By KREW Ginyn Noble-Cadavillo
Korean summer festivals have always been on my travel bucket list. Imagine vibrant crowds, electrifying music, and unique experiences that go way beyond your typical summer fair. So, the recent news of a Waterbomb Festival finally coming to Manila was such a thrill!
This excitement wasn’t born out of nowhere. A few months ago, I saw PSY’s Summer Swag 2022 on Disney Plus and got reminded of the other Korean festivals I’ve seen clips of in the past. It made me think of similar experiences and dream of future trips when I will finally get to be there.
A Taste of Korean Summer Music Fests
Last May, I got a taste of the electrifying atmosphere at the KWAVE Festival in Manila, presented by SDG and SBTown. The free event aimed to celebrate both the Badminton Asia Closing Ceremony where Korean athletes participated and the much-loved K-pop entertainment scene.
Aside from these, there were sponsored booths by the Manila Koreatown Association and Korean brands like Binggrae, Jinro, Shin Myung Global, BB.Q Chicken, and more. Seeing talented P-pop performances and amazing local acts and K-pop groups like fromis_9 live truly captured the infectious energy of Korean pop culture.
Back in 2019, my husband and I were able to attend the K-World Festa held at the Seoul Olympic Park. Like KWAVE, there were booths all around the venue where we could enjoy delicious snacks and fun immersive experiences. There was an exciting lineup of K-pop acts, too, including Super Junior, Stray Kids, N.Flying, and (G)I-DLE. It was such a unique experience that made us appreciate more K-pop acts beyond who we usually see. Plus, it was nice to see Seoul in summertime with lush trees everywhere and a sprinkle of blooms.
How Korean Summer Festivals Celebrate Music and Beyond
Source: Visit Korea
For music lovers, Korea offers a smorgasbord of options. For instance, the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival pulsates with electrifying rock performances. But unlike music being the singular focus of many Western festivals, Korea boasts a mind-boggling variety of summer celebrations.
Source: Boryeong Mud Festival Promotion Committee via Visit Korea
The one I’m most curious about is the Boryeong Mud Festival. Here, attendees can revel in mud pools, mudslides, and even mud wrestling!
Another event, is the Geumsan Samgyetang Festival where you can indulge in refreshing bowls of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup traditionally consumed during summer), which is one of my favorite Korean dishes.
Source: WATERBOMB Festival website
Then, there’s the Waterbomb Festival that allow you to beat the heat while enjoying various live performances. It started in Korea and it’s now held in various countries like Dubai, Singapore, and soon in the Philippines! Toward the end of summer, Daegu also holds the annual Chimac Festival where you can enjoy all kinds of chicken and beer. There’s really something for everyone!
Beyond the Spectacle: A Cultural Immersion
The beauty of Korean summer festivals lies not just in the spectacle, but also in the opportunity to experience Korean culture firsthand. Many festivals feature traditional performances, like vibrant mask dances or enthralling folk music. Visitors can also sample an array of delicious street food – think piping hot tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and fluffy pajeon (savory pancake) – all while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Source: Visit Korea
The festivals also serve as a platform for local communities. The Hangang Summer Festival, for example, provides a space for artists, organizations, and citizens to come together and celebrate urban culture (source: Korea Tourism Organization – Visit Korea).
Planning Your Korean Summer Adventure
If you’re looking to experience the magic of Korean summer festivals for yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Research: With so many festivals happening throughout the summer, it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your interests. Websites like Korea.net and Visit Korea provide comprehensive information on various festivals, including dates, locations, and highlights. Be sure to look for the official websites or SNS pages of the festival organizers, too, for updates.
- Book Tickets and Accommodations Early: Popular festivals tend to attract large crowds, so securing accommodation well in advance is crucial. For flights, there are usually several seat sales that will let you score affordable tickets. And, for festivals in the province, be sure to book train or van transfer tickets in advance, too. Tip! Airport or express buses is more convenient for travelers ~
- Prepare for Heat and Rain: The summer season in Korea is known to be quite hot with rainy days in between warm, humid ones. Dress comfortably, use a lot of sunscreen, and bring a fan and an umbrella.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Be open to trying new things and experiencing Korean culture in all its vibrancy. From street food to traditional games, there’s always something new to discover.
- Explore Seoul and Beyond: There are several sights around Seoul and other Korean provinces that are must-visits during summer. For my family, we really enjoyed our trip to Busan last year. Our son particularly loved hanging out at Haeundae beach!
With a little planning and a thirst for adventure, a Korean summer festival can be an unforgettable experience. Whether you crave a mud bath at Boryeong or a dance party under the summer sky at Waterbomb, Korea hosts vibrant festivals waiting to be explored. So, pack your bags, get ready to embrace the summer sizzle, and make your Korean festival dream a reality!
THE KREW | MNL 