July 30th – August 3rd

Mokpo puts its nickname “city of lights” and its position on the coast to good use with this colorful festival lit up by fireworks going off above the coast. The five days of the festival are filled with tons of events including the Ocean Fountain Concert, Korea B-Boy Festival, and the National Windsurfing Festival. You’ll have plenty of chances to get the better of your seasickness with a cruise ship tour of the picturesque islands in the area, a rowing contest, deep sea fishing, and a yacht ride. Even if you want to stay on dry land, you can still appreciate the beauty of the deep with the Ocean Culture Photo Exhibit. Events held at the Hadang Peace Square.
mokpofestival.com 061-270-8441

July 31st – August 1st

Running on the beach, especially in the mud, is challenging to say the least. Try the 5 km and 10 km courses at Chilsan Beach on August 1st. There are other mud-related events such as a mud treasure hunt, mud eel fishing, and mud face painting. Still not enough mud? Join a tug-of-war team on the beach, or a mud “survival” contest. Don’t leave without getting a taste of gulbi, Yeonggwang’s specialty food. Marathon costs W10,000. Register by calling 02-521-1704. mudrun.net

June 12th – 20th

The arrival of fireflies is a surefire way to know summer is here. This festival celebrates the critters that light up to match the warm and cozy atmosphere of summer nights in the Korean countryside. The best time to see fireflies is at night starting from about 9 pm, and the festival has plenty of other activities to enjoy while you wait, including bare-hands trout fishing and river rafting. For families with children, there are puppet shows and music concerts, and couples can take a romantic evening stroll across the firefly-lit “bridge of love.” Events take place in various locations across Muju.
firefly.or.kr 063-324-2440

June 10th – 13th

In its second year, the MBC Tea and Crafts Fair is a chance to step back to a time when not all tasks were accomplished through silicon and circuitry. The top artisans from Gwangju and South Jeolla Province are joined by other masters of their craft from across Korea. For those in the mood to buy, there are plenty of hand-crafted products for sale, but if you just want to look there are also exhibits featuring famous teas of the world, pottery from all over Korea, exquisite celadon ceramic work, and even work by the natural dyeing society. Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju.
mbcexco.co.kr 062-431-1003

Through June 10th

The technology surrounding us continues to change at a pace so rapid that we can barely keep up with it, and the transformation it brings affects the world of traditional art. To see some of the ways in which the digital revolution has affected art, visit the “Digifesta” media art festival, held at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibit Hall. The main exhibit “Sisok 2010” (a play on words that suggests the speed of sight) emphasizes our changing digital environment with work by thirty artists from both East and West who manage to combine advanced technology with artistic vision. Other exhibits include the “rookie” exhibit, featuring the winning submissions of up-and-coming artists, and a special Nam-jun Baek exhibit, with 50 pieces displayed for the first time. Adults W10,000, teens W8,000, children W6,000.
digifesta.com, 070-7721-5768

May 1st – 5th

In the distant past, all of the Koreans in a village would gather together on May 13th to plant bamboo shoots. This custom is long gone, but a few years ago this festival was organized to celebrate it. This year, you can learn more about this versatile plant at the Bamboo Expo (5/1 – 5/5, 10 am – 8 pm, Damyang Sports Complex), featuring all kinds of bamboo-related products. Or you can join in the Bamboo Wellbeing Walking Contest on 10 am – 12:30 pm on the last day of the festival at Chuseong Stadium. Stop by the bamboo bonsai exhibit for some adorable miniatures. Events at the Damyang Bamboo Museum in Damyang-gun just north of Gwangju.
bamboofestival.co.kr, 061-380-3151

Venues

Gwangju Museum of Art. 9 am – 6 pm. Adults W500, teens W300, children W200. artmuse.gwangju.go.kr, 062-510-0149
Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju. kdjcenter.or.kr, 062-611-2000
Sori Cultural Arts Center in Jeonju. sori21.co.kr, 063-270-8000

Art

Through May 30th
New Acquisitions Exhibit
Gwangju Museum of Art

Jeong-ung Ha Collection on Display
Gwangju Museum of Art

April 7^th – 27^th
The Paintings of Su-Nam Song
The work of this master of Korean painting is presented to celebrate the 45^th anniversary of the opening of MBC in Jeonju. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 063-220-8110

April 9^th – 15^th
Illia Croquis: The Aesthetics of Lines
The third exhibition by this diverse group of artists. Croquis refers to a quick sketch. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 010-4936-8028

April 9^th – 15^th
Donghaeng Calligraphy Exhibit
Sori Cultural Arts Center. 010-5342-0769

April 16^th – 22^nd
Seeking Out Expression Exhibit
Fifteen Korean-style paintings, fifteen Western-style paintings. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 010-655-8876

April 23^rd – May 6^th
Jeonju Photo Festival
An international exhibit with 200 works on display. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 010-5338-7071

Through April 11^th
Early Spring Exhibit
Fifty paintings, installations, videos, and sculptures depicting the flowers just now starting to bloom. Gwangju Museum of Art.

