Autumn Carnival: Selected October Events in Seoul

Seoul is a city that blends a long history, modern architecture, and diverse culture, offering visitors endless exploration and experiences. October is an ideal time to visit Seoul, as the golden autumn hues and warm sunshine make the city particularly charming.

In addition to the seasonal features and pleasant scenery, October in Seoul also offers many exciting activities and experiences for travel enthusiasts to participate in. In this article, we will give you a rundown of them, ensuring you have a flawless trip to Seoul in October.

October Highlights in Seoul

Date: September 11 to November 9

Location: Pocheon Herb Island, Gyeonggi Province

The Pink Muhly Grass Flower Festival will be held from September to November, attracting many visitors to enjoy vast fields of pink muhly grass and various pink-themed entertainment and delicacies. It is definitely a great spot for taking photos and posting on social media.

You can stroll through the pink muhly grass fields and feel their beauty swaying in the breeze. At dusk, the pink muhly grass is especially enchanting under the setting sun. Various entertainment activities are also held here, such as music performances, craft markets, and food stalls, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere. Additionally, there will be delicious pink-themed foods such as pink ice cream and pink desserts for visitors to taste.

Date: October 7

Time: 7 PM to 11 PM

Location: Yeouido Hangang Park

Every October, the Seoul sky lights up with a dazzling fireworks show, the much-anticipated Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Since 2000, this event has become a tradition in Seoul. This grand fireworks festival will be held on October 7, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display in the sky. The main venue is at Yeouido Hangang Park, located in the heart of Seoul.

On the day of the festival, just head to Yeouido Hangang Park, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the audiovisual feast of fireworks and music.

The fireworks show starts at 7:20 PM and ends at 8:20 PM. Throughout the Yeouido area, various other activities will also begin at 1 PM, including street music performances, cultural shows, craft beer stalls, and various food stalls. You can start enjoying the festive atmosphere during the day and then watch the spectacular fireworks at night.

Date: October 8 to 22

Location: 626 Namgang-ro, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do

The custom of floating lanterns on the Namgang River in Jinju originated from the Battle of Jinju Fortress during the Imjin War. In October 1592, in the first Battle of Jinju Fortress, General Kim Si-min led fewer than 3,800 soldiers to bravely defend against 20,000 Japanese troops invading Jinju Fortress, achieving victory—known as the "Jinju Great Victory." At that time, to communicate with the righteous armies and volunteers outside the fortress, they not only released sky lanterns as military signals but also used floating lanterns as a military tactic to prevent the Japanese forces from crossing the Namgang River. They also served as a means for soldiers and civilians—both nobles and commoners—within the fortress to communicate with their distant families.

In June 1593, during the second Battle of Jinju Fortress, the Japanese forces captured Jinju Fortress, and many Joseon soldiers and civilians died for their country. The custom's role then changed. To comfort those who steadfastly and bravely sacrificed for the nation and people, the floating lanterns, originally used for military signals, tactics, and communication, became a prayer activity to commemorate these martyrs. This tradition has been passed down through generations, evolving into today's Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival.

Date: October 2 to 9

Location: Andong Old Station, Andong City Center, Andong Mask Dance Park area

Mask dance (talchum) is a traditional Korean dance that began as a court performance and later evolved into a popular folk culture. In performances, actors wear unique masks and use a combination of singing, dancing, and drama to satirize and humorously depict social class conflicts. Accompanied by traditional instruments, the actors perform rhythmic dance moves. One of the charms of mask dance is the frequent interaction between performers and the audience. The audience is deeply engaged, as if merged into the performance, with laughter and applause rising and falling. At the Mask Dance Festival, the audience and performers become one, creating an atmosphere full of joy and enthusiasm.

Date: October 8

Time: 10 AM to 5 PM

Location: World Cup Park Peace Plaza

Seoul Pet Festival is an event promoting pet culture, to be held on October 8 at World Cup Park Peace Plaza in Seoul, South Korea. The spacious outdoor venue provides ample space for pets and their owners to participate in various activities together. Main highlights include:

Dog Fashion Walk: A fun activity where participants walk with their dogs along the park paths according to specific dress codes.

Various Pet Activities: The pet festival also offers a variety of pet-related activities, including companion ability test experiences, dog resistance selection contests, and pet toy making. These activities aim to enhance interaction and understanding between pet owners and their pets.

Lectures: The pet festival also hosts various lectures by well-known pet trainers and veterinarians, providing courses on pet care and training for pet families.

Date: October 10

Location: Namdong Gymnasium, Incheon

The Fact Music Awards is a K-pop music awards ceremony co-hosted by Korean media outlet The Fact and the app Fan N Star. First held in 2019, the awards primarily honor groups with outstanding music achievements over the year, with winners also determined by global fan voting. The ceremony takes place both online and offline each year, but shifted to online in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2023 Fact Music Awards ceremony will be held at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon, meeting fans in person.

In October, nature adorns Seoul with vibrant colors. Parks, streets, and hillsides are decorated with red, yellow, and orange autumn leaves. You can visit places like Namsan or Yeouido (Nami Island) to admire the beautiful autumn foliage. Namsan is a mountain in central Seoul offering stunning city views and autumn scenery. You can walk or take a cable car to the top. Stroll along the trails or climb N Seoul Tower to enjoy the autumn beauty of the entire city. Yeouido (Nami Island) is an island near Seoul, known for its tranquil environment and magnificent autumn leaves. The island has large forests, especially maple forests, where the autumn leaves turn beautiful red and orange in October. Join a Nami Island and Morning Garden tour to experience the charming nature of Nami Island and enjoy the peaceful time at Morning Garden.

