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The arrival of December signifies that the year is nearly over.
Here are some festivals recommended for those who want to conclude 2024 on a high note.
They'll continue to welcome participants with great enthusiasm in December!
Don't miss the beauty that can only be experienced in winter.
Let's beginš
Market Pier 9 is a night market held at Pohang Guryongpo Wharf, where visitors can enjoy the enchanting winter sea. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday. As the name of this marine food festival suggests, a wide variety of seafood is available. Notably, the experience of grilling seafood and seafood skewers caught by divers on a barbecue grill is particularly popular! In addition to food, the market features handmade products from local artisans and various experiential programs, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the night market. Nearby, you can also visit the picturesque Guryongpo Japanese House Street, a filming location for the drama 'When the Camellia Blooms', even more enjoyable!
Address: 954-34 Guryongpo-ri, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Work: Nov. 2nd ā Dec. 15th(Every Sat, Sun)
The Haeundae Polar Bear Festival is one of the 10 most unique sports festivals selected by the BBC. It's an event where āhuman polar bearsā jump into the sea to enjoy the winter sea. They jump into the sea in the middle of winter to pray for good health for the year and to strengthen their physical and mental health. There are various things to enjoy, such as the ice bucket challenge where everyone takes on the challenge with their own determination and the unique photo zone with polar bears hiding here and there. The main event of this festival is definitely the event where everyone happily jumps into the cold winter sea, and it seems like they have forgotten the cold with their hot passion. The 1km companion swimming competition is closed for registration, but you can console yourself with the water entry event!
Address: U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Work: Dec. 6th ā 8th
Gwanghwamun Market, a Christmas market held against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun Square. You can enjoy the beautiful night view of Seoul, and the market village with sparkling lights and cozy exteriors adds to the year-end atmosphere, giving it a special feel. In particular, the giant Christmas tree located in the center catches the eye. The market of about 100 local small business owners sells props and food suitable for the year-end atmosphere, so you can experience or buy them. Even if you donāt buy anything, there're Christmas-themed photo zones and exciting stages, so please come and enjoy the year-end atmosphere in the bustling Gwanghwamun area!
Address: 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Work: Dec. 13th ā Jan. 5th
The Seoul Lantern Festival is Seoul's representative nighttime light festival, now in its 16th year, and will be held in the Cheonggye Plaza and Cheonggyecheon area. Over 200 different light sculptures and experiences that beautifully decorate Cheonggyecheon every winter are enough to make the end of the year special. In addition to the beautiful light festival, there'll also be participatory events, such as making Christmas LED ornaments and snowmen and Santa Claus mood lights during the Christmas season. Korean craft experiences such as bull leader, mother-of-pearl hand mirrors, and flower norigae key rings for the New Year will also be available, making this an even more fulfilling year-end festival!
Address: 1 Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Work: Dec. 13th ā Jan. 12th
Ganjeolgot in Ulju is the first location in Eurasia, and indeed in Korea, to witness the sunrise. It is renowned as a prime spot for observing the first sunrise of the new year. The Ulju Ganjeolgot Sunrise Festival makes this inaugural sunrise particularly meaningful. The end of the year is celebrated with spectacular fireworks and drone shows. As the sun begins to rise, cheers erupt from the crowd, while many people quietly clasp their hands together to make wishes for the new year. A notable Korean tradition is eating tteokguk (rice cake soup), which symbolizes aging a year on New Year's Day. A tteokguk-sharing event is held, allowing everyone to enjoy this dish and celebrate the arrival of the new year together!
Address: Daesong-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
Work: Dec. 31st ā Jan. 1st
Watching the sunrise on New Year's Day is great, but how about celebrating the New Year in the heart of Seoul? Start the year by watching a media faƧade video using the magnificent exterior of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP. On December 31st, there're various performances and media faƧade videos planned to help you celebrate the end of 2024 in an exciting way. Starting one minute before January 1st, join the countdown and feel the energy of the magnificent fireworks display that'll mark the start of the New Year right above your head! If you pre-order through Naver, you can also receive various countdown pre-order products.
Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Work:Ā Dec. 31st ā Jan. 1st