Buan Winter Mullet Festival filled with the thrill of the winter sea – want to grab a fresh bite?
Introduction
The air in Buan in early December is chilly, but the smell of the winter sea drifting through the market alleys and the sound of people laughing feel strangely warm. On the way to Buan Permanent Market to meet snow-season mullet, whose flesh has firmed up as if dusted with snow, the quiet excitement of a winter trip gently taps at your heart.
Buan Winter Mullet Festival filled with the thrill of the winter sea
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Buan Snow Mullet Festival
- Dates : Friday, December 5, 2025 ~ Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Hours : 10:00 ~ 17:00
- Venue : Outdoor Parking Lot, Buan Permanent Market, 55-3 Seowoe-ri, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
- Admission : Free
- Host : Buan-gun
- Organizer : Buan-gun, Buan Permanent Market Merchants’ Association
- Inquiries : 010-4679-3810 (Buan-gun)
- Main Programs : Snow mullet tasting and sales, fishing village culture experiences, family activities, local arts performances
- 11:00 Arrive at Buan Permanent Market and stroll slowly through the alleys, checking out snow mullet dishes and local specialty shops.
- 12:00 At the food market, enjoy sashimi or grilled snow mullet for lunch and savor the flavor of the winter sea.
- 13:30 Join hands-on programs such as the “Snow! Mullet Fishing Contest” or “Find the Snow! Cut Mullet” to make memories with your kids.
- 15:00 Enjoy game-style programs like the “Snow! Bingo Mission” while wandering around the festival grounds as if on a casual walk.
- 16:00 Soak up the lively atmosphere of the market while watching the opening ceremony, guest singer performances, or an impromptu singing contest on the main stage.
- Evening Warm up and wrap up your day at a nearby restaurant or café, and if you have time, take a light walk to enjoy the night view of downtown Buan.
Pack extra socks or a change of shoes in case you get wet during water play or fishing experiences.
Some stalls in the market are cash only, so it’s convenient to have both cash and cards on hand.
The Buan Snow Mullet Festival is a regional seafood festival held every winter in Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province. Centered on snow-season mullet, which is at its best in winter, the festival promotes the excellence of local seafood and helps boost the income of local fishers.
During the festival, you can enjoy various food stalls and tasting programs featuring snow mullet dishes, along with side events that offer a glimpse into fishing village culture. With family-friendly activities and performances by local arts groups, it becomes a warm winter festival where residents and travelers come together.
Program Information
A hands-on program where you can try catching snow mullet yourself on site. Feel the energy of the winter sea at your fingertips in an experience that both children and adults can enjoy together.
A playful experience where you search for and catch mullet swimming in the water. You can look forward to the thrill of the catch and the sound of children’s laughter echoing throughout the festival grounds.
A game-style program where you move around the festival grounds completing assigned missions. It naturally guides you through the entire venue so you won’t miss any booths or activities.
The opening ceremony heralds the start of the festival, followed by performances from guest singers. On winter evenings, music and cheers fill the market alleys, heightening the festive mood.
A stage program open to all ages where audience members become the stars and show off their singing skills. It’s a time for locals and visitors to laugh and applaud together.
Hands-on programs where you either try catching mullet yourself or complete missions to rescue them. Since you’ll be close to the water, bringing extra socks and clothes will help you enjoy it more comfortably.
A quiz-style “Mullet Bell” and a participatory mullet auction are held. You can have fun joining in while getting the chance to purchase fresh snow mullet at reasonable prices.
In early December, the strong sea breeze in Buan makes it feel colder than the actual temperature, so be sure to bring plenty of winter gear such as a thick coat, scarf, and gloves.
If you plan to join the mullet fishing or mullet catching activities, you may get wet, so extra socks or a change of shoes will make your visit much more comfortable.
Some stalls and vendors only accept cash, so it’s convenient to carry enough small cash along with your card.
For outdoor stage performances, bring a blanket or thick coat to protect against the cold wind.
