Celebrate Spring with Three Colorful Spring Festivals

Once festival season hits Korea, it begs the question "Which one(s) do I attend?" That being said, there are bound to be some festivals that fit your schedule and location. This means more ways to embrace Korean culture and experience new things! Here are three festivals to enjoy.

• Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1JFj1-oQi9/

The Lotus Lantern Festival takes place every year on the weekend before Buddha’s birthday. This year it took place from April 2 to April 26. Yeon Deung Hoe originated more than 1,200 years ago in the Silla period, and today, delights attendees with extravagant floats, dazzling lanterns, and outstanding performances during the parade. The public can also enjoy traditional cultural performances and events, ceremonies, and can even write wishes on lanterns that are then hung up. Guests brighten their own hearts when attending this festival.

• Hampyeong Butterfly Festival

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw7jTD5BHMR/

On April 29, the opening ceremony of the 22nd Annual Hampyeong Butterfly Festival heralded the yearly event, which will last through May 10. This eco-friendly festival is more than just butterflies! Guests can see exhibits that feature many species of butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bees, and even wildflowers. Attendees of all ages can experience feeding livestock, milking cows, and can also feed love parrots. Some activities come at a price while others are free. Admission is 7,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for youth, and 3,000 won for children.

• Naval Port Festival (Jinhae Gunhangje)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD1mI8sQrcz/

Jinhae Gunhangje is South Korea’s biggest cherry blossom festival! Held for ten days, it celebrates two things: the cherry blossoms and Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, a historic war hero who won against the Japanese Navy during the Imjin War. The festival arose from being a memorial for Yi Sun-Shin in 1952, and hosts cultural performances, a military display, and other activities. Admission is free and is open to all ages. The 2020 festival was from April 1 to April 10.

Which festival would you like to attend? Have you been to any of these? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Cover Image: KS KYUNG on Unsplash
Written by Brianna Giles