List Of Korean Traditions and Festivals 2023 | 10 Top Korean Celebrations And Holidays

Korea is a kaleidoscope of traditions, festivals, and rituals. I’ve loved everything about them. And so I wanted to share this list of Korean traditions with you. 

When I was younger I used to celebrate these festivals with gusto.

Eating delicious food, wearing beautiful hanboks, participating in rituals, all of these things have very pleasant associations attached to them.

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One of my chief aspirations is to introduce this wondrous Korean culture to everyone else in the world. 

So I decided to write this article and make a list of Korean traditions and festivals that are so popular in my country.

Korean Traditional Festivals 2023

Seollal

I think this article would be incomplete without mentioning Seollal or the Lunar New Year’s Day. It’s perhaps the biggest festival in South Korea.

Seollal marks the first day of the Korean calendar. Although it’s celebrated over a 3 day period, the actual New Year’s falls on the middle day.

Usually Seollal falls near the weekend making it a 5-day holiday.

On this day, you’ll see Korean citizens of all ages donning the traditional Hanbok and paying respects to their ancestors and elders.

They perform a ritual called “Charye” which is supposed to honor their ancestors. Along with this ritual bowing to your elders or the traditional New Year’s Bow “Sebae” is very important.

Coming to the food! You’ll see dishes like Tteoguk (rice cake in black bean sauce) and a variety of sweets called Yakwa.  And or course, there’s the Korean tea!

Playing folk games such as Yunnori, where people match the opposite sides of wooden sticks are also common scenes. 

Daeboreum Festival

This is another festival that has ties with the Lunar calendar. Daeboreum is celebrated on the first full moon of the Lunar Year.

It’s fun to observe how certain practices and rituals have their basis in practicality and common sense.

Did you know that the full moon was an indicator to farmers to start working on their land?

There are also other rituals observed during this day such as burning stacks of hay and rolling cans full of charcoal around a field. 

While today they remain just traditions to be followed and repeated, once upon a time these were scientifically sound farming practices.

The gases released from the burning stacks of hay helped fertilize the soil and grow the crops. And smoke from the charcoal cans was good for keeping rats and other vermin away from the field.

Meoseumnal Festival 

The Meoseumnal is not observed anymore. But it’s still a great way to reflect on our past. 

This festival has its roots in Korean culture’s feudal origins. Serfdom was widespread in ancient Korea, and rich landowners often had servants to till their land and do their bidding.

Meoseumnal was a sort of holiday for these servants. The wealthy masters would provide their servants with extra money, food, clothing, etc. and give them some free time to enjoy themselves.

Samjinnal

Samjinnal is a spring festival and hence it’s one of my absolute favourites! It’s also called the double third festival.

This festival is celebrated on the third day of the third month. Why all the threes, you ask? Well, Koreans consider the number 3 to be lucky.

And Samjinnal was considered an auspicious day because it signifies a new cycle of life after a hard winter.

As the days grow steadily less colder, birds, insects, and wildlife return to their homes. Korean’s believed that this was a sign of coming fortune. 

Samjinnal is celebrated by cooking traditional rice cakes and noodles and drinking wine made of Azalea flowers called Dugyeonju.

Fairs are a common sight during this period, where you can see activities like fortune-telling, rooster fighting, archery, and more.

Hansik

You would have noticed how a lot of Korean festivals are centred around farming. And Hansik is no different.

Celebrated 105 days after the winter solstice, Hansik signals the beginning of the farming period. 

During this day, only cold food is eaten, so sometimes people call this festival the Cold Food Festival.

A lot of mugwort dishes are consumed during this festival. You’ll find mugwort cake, mugwort soup, and even mugwort dumplings.

Another important aspect of this day is the ancestral prayers. Koreans from all over the country visit the Jongmyo Shrine to perform sacrificial rites.

Hold up, I hope you’re not thinking that cold food means yummy dishes are not prepared on this day. You are allowed to create food just not by using fire.

People also perform memorial services and visit the graves of their family members during this day.

It’s believed that their blessings are essential for starting the farming period. 

