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Destination
Highlights
Seoul’s distinct seasons mean there is something to enjoy any time of year, from the blossoms in spring to numerous festivals that occur throughout the year. For your convenience, we've listed local public holidays and seasonal highlights to help with your travel planning.
Public Holidays
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Seollal |
February (Date varies based on lunar calendar) |
| Independence Movement Day |
March 1 |
| Labor Day |
May 1 |
| Buddha's Birthday | May (Date varies based on lunar calendar) |
| Children's Day | May 5 |
| Memorial Day | June 6 |
| Liberation Day |
August 15 |
| Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) |
September (Date varies based on lunar calendar) |
| National Foundation Day | October 3 |
| Hangeul Day | October 9 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
Quick Reference
Time zone
GMT +9 hours
Language(s) spoken
- Primary: Korean
- Secondary: English, Chinese and Japanese
Electrical system
Local voltage is 220 volts AC. Adapters are available; please request through the Concierge.
Shopping hours
9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Working hours
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Seasonal highlights
Spring
- Yeouido Spring Flower Festival – Marking the start of spring, this event in Yeouido celebrates the hundreds of cherry blossom trees lining Yeouiseo-ro Street, as well a variety of other spring plants in bloom. Art exhibitions, street performances and more are featured throughout the event.
- Yeon Deung Lotus Lantern Festival - Taking place in downtown Seoul, this annual event features a variety of activities, including the popular Lantern Parade, where thousands of illuminated lanterns and floats flood the streets in celebration of Yeondeunghoe and Buddhist cultures. Other activities held during the festival include lantern making, face painting, local food, music and dance.
Summer
- Seoul Summer Sale – Created with the international shopper in mind, the Seoul Summer Sale is a citywide event that offers great shopping deals and discounts on everything from fashion to restaurants.
- Seoul Drum Festival – Percussionists of all kinds come to perform during this event, which highlights various music genres.
- Seoul International Fireworks Festival – Both Korean and international teams come to light up the sky during this one-night annual event. The night's entertainment includes music, balloon art and food stalls among others; all of which comes to an end with the main event, a dazzling fireworks performance.
Autumn
- Hi Seoul Festival – Sponsored by the city of Seoul and the Seoul Foundation of Arts, the Hi Seoul Festival is a celebration of “non verbal” art. Taking place in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, Cheonggye Plaza and in other sections of downtown Seoul, this fun event includes numerous street performances and exhibitions.
- Seoul Silver Grass Festival – Festivalgoers flock to World Cup Park to enjoy live musical performances during the festival. A photography contest, film screenings and family activities also take place.
- Seoul Lantern Festival – An endless sea of lanterns are lit as a sign of hope and friendship during the festival, which takes place in Cheonggyecheon every fall.
- Seoul Kimchi Making & Sharing Festival – Kimchi, a spicy pickled vegetable dish commonly made with cabbage, is an important part of authentic Korean cuisine that endures today. The festival highlights this food and offers the opportunity to prepare and sample a multitude of kimchi dishes.
Winter
- Dongji (Winter Solstice) –The shortest day of the year marks longer days to come and is celebrated with family, friends and food.
