Number of music festivals

We counted events that call themselves festivals and where music is the main focus. Each festival counts once, however many days it runs. Only large festivals are scored: those at outdoor sites, in arenas, stadiums or halls, or across several venues. Festivals held in a single club or venue are counted but not scored.

A higher number of festivals does not mean a healthier nightlife culture.

The Seoul Capital Area had 135 music festivals. Of this number 81 were large festivals, with 37 of the large festivals in Seoul itself, and 44 in Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, such as Pentaport in Incheon and Waterbomb at KINTEX in Goyang. September was the busiest month, with 22 festivals.

A participant said the festivals are for people who want that experience, and the clubs are for the people who go out every week.