Top 10 Korean Music Festivals to Experience the Best Music

Korean music has taken the world by storm, with its festivals drawing massive crowds and top artists from around the globe.

With so many festivals happening, choosing the best ones can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a fan of K-pop, rock, EDM, or indie, you don’t want to miss out on the ultimate live experiences.

This guide highlights the top 10 Korean music festivals that offer electrifying performances and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Read on to find your next festival adventure!

List of Best Korean Music Festivals

1: Ultra Korea

Genre: Electronic Music Festival

Active Years: 2012 – Present

When in 2025? March 28, 29, 30

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Ultra Korea is South Korea’s premier electronic music festival, organized by Ultra Enterprises, Inc., bringing world-class DJs, cutting-edge stage designs, and immersive audiovisual experiences to Seoul.

As part of the Ultra Music Festival’s global expansion, it has become a key destination for EDM lovers worldwide.

In 2012, Ultra Korea debuted as a two-day event at Seoul’s Olympic Stadium, featuring three stages and around 60,000 attendees, with prominent artists like Skrillex, Steve Aoki, Sidney Samson, and J Symposium.

Highlights of Ultra Korea 2024:

Last year’s Ultra Korea featured a massive lineup, including:

• Martin Garrix
• David Guetta
• Illenium
• Zedd
• Above & Beyond

With state-of-the-art visuals, fireworks, and a high-energy crowd, Ultra Korea 2024 was a massive success.

What’s New in 2025?

• Bigger Stages & Visuals – Expect Ultra’s signature stage setups with mind-blowing LED displays and pyrotechnics.
• Exclusive 19+ Event – The festival remains restricted to ages 19+, ensuring a mature, high-energy atmosphere.
• New International Acts – As part of Ultra’s global series, the lineup will feature top-tier DJs from around the world.

2: Waterbomb Festival

Genre: Korean Pop, Hip-hop, and EDM

Active Years: 2015 – Present

When and Where is the Waterbomb Festival 2025?

As of April 3, 2025, several Waterbomb events have already taken place, and more are scheduled for the upcoming months:​

• Waterbomb Manila: Held on February 22–23, 2025, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Philippines. ​
• Waterbomb Bali: Scheduled for June 2025 on the beaches of Bali, Indonesia.
• Waterbomb Singapore: Set for August 24–25, 2025, at Siloso Beach, Sentosa.
• Waterbomb Los Angeles: Dates and venue to be announced. ​
• Waterbomb Sydney: Teaser posters have been released, with dates forthcoming.

Waterbomb Festival is an electrifying summer music event that combines K-pop, hip-hop, and EDM performances with exhilarating water-themed activities. So, if you are an EDM, K-pop, or hip-hop lover, you are going to have a lot of fun.

Since its inception in 2015 in Seoul, South Korea, the festival has expanded to various cities and countries, offering attendees a unique blend of music, dance, and aquatic fun.​

Highlights of Waterbomb Manila 2024:

The Manila leg featured a star-studded lineup, including Epik High, Dynamic Duo, Kim Jong-kook, Chanyeol, Baekho, Hwasa, B.I., Kwon Eun-bi, Lee Chae-yeon, STAYC, and more.

Attendees enjoyed high-energy performances alongside water-based activities like water gun fights and pool parties, creating an unforgettable experience.​

What’s New in 2025?

• Global Expansion: Waterbomb continues to reach new shores, with inaugural events in Bali, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Sydney, bringing the festival’s unique blend of music and water fun to a broader audience.​
• Enhanced Activities: Beyond traditional water fights, expect zip-lining, bungee jumping, and other thrilling water-based activities to elevate the festival experience.

3: World DJ Festival

Genre: Electronic Music

Active Years: 2007 – Present

When in 2025? June 14-15

Location: Seoul, South Korea

World DJ Festival (WDF) is a music festival established in 2007 as a program of the Hi-Seoul Festival at Nanji Campground in Seoul, South Korea. Over three days, it attracted more than 90,000 people and became one of the most famous Korean music festivals, which included top Korean singers.

The World DJ Festival (WDF) is South Korea’s premier electronic music festival, drawing top DJs and EDM artists from around the globe. Known for its high-energy performances, immersive stage production, and electrifying atmosphere, WDF is a must-attend event for electronic music lovers.

The festival is exclusively for individuals aged 19 and above, ensuring a lively and energetic crowd ready to dance the night away.

