With the breeze growing noticeably warmer and the street trees turning green, May—the season of festivals—is finally here. If you were to pick the most vibrant and beautiful time of year in Seoul, this season would undoubtedly be it.
This May is packed with a more spectacular lineup and diverse themes than ever before. From the news of global artists visiting Korea to set the hearts of music fans worldwide racing, to the 1,700-year-old lanterns that will brilliantly illuminate the heart of downtown Seoul.
Seoul Jazz Festival
The Seoul Jazz Festival is a staple of May festivals.
It is also one of the most anticipated music festivals of the year.
Returning as always this year, the Seoul Jazz Festival is set to showcase a truly “crazy” lineup over the course of three days.
Not only will major international artists—including Janelle Monáe with her overwhelming performances, Grammy darling John Batiste, and the Korean-favorite soul band Mamas Gun—be making their visits to Korea, but the stars of the Korean music scene who need no introduction—such as Epik High, Baek Yerin, Jeokjae, and Jang Beom-jun —will all be taking the stage as well.
If you’re looking forward to May festivals, “Sejafe” is the first one you need to mark on your calendar!
PEAK Festival
No matter what genre you love, Seoul in May has a stage ready just for you!
In particular, the “Peak Festival 2026,” taking place over two days starting May 23 at Nanji Hangang Park, is nothing short of heaven for fans of band music. This is because Korea’s top bands—including Nell, Jaurim, 10CM, and FT Island —whose names alone make your heart race, will all be performing.
No complicated gear is needed. Why not grab a light picnic blanket, head out, and enjoy their unique voices while feeling the breeze from the Han River? As you sing along in the carefree atmosphere, the stress of daily life will soon melt away.
Asian Pop Festival
This time, we’re heading to Yeongjong Island. That’s because the “Asian Pop Festival (APF),” where you can get a glimpse of the current state of the Asian music scene, is taking place against the backdrop of Yeongjong Island’s refreshing coastline.
More than just a domestic festival, this event brings together talented bands from across Asia, offering a special experience that breaks down borders and unites everyone through “music” alone. Enjoying the diverse spectrum of Asian pop against the backdrop of an open ocean view will provide a sense of liberation, as if you’ve escaped the daily grind.
Seoul World City Culture Festival
Seoul has now transformed into a global city.
Cultural figures from around the world, who help shape the beautiful city of Seoul, gather in one place to present a diverse program that satisfies all five senses. In addition to spectacular performances that capture the essence of each country and free-spirited busking, the World Food Zone—often called the highlight of the festival—allows you to explore exotic flavors rarely found elsewhere.
It’s an opportunity to feel like you’re traveling around the globe right in the heart of Seoul, without having to travel far abroad. Don’t miss out on this special cultural experience—be sure to visit with your family and friends.
Beautiful Mint Life
Have you ever been to the Seoul Culture Reserve? If not, it’s one of the must-visit spots in Seoul. This site, which was once an oil storage facility and has been transformed into a performance venue and park, boasts a unique and mysterious atmosphere at first glance. In May, this distinctive space will transform into four special stages to welcome audiences.
With four stages, each boasting its own unique charm, it’s the perfect festival to pick and choose according to your taste.
🎤 Four Stages to Enjoy According to Your Taste
Mint Breeze Stage: If you’re looking for a refreshing and crisp voice, this is the place for you. You can soak up the uplifting energy delivered by Daybreak and Roy Kim.
Breeze Stage: If you’re looking for melodies as sweet as a spring breeze, pay attention. Artists with unique sensibilities—such as AKMU, Card Garden, and Jang Ki-ha— will take the stage.
Loving Forest Garden: For those looking for songs filled with the thrill and comfort of love, we recommend the stages featuring Ha Dong-kyun, Ahn Ye-eun, Ozone, and Oksang Dalbit.
Flood in the Cave: If you want to immerse yourself in a unique, dreamy indie sound overflowing with echoes, don’t miss the lineup featuring Dasutt, KARDI, KIK, and others.
Which of these four stages best matches your playlist?
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival has been my favorite annual event since elementary school.
That’s because the moment the colorful lanterns light up, Seoul is transformed into its most beautiful form of the year.
The tradition of Buddhism, which has been part of our history for 1,700 long years. When I think of the lanterns that have shone unwaveringly throughout those centuries, this festival becomes more than just a spectacle—it serves as a precious link connecting the past, present, and future. Perhaps that is why, when watching the Yeondeunghoe procession, I feel a strange sense of emotion and a new hope welling up inside me.
The most enchanting moment where traditional aesthetics meet modern Seoul—this year’s Lantern Festival is another event you absolutely cannot miss.
Seoul Circus Festival
A chance to rediscover your inner child!
From nostalgic traditional circus acts to hair-raising aerial acrobatics, the entire Nodul Island will be transformed into a giant circus arena.
This festival, which will infuse everyday life with a touch of magic, wit, and vitality, will feature a variety of circus performances across the entire Nodul Island. Coinciding with Children’s Day, it offers a wondrous experience for kids and evokes nostalgia for adults, making it the perfect festival for the whole family to enjoy together.