Through May 30^th
Jeong-ung Ha Collection: Poetry of Stillness
Artwork that reflects on the meaning of tranquility and stillness. Gwangju Museum of Art

Through May 23^rd
Twelve Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
Various works of art representing the animals found in the Chinese zodiac. Gwangju Museum of Art.

Through May 30^th
New Acquisitions
See last year’s additions to the permanent collection of the Gwangju Museum of Art.

Theater & Dance

April 2^nd – 3^rd
Beauty and the Beast: Family Musical
We doubt they’ll have the talking teapots or Gaston in this one. Korean. Sori Cultural Arts Center. Fri 1:30 & 4 pm, Sat 11 am, 2 & 4:30 pm. 1 hr. W25,000. 02-707-1132

April 3^rd
Musical Theater Company Shubabing
Presenting the one-act comic operas The Old Woman and the Thief and The Telephone (L’Amour à trois) by Gian Menotti. 4 & 7 pm. W10,000 – W20,000. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 010-9472-6844

April 10^th
International Collaboration Work 2010

Collective Dance Project and Isle-no-ko Company collaborate to illustrate how a choreographer and composer work together to create a dance. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 6 pm. Adults W20,000, students W10,000. 010-7633-6679

April 15^th
Performance By the Provincial Gugak Center Dance Company
Gugak is traditional Korean classical music. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. 063-710-1395

April 20^th – 25^th
North Jeolla Province Theater Festival
See what’s happening on the stage in Jeolla Province. Korean. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. Adults W15,000, minors W10,000. 063-277-7440

April 21^st – 25^th
Just Spring: The Play
Korean. Chonbuk National University Cultural Center in Jeonju. 4 & 7 pm. W15,000. cnucc.chonbuk.ac.kr, 02-765-8880

Concerts

April 1^st ,8^th ,22^nd and 29^th
Thursday Gugak Art Stage
Singing, dancing, and string pieces are all included in this contemporary take on traditional Korean music (gugak). Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. 063-254-2391

April 2^nd
Virtuoso Singer Concert
Featuring the Jeonju Gugak Company with pieces featuring traditional Korean songs and instruments. Sori Cultural Arts Center. Adults W5,000, students W3,000. 063-281-2766

April 4^th and 9^th – 10^th
Moscow Children’s Choir in Concert
Originally named the “Young Lenins,” they’ve gotten rid of the trappings of communism but retained the excellence of their fifty year history. Apr 4^th: Sori Cultural Arts Center. 5 pm. W20,000 – W30,000. Apr 9^th – 10^th: Suncheon Culture Arts Center with the Suncheon Children’s Choir.  7:30 pm. Adults W10,000, students W5,000. scart.or.kr, 061-749-3516

April 6^th
Jeonju Choir Concert
Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. Adults W5,000, students, W3,000. 063-281-2786

April 7^th
Chopin: The Third Meeting
Sponsored by Virtuoso, ten pianists tackle ten of Chopin’s pieces. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 010-6525-6242

Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. 02-2277-6516

April 8^th
Jeonju Symphony Orchestra
Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 in E Major. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W7,000 – W10,000. 30% off for students. 063-281-2748

April 11^th
A Night in Your Hometown
A selections of songs by choral ensemble Song of My Heart. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 5 pm. 010-9472-6844

April 15^th
International Folk Music Exchange Concert
The Russian Bayan Trio uses this accordion-like instrument to perform an exciting variety of Russian folk songs. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. 063-858-0471

April 17^th
Youth Symphony Orchestra
Sori Cultural Arts Center.

April 18^th
Jeonju Philharmonic Saxophone Ensemble: “Wind, Wind Wind”
Old and new favorites including “Ave Maria,” “O Fortuna” from Orff’s Carmina Burana, and highlights from Rocky. Sori Cultural Arts Center. 6:30 pm. 011-674-6886

April 30^th
Jeonju Orchestra Children’s Concert
Sori Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 pm. W7,000 – W10,000. 063-281-2748

Film

April 29^th – May 7^th

Jeonju International Film Festival
Bibimbap’s not the only thing worth seeing in Jeonju. Along with its bigger brother in Busan, Jeonju’s yearly week-long film fest is one of your best chances to catch up with recent developments in Korean cinema. More serious film buffs might want to see some entries in Jeonju’s signature short film competition or less accessible experimental features available through the “Stranger than Cinema” program. eng.jiff.or.kr, 063-288-5433

