[WEEKEND GETAWAY] From royal tombs to rice harvests: A guide to Korea’s October festivals

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[WEEKEND GETAWAY] From royal tombs to rice harvests: A guide to Korea’s October festivals

Published: 11 Oct. 2024, 17:06

KIM DONG-EUN
kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in Jinju, South Gyeongsang, is held until Oct. 20, 2024. [JINJU CITY GOVERNMENT]

October is a month of change. As summer gives way to autumn, the greenery gradually shifts to red and yellow hues. With the cooler winds and changing colors comes a wave of fall festivals celebrating Korea's rich cultural heritage across the country.

From lantern-lit celebrations to rice festivals marking the harvest season and tributes to Korea's royal heritage, here are four culturally enriching events planned for October, compiled by the Korea JoongAng Daily.

2024 Korea Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival
2024 국가유산 조선왕릉축전

The opening ceremony of the Korea Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival at Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs in October 2023. [KOREA HERITAGE AGENCY]

The K-Royal Culture Festival started Oct. 9 and continues until Oct. 13 at the four major palaces — Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Changgyeong and Deoksu palaces, organized by the Korea Heritage Agency and the Korea Heritage Service's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center.

While the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) are often spotlighted, the royal tombs — equally rich in history and significance — tend to receive far less attention. This month, take part in the Korea Heritage Joseon Royal Tombs Festival and discover the history behind these lesser-known cultural treasures. The Royal Tombs Festival, organized by the same team behind the K-Royal Culture Festival, runs from Oct. 12 to 20, with the pre-opening ceremony taking place Friday.

The main events will be held at five major royal tombs in Gyeonggi — Hongneung and Yureung Royal Tombs, East Nine Royal Tombs (Donggureung), Sareung Royal Tomb, Gwangneung Royal Tomb and Yeongneung, the tomb of King Sejong. The festival includes eight programs featuring performances, tours and exhibitions, each with different themes and names, such as "Garden of the Gods," a state funeral demonstration for the king, and the "Donggureung Night Tour," a walk along the seven courses of past tomb facilities. Pre-admission tickets have been available online since Sept. 30, and you can sign up for the programs through the website.

@royaltombs_festival
Namyangju and Yeoju, Gyeonggi
(경기도 남양주시, 여주시)
Duration: Oct. 12 to Oct. 20
Phone number: 02-6354-7223
Website: https://jrtf.or.kr/en.html

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
진주남강유등축제

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in Jinju, South Gyeongsang lights up the Nam River with lanterns every October. [JINJU CITY GOVERNMENT]

Each October, the Nam River in Jinju, South Gyeongsang, comes alive with colorful lanterns during the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. The festival traces its roots to the Imjin War (1592–1598) during the Joseon Dynasty when lanterns were floated on the Nam River to distract Japanese soldiers and protect the river from invasion. The lanterns were also used as greetings and to send messages to families on the other side of the river.

This year’s festival, which began on Oct. 5 and runs until Oct. 20, features a range of lanterns in various shapes and colors. The festival offers a mix of historical themes, such as soldier-shaped lanterns in traditional garments, alongside modern K-pop idols and kid-friendly characters. Highlights include drone shows on Oct. 12 and Oct. 20, and a fireworks finale on Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. Visitors can also participate in activities such as crossing the sarang dari, or "love bridge," or floating wish lanterns on the river. Admission is free, though tickets are required to cross the bridges throughout the venue.

@yudeung_festival
287 Gangnam-ro, Jinju, South Gyeongsang
(경상남도 진주시 강남로 287)
Duration: Oct. 5 to Oct. 20, 2024
Admission fee: Free, but 2,000 won tickets are required to access various festival sections.
Phone number: 055-761-9111
Website: https://yudeung.com/

Icheon Rice Culture Festival
이천쌀문화축제

Icheon Rice Culture Festival in Icheon, Gyeonggi offers rice out of the large rice cauldron for 2,000 won ($1.50). [ICHEON RICE FESTIVAL]

Icheon, Gyeonggi, known for its high-quality rice, hosts the Icheon Rice Culture Festival annually to celebrate the harvest season. This year, the 23rd festival runs from Oct. 16 to 20 at Icheon Agricultural Theme Park. The event offers family-friendly activities such as local performances, face painting and minigames, but the main focus is on rice-related experiences. Visitors can try monaegi (rice planting), threshing and sampling freshly cooked rice from a massive caldron for 2,000 won ($1.50).

Rice cake tasting and cooking programs are also part of the festivities. For those interested in exploring the full range of rice-related activities, a cart operates throughout the venue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

48 Gongwon-ro Moga-myeon, Icheon, Gyeonggi
(경기도 이천시 모가면 공원로 48)
Duration: Oct. 16 to Oct. 20, 2024
Phone number: 031-544-4135, 4136, 4137
Website: www.ricefestival.or.kr/main/main.php

2024 Seodaemun Night Road
2024 서대문 문화유산 야행

Seodaemun Night Road is a two-night event held on Oct. 18 and 19 in Seodaemun District, western Seoul, consisting of night tours and booth events. [SEODAEMUN NIGHT ROAD]

Seodaemun District in western Seoul has organized seven nighttime programs that highlight the area's culture, history and local experiences. Visitors can enjoy mission tours, guided tours, night exhibitions, busking concerts and flea markets, all free of charge. Two programs — the Ansan Course and the Moonlight Concert — are accepting pre-registrations until Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. The Ansan Course is a guided tour of Hongjae Falls, while the Moonlight Concert features performances under the Dongnimmun (Independence) Gate in central Seoul.

The night programs, designed for those with busy schedules, extend the opening hours of attractions such as the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government and the Seodaemun Prison History Hall until 10 p.m. Night stalls, LED photo zones and booths will illuminate Seodaemun Independence Park, with free food available for those who successfully complete the mission tour.

Other cities and provinces are also hosting cultural night programs in mid-October. For example, Gyeongju in South Gyeongsang will hold the "Gyeongju Cultural Heritage Night Trip" from Oct. 18 to 19.

@sdm.nightroad
251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun District, western Seoul
(서울시 서대문구 현저동 통일로 251)
Duration: Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, 2024
Phone number: 070-7575-2352, 2353
Website: www.sdmnightroad.com

BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]