Signature Annual Events in Seoul

Good to Know

• Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok are major family holidays when most of Korea's population travels home; expect severe travel congestion, hotel closures, and limited restaurant availability outside tourist areas. Central Seoul (Gangnam, Myeongdong, Itaewon) maintains better infrastructure and tourist facilities during these periods.
• Spring (late March-early May) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and vibrant festivals, making these ideal visit windows that avoid extreme holiday congestion.
• Many traditional ceremonies and cultural demonstrations occur during Chuseok and Lunar New Year at cultural sites like Namsangol Hanok Village and historic palaces, despite reduced urban activity.
• Free or low-cost events dominate Seoul's annual calendar; major festivals at Hangang parks and city plazas are accessible to the public without significant admission fees.
• Buddhist temples across Seoul hold special lantern festivals (Yeon-deung-hoe) around Buddha's Birthday, creating opportunities to experience religious and cultural traditions.
• The city's festival calendar closely follows both the solar Gregorian calendar and the traditional lunar calendar, so dates for major holidays shift yearly.