Buddha’s Birthday (Chopail)

A lot of people in South Korea follow Buddhism. So it’s no surprise that Chopail is celebrated with such gusto in the country.

A very interesting part of this holiday are the lotus lanterns. Every year during Buddha’s Birthday, Korean families get colourful lanterns to decorate their homes with.

The number of lanterns corresponds to the number of family members.

While lotus flowers are the most popular lantern shapes, you’ll find a lot of other symbols related to Buddhism like fish, fruits, turtles, and other flowers.

A lot of people also visit Buddhist shrines and offer prayers during this day. 

Chuseok Holiday

Chuseok is often confused with the Lunar New Year or Seollal. However, these two are very different holidays.

While Seollal marks the beginning of the Korean calendar, Chuseok falls on the 15th day of the 8th Lunar month. This day is also a full moon. 

I am a sucker for the amazing dishes prepared during Chuseok like Torantang, Galbi (beef or pork ribs), Songpyeon (a traditional Korean rice cake).

What fascinated me the most about this festival is the variety of games and festivities we get to see.

You’ll see Ssireum or traditional Korean wrestling, arrow shooting, tug-of-war and so many others.

Dano Festival 

If it’s one thing Korean festivals know, it’s how to take advantage of the brilliant sunshine-y weather. 

Dano is another amazing spring festival. On this day, women wash their hair with a special concoction made of changpo (sweet flag). 

It’s also customary to wear red and blue and weave iris flowers on their head to ward off evil spirits.

As the weather’s growing hotter with the arrival of summer, Korean gift their friends and family fans to beat the heat.

Yudu Festival 

Yudu festival is celebrated during peak summer. 

It’s a harvest festival too, but instead of praying for good crops, Yudu is more about giving thanks for the bountiful harvest.

Farmers offer a portion of their best fruits, grains, and other crops as offerings to the harvest gods to ensure a good reaping every year.

There is another delightful tradition that takes place every year at Yudu. People often go wash their hair in a creek that flows east.

It’s believed that doing so will help get rid of bad luck accumulated through the year.

Doljabi

I think a lot of people in the west will be familiar with Doljabi thanks to K-dramas and other pop culture references.

Doljabi is a bit different from the other festivals here. It’s more of a ritual that is followed by parents on their child’s first birthday.

Here the kid is dressed in traditional Korean garb and is surrounded by certain items like books, money, a musical instrument, a stethoscope, sports gear, etc. 

Then, it’s up to the kiddo to choose from these objects.

It’s believed that whatever the kid chooses will be their path in life.

For example, if the child picks books, they are going to be intellectual, if they choose a stethoscope, they’ll go into the medical field.

You never know if this is actually a real prediction or something to soothe the anxiety of new parents. But it’s still a very fun ritual! 

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Seotdal Geumeum

I’ve discussed all the Korean traditions relating to the New Year’s Day. But did you know there’s a festival to celebrate the last day of the year as well.

Yes, it’s called the Seotdal Geumeum! The Korean traditions relating to this festival involves the use of loud noises to drive evil spirits away.

Seeing people in masks making loud noises in public places is a common spectacle during Seotdal Geumeum.

This day is also used by people to prepare for the upcoming new year.

National Korean Holidays

There are also certain Korean traditions that might not be religious festivals or events but are still a part of Korean culture.

These are the Korean national holidays that the public observes. Some of these holidays include:

Gwangbokjeol – Also called the “National Liberation Day”, this holiday is celebrated to mark Korea’s victory and liberation from Japan during the second world war. Gwangbokjeol falls on the 15th of August.

Hangeul Day – This day is celerbated on the 9th of October. It marks the anniversary of the invention of the Hangul letters or the official Korean writing system.

Jeheonjeol – Jeheonjeol is the Korean “Consitution Day”. It is celebrated on the 17th of July to mark the anniversary of Korea getting it’s own constitution during 1948.

Gaecheonjeol – This national holiday celebrates the anniversary of the formation of the first Korean state back in 233 BCE. It’s celebrated on the 3rd day of the 10th lunar month.