Have both cash and cards ready for easy use of the food booths.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is December 1, 2025. I know the Buan Snow Mullet Festival will be held from December 5 to December 6, 2025, so right now I’m counting down the days, feeling that the festival is just about to begin. With the event just around the corner, a quiet excitement is slowly building inside me, and I find myself picturing walking through the market alleys in the winter air.
At the upcoming Buan Snow Mullet Festival, hands-on programs like the “Snow! Mullet Fishing Contest,” “Find the Snow! Cut Mullet,” and the “Snow! Thrilling Mullet Rescue Mission” are planned, so it seems it will be a time to feel the vitality of the sea at my fingertips. I can already imagine children’s laughter ringing out by the water, and when the trot festival and singing contest unfold on the evening stage, I’m looking forward to the sounds and atmosphere that will spread through every corner of the market. The food stalls will feature a wide variety of seasonal specialties such as fresh mullet sashimi and grilled mullet under the name “snow mullet,” so I’m curious about that very moment when the smell of the sea, the savory depth of aged soy sauce, and the firm flakes of mullet gently crumble in my mouth.
The fact that the festival takes place around the public parking lot of Buan Permanent Market also lingers in my mind. I picture winter sunlight scattering over the worn stone pavement of the market alleys, the sting of the sea breeze on the tip of my nose, and local merchants and travelers exchanging quiet greetings. From the familiar glow of the permanent market to the excited buzz of prize drawings, it feels like it will be a time filled with a warmth different from the bustle of the city. I want to pull my warm collar tight and slowly take in that scenery. I hope this festival will be more than just entertainment for me—a journey where I can deeply feel the breath of the season, the voices of people, and the subtle flavor of a single bite of mullet—and I find myself imagining who I’ll share those feelings with after I return.
Accommodation
The Buan Snow Mullet Festival venue is located in the center of downtown Buan-eup, so choosing a place to stay within walking distance or within a 10-minute drive makes getting around much easier. The accommodations below are close to the festival site and connected to the downtown commercial district, making them convenient for meals and strolls before and after your visit.
76 Beonyeong-ro, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A hotel-style accommodation in the heart of Buan-eup, close enough to the festival site to walk.
There are many restaurants and cafés nearby, making it easy to grab a quick meal or take a break before or after the festival.
Distance: 0.3 km
18 Dongjung 3-gil, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
Located between the bus terminal and the festival site, this accommodation is suitable for a one-night stay on a reasonable budget.
Parking and access are relatively convenient, making it a low-stress choice for those traveling by car.
Distance: 0.4 km
If you choose a place to stay close to the venue, you can easily walk back after evening performances.
Restaurants & Cafés
Around Buan Permanent Market, you’ll find a good mix of restaurants where you can enjoy a hearty winter meal and cafés perfect for warming up after the festival. The places below are selected mainly for their proximity to the venue, so they’re easy to drop by according to your schedule.
71 Dangsan-ro, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A Korean restaurant in downtown Buan-eup, ideal for a neat and satisfying meal before or after the festival.
It can be somewhat crowded during lunch and dinner hours, so visiting with some extra time will make your meal more relaxed.
Distance: 0.4 km
7 Nangju-gil, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A long-loved Chinese restaurant in Buan, where hot soup dishes will make you forget the winter cold.
There may be a wait on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive a little earlier than regular mealtimes.
Distance: 0.6 km
32 Yongam-ro, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
Known for its pork bone hangover soup and blood sausage soup, this is a great place to warm up after returning from the festival.
It tends to stay open fairly late, so it’s a solid option to fill your stomach after evening performances.
Distance: 0.9 km
Garden, 2524 Buan-ro, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A place where you can try Buan’s famous sundae dishes, perfect if you’re looking for a filling meal.
If you’re driving, check in advance for dedicated parking spaces to make your visit smoother.
Distance: 1.4 km
25-15 Seoneun 3-gil, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A café tucked in a quiet residential area, nice for a stroll and a warm drink.
Checking parking availability and opening hours beforehand will help you enjoy a more relaxed visit.