Family & Community

March 30th – April 1st
Jindo Mysterious Sea Road Festival
It may sound like something from the Hardy Boys, but it’s actually a phenomenally low tide that has been called a contemporary parting of the Red Sea. See the sea floor and walk on dry (okay, damp) ground. This modern-day miracle takes place in Jindo-gun, south of Mokpo.tour.jindo.go.kr, 061-544-0151

Through April 2nd
Pasque Flower Festival
Jangheung-gun invites you to join in the games at this festival, held each year as the pasque or “granny” flower (할미꽃) begins to bloom. Hanjae Park has over 20 gorgeous acres of wildflowers for you to marvel at. jangheung.go.kr, 061-860-0610

Through April 4th
Gwangju Spring Flower Expo
Spring’s in full bloom at this month’s Flower Expo at the Kim Daejung Convention Center. Along with the overpowering fragrance of halls full of flowers, the expo features a decorative flower function contest. 10 am – 6 pm. Adults W4,500, children W2,700. flowershow.kr, 062-611-2124

April 2^nd – 4^th
Yudal Mountain Flower Festival
Dozens of performances, exhibits, and other special events near Yudal Mountain in Mokpo. tour.mokpo.go.kr, 061-272-2171

Yeongchwi Mountain Azalea Festival
Admire the azaleas stretching across the slopes of Yeongchwi Mountain north of Yeosu, along with concerts, dances, and a Miss Azalea beauty pageant. jindalrae.or.kr, 061-691-3104

April 3^rd – 6^th
Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival
Head to Yeongam-gun, south of Gwangju, to learn about Dr. Wangin, the Korean who traveled to Japan over 1600 years taking with him knowledge of Chinese characters and the Analects of Confucius. wanginfs.yeongam.go.kr, 061-470-2347

April 3^rd – 12^th
Cherry Blossom Art Festival
Ready to see some cherry blossoms? Check. Pumped to see some live performances? Check. Gunsan’s Cherry Blossom Art Festival has got all you want and more with plays, concerts, traditional Korean music, a Ms. Cherry Blossom beauty contest, dance, and b-boy shows. Note that the flowers will be in full bloom on April 9^th and 10^th. Eunpa Resort and Wolmyeong Sports Complex. tour.gunsan.go.kr, 063-450-6125

April 9^th – 11^th
Moak Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival
Make cookies, fling around some tteok (rice cake), and try our traditional games at Moak Mountain near Jeonju—not to mention the cherry blossoms. tour.gimje.go.kr, 063-540-3031

Starting Mid April (TBA)
Gochang Green Barley Field Festival
Barley, the other grain. Gochang-gun’s month-long festival offers lots of fun events like learning how to blow a barley flute, walking down paths in the barley fields, and sampling barley-based cuisine. And for good measure there’s a dinosaur time machine exhibit. chungbori.gochang.go.kr, 063-561-1699

Starting Mid April (TBA)
Soyang Cherry Blossom Road
Step (or drive) into this 2 km-long stretch of road and enter a world in white. Forty-year-old cherry trees arching over the road. Soyang-myeon in Wanju-gun. tour.wanju.go.kr, 063-243-8005

April 16^th – 25^th
Shinan Tulip Festival
It’s a bit of a trek getting to Daegwang Beach on Imja Island, the location of the festival, but once you’re there you’re sure to enjoy the concerts and performances in Shinan-gun. shinantulip.co.kr, 061-240-8145

Late April (TBA)
Dolmen Festival
Korea may be more famous than Dokdo than dolmens, but it has a surprisingly large number of these Paleolithic artifacts. Visit this festival to learn more about these big rocks and the lives of our ancient ancestors. Dolmen Park near Hwasun-gun, southeast of Gwangju. hwasun.go.kr, 061-374-0001

April 23^rd – 24^th
Wan Island Bridge and Sea Festival
Wan Island Bridge, completed in 1965, was the first link between Wan Island and the mainland. The festivities will include fireworks, traditional games, and more near Gunoe-myeon. tour.wando.go.kr, 061-550-5114

April 23^rd – 25^th
Yeong-rang Cultural Festival
Performances and more at the home of 20^th century poet “Yeong-rang,” penname of Yun-sik Kim, killed during the Korean War. Don’t miss the picturesque hanok (traditional Korean houses). Gangjin-gun. gangjin.go.kr, 061-434-0103

April 23^rd – 26^th
Namwon Chunhyang Festival
Namwon makes the most of the fact that it’s the fictional location of the classic Korean love story Chunhyang with this festival dedicated to the famous pansori. Events held in Namwon on the banks of the Yo River, Love Plaza, and Namwon Plaza. chunhyang.org, 063-632-5801

