Korea In October 2024: Best Festivals, Events, And Sights

Thinking about visiting Korea in October and want to know where to go, what to do, and what events to see in this amazing autumn month? This guide to October in Korea will show you where to see fall foliage, which fun festivals and events are on, delicious foods to try, and lots more. Discover the beauty that Korea has to offer in this most breathtaking of autumn months.

October is a wonderful time to visit Korea. The weather is warm and sunny, there are lots of fresh foods waiting to be eaten, a wide range of festivals (both traditional and modern), and nature is dressing up in golds, reds, and oranges for one last show before winter sets in.

However, because October is such a good month to travel in Korea, it’s also one of the busiest. Find out how to get around, avoid crowds, when to visit the top places, and how to plan your travels more easily with my essential travel tips. Discover the best that October in Korea has to offer right now.

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Why Visit Korea In October 2024?

Why visit Korea in October? Simply put, it’s the best time of year to be in Korea. As someone who’s lived in Korea since 2015, I can say that October has the best weather, prettiest sights, and best food. Of course, there are many great months, but the autumn foliage puts October ahead.

Not only is the autumn foliage creeping across the country from north to south, there is a feeling of happiness and joy in Korea and Koreans that comes from the end of the brutal summer, which is horribly hot and humid. This joy is released in outdoor trips, festivals, and harvest celebrations.

If you’re like me and want to go hiking all over Korea’s 7,000+ mountains, October is definitely the best time to put on a pair of good boots and get outdoors. Even if you don’t want to hike, just see incredible autumn views on leafy slopes, there isn’t a better time than this cool autumn month.

Korea’s traditional food and destinations are also the stars of this busy month, with fresh harvest produce available to sample, such as succulent fruits and veg, crunchy nuts, and spicy chilli peppers. The best places to try these are in Korea’s historic cities, such as Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Andong.

Use the links below to jump straight to what you’re most interested in, or keep reading through to learn all there is about visiting Korea in October. I’ll introduce my personal favourite places, festivals, events, and foods, as well as give you a 1-week itinerary for October and my personal travel tips.

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Popular Korean Festivals In October 2024

October is a great time to experience cultural festivals in Korea. Travellers to Korea in October can not only experience traditional Korean festivals, such as the Andong Mask Festival and Jinju Lantern Festival, but also discover modern Korean culture at the Busan International Film Festival.

Please note: The exact festival dates for October 2024 won’t be available until spring or summer 2024. The dates used are based on the dates for October 2023 until the new dates are available.

Here are some of the biggest and best festivals in Korea in October for you to enjoy:

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Regional Korean Festivals In October

Here are some smaller regional festivals that might be of interest to you if you’re visiting Korea in October. These festivals may occur in September in some years as they’re usually around the Chuseok holidays, which follow the Lunar calendar.

• Gimje Horizon Festival 2024 (김제 지평선축제)
  Oct 5 – Oct 9 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival 2024 (원주 다이내믹댄싱카니발)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Bupyeong Pungmul Festival 2024 (부평풍물대축제)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Bucheon International Comics Festival 2024 (부천국제만화축제)
  Sep 14 – Sep 17 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival Seoul 2024 (한성백제문화제)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival 2024 (산청한방약초축제)
  Oct 6 – Oct 10 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Korea Wine Festival Yeongdong 2024 (영동와인연말기획전)
  Oct 12 – Oct 15 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress Festival 2024 (서산해미읍성역사체험축제)
  Oct 7 – Oct 9 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Jinan Red Ginseng Festival 2024 (진안 홍삼축제)
  Sep 22 – Sep 24 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival 2024 (논산강경젓갈축제)
  Oct 12 – Oct 16 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Gwangju Chungjang Festival 2024 (추억의 충장축제)
  Oct 5 – Oct 9 2024 (Dates TBC)
• Silla Cultural Festival Gyeongju 2024 (신라문화제)
  Oct 14 – Oct 16 2024 (Dates TBC)

These regional festivals don’t attract as many tourists, but can give you an interesting look at life in Korea and offer a chance to learn more about Korean culture.

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Tours & Events In October 2024

The best way to explore Korea is to get out into the streets of Seoul and other cities and walk around to get a feel for the culture and atmosphere of that place. However, many of the best places to visit in October are outside of the big cities and best accessed with a guided tour from Seoul or Busan.

I take many tours during October and other months of the year as they’re reasonably priced, provide convenient transportation directly to each location, and come with a helpful guide. Having a tour guide in Korea is especially useful as Korean attractions don’t always provide much info in English.

