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October is one of the most exciting months to be in Korea, with a packed calendar of events happening across the country. From major cultural celebrations to unique local festivals, there are plenty of reasons to look beyond the usual tourist itinerary.
Here are some of the events and festivals happening this October that are worth adding to your calendar.
Events in Seoul
Seoul Hanok Week
October 2–11, 2026 | Bukchon & Seochon
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Start the month by exploring one of Seoul's most distinctive architectural traditions during Seoul Hanok Week.
The fourth edition of the event takes place across Bukchon and Seochon and features 82 programs, including exhibitions, tours, hands-on experiences, performances, and other cultural activities.
Some programs give visitors the opportunity to learn more about traditional Korean craftsmanship and hanok architecture, while others explore how traditional Korean homes continue to be part of contemporary Seoul.
It is a good opportunity to experience Seoul's traditional side while still being right in the middle of the city.
Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival
October 2–11, 2026 | Nodeul Island
Source: The Korea Times
For a nighttime experience in Seoul, head to Nodeul Island for the Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival.
Running from October 2–11, the festival combines the Hangang River with large-scale laser art and media installations. The 2026 edition, titled “Rhapsody of Light,” uses light, technology, art, and the natural setting of the river to create a nighttime exhibition.
The festival runs from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM and is free to attend.
Hangang Drone Light Show
October 9 & October 31, 2026 | Ttukseom Hangang Park
Source: NOL World
Want to see Seoul from a different perspective? The 2026 Hangang Drone Light Show will return to Ttukseom Hangang Park for two October performances.
The main drone show takes place from 8:30–8:45 PM, with cultural performances before and after the show. The program uses up to 1,500 drones to create large-scale images and designs in the night sky above the Hangang.
The October performances are scheduled for October 9 and October 31. Because the show takes place outdoors, performances can be cancelled or delayed because of rain or strong winds, so check the official website before heading out.
Seoul Silver Grass Festival
October 17–23, 2026 | Haneul Park
Source: www.mk.co.kr
Autumn in Seoul wouldn't be complete without seeing the city's famous silver grass.
The 25th Seoul Silver Grass Festival takes place at Haneul Park from October 17–23. The festival celebrates the autumn landscape with silver grass fields, lighting displays, performances, and hands-on activities.
The 2026 festival's theme is “Silver Grass, Nature's Comfort,” and the program also includes a resource-circulation market and cultural performances.
Hangang River Festival – Fall
October 17–25, 2026 | Hangang Parks
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
The Hangang River Festival – Fall turns Seoul's riverside parks into spaces for outdoor activities, food, fitness, performances, and relaxation.
The fall edition runs from October 17–25, with programs taking place along the Hangang and at several Hangang Parks. Most programs are free, although some individual activities may have fees.
It is a good way to experience the Hangang beyond the usual riverside picnic.
Seoul BBQ Festival
October 24–25, 2026 | Seoul Nanji Campground
Source: Klook
Korean barbecue gets its own festival this October with the Seoul BBQ Festival.
Held at Nanji Campground, the event combines K-BBQ with a camping and picnic atmosphere. Visitors can grill their own meat at the Self BBQ Zone, watch professional chefs at BBQ Masters, and try dishes from restaurants around Seoul at the BBQ Village.
The festival will also include performances, a local market, and a healing zone designed around food and relaxation.
Seoul Wellness Travel Week
October 29–November 4, 2026 | Gangnam & surrounding areas
Source: 퍼블릭뉴스통신
Finish the month with Seoul Wellness Travel Week, which explores wellness through three themes: Rested, Refreshed, and Rejuvenated.
The 2026 event takes place from October 29 to November 4, with programs around Bongeunsa Temple and Gangnam. Activities connect wellness with Korean food, beauty, traditional culture, art, and relaxation.
Because individual programs and reservations can vary, check the official event information before planning a specific activity.
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Events Across Korea
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
October 2–4, 2026 | Jeonju, Jeonbuk State
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you want to experience one of Korea's most famous dishes in the city most closely associated with it, head to Jeonju for the 2026 Jeonju Bibimbap Festival.
This year's festival takes place at Deokjin Park, bringing together Jeonju's food, culture, and natural scenery. The program includes more than 20 activities, including a large-scale bibimbap performance, a global Bibim Street, and a Bibimbap Traveler's Restaurant.
The festival is particularly interesting for visitors because it goes beyond simply eating bibimbap, offering a chance to explore the food culture and traditions behind one of Korea's best-known dishes.
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Busan International Rock Festival
October 2–4, 2026 | Samnak Ecological Park, Busan
Source: Visit Busan
If you want to experience Korea's music scene beyond K-pop, head to Busan for the Busan International Rock Festival.
The festival takes place from October 2–4 at Samnak Ecological Park and is one of Korea's major outdoor music festivals. It offers an opportunity to experience a different side of Korea's contemporary music culture while enjoying one of the country's most popular coastal cities.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
October 3–18, 2026 | Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do
Source: Outlook Traveller
For one of Korea's most atmospheric nighttime events, travel to Jinju for the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival.
The festival continues the centuries-old tradition of yudeung, or lanterns, associated with the historic Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress. Today, colorful lanterns illuminate the Namgang River and surrounding areas, accompanied by cultural performances, fireworks, and a drone light show.
The festival runs from October 3–18, with the main festival areas around Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River. Admission is free.
Suwon Hwaseong Festival
October 4–11, 2026 | Suwon, Gyeonggi-do
Source: Seoul Economic Daily
Travel outside Seoul for the Suwon Hwaseong Festival, held around the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress.
One of the festival's highlights is the large-scale reenactment of the royal procession of King Jeongjo from the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances and nighttime activities around the fortress.
For travelers interested in Korean history, it offers a way to experience the Joseon period through a living festival rather than simply visiting a historical site.
Busan International Film Festival
October 6–15, 2026 | Busan
Source: gazette.gokmu.com
Film lovers can head to Busan for the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of Asia's best-known film festivals.
The 2026 festival runs from October 6–15, with screenings and events centered around the Busan Cinema Center and other venues.
The program includes Korean and international films, making BIFF a particularly interesting choice if you want to experience Korea's film culture while also exploring Busan.
Gwangju Kimchi Festival
October 23–25, 2026 | Gwangju
Source: Flip Korea
If you love Korean food, put the Gwangju Kimchi Festival on your October list.
The 33rd edition of the festival takes place from October 23–25 and celebrates kimchi as an important part of Korean food culture. Visitors can experience different types of kimchi and take part in hands-on programs, including kimchi-making experiences.
The 2026 program also includes masterclasses with award-winning Korean kimchi masters, giving visitors an opportunity to learn directly from people with extensive experience in traditional Korean food.
Experience Korea This October
With events taking place throughout the month, October is the perfect opportunity to experience Korea through its food, traditions, arts, and modern culture — not just its most famous tourist attractions.
Want to take a little piece of Korea home with you? Discover individual Korean products on the Daebak Shop, from K-Food and snacks to beauty, wellness, and cultural goods. Find something you loved during your time in Korea, or discover a new Korean favorite to enjoy at home.
Keep discovering Korea with Daebak Daily, and shop your favorite Korean products at Daebak.
