Looking for something fun to this month? Korea is serving up a colorful platter of spring festivals this month. You can check out everything from butterflies in Hampyeong to turtle ships in Yeosu to bamboo in Damyang. Get out and explore!
Hampyeong Butterfly Festival
Dates : April 23, 2010 – May 9, 2010
Location : : Hampyeong Expo Park area, Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do province
Description : The Hampyeong Butterfly Festival is held on over 8,300 acres of land in Jeollanam-do province. Visitors here will be delighted by the sight of tens of thousands of butterflies flying among the canola blossoms.
Damyang Bamboo Festival
Dates : May 1, 2010 – May 5, 2010
Location : Jukhyang Culture Village, and the Korea Bamboo Museum, Jungnogwon, Damyang Cultural Park, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do province
Description:Damyang in Jeollanam-do province is famous for its forests of bamboo trees. The Damyang Bamboo Festival has a long history, originating from the feast that was held at the end of the bamboo-planting season. Visitors to this festival can sample alcohol and food made from bamboo.
Boseong Green Tea Festival 
Dates: May 1st – May 5th
Location: This festival takes place at Boseong’s famous green tea fields. It’s a great chance to see the tea fields at their greenest, as well as sample teas and, of course, the green tea ice cream–my favorite.
Yeosu Turtle Ship Festival
Dates: May 3rd – May 6th
Location: Yeosu
Description: The Yeosu Great Turtle Ship Festival sheds light on the military history and culture and the arts of Yeosu, former headquarters of the Jeolla Jwasuyeong (Left Jeolla Province Navy), and promotes the city as a shrine to national salvation. The festival has been held annually since 1967, beginning on May 3, the eve of the festival. One of Yeosu’s major festivals, it includes the Tongjeyeong Parade and a diverse array of other events that invite public participation and hands-on experience. The greater Turtle Ship Festival consists of the Jinnamje Festival, Great Turtle Ship Song Festival, Dolsan Got Kimchi Festival, and seafood Festival.
Nagan Folk Culture Festival
Dates: May 7 – May 9
Location: near Suncheon
Every May, the Nagan Folk Culture Festival is held for 3 days, allowing visitors to experience the life of Korea of long ago. Visitors can enjoy the customs and folk culture held in Nagan such as Gilnori, traditional military arts, Namsadangpae, rope dancing, 명인 the best singer contest, and Naganeupseong Folk Village tug of war.
