I will be adding information on this page about festivals that happen in or near Daejeon. I hope this will help to keep information organized in a better fashion.
Nangye/Grape Festival (October 6 (Thu.) to October 9 (Sunday)
This festival held in Yeongdong, Chungbuk-Do, about 45 minutes by bus, is maybe my favorite. Nangye is the Korean word for traditional music and of course it is also a celebration of the grape harvest. It is the closest thing to an old fashioned county fair held in the US. There are all kinds activities including rides, music performances, games and even a little grape stomping fun. Traditional musical instruments can be made, and you can take lessons too. It is a great family event and if you want to get out after all the rain it is a great event. I will have some specific bus/train info in the next day or two so check back or email me. Check out the link to the right.
The Geumsan International Ginseng Festival
The Geumsan International Ginseng Festival is one of the big Korean festivals. It is located south of Daejeon in the city of Geumsan, about thirty minutes south of Daejeon. Just walking through the market area and taking in all the aromas from the spices being sold is an experience in its self. The 2011 edition will be held from October 21 to October 30. Check the link at the right for more information about this festival. Check out the link to the right.
The Baekje Kingdom Cultural Festival
The cities Gongju and Buyeo located to the east of Daejeon were the hub of the Baekje Kingdom and serve as the center of celebrating the Baekje culture. The is a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed in several venues in both cities. Be sure to check the links for information on how to get there and schedules of events so you are able to enjoy those that interest you most. There are museums, music, a Baekje village and many other things to see and do and I highly recommend this festival. Check out the link to the right.
The Andong International Mask Dance Festival
Located in Andong Si, Gyeongsanbuk-Do This festival is one of the countries very best. The festival in located near the rivers that pass through Andong and has had great reviews from my friends who have attended. This will be my first year to attend and I am really looking forward to taking it all in. Of course I have a link to the cities web-page with information but find the schedule of events is not complete but hope it will become so in the coming weeks as the festival approaches. Check out the link to the right.
Boeun Jujube Festival
The most famous agricultural product from Boeun County, located just east of Daejeon is it Jujubes (Also known as Korean Dates) and called Dae Choo (대추). Every fall the residence of Boeun and from around Korea join to celebrate this marvelous fruit. There is a wide variety of activities including concerts, rides and Korean Bull Fighting (complete with races by the women folk). This is the closest to a good old county fair back home in the states. Check out the link to the right.