Here are some of the best tours you can take in Korea this October:

Tour Name	Prices From ~
Naejangsan National Park Autumn Day Tour	₩75,000
Seoraksan | Nami Island | Alpaca World | Garden of Morning Calm	₩98,100
Alpaca World and Hongcheon Gingko Forest Golden Trails Day Tour	₩80,800
Nari Park, Pink Muhly Grass, and Dumulmeori Day Tour	₩63,000
Gamaksan & Eunpyeong Hanok Village & Jingwansa & Haneul Park	₩66,600
Hwadam Botanic Garden & Namhansanseong Fortress Day Trip	₩90,300
Jeonju Hanok Village & Jangtaesan & Daedunsan Serenity Nature Tour	₩117,800

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Events In Seoul This October

October is a popular time not only for festivals and tours, but also lively and exciting events. Seoul is home to many cultural performances, both Korean and international, and adding one of these events to your Seoul itinerary is a great way to spend an evening out.

Here are some fun events you can check out in Seoul this October:

Please note: These events were for October 2023 and October 2024 events may differ. I will update what events are on in Seoul during October 2024 closer to the date. Some events, such as Nanta Cooking Musical, continue year round and should be on in October.

Event Name	Prices From ~
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience	₩24,000
The Painters at Myeongbo Art Hall	₩40,000
Jazz Society Live at Seoul Brewery	₩15,000
Saturday Gugak Concert Ticket	₩8,000
The Painters: Season 2 – Show in Seoul	₩37,500
Nanta Cooking Musical in Seoul	₩32,700

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October Is Peak Season In Korea!

Due to the warm weather, public holidays, and autumn foliage, travelling in Korea in October is very busy with tours and hotels booked up in advance. October is peak season in Korea, along with April and May. April is busy due to the blooming cherry blossoms, which is another great reason to visit Korea.

Popular destinations such as national parks (autumn leaves), historic cities (Gyeongju), and tourist spots such as Seoul and Jeju Island will be particularly busy, especially on the weekends. I recommend booking as much as possible in advance (hotels, tours, transportation) to avoid disappointment.

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Best Activities To Enjoy In October 2024

There are so many things to do in Korea in October that you might find you don’t have time to do them all. From autumn foliage spotting, to riding along riversides, sleeping in Buddhist temples, and exploring night markets, you’ll not get bored during this autumn month.

Below are some of the most popular things to do in October. Of course, there are many other popular activities that you can do at any time of year in Korea, such as wearing Korean hanbok, touring royal palaces, soaking in a Korean sauna, singing in a noraebang, and more.

More Info: Check out my seasonal hiking guide for info about the best places to visit in each season, how to prepare, and where to hike. Want to hike Seoul’s highest mountain? This guide to hiking Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park will tell you all you need to know to hike.

More Info: I’ve been on several temple stays and shared my experiences in this article about temple stays in Korea, which tells you what to expect, what’s included, and how to book a temple stay.

October Day Trips From Seoul

Here are a few popular day trips from Seoul that you can enjoy in October (or any month). To book day trips and tours in Korea, I recommend using Klook, Get Your Guide, or Viator. They have a large presence in Korea and offer a wide range of easy-to-book tours in October and all months.

Nami Island & The Garden of Morning Calm

See the best of Gapyeong County with these charming spots of natural beauty. Nami Island hosts wild animals (rabbits, deer), tree-lined pathways, cafes, and cultural performances. The Garden of Morning Calm is one of the prettiest walks you’ll experience in Korea, passing through carefully curated displays of flowers, trees, and traditional Korean architecture.

For directions to these places, check out my guide to getting to Nami Island.

DMZ (Korean Demilitarised Zone)

Top on many traveller’s list of day trips from Seoul is the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). There are so many reasons to visit the DMZ. Whether you want to learn about Korean history, experience a real-life war zone border, or simply want a chance to step over into North Korea, this is a uniquely Korean trip.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

A short journey from Seoul, Suwon hosts the historic Hwaseong Fortress, complete with nearly 6km of fortress walls, palaces, fortress gates, and other buildings. Nestled amongst historic beauty is a pretty river, parks, cafes, and Suwon’s famous Fried Chicken Street – home to Korea’s best fried chicken!

Everland & Caribbean Bay

Theme park fans and thrill seekers will find this to be one of the best day trips from Seoul. Everland is Korea’s largest theme park and boasts the world’s steepest roller coaster. Caribbean Bay is one of the world’s largest water parks. With loads of rides, this is the best place to have fun this October.

