Korea Spring Festival Calendar 2026: Confirmed Dates & Tips

Korea’s 2026 Spring Festival Calendar: From Fire Festivals to Lotus Lanterns

If you are planning your trip or currently traveling in Korea between February and May 2026, you are in for a treat. The season transitions from late winter ice activities to the vibrant explosion of spring flowers and cultural parades. The confirmed schedule for Spring 2026 features major events like the Jinhae Gunhangje (March 27–April 5), Gwangyang Maehwa Festival (March 13–22), and the spectacular Lotus Lantern Festival (May 16–17).

📌 Important Local Note on Flower Festivals:
Please note that dates for many spring flower festivals (cherry blossoms, azaleas, canola) are often finalized at the last minute. This is because the schedule depends entirely on the unpredictable timing of the blooms, which varies by weather. However, the two biggest spring flower festivals—Gwangyang Maehwa Festival and Jinhae Gunhangje—have officially confirmed their dates for 2026, which I have included below.

As someone living here in Korea, I can tell you that this transition period is one of the most dynamic times to explore the country. You get the tail end of the snow crab season and winter trekking, followed immediately by cherry blossoms and historic celebrations.

For the latest updates on these events, you can always check our real-time schedule at the KCulture What’s On page.

1. 2026 Feb–May Festival Schedule (Confirmed)
2. Editor’s Pick: 5 Must-Visit Spring Festivals
3. Local Insider Tips for Spring Travel

2026 Feb–May Festival Schedule (Confirmed)

Here is the organized list of festivals with confirmed dates. I have categorized them chronologically so you can easily match them with your travel itinerary.

Late Winter & Early Spring (February – March)

Spring Peak (April – May)

Editor’s Pick: 5 Must-Visit Spring Festivals

With so many options, it can be hard to choose. Based on my experience living here and the current buzz, these are the top picks from the 2026 lineup that offer the most unique Korean experiences, focusing on the spectacular spring flowers that everyone waits for.

💡 Pro Tip: Many of these are featured in our guide to the Top 20 Korean Festivals Every Traveler Should See. Be sure to bookmark that page for a broader bucket list!

1. Jinhae Gunhangje (진해군항제)

• When: March 27 (Fri) – April 5 (Sun), 2026
• Where: Jinhae-gu, Changwon (창원)
• Why go: This is arguably Korea’s most famous spring festival. With over 360,000 cherry trees, the entire city turns pale pink. The “Romance Bridge” at Yeojwacheon Stream is the iconic photo spot you see on Instagram. Also, the Naval Academy opens to the public only during this period.
• Traffic Tip: The traffic in Jinhae is notorious. It is best to take an intercity bus to Jinhae Bus Terminal and walk or use the festival shuttle.

2. Gwangyang Maehwa Festival (광양매화축제)

• When: March 13 (Fri) – March 22 (Sun), 2026
• Where: Seomjin Village, Gwangyang (광양)
• Why go: Before the cherry blossoms, there are plum blossoms (Maehwa). This festival marks the true beginning of spring. The entire village is covered in white blossoms that look like snow from a distance, contrasting beautifully with the blue Seomjin River.
• Must Eat: Try the Maesil (Plum) Ice Cream sold by street vendors—it’s tart, refreshing, and unique to this region.

3. Jeju Fire Festival (Jeju 들불축제)

• When: March 9 – March 14, 2026
• Where: Saebyeol Oreum, Jeju Island
• Why go: Visually one of the most stunning events in Korea. The festival originates from the tradition of burning old grass to kill pests. Watching an entire volcanic cone (Oreum) set ablaze against the night sky is an unforgettable sight.
• Local Tip: Arrive early in the afternoon to secure a good viewing spot, as traffic around the Oreum gets very heavy near sunset.

4. Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival (진도 신비의 바닷길 축제)

• When: April 17 – April 20, 2026
• Where: Jindo Island, Jeonnam Province
• Why go: It is often called the “Moses Miracle.” For a few hours, the tide drops drastically, revealing a 2.8km path connecting Jindo to a nearby island. You can actually walk through the middle of the sea.
• Preparation: Bring high rubber boots (or buy them there). You will be walking on wet mud and sea floor, and many people dig for clams along the way.

5. Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

• When: May 16 – May 17, 2026
• Where: Jongno District, Seoul
• Why go: This is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. The massive lantern parade moves through downtown Seoul, featuring thousands of handmade lanterns ranging from dragons to pagodas. It is deeply spiritual yet incredibly festive.
• Viewing Spot: The area near Tapgol Park (탑골공원) usually offers great views of the parade, but get there hours in advance.

Local Insider Tips for Spring Travel

Spring in Korea is beautiful, but it requires some specific preparation. Here is what you need to know to enjoy these festivals comfortably.

• Book KTX Early: For festivals outside of Seoul (like Gwangyang, Jinhae, or Jindo), train tickets sell out fast on weekends. Book your KTX tickets via the Korail website exactly one month in advance.
• Dust Forecast: Spring often brings “Yellow Dust” (fine dust). Download a Korean air quality app (like MiseMise) and carry a mask just in case the levels get high.
• Layer Up: The temperature gap in March and April is huge. It might be 20°C during the day but drop to 5°C at night. If you are attending evening events, bring a warm windbreaker.

Enjoy the vibrant energy of Korea’s spring! Whether you are walking under the cherry blossoms in Jinhae or watching the sea part in Jindo, these memories will last a lifetime.

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

Gi, Oh

Founder of Kculture.com and MA in Political Science. He shares deep academic and local insights to provide an authentic perspective on Korean history and society.