Strolling through these places to admire the autumn leaves is one of the best ways to experience Korea's autumn beauty. Not only can you enjoy nature's wonders, but you can also relax in a serene environment away from the city's hustle and bustle.

City Walks and Traditional Culture Experiences

Seoul offers a variety of city walks and hiking experiences, allowing you to deeply explore this vibrant and cultural city.

Seoul is the cultural center of Korea, rich in history and tradition. You can visit magnificent palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, which showcase Korea's long history and royal culture. The architecture, gardens, and artifacts in the palaces are all charming. Additionally, if you love taking photos, you can rent a traditional Korean hanbok and capture memorable pictures in the palace grounds.

Join a Korean Life Tour to stroll through Seoul with a guide, visit historic Gwanghwamun Square and two Joseon Dynasty palaces, and appreciate Korea's cultural heritage. On the walking tour, you will have the opportunity to explore some of Seoul's historical landmarks, including Deoksugung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, Dongdaemun Museum Village, Gyeonghuigung Palace, and the beautiful banks of Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Embark on a Culinary Journey

Tasting Korean cuisine is an unforgettable flavor journey. Korea is known for its diverse dishes and unique cooking techniques. Korean cuisine combines various flavors, from light seafood to spicy chili paste, from traditional Korean barbecue to creative modern dishes. You can enjoy a wide variety of Korean foods such as barbecue, bibimbap, cold noodles, fried chicken, and more. Savor a bowl of hot soup, stew, or porridge to warm your body in the slightly cooler weather.

Join a Korean Street Food Walking Tour, where a professional guide will lead you to deeply experience Seoul's irresistible street food venues and discover Korea's unique food culture. The guide will share the history and preparation process of each dish, giving you a deeper understanding of the stories behind these delicious foods.

Shopping and Strolling Experiences

Seoul is also a shopper's paradise, especially during certain times when you can enjoy rich discounts and promotions. If you are keen on shopping, areas like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun are must-visits. These places are famous for their diverse shopping experiences and a wide range of products.

Myeongdong is one of Seoul's busiest shopping districts. You can find international brand stores and boutiques of local designers. Additionally, street performers and snack stalls offer entertainment and food enjoyment during your shopping. Dongdaemun is known for its massive shopping centers and markets. The Dongdaemun Market is usually open at night, making it suitable for those who enjoy late-night shopping.

Enjoy Seoul's Nightlife

Seoul's nightlife is equally exciting, with pleasant October evenings. You can head to popular areas like Hongdae or Gangnam to taste delicious Korean snacks, join parties at bars and clubs, and feel the vitality of Seoul at night.

Join a Seoul bar-hopping experience tour (Hongdae area)! On this unique adventure, follow an enthusiastic "pub-loving" guide to explore the trendy and lively bars in Hongdae, a hotspot for fashion, music, and drinks—definitely a nightlife favorite. During the bar-hopping tour, you will taste various carefully crafted beverages and meet new friends from around the world.

Every October, Seoul hosts a variety of colorful events, attracting visitors and local residents to enjoy the charm of autumn together. Below, we will introduce some exciting October events in Seoul. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, explorer, or food connoisseur, you can find your favorite activities in Seoul and start an unforgettable journey.

October is an exciting season in Seoul. Whether for locals or tourists, the city is full of various wonderful activities and experiences that will make you linger. Want to explore new activities in Seoul? Of course, don't miss exploring Seoul's popular attractions to enrich your trip. Here are recommended popular attractions in Seoul:

(Original price: $51.20, approximately ¥373.67)

Everland is one of Korea's largest theme parks and entertainment resorts. This park is not only a popular destination for Korean tourists but also attracts visitors from around the world to enjoy its fun. Everland offers a variety of entertainment facilities, including thrilling roller coasters and diverse entertainment performances, suitable for all ages. With a Go City pass, you can spend a whole day at Everland, fully experiencing the park's five highlight zones: Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zootopia. All the best experiences await you at Everland.

(Original price: $44.00, approximately ¥321.12)

Join a Korean Life Tour. In this three-hour walking tour, you will have the opportunity to stroll through Seoul with a guide, visit Gwanghwamun Square and two Joseon Dynasty palaces, and experience Korea's rich cultural heritage. From the ancient architecture of Deoksugung Palace to the historical statues of Gwanghwamun Square, and the beautiful banks of Dongdaemun Museum Village and Cheonggyecheon Stream, this journey will let you appreciate Seoul's history and charm.

(Original price: $52.00, approximately ¥379.51)

If you want to escape the city's hustle and bustle, a day trip to Nami Island, Petite France, and Italian Village is the perfect choice. On Nami Island, you can stroll under cherry blossoms in bloom, Petite France will take you into the romantic atmosphere of the French countryside, and Italian Village will make you feel as if you're walking the streets of ancient Italy. This journey will immerse you in tranquility and culture.

(Original price: $60.00, approximately ¥437.93)

In this season of red leaves, take a private shuttle to escape the noisy city and head to Naejangsan National Park in Jeollabuk-do. Inside the park, it feels like a fairy tale world, immersing you in a deep red maple leaf ocean. The entire mountain area shines under the autumn sun, with red, yellow, and orange leaves intertwining into a colorful picture. In this enchanting season, Naejangsan National Park becomes a paradise for photographers and nature lovers—you absolutely cannot miss this beautiful scenery.

Travelogue Directory

1. Pocheon Herb Island Pink Muhly Grass Festival

2. Seoul International Fireworks Festival

3. Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival

4. Andong Mask Dance Festival

5. Seoul Pet Festival

6. 2023 The Fact Music Awards Ceremony

7. Highlights of Traveling to Seoul in October

8. Everland One-Day Ticket

9. Korean Life Tour

10. Nami Island, Petite France, and Italian Village One-Day Tour

11. Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage One-Day Tour

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