April 23^rd – May 2^nd
Saemangeum Flag Festival
In April 2006, the 33km-long Saemangeum Seawall was finally constructed after nearly 15 years of construction (and obstruction by environmental groups). This festival celebrates its completion with flag-themed exhibits, performances, and more. Events take place from Apr 23^rd – 25^th, but the flags are on display through May 2^nd.
Near Gunsan. flagfestival.kr, 063-280-3355

April 23^rd – May 9^th
Hampyeong Butterfly Festival
Got butterflies in your stomach? Actually, you’re not supposed to eat them. Watch the butterflies flutter by you and join in one of the numerous activities and games planned at this mostly outdoor festival. The butterfly, bee, dragonfly, and beetle exhibits give you an up-and-close look at these mostly friendly creepy-crawlies. Hampyeong Expo Park, west of Gwangju. inabi.or.kr, 061-322-0011

April 24^th
Heukseok Mountain Rhododendron Festival
Performances all day starting at 9 am, including the Pyeongyang Folk Art Troupe (not actually from Pyeongyang. Near Gahak Mountain Recreational Forest near Heukseok Mountain in Haenam-gun.. tour.haenam.go.kr, 061-530-5919

April 24th – May 23rd
Barae Mountain Rhododendron Festival
Around the end of April, the slopes of Barae Mountain just west of Namwon turn bright pink as the rhododendrons begin to come into bloom. tour.namwon.go.kr, 063-620-6601

Education & Conferences

Ongoing
GIC Talks
The Gwangju International Center organizes a lecture in English nearly every Saturday from 2:30– 4 pm. Typical speakers include professors, writers, and diplomats. See website for this month’s lectures. gic.or.kr, 062-226-2733

April 2^nd – May 9^th
Gwangju World Light Expo
The spotlight’s on Gwangju as it gets set for a fantastic festival that aims to shed some light on light. A nice mix of scientific adventure and pure fun, there are seven standout attractions here. Highlights include the return module of the Soyuz capsule that took astronaut So-yeon Lee into space, a real F-5 fighter that you can board, a virtual reality simulator of the Korean-designed T-5 supersonic aircraft, the 3D animation Seed Light, and the light fountain with 200 LED bulbs and orchestral music. There’s even an opening concert with Super Junior, Yun-jeong Jang, and other artists at 9 pm on Apr 2^nd. Held at Sangmu Citizens Park and around Geumnam-ro in Gwangju. photonics-expo2010.org, 062-611-3731

April 13^th – 15^th
International Photonics Exhibition
The only photonics expo in Korea offers an insider’s view on networking, marketing, and technology in the industry. Kim Daejung Convention Center. photonicskorea.org, 062-605-9640

April 15^th – 18^th
International Buddhist Culture Expo
Just as fun as a temple stay, and you don’t have to get up at the Buddha-crack of dawn.
Kim Daejung Convention Center. inbex.kr, 062-383-6322

Sport & Fitness

April 10^th – May 2^nd
Cheongsan Island Slow Walking Festival
Cheongsan Island (in Wando-gun), the first city in Korea to be designated as a “slow city” (in a good sense), is preparing sights, sounds, and savory foods for you to enjoy along your stroll across the island.
Join in the treasure hunt for notes hidden across the island, which you can redeem for prizes when you depart. Korean website. slowcitywando.com, 061-550-5114

K-League Soccer Schedule

April 3^rd
Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix vs Daejeon Citizens
Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 3 pm

April 4^th
Jeonbuk Hyundai vs Incheon United
Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 3 pm

April 10^th
Chunnam Dragons vs Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix
Gwangyang Stadium at 3:30 pm

April 18^th
Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix vs Jeonbuk Hyundai
Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 3 pm

April 24^th

Jeonbuk Hyundai vs Ulsan Hyundai Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 3 pm

Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix vs Seongnam Ilhwa Cheonma
Gwangju World Cup Stadium at 3 pm

KBO Baseball

All games at Gwangju Stadium

April 1^st KIA Tigers vs Samsung Lions 6:30 pm

April 2^nd KIA Tigers vs Lotte Giants 6:30 pm

April 3^rd – 4^th KIA Tigers vs Lotte Giants 5 pm

April 13^th – 15^th KIA Tigers vs Doosan Bears 6:30 pm

April 16^th KIA Tigers vs LG Twins 6:30 pm

April 17^th – 18^th KIA Tigers vs LG Twins 5 pm

April 27^th – 29^th KIA Tigers vs SK Wyverns 6:30 pm

Walks, Runs And Marathons

May 2^nd

Jangseong Hong Gil-dong Marathon
5k, 10k, half at the Municipal Stadium in Jangseong-gun, to begin at 9 am. W30,000 for half and 10k and W10,000 for 5k. Sign up by April 16^th. marathon.jangseong.go.kr, 061-393-3633

