Gangneung Danoje Festival
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.
It 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 rides and tug-of-war competitions follow these rituals.
The festival is being held June 14-21.
The event has no admission fees, although participation fees may apply for individual programs.
Visit the homepage at www.danojefestival.or.kr for more information in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.
Gwangju Tomato Festival
Gwangju Toechon Tomato Festival takes place in Toechon, Gyeonggi Province, which has been growing tomatoes since the 1970s. The festival is held to promote and sell the organic tomatoes grown from clean areas of Paldang Lake. During the festival, visitors can enjoy various activities such as a tomato pool, tomato fight, treasure hunt, tomato cooking contest, writing contest and other programs.
It will be held June 22-24.
The festival has no admission charges and is open to visitors of all ages, although there are separate charges for hands-on activities.
Visit the homepage at www.gjcity.go.kr for more information in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.
Goseong Lavender Festival
The area around Eocheon-ri in Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province, is covered with purple lavender fields from June 1-21.
This year’s annual Goseong Lavender Festival will feature a variety of programs, from exhibitions to performances, including a lavender photo exhibit, a photo contest at the farm and the village, a classical music concert and a lucky draw.
The event is open to visitors of all ages, free of charge, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, call the travel hotline at 1330 for information in Korean, English, Japanese or Chinese. The website (www.lavenderfarm.co.kr) is only in Korean.
Welcome to Joseon
The cultural theme park of the Korean Folk Village hosts the “Welcome to Joseon” Variety Festival each spring.
Programs include parades and performances as well as hands-on activities and in-character staff members wandering freely throughout the park to interact with visitors. Travel in time back to the Joseon era with the characters putting on an interesting comedy act.
The event is open to visitors of all ages, and the durations of the performances vary. It is held from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., until June 24.
Visit www.koreanfolk.co.kr for more information in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.
Seoul Bike Parade
The Seoul Bike Parade is being held on Sunday, starting at 8 a.m. at Gwanghwamun Square with an expected 5,000 participants. The bikes pass Seoul Station and the north end of the bridge Hangangdaegyo, before finishing at Peace Plaza in World Cup Park.
Bikers can enjoy the cool breeze from the beautiful Han River while riding along some of Seoul’s best courses, including from Gwanghwamun Square to the north end of Hangangdaegyo, and the Gangbyeonbuk-ro course passing under the seven bridges of the Han River.
The event is open to participants between the age of 10 and 80, for a 10,000 won participation fee.
For more information, call the travel hotline at 1330 for information in Korean, English, Japanese or Chinese. The website (hiseoulbike.com) is only available in Korean.