Korean Festival Calendar 2023

Korean culture is known for its rich and diverse traditions, especially when it comes to festivals. The coming year, 2023, holds a great promise of ushering in some of the most celebrated Korean traditions and festivals.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, joining in on these events is a great way to learn more about the Korean way of life and immerse yourself in their vibrant culture.

Some of the festivals that you can expect to see include the Seoul Lantern Festival, the Boryeong Mud Festival, and the Andong Mask Dance Festival. The Seoul Lantern Festival is a magical experience where thousands of beautiful lanterns illuminate the sky and create a beautiful display of light and color.

The Boryeong Mud Festival is a fun and unique event where participants slather themselves in mud and then engage in various outdoor activities.

Finally, the Andong Mask Dance Festival is a celebration of traditional Korean mask dances, a centuries-old art form that is still alive and beloved today.

Other notable festivals include the Jeju Fire Festival, the Busan International Film Festival, and the Lotus Lantern Festival.

Each of these events offers a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of Korean culture, giving visitors a chance to experience something truly special.

In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Korea in 2023, don’t miss out on these incredible festivals. The country’s unique traditions and rich cultural heritage are sure to leave a lasting impression and create memories that will last a lifetime.

All About The Edc Korea 2023

If you’re a fan of electronic dance music, then Edc Korea 2023 is an event you won’t want to miss! This annual festival is one of the biggest and most exciting events in Korea, and brings together people from all over the country and even the world.

From the latest electronic beats to dazzling light shows, the atmosphere is always electric. The first thing you’ll notice about Edc Korea 2023 is the vibe – it’s a celebration of electronic dance music and all that goes with it.

From neon lights and huge sound systems to wild costumes and dancing, everything about this event screams excitement. But it’s not just about the music – there’s plenty of other things to see and do too.

First up, there are the food and drink vendors, offering everything from classic Korean street food to international cuisine. You’ll also find a range of stalls selling merchandise, souvenirs and more. And, of course, there are the rides and attractions – from fairground-style games to inflatable slides and more.

One thing that sets Edc Korea 2023 apart from other festivals is the sense of community. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and surrounded by friendly, like-minded people.

There’s a real sense of camaraderie and togetherness at this event, and it’s a feeling that will stay with you long after the festival is over.

Overall, Edc Korea 2023 is a must-see event for anyone who loves electronic dance music and the festival lifestyle.

Seoul Music Festivals 2023

Seoul is a hub of musical talent and entertainment, and the city’s music festivals are truly a sight to behold. In 2023, Seoul is set to host some of the most exciting and diverse music festivals in the world, promising to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers from all walks of life.

First up is the Seoul Jazz Festival, which will showcase some of the world’s finest jazz musicians. The festival’s lineup includes both veteran artists and up-and-coming jazz talents, promising to provide a wide range of styles and performances.

From smooth jazz to Latin jazz, blues, and fusion, the Seoul Jazz Festival is an event that shouldn’t be missed. The Seoul World DJ Festival is another event that draws music lovers from all over the world.

This festival features a lineup of some of the most talented DJs from across the globe, spinning everything from EDM to hip-hop, techno to house music.

The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd are electrifying, creating an atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. Finally, the Seoul Music Awards is a prestigious event that celebrates the best of Korean music.

The awards ceremony recognizes the achievements of Korean artists in categories such as best album, best song, and best newcomer. Performances from the winning artists and the evening’s special guests make for a night of incredible music and entertainment.

In summary, Seoul’s music festivals are the perfect showcase of the city’s vibrant and diverse musical scene. Whether you’re into jazz, dance music, or K-pop, there’s a festival for you in 2023. So, mark your calendars and get your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences.

FAQs – Korean Traditions and Festivals

Festivals, customs, traditions – these are the things that make up a culture. 

And I’ve loved sharing my knowledge about how South Korea celebrates and what Korean traditions it follows.

These things might seem quaint to an outside observer, but the clothes, practices, food, and mythology surrounding these festivals give them an irresistible charm.

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