Experience the Magic of Nighttime at Sejong National Arboretum!

Sejong National Arboretum night opening

This year’s event is pulling out all the stops with stunning light displays across key areas. Picture the Four Seasons Greenhouse bathed in a soft glow, the Festival Plaza twinkling with fairy lights, and the Korean Traditional Garden transformed into a luminous wonderland. But that’s not all, folks! Every Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the arboretum comes alive with weekend cultural events. We’re talking orchestra performances that’ll make your heart soar, traditional Korean music festivals that’ll have you tapping your feet, open-air cinema for all you movie buffs, and immersive story-based shows that’ll transport you to another world.

Ready to be swept off your feet? Admission is a steal at just 2,500 KRW (1.88 USD) for adults, 2,000 KRW (1.50 USD) for teens, and a mere 1,500 KRW (1.13 USD) for the little ones.

UNESCO World Heritage Festival
History buffs and culture vultures, listen up! The 2025 World Heritage Festival is in full swing until October 22, with events scattered across Korea’s most incredible UNESCO-listed sites.

But wait, there’s more! Catch local musicians busking their hearts out, dive into interactive exhibitions that’ll blow your mind, and cozy up for some community storytelling in charming heritage villages. And for all you adventure-seeking kiddos out there, how about a guided tour of restricted lava caves? Talk about a field trip to remember!

Lotus Cultural Festival at Semiwon
Flower lovers, rejoice! Semiwon’s Lotus Cultural Festival in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, is serving up a feast for the senses through August 10. This celebration of lotus and water lilies is not to be missed!

Set in a water garden that’s all about ecological harmony, this festival is the perfect blend of nature and culture. Groove to nighttime concerts under the stars, marvel at traditional performances, lose yourself in captivating art exhibits, and get hands-on with classes like lotus tea-making. It’s a total zen experience!

Yangpyeong Catfish Whiskers Festival
Calling all adventure seekers and foodies! The Yangpyeong Catfish Whiskers Festival in the charming village of Sumimaru is running through September 7, and it’s a total catch!

This festival is the real deal, set in a village known for its crystal-clear water and award-winning rural charm. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into some seriously fun activities. We’re talking catfish fishing (those whiskers are no joke!), whipping up your own fruit syrup, and tearing it up on all-terrain vehicles. And when you need a breather, hit up the bubble play zones, spread out a picnic, or treat yourself to a mouthwatering traditional meal like spicy fish stew.

Admission ranges from 19,000 KRW (14.25 USD) to 49,000 KRW (36.75 USD), depending on how wild you want to get with those activity packages. Trust us, it’s worth every penny!

Hwadam Forest Summer Hydrangea Festival
Flower enthusiasts, prepare to have your minds blown! The Hwadam Forest Summer Hydrangea Festival in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, is a blooming spectacle running through August 22. We’re talking over 70,000 hydrangeas in 100 varieties – it’s like stepping into a living, breathing Monet painting!

The star of the show? A jaw-dropping 4,500-square-meter Hydrangea Garden, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. You’ll spot everything from delicate mountain hydrangeas to bold mophead varieties and elegant oakleaf beauties. But this festival isn’t just about looking pretty – it’s hands-on, baby! Join guided forest tours, try your hand at bonsai, craft your own moss terrarium, or get up close and personal with some fascinating insects.

Ready to get your hydrangea fix? Adult tickets are 11,000 KRW (8.25 USD), teens and seniors pay 9,000 KRW (6.75 USD), and kiddos can join the fun for just 7,000 KRW (5.25 USD).