Things to Do in Korea, October 2024

October might be the best month to visit Korea. We’re firmly outside the grasp of summer and it’s the heart of autumn. The weather’s perfect for taking in outdoor events, going hiking, or just getting coffee in the afternoon.

There are lots of festivals and events going on throughout the country, so let’s get to it!

TEMPERATURE

Whenever anyone asks when the perfect time to visit Seoul is, we answer “October.” With temperatures between 23°C (73.4°F) ~ 16°C (60.8°F) during the day and a chilly 15°C (59°F) ~ 8°C (46.4°F) at night, it’s the perfect time to enjoy lunch on a patio, coffee in a garden or simply take a stroll through the park to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage.  If you’re going to be out all day, make sure to keep a light sweater or jacket with you for the night.

WHAT TO WEAR

October is full-on autumn with the occasional warm day or night. It’s time to break out those light layers and your favorite autumn sweaters. You will see a lot of mix and match going on, like shorts and skirts with sweaters or thicker pants with t-shirts and a cardigan. The temperatures will consistently fluctuate as you move between indoors and outdoors so layers are always the best option.

EVENTS

Gwanghwamun Knock Knock K-Food Festival

• When: Every Wednesday – Sunday until the end of 2024
• Where: Sejong-ro Garden (Naver Map, Google Maps)

Thanks to its massive popularity with locals and tourists, the Seoul City Government will be hosting a year-long K-food festival in the Sejong-ro Park until the end of 2024. There are food trucks serving everything from Korean pancakes to Korean hotdogs from 4 PM to 9 PM every day except Mondays and Tuesdays. Check out review for even more information and photos of the ongoing festival.

Hangang Drone Light Show

• When: October 4th, October 9th, October 26th
• Where: Ttukseom Hangang Park (Google Maps, Naver Map)

The Hangang Drone Light Show (official site) is back at the Ttukseom Hangang Park. There’ll be up to 1,000 drones lighting up the sky with live music. This year, the show starts at 7 PM with a 1 hour cultural performance followed by the drone show at 8 PM and then finally another cultural performance at 8:15 PM to 8:45 PM. Check the official site for the schedule!

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

• When: October 5, 2024
• Where: Yeouinaru Park (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Every autumn, Yeoido hosts the Seoul International Fireworks Festival on the banks of the Han River by Yeouinaru park. The fireworks are viewable from the Yeouido side of the Han River or the opposite side, giving visitors more than a few options. Check out the official page for more details.

Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour

• When: Until October 6, 2024
• Where:
  • 서울 종로구 사직로 161 경복궁 (Naver Map)
  • 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul (Google Maps)

Twice a year, Gyeongbokgung opens its doors at night for a rare chance to wonder the palace beneath the moonlight. The Gyeongbokgung Night Tour tickets go on sale at the palace ticket booth at 6:30pm, with tickets set aside every night specifically for foreigners. Of course, if you choose to dress in hanbok (which we always recommend) admission is completely free! So put on your best hanbok, grab your camera and be prepared to be in awe.

Seokjojeon at Night

• When: Until November 2, 2024
• Address:
  • 서울 중구 세종대로 99 (Naver Map)
  • 99 Sejong-daero, Jung District, Seoul (Google Maps)

Seokjojeon is located in Deoksugung Palace across the street from Seoul City Hall. It is a western-styled structure built by Emperor Gojong, the last imperial ruler of Korea. The Seokjojeon at Night event features a tour of the grounds which includes original furniture from the Empire of Korea and a light history lesson. The real highlight is sitting on the terrace with tea and live music. It is an absolutely awesome experience that everyone should experience. Check out this site for more details.

Changgyeonggung Moonlight Tour

• When: Until November 10, 2024
• Where:
  • 서울 종로구 창경궁로 185 창경궁 (Naver Map)
  • 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul (Google Maps)

Of the many late night tours of the Seoul palaces, this one might be our favorite. The tour features a late night walkthrough of the secret garden behind Changdeokgung. Even during the day, visitors are only allowed in via guided tour groups. This moonlight tour features a late-night tour, tea, and traditional Korean music. We visited a few years ago (blog) and it was an amazing experience. Tickets can be difficult to come by, but the experience is worth it.

2024 Seoul Outdoor Library

• When: Until November 10, 2024
• Where:
  • Gwanghwamun Plaza (Google Maps, Naver Map)
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream (Google Maps, Naver Map)
  • Seoul Plaza (Google Maps, Naver Map)

Seoul will be hosting public outdoor library spaces throughout the city, giving folks a chance to sit down and disconnect from the internet. Depending on the location, there are bean bag chairs, play areas, and flea markets. If you’re looking for a spot to relax, the outdoor library spaces are worth checking out.

Seoul Outdoor Library

• When: Every weekend until November 12th
• Where:
  • 서울 중구 태평로2가 (Naver Map)
  • 110 Sejong-daero, Jung District (Google Maps)

The Seoul Outdoor Library in Seoul Plaza (official site) will run through the month of October and until November 12th. Seoul Plaza will be filled with bean bag chairs and parasols for any visitors who want to get a bit of outdoor reading done. Or, you know, just chill. Keep an eye on weather reports because the event will be cancelled if it rains.