Korea Local BestieSeoul in fallPlan my dayWhat's on this season, when the leaves actually turn, and the ginkgo thing nobody warns you about. Past events disappear from this page on their own.
Laser art, light installations and performances all over Nodeul Island, free.
Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo run one festival for five days, with English morning tours and seats for international visitors. Oct 9 and 10 there's a hanbok banquet at Gyeongbokgung.
Fifteen minutes of drones over the river, free. Bring a mat and come an hour early for a spot by the riverside stage.
Bukchon and Seochon open hanok for craft classes, talks and stays through October. Programs change week to week, so check before you go.
The whole top of Haneul Park turns silver. Go for sunset and stay for the lights.
The city peaks in late October. No tour needed: the Deoksugung stone wall road is free to walk, and the palace gardens around Jongno turn gold and red.
An urban food festival at Nanji Camping Ground with self grill zones and food stalls. The grill zones are by pre registration, so check the city site first.
The biggest show of the season, announced with 2,000 drones and a Marvel theme. Same place, same time.
Korea Forest Service forecast for peak colour in 2026. Forecasts move with the weather, so check the week before.
The city peaks in late October. No tour needed: the Deoksugung stone wall road is free to walk, and the palace gardens around Jongno turn gold and red.
The ginkgo streets turn bright yellow from late October to early November, and everyone walks looking down. Not for the leaves: for the berries. Step on one and the smell follows you home.
Thousands of lanterns float on the Namgang River below Jinju Castle; go after dark.
Parades, a royal procession and night programs at Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO site.
Around 246 films from 59 countries, with outdoor screenings and director talks around Haeundae and Centum City.
Hanwoo (Korean beef) grilled by the Seomgang River, with markets and performances.
Yellow cosmos and celosia along the Hwangryong River, with cultural programs.
Daejeon's bakeries gather for a weekend; the city is famous for them. Arrive early, popular stalls sell out.
Korea's coffee city celebrates with roasters and tastings; Anmok beach is lined with cafés.
Large chrysanthemum arrangements with evening illuminations at Hampyeong Expo Park.
About an hour of fireworks over Gwangan Bridge. Free spots on the sand fill by mid afternoon; paid R seats (table, ₩100,000) and S seats (₩70,000) are sold ahead.
Dates from the Seoul city government, Korea Tourism Organization festival data and organisers, checked early October 2026. Always check the official page before you go.