Springtime is the peak of Korea’s cultural festival season with a host of colourful events taking place around the country. From traditional folklore festivals highlighting Korea’s music and dance to the Lotus Lantern Festival on Buddha’s birthday there is no more exciting time to visit Korea.

The newly released publication ‘Korea Cultural Festivals 2005’details many of the major Spring events. The city of Jinhae in the south east corner of Korea hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival from 26 March – 4 April this year. The festival offers a variety of events with a colourful parade through the cherry blossomed streets.

The 3rd World Ceramic Biennale will be held around the country from 23 April – 19 June. The main venue, the Icheon World Ceramic Centre will feature 11 exhibitions, various performances, events and programs to enable visitors to try their hand at making their own artwork.

The Korean Traditional Drink and Rice Cake Festival in the ancient capital of Gyeongju is where you can try the best traditional rice cakes in the country and join in the preparation. On the main stage there will be performances of traditional Korean music. The ancient city of Gyeongju is called a ‘museum without walls’ due to the number of ancient sites scattered throughout the city. You can walk through the royal burial tombs of ancient Kings and Queens and visit the UNESCO world heritage listed Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto Buddha.

From 4-8 May in the city of Daegu a Herb Medicine Festival is held. All kinds of events from ‘check my health corner’ to aromatherapy, herb medicine brewing, sampling and acupressure massage can be enjoyed. Yangnyeongsi in Daegu has been distributing Oriental medicine throughout the nation for over 350 years. Trading with China and Russia, this market has served the NE Asian depot of medicinal herbs.

Buddha’s birthday is a very popular and fun-filled time to be in Korea. The Lotus Lantern Festival is an annual event commemorating Buddha’s birthday in downtown Seoul. Over 100,000 lotus lanterns parade the streets of Jongno in the capital, creating a continuous wave of harmony and unity. Visitors are welcome to join in the events and make your own lotus lantern for the celebrations. The lantern parade takes place on Sunday 8 May this year.

If you are into the health benefits of green tea the 10th Hadong Mountain Dew Tea Cultural Festival will take place for four days from 19-22 May. This festival takes place at the foot of beautiful Mt. Jirisan. Hadong tea was first introduced and cultivated during the ancient Silla kingdom. The festival provides an opportunity to learn more about wild green tea. Visitors can also gain hands-on experience in making traditional tea.

In early May in downtown Seoul the Hi Seoul Festival expresses the dynamism and unity of Seoul in the context of its 600 year old history and traditions. There is a street festival with opportunities for visitors to enjoy traditional music and dance performances, a Korean Popular Wave concert, royal palace festival and many other events.

If Taekwondo is your game then the World Taekwondo Festival to be held in the city of Jincheon from 17-23 June is a great place to compete and further your skills in this ancient art. The website www.lovetkd.com will provide the information if you are interested in competing at this event.

The Korea Cultural Festivals 2005 guide is freely available from Korea National Tourism Organization Sydney office. Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au or by phoning 1800 211 717 or (outside Australia) +61 2 9252 4147.