Highlights of WDF 2024:

Last year’s lineup featured some of the biggest names in EDM, house, techno, and bass music, including:

• Martin Garrix
• Zedd
• Steve Aoki
• Alesso
• Rezz

The 2024 edition saw record-breaking attendance, with massive LED screens, pyrotechnics, and a pulsating crowd creating an unforgettable dance music experience.

What’s New in 2025?

• Expanded Stage Designs – Bigger LED visuals, fire effects, and next-level audio experiences.
• More Global Headliners – Featuring the hottest DJs and emerging electronic artists.
• Exclusive VIP & Afterparty Access – For an up-close and extended festival experience

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4: DMZ Peace Train Music Festival

Genre: Rock, Alternative rock, Indie rock, World music, Punk rock, Electronic music, Folk music

Active Years: 2018 – Present

When in 2025? Expected in June

Location: Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, South Korea

The DMZ Peace Train Music Festival is a unique event that blends music and activism, set against the backdrop of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

With a mission to promote peace and unification, the festival brings together artists and audiences from around the world in a space that symbolizes both division and hope.

Highlights of DMZ Peace Train 2024:

The 2024 festival featured a diverse lineup spanning rock, indie, folk, and electronic music, with performances from:

• Se So Neon
• ADOY
• Colde
• Kim Sawol
• Japanese Breakfast

With intimate stages, panel discussions, and art installations, the event fostered a festival-meets-forum atmosphere, emphasizing how music bridges cultural and political divides.

What’s New in 2025?

• Expanded International Lineup – Featuring artists from both Korea and abroad, reflecting the festival’s global message.
• More Cultural Programs – Including peace-themed workshops, film screenings, and discussions on social change.
• Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Initiatives – Strengthening the festival’s commitment to environmental awareness.

5: KCON

Genre: Korean pop

Active Years: 2012 – Present

When in 2025? August 1-3

KCON is the ultimate K-pop convention and Korean music festival. It brings together fans worldwide to celebrate Korean music, culture, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Organized by CJ ENM, KCON has grown into a global phenomenon since its debut in 2012.

While the official locations and full schedule for 2025 are yet to be announced, previous years have included stops in Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, and more.

Highlights of KCON 2024:

Last year, KCON hosted multiple events across the U.S., Japan, and Thailand, featuring performances from top K-pop idols, rookie groups, and special collaborations.

Fans enjoyed exclusive meet-and-greets, panels, and cultural showcases highlighting the latest trends in K-beauty, fashion, and food.

What’s New in 2025?

• Expanded Destinations – Expect KCON to reach even more cities worldwide.
• Bigger Lineups – With K-pop’s growing global impact, 2025 is set to feature the hottest idols and rising stars.
• More Fan Experiences – Interactive zones, dance workshops, and exclusive artist engagements.

6: Pentaport Rock Festival

Genre: Rock music, Electronic Music, Folk Music, World Music

Active Years: 2006 – Present

When in 2025? August

Location: Songdo Moonlight Festival Park, Incheon, South Korea

Pentaport Rock Festival is South Korea’s largest rock festival. It blends rock, electronic, folk, and world music into an electrifying three-day event. Held annually in Incheon, the festival is a must-attend for live music lovers.

Originally started in 1999 under the name Tri-port Rock Festival, the festival was rebranded in 2006 as Pentaport. It showcases diverse music genres, primarily focusing on rock and electronic music.

Known for its music, passion, and friendship themes, Pentaport Rock Festival has become one of South Korea’s largest live music events. Organized by Incheon Metropolitan City, the Pentaport Rock Festival has showcased aspiring and prominent musicians and collectives from Korea and globally.

Highlights of Pentaport Rock Festival 2024:

The 2024 lineup featured a mix of Korean and international rock giants, including:

• The Strokes
• IDLES
• Jaurim
• Hyukoh
• The Black Skirts

With high-energy performances and a vibrant festival atmosphere, Pentaport 2024 reaffirmed its status as South Korea’s premier rock event.

What’s New in 2025?

• Expanded Global Lineup – Expect legendary rock bands & rising indie stars from around the world.
• Larger Stages & Better Sound – Enhanced audio-visual experiences for an immersive concert feel.
• More Interactive Fan Zones – Food markets, art installations, and chill-out spaces for festival-goers.

