korea? Which of these activities appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments!
Written by Lucille Bamber
