October festival calendar
The following are the major cultural and tourist festivals to be held in South Korea in October.
Hi Seoul Festival
When: Oct. 1-7
Where: Seoul Plaza and various venues in Seoul
Seoul is an international and cultural city with a 600-year history as the capital. The festival will show Seoul as a place where East and West, traditional and modern exist in harmony.
Some 40 groups and individuals at home and abroad will stage street art of various genres such as street performances, parades, circuses and music, under the theme of "Street," during the event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the festival began as a small festival of Seoul citizens with participation of about 600,000 people in 2003. It has developed into one of the largest festivals in Seoul since then, for both locals and foreign tourists. For more information, go to https://hiseoulfest.org. or call 02-3290-7150.
Pine Mushroom Festival
When: Oct. 3-7
Where: Namdaecheon Stream Event area, Yangyang, Gangwon Province
Known to many as "golden mushrooms," "diamonds in the woods," and "mystic and magical mushrooms," songi mushrooms that naturally grow under old pine trees are strictly prohibited from public access. However, at Pine Mushroom Festivals, visitors may tour the natural habitat of these luxurious and precious mushrooms, pick them and sample dishes made with them.
For more information, call 033-1330 or log onto the Web site at https://song-i.yangyang.go.kr.
Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival
When: Oct. 5-7
Where: Hwaseong Haenggung, Yeonmudae and other places in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province
Celebrating its 49th anniversary this year, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is one of the largest culture and tourism festivals in Korea. Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, situated about 50 kilometers south of Seoul, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and commemorates the filial affection and innovations of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), who built the fortress. Over the years, the Hwaseong Cultural Festival has become established as a quintessential regional cultural festival that promotes the traditional culture and arts of Suwon. Events will include reenactments of King Jeongjo's parade to the royal tomb and a citizens' parade, a liquor-serving ceremony for royal ancestors and a reenactment of Queen Hyegyeonggung Hong's 60th birthday feast. For more information, call 031-228-2621-4 or visit the Web site at https://shfes.suwon.go.kr.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
When: Oct. 6
Where: Han River Park, Seoul
Constellations of fireworks will light the autumn sky over the Han River bisecting Seoul on Oct. 6. The show will feature firework displays by four professional teams from Italy, China, the United States and South Korea from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Prior to the firework show, visitors will be able to enjoy various performances and programs, including solar car racing. For more information, call 1330 or visit the Web site at www.bulnori.com.
Busan Jagalchi Festival
When: Oct. 11-14
Where: Busan Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi is the largest fish and marine product market in Korea and a symbol of Busan, the country's largest port city. The huge size and bustling, lively atmosphere makes a visit to Jagalchi Market a unique experience for many visitors. Small food stalls serve fresh inshore hagfish grilled on briquette fires along with other unusual sea creatures and sashimi-sliced fish at market prices.
For more information, call 051-243-9363 or log onto the Web site at www.ijagalchi.co.kr.