5 recommended travel destinations in Korea for May : When we think of festivals, we often picture crowded scenes and the need to dress up accordingly to match the lively atmosphere. It can be overwhelming and even give us a headache to think about what to wear to fit the spirited ambiance.
However, May festivals in South Korea are different. It’s as if the spring flowers bid their final farewell, covering everything with a myriad of colors, and everyone can freely enjoy the festivities without any constraints.
Before the landscape transforms into lush greenery, here are five spring travel destinations in Korea that you can only enjoy right now. Embrace the gentle breeze and bask in the warmth of the sun, savoring the last moments of spring.


5 recommended travel destinations in Korea for May : Anseong Palm Land
The yellow hue of rapeseed flowers is always the most fitting color for spring. Thanks to the rapeseed flowers, Anseong Palm Land boasts a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a scene from a fairy tale. In May, after the spring rain has subsided, the clear sky blends harmoniously with the yellow rapeseed flowers, creating a feast of photo spots in every direction. If you visit this place dressed in white attire, you can capture postcard-like photos. The sight of Anseong Palm Land in May is filled with abundant yellow hues every year. One of the countless advantages of spring is being able to see the rapeseed flowers right after the cherry blossoms fall in April. There are well-maintained walking paths, including resting pavilions, where you can take a break if you feel tired while walking under the warm sunshine. In addition to the rapeseed flowers, Anseong Palm Land in May also offers the lush greenery of wheat fields. As you reach the expansive meadow, any lingering feelings of suffocation quickly disappear. Whether you are with energetic children or just by yourself, playing and frolicking in the Anseong wheat fields can create happy memories without a care in the world.
- Address: 28 Daesindu-gil, Gongdo-eup, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do.


5 recommended travel destinations in Korea for May : Taean Tulip Festival
It’s quite surprising to discover a tulip festival in Taean, a place known mainly for its beautiful beaches. The sight of this festival is so breathtaking that it might even make your heart ache with its resemblance to scenes from Disney movies. If this fact is already well-known to everyone, then the scenery is truly captivating. However, the Taean World Tulip Festival is open only until May 9th, based on the information from 2022, so you’ll need to prepare quickly to visit.
Anmyeondo, a place previously associated only with the sea and grilled shellfish, can now be recommended for a May trip to Taean specifically for its flower festival. I have never seen such a variety of tulips in different colors before, and it seems that this year, being the 11th edition of the global tulip festival, the vibrant tulips have adorned Taean. The Taean Flower Festival, spanning 35,000 pyeong (approximately 116,000 square meters) in Anmyeondo, is filled with over 200 different types of tulips and 1.5 million tulip bulbs, along with various other flowers.
I couldn’t help but be amazed at the fact that there were so many different types of tulips alone, even after leisurely exploring for about one to two hours. Just seeing a dozen tulips filled me with happiness, so it was an extraordinary day to witness tulips spreading far into the distance. The festival also has a spacious parking lot right next to the Flower Beach, making it an excellent place to visit in Taean.
This year, the festival is only open during daylight hours, as there are no nighttime sessions. Don’t miss the Taean Tulip Festival if you want to capture photos with these splendid tulips. With their vibrant colors, they will make your spring trip even more enjoyable. It’s also recommended to bring your furry companion along, as the Taean Tulip Festival allows dogs to join.
- Address: 400 Kkotjihaean-ro, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do.


5 recommended travel destinations in Korea for May : Damyang Bamboo Festival
The Damyang Bamboo Festival is a cultural event held annually in May. It was initiated to revive the significance of the Day of DaeSimNun, a traditional festival, and to promote traditional cultural arts utilizing bamboo. The bamboo forest, which you might think can only be enjoyed during the day, is transformed into a sparkling wonderland with beautiful lighting, making it a must-visit place in Damyang.
During the festival, various events are organized, including exhibitions, competitions, and traditional cultural experiences centered around bamboo. The bamboo-made lanterns blend harmoniously with the bamboo forest, making viewers appreciate the beauty of bamboo in a whole new light. The gentle scent of bamboo in the air creates a soothing atmosphere for visitors. On sunny days, you can also participate in activities such as catching fish with bamboo fishing rods or riding bamboo rafts. Even on slightly warmer days, being surrounded by the greenery of bamboo provides a cool and refreshing escape.
With a wide range of activities and attractions, the Damyang Bamboo Festival is enjoyable for people of all ages and is a perfect destination for family outings in May, which is known as Family Month in Korea.
- Address: 119 Juknokwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do.


5 recommended travel destinations in Korea for May : Busan Yeondeung Festival
The Busan Yeondeung Festival is a local festival in Busan that commemorates the Buddha’s birthday and lasts until May 8th. The slogan for this year’s festival is “Returning to the everyday where hope blooms.” With thoughts of the three-year hiatus the festival experienced, the lanterns are lit with a hopeful slogan. The word “yeondeung” refers to lighting a lantern, symbolizing illuminating hearts that have been darkened by greed and selfishness. As we gaze upon the beautiful lanterns, our hearts become calm, aligning with the meaning of the lanterns and brightening our spirits. Currently, the Busan Yeondeung Festival is taking place at Song Sang-hyeon Square. It is regarded as a must-visit place in Busan, known for its 2565 lantern festival. Admission is free, but you can hang a wish lantern for a fee of 1,000 won. In the month of May, when the resolutions made at the beginning of the year may have faded in our fast-paced daily lives, I hope this becomes an opportunity to write down our wishes and remind ourselves once again.
- Address: 818 Jungang-daero, Jeonpo 2-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea.