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Chungju World Martial Arts Festival
Date : September 7 – September 13, 2012
Location : Chungcheongbuk-do Chungju-si World Martial Arts Park

The Chungju World Martial Arts Festival is a large-scale martial arts demonstration, showcasing the amazing skills of martial arts masters from around the world. Prepare to be awed by a breath-taking flurry of kicks, punches, and jumps! You'll also get a chance to try out many of the martial arts presented.

Seoul Drum Festival
Date : October 2 – October 3, 2012
Location : Seoul-si Jung-gu Seoul Plaza

Sure to set your toes a' tapping! Percussion groups and solo performers from around the globe gather here to show off their lightning-fast drumming and innovative beats. Spectacular performances of both traditional and modern music and a world exhibition of 1,000 percussion instruments make this festival a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Wonju Hanji Festival
Date : September 5 – September 9, 2012
Location : Gangwon-do Wonju-si Hanji Theme Park area

Many visitors may already know that "hanji" is a type of traditional Korean paper, but did you also know that it can be used to make dolls, crafts, lanterns, and even clothes? Simple as it may seem, you'll be absolutely blown away by all that can be done with this amazing material. Visitors will even get a chance to make their own hanji artwork.

Yangyang Songi Festival (Pine Mushroom Festival)
Date : October 3 – October 7, 2012
Location : Gangwon-do Yangyang-gun event venue near Namdaecheon stream and Songi field area

The Yangyang Songi Festival (Pine Mushroom Festival) is a prime opportunity to wander the Yangyang region of Gangwon-do, gathering fresh pine mushrooms growing in the wild. Whether you're interested in learning more about the natural mountain habitat of the mushrooms (under strict control throughout the year) or simply just want to sample some delectable pine mushroom cuisine, this fun, quirky country festival is not to be missed.

Jeonju International Sori Festival
Date : September 13 – September 17, 2012
Location : Jeollabuk-do Jeonju-si Sori Arts Center and Jeonju Hanok Village

Pansori is a traditional Korean folk music style traditionally performed with one singer and one drummer. If you have yet to hear the haunting melodies of Pansori, one of UNESCO's Intangible World Heritages, this is the place to be. Whether it's a song of joy or sorrow, Pansori singers weave a story that is so full of raw emotion that it transcends the language barrier and stays with you forever.

Andong Maskdance Festival
Date : September 28 – October 7, 2012
Location : Gyeongsangbuk-do Andong-si downtown, Talchum Park, Hahoe Village, and surrounding area

Korean traditional mask dance performances have been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage and are a must-see for those hoping to understand more about Korean culture. Artists from home and abroad will not only treat you to a series of captivating performances, but will also get you to join in the fun with careless abandon.

Jarasum International Jazz Festival
Date : October 12 – October 14, 2012
Location : Gyeonggi-do Gapyeong-gun Jarasum island area

Local and international jazz musicians congregate on the island to fill the lakeside air with the sweet sounds of jazz, day and night.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival
Date : October 1 – October 14, 2012
Location : Gyeongsangnam-do Jinju-si Namgang River area

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival is one of the best festivals in Korea as recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Visitors can make their own wish lantern and send it downstream or even submit a contest entry for the most innovative lantern. Traditional lanterns from all over the world will be on display as well, but the festival's main draw is the simple beauty of thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky.

(Photo courtesy of BIFF Organizing Committee)

Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival
Date : October 12 – October 13, 2012
Location : Seoul-si Dongdaemun-gu Jegi-dong, Herbal Medicine Alley

This festival is located right in the heart of Seoul and easy accessible via subway. Red ginseng, ginseng, and a number of medicinal herbs can be purchased at incredible prices, making for the perfect souvenir for loved ones back home. During the festival, you'll also be able to sample a number of herbs, enjoy a taekwondo demonstration, and participate in a range of singing, writing, and other competitions.

Namdo Food Festival
Date : October 19 – October 21, 2012
Location :Jeollanam-do Suncheon-si Naganeupseong Folk Village

Jeollanam-do Province, comprised of 22 cities, is the province in Korea that is most well-known for its food. Come try out some of the regional specialties, like grilled goat meat and Mokpo Nakji (octopus) and see what all the fuss is about.

