Upcoming in Korea
Festivals & events in Korea
Upcoming festivals, light shows, markets and New Year events — with dates and official links.
Dates marked “TBC” are based on previous years and may change.
November 2026
Sat, Nov 7불꽃놀이
On nowFree on the beach; paid reserved seats
Busan Fireworks FestivalBusan · Gwangalli Beach (also visible from Haeundae and Igidae)Korea's biggest fireworks show over Gwangan Bridge. Huge crowds — arrive early, expect packed subways and closed roads.Nov 18 – Nov 22전시
Paid (tickets sold online)
G-STAR 2026 (Game Show)Busan · BEXCOKorea's largest game exhibition, with new titles, demos and esports stages.December 2026
Dec 4 – Feb 21, 2027빛축제
Dates TBCFree
Busan Gwangbok-ro Winter Light Tree FestivalBusan · Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu (near Nampo Station)Busan's big Christmas tree and street lights in the Nampo shopping area.Official site to be announcedAsk Tribby
Dec 5 – Mar 14, 2027빛축제
Dates TBCPaid admission
Garden of Morning Calm Light FestivalGapyeong (near Seoul) · The Garden of Morning CalmMillions of colored lights across a hillside garden — a popular day-trip combo with Nami Island.Dec 11 – Dec 31마켓
Dates TBCFree entry; food and gifts for sale
Gwanghwamun Christmas MarketSeoul · Gwanghwamun SquareEuropean-style Christmas market with food stalls, local makers and photo spots. Part of Seoul Winter Festa.Dec 11 – Jan 3, 2027빛축제
Free
Seoul Light GwanghwamunSeoul · Gwanghwamun SquareMedia-art projections and light sculptures around Gwanghwamun, with a New Year countdown.Dec 11 – Jan 18, 2027빛축제
Dates TBCFree
Seoul Lantern FestivalSeoul · Cheonggyecheon Stream (Cheonggye Plaza to Samil Bridge)Hundreds of glowing lanterns and light art along the stream in central Seoul — an easy evening walk.Dec 11 – Jan 31, 2027겨울
Mostly free
Seoul Winter FestaSeoul · Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon, Seoul Plaza, DDP and moreSeoul's citywide winter festival: light shows, Christmas market, lantern festival, ice rink and the New Year's Eve bell ringing.Dec 18 – Dec 27마켓
Dates TBCFree entry
Romantic Hangang Christmas MarketSeoul · Ttukseom Hangang ParkRiverside Christmas market by the Han River, planned for the Christmas weekend.Dec 19 – Feb 7, 2027겨울
Dates TBCVery cheap (last season about 1,000 won per hour incl. skates)
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating RinkSeoul · Seoul Plaza, in front of City HallOutdoor ice rink in the heart of the city — skates rented on site.Dec 29 – Jan 1, 2027전시
Check official site (past editions: free pre-registration)
SEOULConSeoul · DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)Global creator and K-culture festival with K-beauty booths, K-pop stages and creator meetups.Thu, Dec 31새해
Free, no reservation
New Year's Eve Bell Ringing at BosingakSeoul · Bosingak Pavilion, JongnoSeoul's traditional New Year countdown: the bell is struck 33 times at midnight. Very crowded — dress warm and plan your ride home.January 2027
Jan 9 – Jan 31겨울
Paid experiences (ice fishing etc.)
Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice FestivalHwacheon, Gangwon · Hwacheon StreamIce fishing for mountain trout on a frozen river, ice sledding and snow play. Day tours from Seoul are popular.