May 16^th
Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon
5k, 10k, half and full around the Saemangeum Seawall in Gunsan, to begin at 8:30 am. W35,000 for full, W30,000 for half and 10k and W10,000 for 5k. Sign up by April 12^th. smgmara.com, 063-452-7731

Dine & Drink

Through April 1^st
Gunsan Seafood Festival
Buckets of octopus, clams, and flopping fish ready to be diced into sashimi—at this point, you’re either disgusted or delighted. At the fish market in Haemang-dong in Gunsan. tour.gunsan.go.kr, 063-460-4410

April 9^th – 11^th
Yeongsan Harbor Manta Ray Festival
Bet you never guessed that the menacing manta ray you saw through the glass at the aquarium would someday be on the menu! Athletic Park near the Yeongsan River in Naju. tour.naju.go.kr, 061-330-8106



Art

Through March 11th
Odds and Ends Exhibit
Featuring work in a wide variety of mediums by Jeolla artists active today, this exhibit touches on the importance of aesthetics in the modern world. Jeonbuk Art Center. sori21.co.kr, 063-284-4445

Through March 14th
New Chinese: 60th Anniversary Exhibition
The 112 pieces here are selected from the prize-winning entries in the Chinese Art Exhibition. Jeonbuk Province Art Museum in Wanju-gun. Closed Mon. 10 am – 6 pm. Free.
jbartmuse.go.kr, 063-280-4343

“Yonggok” Gi-dong Jo and Family Exhibition
The entire family of noted calligrapher Gi-dong Jo (also known as Yonggok) all went on to become artists themselves. Jeonbuk Province Art Museum in Wanju-gun. Closed Mon. 10 am – 6 pm. Free. jbartmuse.go.kr, 063-280-4343

Regional Network Exhibit: Decentered
Gwangju Museum of Art. 9 am – 6 pm. Adults W500, teens W300, children W200. artmuse.gwangju.go.kr, 062-510-0149

Through May 30th
New Acquisitions Exhibit
Gwangju Museum of Art. 9 am – 6 pm. Adults W500, teens W300, children W200. artmuse.gwangju.go.kr, 062-510-0149

March 6th – 31st
Simon Bond Photography Exhibit
This series of refraction photographs taken through glass objects constitutes a study of reality and what lies beyond. GIC in Gwangju from 7th March until the 31st March. gic.or.kr/eng,
alternative_si@hotmail.com

Theater & Dance

March 18th
“Ballet Lines” Ballet Troupe
Featuring selections from Don Quixote, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty. Sori Cultural Arts Center in Jeonju. 7:30 pm. Adults W10,000, children W5,000. sori21.co.kr, 010-4087-7070

March 20th – 21st
Twelfth Night: The Play
Performed (in Korean) by the Jeonju Theater Company. Sori Cultural Arts Center in Jeonju. Sat 7 pm, Sun 3 and 7 pm. Adults W15,000, minors W10,000. sori21.co.kr, 063-273-1044

Concerts

March 4th
Jeonju Gugak Orchestra Spring Concert
An excellent introduction to gugak, meaning traditional Korean music. Sori Cultural Arts Center in Jeonju. 7:30 pm. Adults W5,000, students W3,000. sori21.co.kr, 063-281-2766

March 10th
Gloria String Orchestra: A Night of Concertos
Sori Cultural Arts Center in Jeonju. 7:30 pm. sori21.co.kr, 010-8647-2821

Ung-gyun Lim Concert
Mozart’s overture to The Marriage of Figaro, the Queen of the Night aria from The Magic Flute, and more. Gwangju Culture and Art Center. 7:30 pm.
art.gjcity.net, 062-510-9251

March 12th
A Night of Rachmaninoff
Gwangju Culture and Art Center. 7:30 pm. W10,000 – W30,000. art.gjcity.net, 062-524-5086

March 13th
Benjamin Verdery
Hear some old school guitar strumming with American classical guitarist Benjamin Verdery. Gwangju Culture and Art Center. 7:30 pm. W10,000.
art.gjcity.net, 062-227-4718

March 14th
Woongsan’s White Day Concert
Join jazz vocalist Woongsan and her backing band on White Day for her “Windy Spring” concert. Sori Cultural Arts Center in Jeonju. 5 pm. W35,000. sori21.co.kr, 063-270-8000

