Things to Do in Korea, September 2024

This page is for 2024, so if you wanted updated information for 2025, check out our updated page here!

September is a great time to visit Korea. We are slowly coming out of the sweltering heat of August and moving towards our personal favorite time of year… autumn! There’s a lot of fun things to see and do this time of year. Here are a few tips to help plan your trip!

TEMPERATURE

As we crawl out of the unforgiving temperatures of August, you can expect to experience temperatures between 33°C (91.4°F) ~ 24°C (75.2°F) during the day. The first week of the month will still have blisteringly hot days until it starts cooling down. The nights, however, will range between 24°C (75.2°F) ~ 15°C (59°F) making it ideal for late night strolls by the river and outdoor dining. There’s usually a bit of left over rain from the summer, so keeping a small umbrella on hand in never a bad idea.

WHAT TO WEAR

September is literally the transition period between summer and autumn, but for the most part it is actually still quite warm. Summer clothing is still appropriate during the day time: jeans, shorts, t-shirts, etc. It’s usually in the mornings and nights, where you may want to add a light sweater, jacket or cardigan into the mix. This year we really aren’t expecting to have actual “sweater weather” until October.

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.

Seoul Light DDP

• When: August 29 – September 8, 2024
• Where:
  • 서울 중구 신당동 853 (Naver Map)
  • 281 Eulji-ro, Jung District, Seoul (Google Maps)

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is one of the most recognizable structures in Seoul. But not everyone knows that the entire building was designed to be used as an art space, both inside and out. So twice a year they hold “Seoul Light DDP,” which is digital exhibit that’s projected across the entire surface of the outer wall of the west side of the DDP in a beautiful spectacle of music and color. For more information and photos from last year’s event, check out our blog post.

Gyeongbokgung Starlight Tour

• When: September 11 – 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.

Changgyeonggung Moonlight Tour

• When: September 12 – 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.

Seokjojeon at Night

• When: September 24 – 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.

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.

Chuseok

• When: September 17, 2024

This year Chuseok (추석) with be a glorious 6-day holiday from September 16 – 18, 2024. For most of the country, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) is a time to visit your hometown and enjoy meals, play games and catch up with family. Many businesses close for a few days or have adjusted hours. If you happen to be in Korea during this time, never fear, there will still be plenty to see and do. Be sure to head over to the palaces or other historic sites to enjoy special programs and free admission.

Pocha Nights

• Where:
  • 종로3가역 (Naver Map)
  • Donhwamun-ro 11-gil (Google Maps)

Pocha (포차) is the shortened form of the word pojangmacha (포장마차), they’re typically a type of outdoor tent or vendor that serves cheap drinks and street food. In Seoul, there are literally entire streets dedicated to this type of late night dining and it’s awesome! We recommend checking out Jongro 3-ga Pocha Street (종로 3가 포차거리) to enjoy traditional foods, drinks and the urban ambience.

Jungkook and RM’s Birthdays

As one might expect, ARMY goes all out for the birthdays of their favorite member. You can find all sorts of birthday projects throughout the city like posters and banners in the subway stations and at bus stops, buses will drive around with special birthday messages on them and even special photozones and displays will be set up in public spaces. Several cafes will also hold special cupsleeve events to mark the occasion, so don’t miss out!

Pink Muhly Season

Pink muhly grass is in season from September to November, but I find it to be most vibrant from late September to October. Pink muhly is actually not native to Korea, but was first planted on Jeju island back in 2014. Since then, it has become so popular that the government has actually had it planted in various parts of Korea. Personally, we really enjoy it most on Jeju Island, but if you can’t get there Haneul Park (하늘공원) at World Cup Park is another excellent choice.

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