Festivals. Of all sizes and all kinds, to please all tastes. For families and for singles. For seniors and for the young. In gorgeous cities and beaches….
So what’s happening in June?
1. Haeundae Sand Festival
When: May 29 – June 1, 2015
Where: Haeundae Beach area in Busan
Description: This festival is an eco-friendly celebration set on the beautiful Haeundae Beach in Busan. The festival’s main attraction is the sand sculpture exhibition where the works of famous local and international sand sculptors are displayed along the beach. Visitors can try their hand at building sandcastles, creating sand sculptures, and even sledding on the sandy beach.
2. Hansan Ramie Fabric Cultural Festival
When: June 11 – June 14, 2015
Where: Hansan Mosi Museum vicinity in Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Description: Hansan mosi (한산모시, ramie fabric) is one of the world’s oldest forms of fabric made from plants. On display at this unique festival are hundreds of beautiful clothes made from ramie. Skilled artisans guide visitors through every step of the processing of the famed hansan ramie: from how the ramie plant is grown to how it’s spun into thread and used to make clothing. There will also be a demonstration of hansan mosi weaving (added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity in 2011), so visitors can get a direct experience of Korea’s age-old ramie yarn tradition.
3. Rainbow Island Music & Camping Festival
When: June 20 – June 21, 2015
Where: Namiseom Island
Description: The Rainbow Island Music & Camping Festival is held In Namiseom Island. The festival will star a number of musicians of different genres, including several DJ crews. Visitors can enjoy the music while they camp outdoors in the beautiful Namiseom Island.
Cast:
[HOLIDAY]
– Kim Chang Wan Band, Kyuhyun, Beenzino
– Regular and Eddie Kim, Sultan Of The Disco
– Grey Rokko, Saebyeol Park, Giraffe
– Hyeokoh, S Scholar, Alegria
[Midnight Fantasy]
Kim Kanji x Hyun Jin, the timid brothers
– Mood Salon, LIKE LIKES, Obscene boy
[Dreamvills]
– Bobby Biarritz, Mimi Sisters, an exciting island, cassette yujeudeu
* ALL DAY: MC-prime
HOST CHEF: chaenakyoung (boys beat)
4. Gangneung Danoje Festival
When: June 16 – June 23, 2015
Where: Namdaecheon Stream, Danojang area
Description:The Gangneung Danoje Festival was designated a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2005 and ‘Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 13’ in Korea in 1967. The festival serves to preserve the folk culture of the Joseon Dynasty and has been a popular festival since 1975.
Danoje Festival includes rituals such as the Daegwallyeong Guksa Seonghwangje (a tribute to Monk Beomil, believed to protect Gangneung) and Yeongsinje (a deity greeting ritual). Folk performances, ssireum wrestling, swing riding, and tug-of-war competitions follow these rituals. During the Danoje Festival, visitors are also invited to participate in various events: watching a traditional wedding ceremony, making surichui rice cake, washing their hair in iris-infused water, and drinking alcohol offered to the gods. There are also regional dialect contests and other cultural programs.
5. Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival
When: May 23 – June 28, 2015
Where: Seoul Grand Park Theme Garden
Description: The Seoul Grand Park Rose Walking Festival will be held at the Rose Theme Garden within Seoul Grand Park. The festival will have about 20,000 rose trees from close to 290 species from different places all over the world.
6. Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF)
When: June 12 – June 16, 2015
Where: Busan Cultural Center (Medium Theater), Busan Cultural center, Busan Cinema Center
Description: The Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF) is one of the largest dance festivals in Korea. Dancers taking the stage in Haeundae hail from all over the world. This year, the festival is themed under the title ‘World Dances, Busan Moves!’
In the festival, visitors can be assured to experience an eclectic mix of dancing that showcases a variety of excellent dance styles: classical ballet, modern dance, and more.
With so many great festivals to choose from, it’s easy to find many ways to enjoy your summer in Korea!