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7: Incheon Korean Music Wave

Genre: Pop Music, K-pop, Rock Music

Active Years: 2009 – Present

When in 2025? Expected in September

Location: Incheon Munhak Stadium, Incheon, South Korea

The Incheon Korean Music Wave is one of South Korea’s most renowned Korean Music festivals, bringing together the biggest names in pop, K-pop, and rock.

Held annually at Incheon Munhak Stadium and broadcast by MBC, the festival promotes Korean music culture while showcasing Incheon as a global tourism hub.

Official dates will be announced by mid-2025, but the festival traditionally takes place in late summer or early fall.

Highlights of the Incheon Korean Music Wave 2024:

Last year’s festival featured a star-studded lineup and K-pop groups, including:

• BTS
• TWICE
• EXO
• BLACKPINK
• Seventeen

With high-energy performances, world-class stage production, and special collaborations, the 2024 edition continued to solidify Incheon Korean Music Wave’s reputation as a top-tier K-pop festival.

What’s New in 2025?

• More International Acts – Expect performances from global K-pop stars and rising talents.
• Bigger & Better Production – Advanced visual effects, LED displays, and stage designs.
• Special Fan Events – Exclusive meet-and-greet sessions, merchandise booths, and interactive zones.

8: Busan Rock Festival

Genre: Rock, Indie, and Metal

Active Years: 2000 – Present

When in 2025? September 26 to 28

Location: Samnak Ecological Park, Busan, South Korea

Established in 2000, the Busan Rock Festival is one of the longest-running Korean music festivals. It features a dynamic mix of rock, metal, and indie artists from around the world and is a must-attend for rock music lovers.

In addition to the main festival, organizers have introduced the “Road to BU-ROCK” series—pre-events leading up to it.

Notably, the SPYAIR ASIA TOUR 2025 -BUDDY- in Seoul is part of this series, scheduled for June 21-22, 2025, at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul.

Highlights of Busan Rock Festival 2024:

Last year’s festival featured an electrifying lineup of local and international bands, thrilling performances, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of food trucks and immersive festival experiences.

What’s New in 2025?

• Three days of pure rock energy
• Diverse lineup spanning rock, indie, and metal
• Vibrant festival atmosphere in a scenic outdoor setting

9: Dream Concert

Genre: K-pop

Active Year: 1995 – Present

When in 2025? September and October

The Dream Concert is one of Korea’s most legendary K-pop festivals. It brings together top idols for an unforgettable night of music. Since its debut in 1995, it has grown into a premier event that defines each era of K-pop history.

For the first time ever, Dream Concert is going global. Instead of a single event in Korea, the 2025 edition will be a world tour, taking place across September and October 2025. Official tour stops and dates will be revealed soon.

Highlights of Dream Concert 2024:

Last year’s concert featured top-tier performances from K-pop’s biggest stars, alongside stunning stage designs and high-energy fan interactions.

Dream Concert has always been a stage for both legendary acts and rising stars, making it a highlight of the K-pop calendar.

What’s New in 2025?

• First-Ever World Tour – Dream Concert is expanding globally for the first time in 31 years!
• More Fan Access – International fans will now get a chance to experience K-pop’s biggest festival live.
• Bigger & Bolder Stages – Expect next-level production and performances from top K-pop groups.

10: Asia Song Festival

Genre: Pop Music

Active Years: 2004 – Present

When in 2025? ASF traditionally takes place in October, but official 2025 dates have yet to be announced.

The Asia Song Festival (ASF) is one of Korea’s biggest pop music events, featuring top artists from Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Jamaica. Organized by KOFICE, ASF celebrates global music and cultural exchange.

Highlights of ASF 2024:

Last year, ASF marked its 20th anniversary with performances from fromis_9, Balming Tiger, Afgan, Tomioka Ai, Mỹ Anh, and more. The event also included a K-pop retrospective and cultural showcases from the Philippines & Jamaica.

The 20th anniversary edition in 2024 featured:

• Fromis_9
• Balming
• Afgan (Indonesia)
• Tomioka Ai (Japan)
• Mỹ Anh (Vietnam)

What’s New in 2025?

• Expanded Artist Lineup – More cross-border collaborations and fresh talent.
• Hybrid Experience – A mix of live performances and digital broadcasts for a wider audience.
• Cultural Exhibitions – Showcasing fashion, dance, and traditions from participating countries.

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