FOLLOW US

World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > South Korea > Seoul

Local time Seoul

Currency

Seoul Events

Jongmyo Daeje

This ancestral rite has been performed for over 500 years, earning it an UNESCO World Heritage listing. The spirits of former kings and queens, believed to reside in tablets at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, are honoured with elaborate bowing and food-offering rituals from massed ranks in colourful traditional costumes.

Date: 02 May 2021 - 02 May 2021
Venue: Jongmyo Jeongjeon Shrine, Jongno-gu.
Website: http://www.jongmyo.net
Cost:

Free.


Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul

Over 100,000 lanterns illuminate the streets of Jong-ro in central Seoul to celebrate Buddha's birthday. Performances and other festivities take place outside Jogyesa Temple in Insa-dong, and a parade of glowing lanterns and floats takes place one evening.

Date: 14 May 2021 - 16 May 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Jongno, particularly around Jogyesa Temple.
Website: http://www.llf.or.kr
Cost:

Free.


Rose Festival

Said to be the most beautiful festival held in Seoul, the highlight of this festival is the rose tunnel on the embankment of Jungnang Stream. Over 1 million roses from all over the world decorate the arches, under which you can take a romantic walk and snap selfies.

Date: 15 May 2021 - 30 May 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Jungnangcheon

Boryeong Mud Festival

Two and a half hours south of Seoul, you can wallow in everything from therapeutic mud massage to mud-sliding at this spectacularly dirty and fun festival held each July on Daecheon Beach – the longest on Korea's West coast. The mud is rich in minerals and said to be good for the skin. Most participants will want to bring a swimsuit they won't care to ever wear again and plan on being covered in mud from head to toe.

Date: 23 July 2021 - 01 August 2021
Venue: Daecheon Beach, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do.
Website: http://www.mudfestival.or.kr
Cost:

Free.


A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

SEE MORE

The Shilla

Celebrities, royalty and heads of state have stayed at The Shilla, which is set in 9 hectares (23 acres) of woodland yet known for its state-of-the-art technology. Modern public areas belie traditionally furnished rooms. The restaurant, La Yeon, has three Michelin stars - the first restaurant to receive such an accolade.

Fraser Place Central Seoul

A luxury home-from-home is offered by these serviced 'residences' in Seoul, from studios to three-bed and penthouse apartments. Relaxation is further aided by the attractive leisure facilities - a large pool, steam and sauna rooms and peaceful atrium garden.

K-POP Hotel Seoul Station

Only a short walk from Seoul Station, this hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to a central location and low price. The rooms are tiny, it's true, but they are light and modern and offer underfloor heating, minifridges and flat-screen TVs. There's also a lounge area, a basement cafe and rooftop terrace. Laundry facilities don't include dryers, though.

Ibis Seoul Ambassador Gangnam

A good value mid-range hotel in Seoul with smart facilities in a central location. Amenities include a restaurant, a rooftop garden and underground parking, plus there's a sauna and fitness room. The COEX convention centre and shopping mall are nearby.

Lotte Hotel Seoul

The refurbished wing of this huge super-deluxe hotel in Seoul is a good bet for those who want to stay in the heart of the city and close to shopping areas – there's even a large duty-free store on site. A good choice of dining includes French and Italian restaurants. A personal trainer and sports lab analysis are available in the fitness centre.

Grand Ambassador Seoul

This good, centrally located deluxe business hotel offers great views over the Seoul cityscape. There's easy access to the main markets and historic palaces, and facilities include six bars and restaurants plus a health centre with hydrotherapy pool.