Best time to travel to South Korea

Lotus Flower in South Korea

At the lotus festival one can walk among thousands of flowers, drink lotus flower tea, learn how to make lotus flower soap and paper, and so much more

Best time: May–mid-July

Lotus Flower
Lotus Flower

Delicate flowers are more than just a delightful view. Have you ever tried lotus flower tea? Have you heard of lotus flower paper? Have you ever seen how lotus flower soap is made? In fact, you can enjoy the floral beauty as well as engage in a range of workshops yourself at Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival. It's held around mid-July, often the second or the third week of the month when lotus is in its prime, though the blooming season starts already in late spring.

The festivities take place in Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, the neighbourhood famous for its lush wide fields of lotus flowers. Apart from the flowers themselves, you'll see lots of painted faces, and the king and queen of the festival are always the most outstanding figures at the party. Night parades and fireworks wind up the festivities. Koreans love to celebrate lotus with the highest honours, as the flower is a symbol of Buddha.

Practical info

When is the festival usually held, and when are the lotus flowers in their prime?

The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival is usually held in the second or third week of July, but the blooming season starts in late spring. The lotus flowers are in their prime during the festival, and this is the best time to visit. However, visitors should check the exact dates each year since they may vary based on the blooming season and weather conditions. It is recommended to plan your trip accordingly. Show more

What is the location of Buyeo-gun, and how can I get there?

Buyeo-gun is situated in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea and is reachable by train or bus from Seoul. The journey takes about 2-3 hours depending on the mode of transport. From Buyeo, visitors can take a taxi or local bus to get to the festival location. Advance planning is advised regarding transportation schedules to avoid any inconvenience. Show more

Besides paper and soap, what are the other uses of lotus flowers in South Korea?

Apart from soap and paper, lotus flowers have multiple uses in South Korea, where they are used in making lotus flower tea, lotus root soup, lotus root powder, and lotus flower wine. Additionally, one can relish tasty Korean cuisine that incorporates lotus flowers, such as stir-fried lotus root, lotus leaf rice, and more. The festival provides an opportunity for visitors to taste lotus-themed foods and drinks that the local vendors offer. Show more

What types of food and beverages are available at the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival?

The Buyeo Seodong Lotus Festival allows visitors to try many dishes and drinks made from lotus flowers. Some famous Korean dishes made from lotus flowers are lotusroot powder, lotus leaf rice, and lotus root soup. Beverages such as lotus flower tea, lotus flower wine, and lotus flower smoothies are also available. To keep tourists entertained, local vendors offer lotus-themed sweets and snacks. Show more

Can visitors participate in lotus paper or soap-making workshops during the festival?

Yes, visitors can attend hands-on workshops and learn how to make lotus paper, soap, flower lanterns, and accessories. These workshops are led by local artisans who are excited to teach tourists about their culture and traditions. Currently, the festival aims to promote traditional crafts, so tourists should utilize this opportunity to learn about the local heritage and customs of South Korea. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin