2 Best Performing Arts Venues in Seoul, South Korea

One of the city’s flashiest festivals is the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, held every October. Teams of pyrotechnicians from as far away as Sweden join forces to create an explosive extravaganza that lights up the sky over the Han River. Warning: It gets very crowded. Arrive at the park way before dark if you expect to stake out a prime viewing spot, or book ahead at one of the many top-floor restaurants or bars, such as Mariposa or VVertigo, for the best seats in Yeouido.

Each April as Yeouido comes alive with the rosy hues of azalea, forsythia, and fluffy cherry blossoms, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is held to celebrate the beautiful annual event. The 1,641 blossoming cherry trees create a canopy of pink along the road between Hangang Park and the National Assembly Building and is Seoul's most famous avenue for blossom spotting. Although the king cherry trees are the stars of the show, the festival also includes street food vendors, kids’ activities, and music and dance performances.