Lantern festivals are a popular tradition in Korea, particularly during the fall and winter months. The festivals feature colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes, which are often designed with cultural or historical themes. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful lantern displays, participate in traditional games and activities, and sample local food and drinks.
One of the largest lantern festivals in Korea is the Seoul Lantern Festival, which usually takes place in November. The festival is held along the Cheonggyecheon stream in central Seoul and features over 100,000 lanterns. The lanterns are arranged in various shapes and designs, such as animals, historical figures, and famous landmarks.
Other lantern festivals in Korea include the Jinju Lantern Festival, which takes place in October in the city of Jinju and features lanterns in the shape of traditional Korean houses; the Andong Mask Dance Festival, which takes place in late September to early October and features lanterns designed to look like traditional Korean masks; and the Hwaseong Fortress Lantern Festival, which takes place in late October to early November and features lanterns that illuminate the historic fortress in Suwon.
If you’re planning to attend a lantern festival in Korea, be sure to check the latest updates and schedule before making your travel plans. Many festivals have been impacted by COVID-19 and may be subject to change or cancellation.
