May, widely marked in South Korea as Family Month, brings a packed calendar of festivals aimed at family visitors nationwide. Options range from nature and hands-on events during the Children’s Day holiday to culture, food, and flower festivals later in the month.
In Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province, the 28th Hampyeong Butterfly Festival runs through the 5th at Hampyeong Expo Park. Under the theme “Dreaming Butterfly, the Journey Begins,” it features flower-and-butterfly exhibits, activities and performances, including butterfly releases indoors and outdoors, feeding programs, parades and shows. Admission is paid: 7,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for youths and soldiers, and 3,000 won for kindergarteners, children and seniors, based on on-site sales.
In Boseong, South Jeolla Province, the Boseong Green Tea Festival continues through the 5th. Now in its 49th year, it highlights local tea culture with programs such as tea-leaf picking, tea making, tea tasting and green-tea therapy. Admission is free.
In Damyang, South Jeolla Province, the Damyang Bamboo Festival runs through the 5th at Juknokwon Bamboo Garden and the nearby Dambit Music Hall area. With the slogan “Shine, Shine, Bamboo!” it offers bamboo-themed activities, performances and nighttime lighting programs. Admission is free, while Juknokwon charges 3,000 won and returns the full amount as a payback coupon.
The Yeoncheon Paleolithic Festival runs through the 5th at the Jeongok-ri archaeological site in Yeoncheon. The family-oriented history festival centers on Paleolithic-era experiences. General admission is 7,000 won and youth and children’s tickets are 3,000 won. General visitors receive a 5,000 won Yeoncheon Love gift certificate, while youths and children receive a 3,000 won certificate.
In Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, the Miryang Arirang Festival is scheduled for the 7th through the 10th around Yeongnamnu Pavilion and the Miryang River. Admission is free. The festival aims to preserve and develop Miryang Arirang, which is listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and includes a Miryang Arirang contest, traditional culture activities and the multimedia outdoor show “Miryang River Odyssey.”
The Seoul World Cities Culture Festival will be held from the 9th to the 10th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, from noon to 9 p.m. Participation is free. Organizers plan cultural performances, traditional costume and game experiences, and global food and dessert zones.
The 2026 Busan Wheat Festival is set for the 9th to the 10th at Hwamyeong Ecological Park in Busan’s Buk District. Hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and organized by the Busan Festival Organizing Committee, it will feature wheat-themed food programs, a flea market, hands-on activities and performances. A food lounge under a large shade canopy and spaces for participatory programs will be set up on site.
From the 15th to the 18th, the 2026 Haeundae Sand Festival will take place at Haeundae Beach and Haeundae Square in Busan. This year’s theme is “A Time-Travel Journey Through Busan in Sand.” The program includes an international sand sculpture exhibition, activities and performances. The sand works will remain on display through June 14.
The Gokseong World Rose Festival runs from the 22nd to the 31st at Seomjingang Train Village. The site includes a rose garden covering about 75,000 square meters, with 1,004 varieties of rare European roses and other flowers. Admission is paid, but Gokseong residents, people of national merit and people with disabilities are admitted free.
In Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, the Chuncheon Mime Festival is scheduled for the 24th through the 31st across the city under the theme “Body Landscape.” Events include the opening street program “Ah! Water-rang,” theater performances, “Mime You See While Walking,” “Art Madang X,” and overnight programs including “Goblin Madang.” Most events are free, but theater performances and some programs charge admission.
Organizers warn that festivals can be especially crowded during the Children’s Day holiday and on weekends. Some hands-on programs require advance reservations or operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and some events charge admission or separate activity fees. Visitors are advised to check official websites for hours, ticket prices, parking and whether shuttle buses are running before traveling.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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