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival
Date : October 5 – October 7, 2012
Location : Gyeonggi-do Suwon-si Hwaseong Haenggung Palace & Hwaseong Fortress area

Hwaseong is an impressive fortress that encompasses most of downtown Suwon, winding around the city and over the foothills of the nearby mountains. In celebration of the fortress's incomparable beauty and important history, performers at the Suwon Culture Festival present a series of historical reenactments and events that once again bring Hwaseong to life, wrapping visitors in the magic of this treasured UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Main events include a reenactment of the Royal Parade of King Jeongjo the Great, a fireworks display, and a Citizen's Parade.

Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival
Date : October 6 – October 14, 2012
Location : Gyeongsangbuk-do Yeongju-si Punggi-eup, around Namwoncheon Stream

Of all the ginseng in Korea, Yeongju ginseng is particular famous for its high level of saponins and its seemingly miraculous effects. Whether you need a fresh and healthy pick-me-up or just want a chance to harvest ginseng and/or sample some delectable ginseng dishes, the Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival is well worth the trip out into the countryside.

Seoul International Fireworks Festival
Date : 20:00, October 6, 2012
Location : Seoul-si Yeongdeungpo-gu Yeouido-dong Yeouido District of Hangang River Park

World-famous, professional firework teams set the sky ablaze with a series of one-of-a-kind firework displays, accompanied by lighting displays, laser shows, and a range of superb performances and events.

Gyeongju Traditional Drinks & Rice Cake Festival
Date : October 13 – October 17, 2012
Location : Gyeongsangbuk-do Gyeongju-si Bonghwangdae area

Eat, drink, and be merry! The Traditional Drinks & Rice Cake Festival held in the city of Gyeongju (a World Cultural Heritage Site) is a chance to revel in the joys of Korean traditional drinks and desserts. In addition to exploring and sampling the representative culinary delights of each region, you'll get to try a number of hands-on programs for making traditional liquor and rice cakes.

Busan Jagalchi Festival
Date : October 11 – October 14, 2012
Location : Busan-si Nampo-dong Jagalchi Market District

The Jagalchi Market is probably the most well-known seafood market in all of Korea, chock-full of fresh seafood caught in the waters right off port. Always a major tourist destination, the marketplace becomes even more popular during the annual festival.

Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival
Date : October 13 – October 17, 2012
Location : Gwangju-si Buk-gu Jungoe Park area

In Korea, no table is complete without a side of kimchi. Come and see why this unusual dish is so essential to the Korean people. During the festival, you'll not only get a chance to make your own kimchi, but you'll also see 100 or more kinds of Korean kimchi, as well as kimchi-like dishes from countries around the world.

Geumsan Insam Festival
Date : Septermber 14 – September 23, 2012
Location : Chungcheongnam-do Geumsan-gun Ginseng Expo Plaza and Ginseng and Herb Street area

Geumsan is one of the most famous places in Korea for ginseng (insam). The festival has it all: a ginseng foot spa, ginseng harvesting experience, and a ginseng market where ginseng products can be purchased at special discounted prices. If you are interested in health foods or want a closer look at Korea's wellbeing culture, this is the festival for you.

Ganggyeong Fermented Seafood Festival
Date : October 17 – October 21, 2012
Location : Chungcheongnam-do Nonsan-si Ganggyeong Jeotgal (Salted Seafood) Market etc.

As Korea's largest salted seafood market, this festival is an ideal place to taste the unique flavor of salted seafood dishes and experience the daily life of Korean fishing villages.

Choenamdan Bangeo Festival
Date : November 8 – November 11, 2012
Location : Jeju-do Seogwipo-si Moseulpo Port area

As Jeju Island's largest seafood festival, the Southernmost Yellowtail Festival attracts a large number of tourists every year. In addition to getting a chance to see Jeju's gorgeous seascape, you'll also have the opportunity to watch the ship parade, participate in a fishing contest, or even try to catch a fish with your bare hands.