7 Must-Visit Festivals in Gyeonggi-do, Korea in May 2025｜Spring Celebrations with Travel Guide

 

Planning to visit Korea this May?
Spring in Gyeonggi-do offers amazing festivals full of flowers, art, culture, and traditional experiences.
Let’s explore 7 must-visit festivals — complete with travel tips and addresses!

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1. Goyang International Flower Festival 🌸

• Date: April 25 - May 11, 2025

• Location: Ilsan Lake Park, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

• Address: 595 Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

• Transportation:
  🚆 Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Jeongbalsan Station, Exit 1. Walk 5 minutes to Ilsan Lake Park.

One of Asia’s largest flower festivals featuring breathtaking gardens, flower sculptures, and nightly light shows!

 

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2. Yeoju Ceramic Festival 🏺

• Date: May 1 - May 11, 2025

• Location: Yeoju Ceramic World, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do

• Address: 7-24 Yeoju Ceramic-ro, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

• Transportation:
  🚆 Intercity Bus: From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take a bus to Yeoju Terminal. Taxi from there (~10 min).

Discover Korea’s ceramic heritage through exhibitions, markets, and hands-on pottery classes.

 

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3. Yangpyeong Yongmunsan Wild Vegetable Festival 🌿

• Date: April 26 - April 28, 2025

• Location: Yongmunsan Tourist Area, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

• Address: 782-1 Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

• Transportation:
  🚆 Subway + Local Bus: Take Gyeongui–Jungang Line to Yongmun Station. Take a local bus or taxi to Yongmunsan.

Hike scenic trails, forage for fresh mountain herbs, and enjoy healthy local cuisine!

 

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4. Goyang Haengju Cultural Festival 🎭

• Date: May 3 - May 5, 2025

• Location: Haengju Fortress, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

• Address: 120 Haengju-ro, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

• Transportation:
  🚆 Subway + Bus: Take Line 3 to Daehwa Station. Then take Bus 85A or 85B to Haengju Fortress.

Dive into history with martial arts performances and family activities at this iconic riverside fortress.

 

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5. Icheon Ceramic Festival 🎨

• Date: April 25 - May 6, 2025

• Location: Seolbong Park, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

• Address: 301, Seolbong-ro, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

• Transportation:
  🚆 Intercity Bus: From Seoul Gangnam Express Bus Terminal to Icheon Bus Terminal. Taxi to Seolbong Park (~10 min).

Meet master artisans and explore hundreds of ceramic artworks under the spring sky.

 

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6. Jarasum Flower Festa 🌼

• Date: May 10 - May 12, 2025

• Location: Jarasum Island, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

• Address: 1-1 Daljeon-ri, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

• Transportation:
  🚆 Subway + ITX Train: Take ITX from Yongsan Station to Gapyeong Station. Taxi to Jarasum (~5 min).

Picnic among beautiful flower fields while enjoying food trucks and live music performances.

 

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7. Yangju Hoam Temple Site Royal Festival 🏯

• Date: May 24 - May 26, 2025

• Location: Hoam Temple Site, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

• Address: 60 Hoam-ro, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

• Transportation:
  🚆 Subway + Bus: Take Line 1 to Deokjeong Station. Take local bus to Hoam Temple Site.

Experience Korea’s royal traditions through cultural performances and traditional ceremonies at a historic temple site.

 

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✈️ Why Visit Gyeonggi-do in May?

• Perfect weather: Warm, breezy spring days

• Easy access: Less than 2 hours from Seoul

• Rich culture: Art, history, festivals all around!

Whether you're an art lover, foodie, or nature explorer, Gyeonggi-do has the perfect spring festival waiting for you.
Make unforgettable memories during your Korea trip in May 2025! 🌸

5 Best Things to Do at Incheon Airport After Immigration (Excluding Duty-Free!)

Your Korean adventure may be coming to an end, but the journey doesn’t stop just yet.
At Incheon International Airport, there are hidden gems and cultural experiences waiting for you—even after you pass through immigration.

