Rankify has released their list of most popular March events based on search terms and Google Trends data (original article in Korean here). There are a few surprising events like the Korea House Kohojae and the Seoul Festa (which is targeted towards tourists). But mainstays like the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival and the Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang are popular events year after year.
Some of these events are scheduled for April and May, but they require reservations and tickets are extremely limited. Which is why everyone starts looking for tickets in March.
Korea House Kohoje
- When: March 13 – June 30, 2024
- Address: Toegye-ro 36gil 10 Korea House (Google Maps,Naver Map)
Korea House in Seoul is hosting their seasonal spring Kohojae, a traditional Korean tea set featuring desserts that were served in the palace during the Joseon dynasty. The tea set changes each season with the spring season set having started in March. They are 25,000 KRW per person and definitely worth the experience. Check out our experience of Kohoje to see what it’s like.
Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival
- When: April 1 – 4, 2024
- Where: Seokchon Lake (Google Maps,Naver Map)
As if Lotte World wasn’t enough of a draw, Jamsil Station also has Seokchon Lake to draw in visitors from all over any time of the year. However, the lake is especially beautiful during the spring when the cherry blossoms that line the lake draw into full-bloom. This spring festival is one of the shortest, but there are plenty of performances, shops, and foods at the festival to make it worth a visit. Check out our post on theSeokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festivalfor tips on your visit.
Seokjojeon at Night
- When: April 16 – May 25, 2024
- Where: Deoksugung Palace (Google Maps, Naver Map)
Seokjojeon is one of the few examples of Western architecture built on palace grounds that remain today. Every year, a very limited event featuring tours of the Seokjojeon grounds, cafe with live music and a musical performance is held at night. Tickets are available for 26,000 KRW and reservations are set to start in March.
Seokchon Lake Autumn, Winter and Luminiere
- When: Ended February 29, 2024
- Where: Seokchon Lake
Welp. This was going to happen. You might’ve been able to tell by the title, but this was an event at Seokchon Lake during autumn and winter. So it stands to reason that the event ended before spring. And it did. In February. So, moving on…
Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang
- When: TBA
- Where: Gyeongbokgung Palace Saenggwabang (Google Maps, Naver Map)
The Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang is a traditional tea house located inside of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Traditionally, the Saenggwabang was one of six departments in charge of housekeeping as well as preparing desserts and special meals for the king and queen. The tea house is only open for a limited time and has very limited seats. Which is why everyone clamors to make a reservation every year. For more information, you can check the Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation site.
K-Royal Culture Festival
The K-Royal Culture Festival is the name of a group of events that take place throughout the year. Everything from the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung palace to the annual concerts held inside several palaces in Seoul. This year, the K-Royal Culture Festival celebrates it’s 10th anniversary with their spring festivities taking place from April 27 to May 5th. Details on the specific programs are slim, but we’ll update them as we get them.
Seoul Festa 2024
- When: May 1 – 6, 2024
- Where: Seoul Square, Gwanghwamun Square, Noeul Park
Seoul Festa is set to return this year with their spring programs scheduled for May of this year. Last year featured some great events with drone light shows, projection shows and festivals. We haven’t heard much about 2024’s events yet, but based on last year… it should be awesome.
Lotus Lantern Festival
- When: May 10 – 12, 2024
- Lantern Parade: May 11, 2024 (7 PM – 9:30 PM)
- Traditional Cultural events: May 12, 2024
- Where: Lantern Parade on Jongno Street (Google Maps, Naver Map)
The Lotus Lantern Festival is one of the most visually stunning festivals in Seoul. Thousands of people gather for the Lotus Lantern Parade down Jongno Street from the late afternoon into the evening. Then, the festival continues on with events at temples throughout the city.
Seoul Rose Festival
- When: TBA
- Where: Jungnang Rose Park (Google Maps, Naver Map)
The Seoul Rose Festival is held every May and features markets, food tents, and a 5 KM long tunnel of roses. The festival centers on Jungang Park with a variety of colors and sizes that make up for a scenic walk for everyone who visits.
Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour
- When: April 11 – June 2, 2024
- Where: Changdeokgung Palace (Google Maps, Naver Map)
Of the many late night tours of the Seoul palaces, this one might be our favorite. The tour features a late night walkthrough of the secret garden behind Changdeokgung. Even during the day, visitors are only allowed in via guided tour groups. This moonlight tour features a late-night tour, tea, and traditional Korean music. We visited a few years ago (blog) and it was an amazing experience. Tickets can be difficult to come by, but the experience is worth it.