Family & Community

March 13th – 21st
Gwangyang Maehwa Festival
Savor the delicate scent of the maehwa (Chinese plum) as you join in the contests, performances, and games at the Maehwa Village and throughout Gwangyang. gwangyang.go.kr/maehwa, 061-797-2598

March 25th – 28th
Iksan Jewelry Expo
At Korea’s largest scale jewelry exposition, held around the Iksan Jewel Museum,  guests have the chance to make their own accessories or watch a jewelry fashion show and beauty contest. 9:30 am – 6 pm.
jewelry.iksan.go.kr, 063-836-1867

March 26th – April 4th
Gwangju Spring Flower Expo
It may still be chilly outside, but spring will be in full bloom for this month’s Flower Expo at the Kim Daejung Convention Center. Along with the overpowering fragrance of halls full of flowers, the expo features a decorative flower function contest. 10 am – 6 pm. Adults W4,500, children W2,700. flowershow.kr, 062-611-2124

March 30th – April 1st

Jindo Mysterious Sea Road Festival
It may sound like something from the Hardy Boys, but it’s actually a tidal phenomenon that has been called a contemporary parting of the Red Sea. An extreme tidal range in the area reveals the sea floor and allows visitors to walk on dry (well, damp) ground from Gogun-myeon to Uishin-myeon. This modern day miracle takes place in Jindo-gun, south of Mokpo.tour.jindo.go.kr, 061-544-0151

Education & Conferences

March 20th
KOTESOL Teaching Workshop
Sponsored by the Jeonju-North Jeolla Chapter of KOTESOL, this is an opportunity for teachers to share ideas and approaches to teaching. Get fresh ideas from experienced teachers. Jeonju University English Café. 3 pm. Free. Contact Tim Dalby at tim_dalby@yahoo.co.uk or 010-2350-2184. kotesol.org

Food & Drink

Throughout March
Gorosoe Festivals
Visitors to these festivals are introduced to the curious powers of gorosoe (고로쇠), the sap of the maple tree. Early March: Baekun Mountain Gorosoe Festival. gwangyang.go.kr, 061-797-2731. March 6th: Namwon Gorosoe Festival. tour.namwon.go.kr, 063-625-9015. March 6th – 7th: Jinan-gun Gorosoe Festival. jinan.jeonbuk.kr, 063-430-2114. Mid March: Muju Deogyu Mountain Gorosoe Festival. tour.muju.org, 063-320-2647

Sport & Fitness

April 3rd
River and Cherry Blossom Lovers Marathon
5k, 10k, half and full at the youth campground between Gokseong-gun and Gurye-gun, to begin at 9 am. W20,000 for 5k and W30,000 for 10k, half and full. Sign up by March 22nd. tourmarathon.com, 1644-4219

April 11th
Honam International Marathon
5k, 10k, half and full at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium, to begin at 8 am. W10,000 for 5k and W30,000 for 10k, half and full. Sign up by March 19th. marathon.jnilbo.com, 062-519-0730

Celebrate the New Year Korean fashion by staying up all night (or getting up in the wee hours) to see the last sunset of 2009 and the first sunrise of 2010. No matter where you live in Korea, there’s bound to be a festival close to you. So unless you’re set on a night out with friends or a jaunt down to Bosingak in Seoul to hear the bell tolled, read on!

Seoul

January 1st
Dobong Mountain Sunrise Festival
Make your way to Meeting Rock at Dobong Mountain in northern Seoul to see the first sunrise of 2010. Visitors will make New Year’s wishes, the Korean equivalent of New Year’s resolutions. tour.dobong.go.kr, 02-2289-1114

Heaven Park Sunrise Festival
Join the crowds at Mapo-gu’s yearly festival at Heaven Park near World Cup Stadium (line 6, ex. 2). 7 am – 8 am. mapo.go.kr, 02-3153-8354

Acha Mountain Sunrise Festival
Get off the subway at Gwangnaru St. (line 5, ex. 1) and follow the winding path up the hill for about 15 minutes till you reach the Sunrise Plaza. You’re standing on Acha Mountain, the first spot in Seoul from which you can see the sun rise. 7 – 8:20 am. gwangjin.go.kr, 02-450-1300

Gyeonggi Province

December 31st
Paju Sunset Festival
See the sun go down at the meeting place of the Imjin and Han Rivers. Simhak Mountain in Paju. 4 pm – 7 pm. tour.paju.go.kr, 031-940-8522

Gangwon Province

December 31st – January 1st
Sunrise Festivals on the East Sea
This New Year’s Eve, why cough on someone else’s smoke in a murky bar when you could be watching the first sunrise of 2009 with the fresh morning wind whipping off the sea? Gangwon offers you the best options for the New Year with great scenery, exciting concerts, and loads of fireworks.

