The Dragon Boat Festival is an ancient tradition observed across Asia, but in Korea, the event takes on unique traits not found in other countries in the region. Known as Dano (단오) in Korea, the Dragon Boat Festival of Korea (단오의 축제) is full of vibrant customs, folk games, cleansing rituals, delicious food, and traditional arts and crafts. It’s celebrated with enthusiasm by both locals and international visitors.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the cultural traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival in Korea, explain why it’s worth adding to your travel bucket list, and show how U.S. travelers can make the most of this vibrant celebration.
What Is the Dragon Boat Festival?
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival in China, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar. While the Chinese version is globally known for its dragon boat races, Korea’s Dano is more of a local affair, combining shamanistic rituals, ancestor worship, and agricultural practices.
Although dragon boat racing is not widely practiced in Korea like it is in China or Taiwan, some regions have reintroduced it in recent years to celebrate the broader pan-Asian heritage of the festival.
The Origins of Dano — Korea’s Dragon Boat Festival
The Dano Festival in Korea is deeply connected to seasonal cycles, spiritual purification, and protection against evil spirits. Traditionally celebrated after the rice planting season, Dano serves as a time for rest, prayers for a good harvest, and ritual cleansing. The name “Dano” comes from the Chinese word Tuen-ng, meaning “double five,” referring to the festival’s lunar date.
Over time, Dano has become a national holiday, featuring:
- Magical rituals to ward off disease
- Blessings of fertility and agricultural abundance
- Folk games such as swinging (geune) and ssireum (Korean wrestling)
- The use of mugwort and changpo (sweet flag) for spiritual and health protection
Highlights of the Korean Dragon Boat Festival (Dano)
Gangneung Danoje Festival (UNESCO Heritage)
If you plan to experience the Dragon Boat Festival in Korea, the Gangneung Danoje Festival is its highlight. Recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the festival is held in Gangneung, a scenic coastal city in Gangwon Province.
Key features of the Gangneung Danoje Festival include:
- Shamanistic ceremonies honoring mountain and household deities
- Gwanno Mask Drama, a traditional masked play
- Ssireum competitions (traditional wrestling)
- Folk songs, dances, and parades
- A Dano market offering local food, crafts, and medicinal herbs
The festival lasts about a week and typically attracts tens of thousands of visitors. It’s usually held in late May or early June, based on the lunar calendar.
Herbal Traditions and Bathing Rituals
During Dano, Koreans traditionally wash their hair with changpo-infused water, believed to ward off evil and promote healthy hair. Women also wear red and blue silk hair ribbons for protection and beauty. These herbs may also be placed in homes or carried for spiritual protection.
These cleansing traditions reflect the festival’s spiritual focus on health, harmony, and purification, aligning with modern wellness trends that may appeal to American travelers.
Folk Entertainment and Games in Korea
Dano is a festive time perfect for socializing and community fun. Expect to see:
- Swing riding (geune): Women swing high into the air in graceful yet thrilling displays.
- Ssireum wrestling: A match of power and technique deeply rooted in Korean tradition.
- Mask dances and parades: Colorful, music-filled street performances steeped in cultural storytelling.
Together, these activities create a family-friendly, immersive cultural experience.
Is There Dragon Boat Racing in Korea?
While dragon boat racing isn’t a traditional part of Korea’s Dano Festival, some Korean cities have incorporated it into modern multicultural celebrations. Places like Seoul and Busan may host dragon boat races, especially as part of international or maritime festivals on rivers such as the Han River.
If you’re eager to see a dragon boat race while in Korea, check the schedule for relevant local festivals around the time of Dano.
When and Where to Attend the Festival
Best Time to Visit
The Dano Festival takes place in late May or early June, based on the lunar calendar. In 2025, Dano falls on June 1, with key events typically centered around this date in Gangneung.
Top Locations to Experience Dano
- Gangneung – Host of the UNESCO-recognized Danoje Festival
- Andong – Known for its deep traditional culture and folk village
- Seoul – A modern fusion of tradition and contemporary celebrations, sometimes including dragon boat races
- Busan – Occasionally features international maritime events with dragon boating
How U.S. Travelers Can Attend the Korean Dragon Boat Festival
Getting There
Fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN) near Seoul. Then:
- Travel by KTX high-speed train or express bus to Gangneung (about 2–2.5 hours)
- Use local apps like KakaoMap or Naver for navigation and transport schedules
Travel Tips
- Book accommodations early, especially in Gangneung where hotels fill up quickly
- Learn basic Korean phrases or download translation apps
- Dress conservatively but comfortably, and be prepared for both sun and rain
- Try the local food: rice cakes (tteok), rice wine (makgeolli), and street snacks
Respect and Sustainability
Respecting local customs is key. During ceremonies:
- Follow photography rules
- Behave as locals do, especially during sacred moments
- Support local artisans and vendors to promote sustainable tourism
Why American Travelers Should Visit the Korean Dragon Boat Festival
The Korean Dragon Boat Festival offers a distinct cultural experience. Unlike its counterparts in other countries, Dano emphasizes:
- Shamanic spirituality
- Folk performance and art
- Community wellness and cleansing rituals
- A less commercial, more intimate atmosphere
For adventurous American travelers, the Dano Festival is an opportunity to explore Korean culture beyond K-pop and high-tech cities.
Whether you’re drawn by the spiritual practices, traditional games, or the chance to explore Korea’s natural beauty in bloom, the Gangneung Danoje Festival is an unforgettable event. Even without a central focus on dragon boat racing, the festival’s essence — honoring ancestors, nature, and community — remains profound.
If you’re ready to go deeper with your travels and engage with rich cultural heritage, consider planning your next trip around Korea’s Dano Festival. You won’t just observe history — you’ll live it.
