As autumn sweeps across South Korea, the season is marked not only by stunning foliage but also by a variety of vibrant festivals celebrating food, culture, and community. Autumn festivals offer a perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional Korean delicacies that reflect the season's harvest and culinary traditions. From savory street foods to delectable sweets, the flavors of fall in South Korea are sure to delight any food lover. In this post, we will explore some must-try foods at popular autumn festivals across the country.
1. Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Chuseok is one of the most significant holidays in Korea, celebrated with family gatherings and sumptuous feasts. This harvest festival, which usually falls in late September or early October, features an array of traditional foods.
- Songpyeon: These delightful rice cakes, shaped like half-moons, are filled with sweet ingredients such as sesame seeds or sweetened red beans. Preparing songpyeon is often a family activity, making it a meaningful treat during Chuseok.
- Japchae: Made from stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and often beef, this savory dish is a staple on Chuseok tables, highlighting the season's fresh ingredients.
- Various Banchan: An assortment of side dishes, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seasoned greens, accompany the main feast, showcasing the diversity of Korean cuisine.
2. Gwangju Kimchi Festival
Taking place every October in Gwangju, this festival celebrates one of Korea’s most iconic dishes—kimchi. Visitors can experience a wide variety of kimchi and other local foods.
- Kimchi Tasting: The festival offers numerous stalls where attendees can sample different types of kimchi, from spicy napa cabbage kimchi to refreshing radish kimchi.
- Kimjang Experience: Participants can join workshops to make their own kimchi, learning about the fermentation process and the significance of this staple in Korean culture.
- Local Delicacies: Gwangju is known for its rich culinary scene, so visitors can also enjoy local dishes such as tteokgalbi (grilled beef patties) and doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean stew).
3. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
Held in October, BIFF is not only a platform for filmmakers but also a great place to enjoy delicious food while mingling with fellow cinema lovers.
- Street Food: Busan is famous for its vibrant street food scene. Festival-goers can indulge in local favorites like sushi, hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar), and eomuk (fish cake skewers).
- Seafood Delights: Being a coastal city, Busan offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Try saeujeot (fermented shrimp) or grilled clams from the local markets near the festival venue.
- Craft Beer and Food Pairings: Many vendors at BIFF offer unique craft beers that pair wonderfully with festival snacks, allowing for a perfect culinary experience alongside the films.
4. Andong Mask Dance Festival
This festival celebrates traditional mask dances every October in Andong, and it’s also a fantastic place to explore local cuisine.
- Andong Jjimdak: A famous dish from Andong, jjimdak is braised chicken with vegetables and glass noodles, seasoned with soy sauce and spices. It’s a hearty dish perfect for the autumn chill.
- Traditional Snacks: Visitors can enjoy local snacks such as yangnyeom chicken (Korean fried chicken) and odeng (fish cakes), often served on skewers for easy eating during performances.
- Sikhye: This sweet rice drink is a popular beverage during festivals, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes.
5. Seoul Lantern Festival
Taking place in November along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Seoul Lantern Festival is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the stomach.
- Hotteok and Bungeoppang: These seasonal snacks are must-tries. Hotteok is a sweet pancake filled with sugar and nuts, while bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste.
- Grilled Skewers: Various stalls offer grilled meats and vegetables on skewers, perfect for snacking while enjoying the lantern displays.
- Korean Desserts: Don't miss out on seasonal desserts like patbingsu (shaved ice with sweet red beans and fruits) which provides a delightful way to cool down while strolling through the festival.
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