The following are the major cultural and tourist festivals to be held in South Korea in December.      

* Seoul Independent Film Festival

When: Nov. 27-Dec. 5

Where: CGV Apgujeong and Indie Space theaters in Seoul

The Seoul Independent Film Festival (SIFF) is an annual competitive independent film festival dedicated to showcasing films of all genres and promoting films that challenge traditional mindsets and provide new perspectives. A total of 46 films are up for competition during the nine-day festival, including dramas, documentaries, animation movies and experimental films.

For more information, call 02-362-9513 or visit the Web site at www.siff.or.kr.

* Christmas in Busan Festival

When: Nov. 29-Jan. 4

Where: Gwangbokro Street, Busan

Gigantic Christmas trees and illuminations will light the streets of downtown Busan at night for about 40 days. About 90 trees have been installed along a 1.16-km section from the entrance of the Gwangbok street to the Chamseon intersection. The facades of large buildings are also decorated with Christmas trees. Various performances including music, plays, dance and magic shows will be held during the festival period. For more information visit the website at http://bctf.kr/g5/ or call 051-759-7144.

* Festival of Light

When: Dec. 19-Feb. 1

Where: Dahyanggak and Butjae Tea Plantations, Boseong, South Jeolla Province

Boseong, some 400 km south of Seoul, is one of the major tea producing areas in South Korea. Installations will include large Christmas trees, illuminations and a "Milky Way Tunnel of Love"

along the paths of the green tea plantations. For further information visit http://festival.boseong.go.kr or call 061-850-5212.

* Pyeongchang Trout Festival 

When: Dec. 20-Feb. 8

Where: Odaecheon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province.

Pyeongchang is an alpine county and a haven for winter sports with an abundance of snowfall. Throughout the winter season, the county holds a festival of snow, ice and trout fishing on a 33,000-square-meter lot situated 700 meters above sea level. For more information, call 033-336-4000 or visit www.festival700.or.kr.

* Seongsan Sunrise Festival  

When: Dec. 30-Jan. 1 

Where: Villages and coastal area surrounding Seongsan Ilchulbong(Sunrise Peak), Jeju Island

Festivals to greet the first sunrise of the New Year will be held across the nation from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1. For its breathtaking sunrise seen from the peak, one of Jeju's must-see attractions, the annual Seongsan Sunrise Festival in the southern resort island of Jeju is one of the sunrise festivals most worth experiencing. 

The festival peaks as spectators watch the rising of the sun on Jan. 1, and includes performances and an event where participants record their wishes for the New Year. 

For more information, visit http://i70ni.com or call 064-760-3941. (Yonhap)