Between spring’s first blossoms and summer’s full energy, South Korea transforms into a colourful land of tradition, music, and togetherness. From lanterns that light the Seoul night sky to seaside fireworks and mud-soaked adventures, every festival here captures a different facet of joy.
For women travellers, the season is not only lively but also safe, well-organised, and full of community warmth. Whether you are a solo explorer or travelling with friends, this guide highlights the best summer festivals in Korea that promise unforgettable memories.
Between April and July, Korea’s summer events and late-spring festivities come alive across the country. These are the most vivid, walkable, and safe celebrations women travellers can enjoy with ease and confidence.
Jinhae, a small coastal city near Busan, becomes a sea of pink during the country’s largest cherry blossom festival. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival draws millions each year to witness the delicate petals along Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station.
Women travellers will appreciate the safety, scenic routes, and relaxed pace. The city is compact and walkable, with charming cafés and markets along every street. For photographers and nature lovers, it is a perfect start to Korea’s festive season.
Held in Seoul’s Yeouido district, this festival celebrates the arrival of spring along the Han River. Yunjung-ro Street blooms with over 1,800 cherry trees, creating a pink-and-white canopy over the walkway.
The event includes cultural performances, street food stalls, and night illuminations. It is one of the most photogenic Korean summer events, even though it takes place in spring. Women can explore safely, enjoy riverside cycling paths, and relax in open-air cafés with a view of the skyline.
The Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) is one of Korea’s most spiritual and visually stunning celebrations. It marks the birth of Buddha, with thousands of lanterns lighting up downtown Seoul.
Expect parades, lantern-making workshops, and performances by monks and cultural troupes. The evening procession near Jogyesa Temple is breathtaking. For women travellers, it delivers both peace and artistic engagement in a beautifully managed, safe environment.
A UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage event, this festival in Gangneung celebrates the arrival of summer through traditional performances and rituals.
You can witness shamanic ceremonies, folk wrestling, and colourful parades. Local artisans sell handmade crafts and herbal cosmetics in open-air markets. The setting is warm, authentic, and ideal for travellers looking to connect with Korea’s roots.
Set on Yeongildae Beach, the Pohang International Fireworks Festival lights up the coastline with pyrotechnic shows, music, and ocean breezes. Teams from around the world compete in stunning firework displays choreographed to live performances.
Women travellers can easily access the area by train and enjoy the friendly, festive atmosphere. The event is well-patrolled and safe even for late-night visitors.
The name says it all: chicken and beer (chikin and maekju). The Daegu Chimac Festival celebrates Korea’s favourite food pairing with live music, games, and thousands of happy locals.
The energy is infectious but laid-back enough for travellers who prefer casual fun over crowds. The event takes place in Duryu Park, with plenty of shaded seating, food zones, and rest areas.
Women travellers will find it easy to navigate, and the atmosphere is safe, cheerful, and inclusive.
No list of summer festivals in Korea is complete without the legendary Boryeong Mud Festival. What began as a small local event to promote Daecheon’s mineral mud has become an international celebration of carefree summer fun.
Expect mud slides, obstacle races, and live DJ sets along the beach. There are also spa zones for those who prefer the relaxing side of the experience.
Safety, inclusivity, and organisation make it a favourite among women travellers. The energy is wild but friendly, and the community vibe is quite enjoyable.
Closing the season on a soulful note, the Gwangju World Music Festival combines Korean traditional music with global genres.
The festival brings together artists from Africa, Europe, and Asia, performing across open-air stages in the city’s cultural district. Workshops, dance sessions, and local food stalls make it a celebration of connection.
Women travellers continually cite Gwangju as one of the easiest cities in Korea to explore, thanks to its friendly locals and excellent public transport.
South Korea’s spring and summer festivals capture the country’s balance between modern joy and ancient tradition. Whether you are walking under cherry blossoms, joining lantern parades, or dancing barefoot at the beach, every experience is a story worth keeping.