Gyeongpo (Gangneung): On the white sands of Gyeongpo Beach, find out why Gangneung is one of the best places to see the sunrise in Korea. gntour.go.kr, 033-640-5128

Jeongdongjin (Gangneung): Famous not only as the location of the drama Hourglass but also for its rugged natural beauty. gntour.go.kr, 033-640-5128

Donghae: The Chuam and Mangsang beaches here host a Korean flag parade and a fireworks show. dhtour.go.kr, 033-532-2801

Taebaek Mountain: Weary and aching from your climb, you reach the summit in time to see the sun rise above a sea of clouds. Concerts and other events held at Danggol Plaza. festival.taebaek.go.kr, 033-550-2081

Okkye (Gangneung): As well as offering a fine view of Okkye Harbor and Mangsang Beach, the Okkye rest stop hosts a singing contest, fireworks, and more. gntour.go.kr, 033-640-5129

Yangyang: There’s an old saying that if you make a wish as you watch the sun go down at Naksan Beach at Yangyang, it will come true. sunrise.yangyang.go.kr, 033-670-2723

Chungcheong Province

December 31st
Daecheon Sunset Festival
Daecheon Beach, perhaps more famous for the yearly summer mud festival held there, is the site of this sunset festival. Enjoy the samulnori performance, a choir concert, and a candle procession as the sun sinks behind the horizon in Boryeong, west of Daejeon. ubtour.go.kr, 041-933-7051

Gyeongsang Province

December 31st – January 1st
Busan New Year’s Sunset and Sunrise Festival
If you’re not watching the ball drop or partying with friends, why not head down to the beach with the tens of thousands of Koreans who join in Busan’s Sunset and Sunrise Festival? As one of Busan’s most distinctive winter events, the festival is composed of the sunset fest at Dadaepo Beach, the bell tolling ceremony at Yongdusan Park, and the sunrise fest at Haeundae Beach. Tons of activities and games will keep you busy from 11 pm until the first daylight of 2010. festival.busan.kr, 051-888-3392

Gangdong Coast Sunrise Festival
Thousands are expected to be present for the meal and music provided as entertainment for this New Year’s festival located at Jeongja Harbor in Ulsan. sunrise.bukgu.ulsan.kr, 052-289-9999

Ganjeolgot New Year’s Festival
Visitors at Ganjeolgot, a picturesque promontory near Ulsan, get the first glimpse of the rising sun each morning throughout the continent of Asia. Be the first to welcome in the New Year by being there. ganjeolgot.org, 052-229-7642

Homigot National Sunrise Festival
Join in traditional New Year’s activities such as releasing good luck balloons, flying kites, eating rice cake soup, and of course watching the first sunrise of 2010. Held at Homigot in Pohang. festival.ipohang.org, 054-270-2114

January 1st
Catching the Sunrise at Uljin-gun
The coastal county of Uljin-gun in the northeast corner of Gyeongsang Province boasts some great sites to see the first sunrise of the new year. Sit on the sand at Nagok Beach or Hujeong Beach, dangle your legs off the pier at Jukbyeon Harbor or Hyeonnae Harbor, or admire the way the sun illuminates scenic spots like Wolsongjeong. tour.uljin.go.kr, 054-789-6902

Geoje Island New Year Sunrise Festival
Held at Mongdolgae in Jangseungpo-dong on rustic and picturesque Geoje Island. tour.geoje.go.kr, 055-639-3546

Gijang Sunrise Festival
A drum show and all of the other New Year’s events are to take place at Imnang Beach. Gijang-gun just outside of Busan. tour.gijang.go.kr, 051-709-4084

Ilwol Mountain Sunrise Festival
For the best spot to watch the sun come up in Yeongyang-gun, try Ilwol Mountain. Sunrise is expected to take place at 7:25 am, but arrive by 7 am for the festivities. tour.yyg.go.kr, 054-680-6062

Seongju Sunrise Festival
In addition to hoping for good fortune for the New Year, visitors to this festival offers up prayers for the safety of soldiers. Seongju, just west of Daegu. sjmelon.go.kr, 054-933-0021

Jeolla Province

December 31st
Baeksu Coastal Road Sunset Event
At the Chilsan Gazebo near Baeksu Coastal Road. In Yeonggwang west of Gwangju. ygtour.uokdc.com, 061-350-5752

January 1st
Yeongam Lake Sunrise Festival
Starting at 7 am, listen to military bands perform, release balloons, share the lucky rice cake, and write New Year’s postcards. If that doesn’t remind you of a typical New Year’s Day, just remember that this is Korea. Plaza in front of Hotel Hyundai in Yeongam-gun, south of Gwangju. sunrise.yeongam.go.kr, 061-470-2255