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Best Places to Go During October

Besides fun festivals and exciting events, there are lots of places to visit during October that will show you Korea’s natural beauty and traditional charms. Pink muhly in Gyeongju, golden ginkgo in Asan, silvery reeds in Seoul, fall foliage all around. Here are 5 great places to visit this October:

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Korean Foods To Try In October

October in Korea is the best time to get fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown produce when it’s ripest and ready to be plucked or pulled and then eaten. Korean foods you’ll find in October include chestnuts, slim chilli peppers, cabbages, jujube, persimmons, sesame plants, and lots more.

If you walk through a Korean village, or go mountain hiking, you’ll see an array of colourful foods on farms or for sale in traditional markets, street corners, or even from the back of a lorry. Some of it you can even pick up from the ground. Watch out for chestnut shells if you’re hiking in Korea’s mountains.

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Weather & Public Holidays During October

What is the weather like in Korea in October? Absolutely amazing. The weather is still warm in most parts of the country during the day, but cold in at night. Jeju Island in the south is a few degrees hotter on average than Seoul, which is in the north. The skies are mostly blue, too.

Temperatures range from 15 to 25 (Celsius) during the day and 5 to 15 at night. It can get as low as 0 at night, but that’s not common. It’s best to bring warm weather clothes for late October, however, in 2023, the summer heat lasted longer than expected and it was still over 25 degrees in November!

October has less rain than July and August, the wettest months in Korea, and is less humid. There is still rainfall during October, but it’s not as common and doesn’t last more than a few days. Expect to see clear blue skies with thin, streaky clouds on many days in October, like in the picture above.

In my experience, there are more good weather days than bad in October, however, it’s not always perfect. One of the best things about visiting Korea in October is the lack of fine dust. Air pollution is at its lowest at this time of year. Air pollution numbers start to rise in winter and peak in spring.

Average Daily Temperatures In October

Here’s the range of temperatures you can expect during October in Korea. The daytime is warm and can range from 15 to 25 degrees, while nighttime is colder, ranging from 5 to 15 degrees. There can be lower temperatures when there’s bad weather, but it’s not that cold in October.

Day Temp (Avg.)	Night Temp (Avg.)
Low: 15	Low: 5
High: 25	High: 15

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Typhoon Season In Korea

Technically, October is part of typhoon season in Korea. That means there can be some extreme weather, including strong winds, waves, and heavy rain. Typhoons don’t often hit mainland Korea and usually only affect the southern regions. Jeju Island, Busan, and southern areas are more at risk than places like Seoul and Gyeongju.

There’s not much that can be done about typhoons, and it’s very hard to predict where they’ll actually hit, but it’s good to keep an eye on the weather forecasts and to have backup plans.

Public Holidays In October

There are a couple of public holidays that fall in October each year, as well as a big holiday that is in October on certain years. It’s useful to know about these public holidays as they can affect your travel plans. Some places may be closed and popular places may be busier than normal.

Chuseok Dates For 2024 & Beyond

Although Chuseok occurs most often in September, it can land in October, too. The next time Chuseok is in October will be in 2025. The last time Chuseok was in October was in 2020. Here are the dates for the Chuseok holiday for the next few years:

Year	Start	End
2024	Sep 16 (Mon)	Sep 18 (Wed)
2025	Oct 5 (Sun)	Oct 7 (Tue)
2026	Sep 24 (Thu)	Sep 27 (Sun)

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National Foundation Day: October 3rd

National Foundation Day, also known as Gaecheonjeol in Korean, is a public holiday at the start of October that celebrates the Korean creation story and founding of Korea in 2333 BC.

Hangul Day: October 9th

Hangul Day, or Korean Alphabet Day, is a public holiday in Korea designed to commemorate the creation of the Korean alphabet in the 15th Century by King Sejong the Great. If you’re interested in learning the Korean alphabet, here are some really useful free resources to learn Korean.

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My Tips For Exploring Korea During October

This final section is a collection of my personal tips and recommendations for travelling in Korea in October and how to get the most out of this colourful month. There is a one-week itinerary for October which takes you to some of the best sights, including Seoraksan, Gyeongju, Suwon and more.

Next is a guide to what to wear in Korea during October, explaining how warm or cold it can get, what to pack to dress comfortably, and examples of what I wear at this time. Finally, there are a few of my own tips for travelling during October. October is a busy month and there’s a lot of be aware of.

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Recommended Itinerary For October In Korea

Planning to visit Korea in October but not sure where to go for the best sights and experiences? This 7 day itinerary will help you get started planning your October adventure.

The itinerary uses 2 cities as a base (Seoul and Busan), but will take you far and wide across Korea; to mountains looking over the east coast, to Korea’s historic capital, to ancient fortresses, and to lots of beautiful autumn foliage spots.