Distance: 1.5 km
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95 Byeonsan-ro, Haengan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A designated “centennial store” with long history and expertise, ideal for those who want to savor Buan’s local cuisine in depth.
It’s relatively far from the festival site, so plan your visit together with your driving route.
Distance: 1.8 km
256-1 Dongjin Nam-ro, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A café where you can leisurely enjoy coffee while taking in the wide-open surrounding scenery.
Since it requires a car to reach, you might enjoy combining it with a scenic drive as part of your festival itinerary.
Distance: 3.5 km
If you pick out a restaurant with hot soup dishes in advance, you can warm up as soon as you return from the festival.
Nearby Attractions
Although the Buan Snow Mullet Festival takes place in downtown Buan-eup, you can reach tranquil cultural sites and natural scenery within a 10–20 minute drive. Before or after the festival, consider a short visit to nearby historical sites and parks to round out your winter trip with richer experiences.
Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A cultural property preserving traces of an old temple site, ideal for a quiet walk while reflecting on history.
It’s close to the festival venue, making it a nice stop for a quick photo.
Distance: 0.3 km
25 Hyanggyo-gil, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A Confucian school that preserves the beauty of traditional architecture, with an impressive courtyard and hanok structures.
If you visit during a quiet time, you can feel an even deeper charm of winter as you stroll the grounds.
Distance: 0.5 km
89 Maechang-ro, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A site commemorating the Joseon-era poet Lee Maechang, where the quiet atmosphere invites you to reflect on her life.
Pair it with a visit to Maechang Park for a compact but rewarding walking route.
Distance: 1.0 km
89 Maechang-ro, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A modest neighborhood-style park that offers different scenery with each season.
A nice course for a brief loop and some photos before or after the festival.
Distance: 1.0 km
Cheongho-ri, Haseo-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A reservoir where calm waters meet surrounding mountains, perfect for taking in the quiet winter landscape.
A short drive makes for a pleasant little outing where you can enjoy a more relaxed mood than the lively festival.
Distance: 6.1 km
Cheongho-ri, Haseo-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A village where rural scenery blends with the reservoir, well-suited for those who enjoy a pastoral atmosphere.
When walking around the village, keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb residents’ daily lives.
Distance: 6.8 km
49 Gucheongdeung-gil, Sangseo-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A historic Confucian academy where serene buildings harmonize with the surrounding nature.
If you visit during a quiet time, it’s a wonderful place for contemplation in the crisp winter air.
Distance: 7.7 km
191 Daesu-gil, Baeksan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province
A place to experience Buan’s traditional hanji (Korean paper) culture, great for meaningful hands-on activities with children.
Check opening hours and whether reservations are needed before visiting to make the most of your time.
Distance: 8.6 km
When visiting cultural properties or villages, keep noise down so as not to disturb residents and other visitors.
Getting There
Public Transportation — The venue address is Outdoor Parking Lot, Buan Permanent Market, 55-3 Seowoe-ri, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeonrabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province. From Buan Bus Terminal or the center of Buan-eup, you can take a taxi and reach the venue quickly, and within the downtown area it’s close enough to walk.
By Car — Set “Buan Permanent Market Outdoor Parking Lot” as your destination in your navigation. Visitors will use the public parking lot of Buan Permanent Market as the festival parking area. It can get crowded on weekends and during performance times, so try to arrive with some extra time.
Since the parking lot may be crowded, consider parking somewhere else in downtown Buan-eup and walking in, if possible.
Closing
The Buan Snow Mullet Festival is a seasonal event where you can experience both the flavors of the winter sea and the warmth of market alleys in one place. From a single bite of snow mullet and fishing village experiences to winter night stages filled with music, even a brief one-night, two-day trip seems enough to leave a lasting impression.
Even with the cold sea breeze, the laughter of people and the smell of warm food make your heart feel cozy. It makes you want to lean into that scene for a little while. If you’re looking for a quiet yet fulfilling trip this winter, consider adding this small winter festival at Buan Permanent Market to your itinerary.