Jeju Island

December 30th
Seong Mountain Sunrise Festival
There’s no shortage of reasons for you to attend the Seong Mountain Sunrise Festival for the New Year. The awesome wilderness around the mountain is considered a world heritage site, the festivals lasts three days instead of the usual two, and you can find some fine music, a street parade, a children’s festival, and even a “Frugal Fest” flea market. Don’t forget, it’s probably the warmest place in Korea to enjoy the first sunrise of the New Year. Just east of Seogwipo. culture.jeju.go.kr, 064-760-2661

EDIT 12/30: 12 new events added to the list! Feel free to contact us about adding your event.

You like choir music? Check. Or maybe you’d prefer hearing some Christmas-themed poetry? Check. You’d rather get down on the dance floor than listen to carols? Check. Whatever you want, we’ve got it. From Seoul to Busan, if you’re looking for an exciting way to spend your time this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place.

Three easy steps to enjoying the holidays this year in Korea.
1) Read 10 Magazine’s comprehensive holiday cheer list.
2) Find something you find fun.
3) Do it.

Please let us know about any fun holiday events we may have missed.

Note: please keep in mind that some of the links below lead to Korean language sites and some of the phone numbers won’t have an English speaker at the other end.

Ongoing

Seoul Festival of Light
You don’t have to be a cheapskate to enjoy the cheap skating (W1,000) and light displays at Gwanghwamun Plaza (Gwanghwamun St., line 5) this winter. 02-120

New Year’s Eve

NEW! New Year’s Celebration @ Tutti Matti (Seoul)
Sinsa-dong. 10 pm. W20,000 includes a glass of champagne. tuttimatti@hanmail.net, 02-511-0334

NEW! New Year’s Party @ Jane’s Groove (Seoul)
Hongdae. 9 pm. W5,000 cover with 1 free drink. Lucky draw.

NEW! The Rocktigers @ Rhythm & Blues (Bucheon)
Happy hour from 10 – 11 pm, concert starts at 11 pm.

NEW! Miller Fresh, Fever Vol. 5, and Designer Drugs @ W Hotel (Seoul)
One night, one venue, three concerts.

NEW! Lucky Draws @ La Cigale Montmartre & The Bungalow (Seoul)
Win hotel stays, Dom Perignon, and more at these two Itaewon watering holes.

NEW! New Year’s Eve @ The Holy Grill (Daegu)
W10,000 cover includes appetizers and midnight mimosas.

NEW! Astro Voize @ Elune (Busan)
The electric house duo spins beats at this Haeundae club. 10 pm.

NEW! New Year’s Eve Dance Party @ The Park (Bucheon)
7 pm. W10,000 per hour for all you can drink. 010-3136-0153

NEW! Give Up the Funk @ Sensation Lounge (Seoul)
Funk, hip hop and disco. 10 pm. No cover.

NEW! Refresh! @ Club Circle (Seoul)
Cheongdam-dong. 10 pm. W20,000 plus free drink.

One & Only 2010 Countdown w/ Busy P @ Mansion (Seoul)
Hongdae. 8 pm. W50,000 pre-sale, W60,000 at the door.

Early Bird Dinner @ Sunset (Busan)
Get ready for the big night with a big meal from 6 – 9 pm.

(Seoul Flyers) New Year’s Eve Midnight Run (Seoul)
Join the Seoul Flyers for their annual run at Yongsan.

Rasmus Faber @ Le Nuit Blanche (Seoul)
Cheongdam-dong. 9 pm. 02-548-7115

Happy New Year Party @ Club Freebird (Seoul)
Hongdae. 8 pm. W10,000 includes a free drink.

Reverb New Year’s Party @ Club Via (Seoul)
Gangnam. 10 pm. W10,000 plus one free drink.

New Year’s Eve Concert
Selectings from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Strauss, and Ravel. Seoul Art Center near Nambu Terminal St. (line 3), ex. 5. 7:30 pm. 02-580-1300

New Year’s Eve Party at BricX
Ice-breaking game, presents,  and great prizes. Hongdae 02-3141-5571, Itaewon 02-795-5572

The Playhouse at the Hive (Seoul)
Itaewon. Penthouse event. Email for invitation. 010-3994-6694, play.house.nye@gmail.com

New Year’s @ McCarthy’s (Suncheon)
6:30 pm and on. W10,000. Music and food. Dress classy.

New Year’s Day

Jindo Island Trip
W108,000. 019-542-2955

High 1 Resort Ski Trip
Hit the slopes and the Kangwon Land Casino. W245,000. 010-3170-9391