While many travelers head straight to duty-free shopping, this guide is for those who want to spend their remaining time in Korea meaningfully, memorably, and even peacefully.
Here are 5 great ways to enjoy your time at Incheon Airport before your flight—excluding duty-free shops.

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🌸 1. Experience Korean Culture at the K-Culture Zone

• Location: Terminal 1 (Transit Hall), Terminal 2 (Near Departure Gates)

• Fee: Free

• Experience: Hanbok (Korean traditional dress) photo zone, craft-making, K-pop and K-drama screening

Before saying goodbye to Korea, why not immerse yourself one last time in Korean culture?
The K-Culture Zone allows travelers to wear hanbok, try traditional crafts, and enjoy digital content about Korean entertainment—all for free.

📷 Take a photo in hanbok, create a handmade souvenir, or sit back and watch your favorite K-pop videos. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Korean story.

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🖼 2. Relax with Art at Incheon Airport’s Art Exhibitions

• Location: Terminal 1 & 2 – Central areas near gates

• Fee: Free

• Experience: Sculpture, digital media art, rotating exhibitions from Korean artists

Incheon Airport doubles as an art gallery. Throughout both terminals, you’ll find beautiful artwork, sculptures, and digital installations. These exhibitions change seasonally, providing an elegant and thoughtful atmosphere.

✨ Take a slow stroll and reflect on your journey. Art has a wonderful way of calming the mind before a long flight.

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🎮 3. Play and Explore in the Digital Experience Zone

• Location: Mainly Terminal 2, some parts of Terminal 1

• Fee: Free

• Experience: VR games, AR photo booths, AI-powered activities

Looking for something fun and interactive? The Digital Experience Zones offer virtual reality, augmented reality games, and even AI robots to talk to.

Especially great for families with children or tech lovers, these zones make waiting time fly by—literally and figuratively.

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😌 4. Rest in a Capsule Lounge or Nap Zone

• Location: Terminal 1 (Center area), Terminal 2 (East/West sides)

• Fee: Approx. 20,000–30,000 KRW per hour (about $15–25 USD)

• Experience: Private nap space, shower facilities, quiet ambiance

Feeling tired after sightseeing? These capsule-style lounges offer a peaceful space to lie down, take a shower, or simply disconnect before boarding.

🛏 A short nap or shower can make a huge difference in how you feel during your flight. Much more relaxing than sitting in a crowded gate area!

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🌿 5. Find Peace in an Indoor Garden

• Location: Terminal 1 (Cielo Garden), Terminal 2 (Sky Garden, Sunset Garden)

• Fee: Free

• Experience: Natural light, live plants, seating areas

Airports can feel cold and mechanical—but not here. Incheon Airport’s indoor gardens are warm, green, and perfect for peaceful reflection.
Sit in the sunlight, enjoy a few moments of mindfulness, or read a book among real plants.

🌱 These quiet green spots are ideal for travelers who want a calm and grounding send-off from Korea.

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🌏 Why This Matters: Make the End of Your Trip as Beautiful as the Beginning

Many travelers rush through airports, but Incheon offers something different.
From culture and creativity to rest and nature, you can spend your final hours in Korea in comfort, reflection, and joy.

Let the airport be more than just a departure point—let it be the final chapter of your unforgettable Korean story.

Top 7 Scenic Spring Trails in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

🌿 Looking for picturesque walking trails near Seoul to enjoy the spring season? Gyeonggi Province offers a variety of trails that showcase Korea's natural beauty. Here's a guide to seven must-visit trails, complete with addresses and directions to help you plan your visit.

1. 🌊 Hantangang River Geotrail (Cheorwon, Gangwon-do)

● Highlights: Explore unique basalt column formations, serene valleys, and the impressive Hantan River.

● Trail Info: Approximately 5.4 miles (8.7 km) loop; moderate difficulty.

● Address: 1825 Taebong-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

● Directions: From Seoul, take a bus to Cheorwon Bus Terminal. From there, local buses or taxis can take you to the trailhead.​

2. 🌲 Bukhansan Dulle-gil Trail – Section 19: Banghakdong-gil (Seoul)

● Highlights: A tranquil forest path surrounded by evergreen pine trees, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

● Trail Info: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) point-to-point; moderate difficulty.

