SOME of the most enchanting festivals that reflect thousands of years of South Korea's cultural and religious heritage, are held throughout the year. These colourful rituals provide a great opportunity to see, and experience, the country's character and its values that have lasted centuries. One event that highlights South Korea's natural beauty is the Chinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, which lasts from March 29 until April 10, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It is held every year in Chinhae, a naval port in the south of the country, and its origins date back 400 years. The festival honours a famous admiral who helped defeat Japanese invasions between 1592 and 1598. The 12-day event includes a parade, fireworks, traditional music performances and, naturally, cherry blossom viewing. In April, there is also an artistic and cultural event in memory of King Tanjong. The festival, held in the town of Yongwol in the eastern province of Kangwon-do, includes a national archery contest, a mask parade and a Chinese poetry contest. Tourists, who find themselves near the island of Chindo, in the southwest, next month should make an effort to participate in the Yongdung Festival, which combines arcane religious ceremonies with folk games and customs. Seoul is the site of the Chongmyo Taeje Royal Rites on the first Sunday of May. Royal descendants dressed in traditional costumes pay homage to the past kings and queens of the Choson dynasty (1393-1910) at the Chongmyo shrine. Among the numerous summer festivals is the Andong Folk Festival in Andong in the central area of Korea. One of the main events is a mock battle between two teams. Each team holds aloft a giant frame made of wool, atop of which stands a ''general''. Much effort is put into dislodging the general and being proclaimed the victors. A less traditional battle takes place on Chejudo island in July - an international triathlon, comprising a 1.5-kilometre swim, a 40-km cycle race and a 10-km run. It is an example of an event it may be better to watch than to take part in. The Paekchung Nori Festival is held at the end of August in Miryang in the southeast province of Kyongsangnam-do. This traditional folk festival highlights the strong links with the land, arising as it does from the final weeding of the rice fields, and includes rituals and dances performed by farmers. For lovers of ginseng, any time of the year is a good time to visit South Korea. Some ginseng varieties found in the country are the best in the world. A festival celebrates the ginseng root, held in Kumsan, home of the highest quality white ginseng. Many events are staged during the September festival, all with a link to ginseng. Autumn is one of the best times to visit the east coast and see the leaves changing colour in the spectacular Soraksan National Park. The Mount Soraksan Festival, held from October 1 to 3, dates back more than 1,000 years and combines maritime and mountain cultures with some of the country's finest scenery as a backdrop. One of South Korea's three main cultural festivals is held in October. The Paekche Cultural Festival in the west coast area celebrates the cultural achievements of the ancient Paekche Kingdom. Among the numerous activities are processions, royal rituals and dances. November welcomes the Kaech'on Arts Festival held in the historic city of Chinju near the south coast. Archery and sword dances are among the highlights.
