
Major Events & Festivals in Ansan, Gyeonggi, Korea, South
1. Ansan International Fireworks Festival
A spectacular display of fireworks over the Hangyeong River, attracting thousands every October.
- Unique Location: The only international fireworks festival held on a river in South Korea.
- Cultural Exchange: Participating countries showcase their cultural performances and booths.
- Community Involvement: Local residents participate in organizing the event, fostering community spirit.
2. Ansan Tulip Festival
A beautiful spring bloom of over 300,000 tulips in Ansan's Gwangjusan Park.
- Size of the Display: One of the largest tulip festivals in Korea with over 300,000 tulips.
- Educational Activities: Workshops and exhibitions educate visitors about various tulip species.
- Photography Opportunities: The vibrant tulips provide a picturesque backdrop for stunning photos.
3. Ansan Citizen's Flower Festival
A local celebration in June showcasing various flowers and traditional Korean performances.
- Celebration of Local Culture: Emphasis on preserving and sharing Ansan's unique culture.
- Flower Market: A wide variety of rare and exotic flowers for sale.
- Community Involvement: Local residents contribute to the festival's organization and performances.
4. Ansan Cherry Blossom Festival
A breathtaking display of cherry blossoms in April at Cheonan-Asan National University.
- Historical Significance: The festival takes place in the grounds of a historic university.
- Cultural Activities: Korean traditional performances and exhibitions during the event.
- Nighttime Illumination: The cherry blossoms are beautifully lit up at night for a romantic atmosphere.
5. Ansan Lantern Festival
A traditional Korean lantern festival held during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) in September.
- Cultural Significance: The festival is a significant part of Korea's cultural heritage.
- Lantern Making Workshops: Visitors can make their own traditional lanterns to take home.
- Community Gathering: Families come together to celebrate and enjoy the festivities.
6. Ansan Bibimbap Festival
A food festival in August showcasing various versions of bibimbap (Korean mixed rice dish).
- Culinary Variety: Over 50 restaurants participate, offering unique bibimbap recipes.
- Cooking Demonstrations: Chefs demonstrate how to make traditional and modern bibimbap dishes.
- Food Tasting: Visitors can sample a variety of bibimbap for a truly gastronomic experience.
7. Ansan Lotus Lantern Festival
A beautiful nighttime event in July featuring over 10,000 lotus lanterns.
- Lotus Flower Conservation: Proceeds support the preservation of Ansan's beautiful lotus fields.
- Cultural Activities: Traditional Korean performances and exhibitions during the event.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: The floating lanterns create a peaceful and serene environment.
8. Ansan Peony Festival
A spring festival in May showcasing over 30,000 peonies in Cheongnamdae Arboretum.
- Size of the Display: One of the largest peony festivals in Korea with over 30,000 peonies.
- Educational Activities: Workshops and exhibitions educate visitors about various peony species.
- Photography Opportunities: The vibrant peonies provide a picturesque backdrop for stunning photos.
9. Ansan Hangyeong River Night Festival
A summer festival in August featuring music performances and fireworks over the Hangyeong River.
- Unique Location: The only river night festival in Ansan.
- Live Music Performances: Korean and international artists perform throughout the evening.
- Community Gathering: Families come together to enjoy the music, food, and fireworks.
10. Ansan Grass Cutting Festival
A unique festival in June celebrating the harvesting of grass from the Hangyeong River.
- Cultural Significance: The festival dates back over 500 years and is a significant part of Ansan's heritage.
- Grass Cutting Competition: Teams compete to cut the most grass efficiently.
- Food and Drink: Traditional Korean food and drinks are available for visitors.
11. Ansan International Sculpture Symposium
An annual event in September where artists create large-scale sculptures.
- Artistic Collaboration: Artists from around the world collaborate to create unique sculptures.
- Public Art Display: The finished sculptures are permanently displayed in Ansan's parks and public spaces.
- Cultural Exchange: Artists share their cultural experiences during the symposium.
12. Ansan International Flower Carol Festival
A winter festival in January featuring flower carols (large sculptures made of flowers) and ice sculptures.
- Unique Display: The only flower carol and ice sculpture festival in Korea.
- Educational Activities: Workshops and exhibitions educate visitors about flower and ice sculpture creation.
- Photography Opportunities: The colorful flower carols and intricate ice sculptures provide a stunning backdrop for photos.
13. Ansan International Marathon
A marathon event in October attracting runners from around the world.
- International Participation: Runners from over 40 countries participate in the event.
- Challenging Course: The course includes hills and flat sections, testing runners' endurance.
- Community Support: Local residents cheer on participants throughout the race.
14. Ansan Gim-ji Festival
A food festival in September celebrating Ansan's famous fermented soybean paste.
- Culinary Variety: Over 50 restaurants participate, offering unique gim-ji recipes.
- Cooking Demonstrations: Chefs demonstrate how to make traditional and modern gim-ji dishes.
- Food Tasting: Visitors can sample a variety of gim-ji for a truly gastronomic experience.
15. Ansan Rice Cake Festival
A food festival in December celebrating various types of rice cakes.
- Culinary Variety: Over 50 restaurants participate, offering unique rice cake recipes.
- Cooking Demonstrations: Chefs demonstrate how to make traditional and modern rice cake dishes.
- Food Tasting: Visitors can sample a variety of rice cakes for a truly gastronomic experience.