● Address: Musugol, Dobong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

● Directions: Take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Dobongsan Station. Exit and follow signs to Musugol to reach the trailhead.​

3. 🏞 Paldang Mulangae Park Loop Trail (Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do)

● Highlights: Enjoy riverside views, lush greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere along the Bukhangang River.

● Trail Info: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) loop; easy difficulty.

● Address: Near Paldang Station, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

● Directions: Take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Paldang Station. The park and trail are within walking distance from the station.​

4. 💧 Ansan Dulegil Trail (Seodaemun-gu, Seoul)

● Highlights: A lesser-known trail featuring cherry blossoms, birch, and metasequoia forests, perfect for a quiet walk.

● Trail Info: Approximately 3 km loop; easy difficulty.

● Address: 1 Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

● Directions: Take Seoul Subway Line 2 to Sinchon Station. Exit and walk towards Bongwon-dong to find the trail entrance.​

5. 🌅 Guri Dulle-gil Trail – Course 1 (Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do)

● Highlights: A scenic route along the Han River, offering panoramic views and historical sites.

● Trail Info: Approximately 5 miles (8 km); moderate difficulty.

● Address: Start at Guri Hangang Park, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

● Directions: Take Seoul Subway Line 8 to Guri Station. From there, local buses or a short taxi ride will take you to the park.​

6. 🌿 Yangpyeong Dulle-gil Trail (Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do)

● Highlights: Experience the confluence of the North and South Han-Rivers, with serene landscapes and cultural sites.

● Trail Info: Approximately 6.2 miles (10 km); moderate difficulty.

● Address: Start at Yangpyeong Station, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

● Directions: Take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Yangpyeong Station. The trail is accessible from the station area.​

7. 💦 Gimpo Dulle-gil Trail – Course 1 (Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do)

● Highlights: A coastal trail offering views of the West Sea, mudflats, and migratory birds.

● Trail Info: Approximately 8.5 miles (13.6 km); moderate difficulty.

● Address: Start at Daemyeong Port, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

● Directions: Take Seoul Subway Line 5 to Gimpo International Airport Station. From there, local buses or taxis can take you to Daemyeong Port.​

📌 Tips for Travelers 📌 

● Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) offers mild weather and blooming flowers.

● What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

● Local Etiquette: Be respectful of nature, stay on designated paths, and carry out any trash.​

Enjoy your spring adventures in Gyeonggi Province!

How to Rent Bicycles in Korea: Easy Guide for Foreigners 🚴‍♀️🇰🇷

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Traveling to Korea? 

Discover how foreigners can rent public bicycles like Seoul’s Ddareungi with ease.

 Prices, apps, tips, and routes included!

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Looking for a budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to explore Korea? Renting a bicycle in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju is not only easy—it’s fun! Whether you're a tourist or a digital nomad, Korea’s public bike systems are foreigner-friendly and wallet-safe.

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Seoul Bike “Ddareungi”: Perfect for Foreign Travelers

Ddareungi, Seoul’s public bike rental service, is a great way to explore places like Han River, palaces, or trendy neighborhoods. You don’t need a Korean ID or phone number—just use the English mobile app or website.

💸 Pricing for Tourists:

• 1-Hour Pass: KRW 1,000 (~$0.75)

• 2-Hour Pass: KRW 2,000 (~$1.50)

• 30-Day Pass: KRW 5,000 (~$3.75)

You can pick up and return bikes at any Ddareungi station. Most major areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Jamsil have multiple docks.

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How to Pay & Use It Easily

• Download the “Seoul Bike” app (iOS/Android)

• Language: English available

• Payment: Visa, MasterCard, and local Korean cards accepted

• Tip: Use tourist kiosks for short-term passes if your card doesn’t work online

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Top Routes for Foreigners

• Han River Cycling Path – Smooth, scenic, and sunset-friendly

• Downtown Seoul (Palace Tour) – Ride from Gyeongbokgung to Insadong

• Hongdae → Itaewon – Hipster cafes to international food streets

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Other Cities to Explore by Bike