6 Best Performing Arts Venues in South Korea

One of the city’s flashiest festivals is the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, held every October. Teams of pyrotechnicians from as far away as Sweden join forces to create an explosive extravaganza that lights up the sky over the Han River. Warning: It gets very crowded. Arrive at the park way before dark if you expect to stake out a prime viewing spot, or book ahead at one of the many top-floor restaurants or bars, such as Mariposa or VVertigo, for the best seats in Yeouido.

Each April as Yeouido comes alive with the rosy hues of azalea, forsythia, and fluffy cherry blossoms, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is held to celebrate the beautiful annual event. The 1,641 blossoming cherry trees create a canopy of pink along the road between Hangang Park and the National Assembly Building and is Seoul's most famous avenue for blossom spotting. Although the king cherry trees are the stars of the show, the festival also includes street food vendors, kids’ activities, and music and dance performances.

Home to three metropolitan orchestras, two choruses, as well as a dance and a theater troupe, this massive, four-venue complex is the undisputed headquarters for region's arts and performance scene. In addition to regular shows from the house companies, the center also hosts touring musical theater and opera performances. 

When it comes to movie theaters, South Korea's are generally better quality for the price compared to most countries in the world. CGV is a trusted franchise with locations across Korea, but this location within I'Park Mall can be set apart for its special viewing options. There is a well-reputed IMAX theater perfect for blockbuster and action movies, a Goldclass theater with reclining seats for a high-end cinema experience, and the world’s first 4DX theater with surround screens and seats that move. Order from the long list of popcorn options, sit down with a drink, and enjoy.

One of Korea's most visually spectacular festivals is one rooted in Jeju's pastoral past. In the old days, locals would light pastures every spring to rid grasslands of excess grass and vermin. The ash would also replenish the soil. While the practice has largely died out, it lives on at the Saebyeol Oreum in Aewol. Every March, locals set the entire volcanic cone alight at night, making the nighttime sky glow red. The event is accompanied by fireworks, torch marches, and plenty of food.

Traditional Korean percussion inspires the modern rhythmic performances of NANTA, Korea's largest theatrical hit ever. What sets NANTA apart from other percussion performances is its humor, storyline, interaction with the audience, and the fact that it's set in a kitchen. If you took a frantic reality cooking show, mixed it with Stomp, and added a dollop of humor, this show would be the result.