Fall in Korea is characterized by pleasant weather with clear skies and abundant foods from a bountiful harvest. There is even an old saying that autumn is the season when the sky is high and horses get fat. On top of that, numerous cultural events and festivities make this season -- especially October -- all the more exciting.

In fact, October is officially designated by the government as the "month of culture." There are a range of festivals, performances, and exhibitions occurring around the country.

Fans cheer at the Party Stage for the eighth Jarasum International Jazz Festival in 2011(photo courtesy of Jarasum International Jazz Festival).Fans cheer at the Party Stage for the eighth Jarasum International Jazz Festival in 2011(photo courtesy of Jarasum International Jazz Festival).

Jarasum International Jazz Festival (October 12-14) is just around the corner. Jeonju Bibimbap Festival (October 18-21), Daegu Opera Festival (October 12-November 10), Icheon Rice Cultural Festival (October 25-28), and Busan Fireworks Festival (October 26-27) are also on the way. Ongoing festivals include Busan International Film Festival (October 4-13), Gwangju Biennale (September 7 - November 11), and the World Festival of National Theaters (August 30 - October 28). There are also many less-recognized but interesting festivals in small towns across the country.

The ninth Jarasum International Jazz Festival has become so popular in the country that 500 early bird discount tickets sold out in only 90 seconds on June 19. The festival has attracted many jazz fans, gathering 188,000 spectators last year alone and a total of 940,000 since the first event in 2004. The festival turned this once quiet campsite, Jaraseom in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi-do (Gyeonggi Province) into a jewel of the international jazz scene.

Highlights of the festival include a national showcase in which a country is selected to promote its jazz heritage and culture. Following the Netherlands last year, this year's turn is Poland. Four bands from the Eastern European country will constitute this year's "Focus on Polska."

Tomasz Stanko Quartet will dominate the main stage on the opening night at 9:30 p.m. The Polish band is one of the four bands that constitute this year's Tomasz Stanko Quartet will dominate the main stage on the opening night at 9:30 p.m. The Polish band is one of the four bands that constitute this year's "Focus on Polska" (photo courtesy of Jarasum International Jazz Festival).

One of the four bands, the Tomasz Stanko Quartet led by trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, will dominate the main stage on the opening night at 9:30 p.m. There are ten different stages set up for the festival. The four-person band also consists of piano, bass, and drums. The quartet's current lineup debuted worldwide in 2002 with ECM Records releasing the Soul of Things album. In 2002, Tomasz Stanko was awarded the European Jazz Prize as Artist of the Year.

Among other recommended artists performing at the main stage are the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the John Scofield Trio, the Jimmy Cobb/Larry Coryell/Joey DeFrancesco Trio, the Jeff Lorber Fusion, and Daniel Humair Quartet New Reunion.

Getting to Jaraseom has become easier this year with a 40-minute ride on the new ITX Cheongchun train departing from Yongsan Station to Gapyeong. Otherwise, a bus leaving from Dong Seoul Terminal (East Seoul Terminal) takes two hours and 45 minutes. For more information, visit www.jarasumjazz.com or call (031) 581-2813. Tickets for Saturday are already sold out but those for Friday and Sunday can still be purchased at www.yes24.com until October 10.


The 14th Icheon Rice Cultural Festival celebrates bountiful harvests. The event will take place in Seolbong Park in Icheon, a city known for the high-quality rice cultivated there.

 highlight of the Icheon Rice Cultural Festival is to watch rice being cooked in a huge iron cauldron so big that people have to use shovels for the rice (photo courtesy of Icheon Rice Cultural Festival). The highlight of the Icheon Rice Cultural Festival is to watch rice being cooked in a huge iron cauldron so big that people have to use shovels for the rice (photo courtesy of Icheon Rice Cultural Festival).

The highlight of the event is to watch rice being cooked in a huge cauldron. The iron pot is so big that people have to use shovels for the rice. A bowl of steamed rice served with kimchi costs only KRW 2,000.

These days rice is cooked in an automated rice cooker and it can be done at the touch of a button. However, here in the festival, it is cooked with traditional methods. The cauldron is placed over the brazier with burning firewood. There are various other events including a rice-cake-making contest.

Getting to Icheon from Seoul takes 60 minutes by bus from Gangnam Terminal and Dong Seoul Terminal, according to the organizer. There are shuttle buses running from the festival site to Icheon's bus terminal every ten to 15 minutes. For more information, visit www.ricefestival.or.kr or call 031-644-4125.


The eighth Busan Fireworks Festival is a combination of fireworks, K-pop, and parades. The two-day event is expected to lure 1.5 million spectators. Magnificent fireworks will be displayed around Gwangan Bridge. The festival started in 2005 to commemorate the APEC Summit in the city.

The Busan Fireworks Festival is a combination of fireworks, K-pop, and parades. Magnificent fireworks will be displayed around Gwangan Bridge (photo courtesy of Busan Fireworks Festival). The Busan Fireworks Festival is a combination of fireworks, K-pop, and parades. Magnificent fireworks will be displayed around Gwangan Bridge (photo courtesy of Busan Fireworks Festival).

The concert will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 26, at Busan Asiad Stadium, featuring TVXQ and IU. A parade will begin next day at 4 p.m. with a brass band, martial arts, mimes, and jugglers. The fireworks will start at 8 p.m. and continue for one hour. For more information, visit www.bff.or.kr or call 051-501-6051. Concert tickets will be distributed beginning at 5 p.m. on October 10 at Hyundai Motor dealerships. For more information, call 02-325-1026.


The four-day Jeonju bibimbap festival is taking place in the city famous for the popular Korean delicacy. The venue of the festival is around Jeonju Hanok Village.

The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place in the city famous for the popular Korean delicacy (photo courtesy of Jeonju Bibimbap Festival). The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place in the city famous for the popular Korean delicacy (photo courtesy of Jeonju Bibimbap Festival).

Celebrities and chefs will showcase bibimbap-making for visitors to taste. Visitors can try making their own bibimbap. For more information, visit www.bibimbapfest.com or call 063-278-2515.

By Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writer