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Day 1: Seoul Sights

As most flights arrive to Korea via Incheon Airport, which is just outside Seoul, it’s usually best to spend a bit of time in Seoul getting over jet lag and embracing Korea’s capital. If you stay in Myeongdong, you can easily get access to the royal palaces, N Seoul Tower, Insadong Art Street, Myeongdong street food and markets, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Jogyesa Temple, and lots more. Spend the day walking, eating, and seeing the sights.

Here are some great Budget Hotels in Myeongdong that I personally recommend.

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Day 2: Seoul River Parks

The Han River is a wide stretch of water that splits Seoul right in the middle. Check out Haneul Sky Park and Oil Tank Culture Park on the north side of the river, stop by Hongdae for some lunch, then head over the river to Yeouido Hangang River for more parks and natural beauty. Take the subway to Gangnam to see the massive COEX Mall, K-Pop sights, Bongeunsa Temple, and eat dinner in the Apgujeong area.

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Day 3: Seoraksan Day Trip

Get up early and take a day trip to Seoraksan National Park, passing through the beautiful Korean countryside on the way. Follow the easy valley walking paths, past historic Korean temples and shrines, hike to the peaks, or take the cable car to the mountaintop. Try a traditional hiking dinner – pajeon and makgeolli for an authentic Korean experience.

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Day 4: Suwon or Jeonju Day Trip

Take a day trip to Suwon or Jeonju and explore the historic areas in either city. Suwon is home to Hwaseong Fortress. Walk the walls in the morning, explore the fortress grounds in the afternoon, try your hand at Korean archery, stop off in a cafe, and enjoy Korea’s best fried chicken at night. Jeonju hosts Korea’s largest hanok village with more than 700 traditional Korean hanok houses. Dress up in hanbok, eat traditional Korean snacks and dishes, and discover Korea’s past.

You can get to both of these cities through a guided tour or on the KTX trains.

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Day 5: Busan Beaches

Ride the KTX train from Seoul to Busan in under 3 hours and see a different side of Korea in its second largest city. Known for its beaches, seafood markets, and maritime history, Busan is less busy than Seoul, but just as fun. Haeundae is a good place to stay, as well as the central Seomyeon district. Spend the day visiting the beaches (Haeundae, Songdo, Gwangalli, Songjeong), exploring the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, riding the Haeundae Blue Line Train (a good way to get from Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach), or checking out Jagalchi Fish Market and the nearby Nampo shopping area.

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Day 6: Gyeongju Day Trip

From Busan, take a short train ride to Gyeongju, the former capital city of the Silla Kingdom. Discover historic sights, including Bulguksa Temple, Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Woljeonggyo Bridge, ancient tombs, and lots more. Eat dinner in the popular Hwangnidan Street, lined with old Korean hanok houses that are now cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you don’t want to travel all the way to Gyeongju, visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan – a stunning cliffside temple with waves crashing below and surrounded by rocks and trees. Guided tours available from Klook.

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Day 7: Seoul Shopping

Head back to Seoul on the speedy KTX train from Busan and pack your bags with souvenirs to share with your family. Hongdae is a great place for last minute shopping and you’ll find gifts, clothes (modern, boutique, and street fashions), sweets, and lots more for sale here. There are lots of dining options in Hongdae, from traditional Korean BBQ to Michelin-starred international cuisine. After dinner, sing your heart out at a noraebang (Korean karaoke), or watch the street performers at night. Stay in Hongdae for your last night and then you can take the all-stop train directly to Incheon Airport .

Here are some great Hotels in Hongdae that are close to shops and entertainment..

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This is a very simple itinerary that will give you a rough idea of where to go and popular sights you can visit that are best in October. There are plenty of other places that you could visit on a one-week trip, including Jeju Island, Gangneung, Sokcho, Jirisan National Park, and lots more.

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What To Wear In Korea In October

October in Korea is warm during the day, but cold at night. Temperatures typically range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day and as low as 5 to 15 degrees at night, depending on the time of month and weather conditions.

Since the weather can vary, it’s useful to pack a range of clothes for cool and warm weather. Layering will help you stay warm in the morning and evenings, but try not to wear an overly large jacket or coat as you’ll probably want to take it off and carry it during the day.

October is quite dry, so you shouldn’t need to worry too much about bringing an umbrella. You can certainly buy one easily enough in Korea. It still rains, but not as much as summer. A jacket or coat that is waterproof could be a good option to prevent coldness and to stay dry.

A t-shirt and jumper / shirt should be good for most days to keep you warm. Some people still wear shorts and a t-shirt during October, but that depends on the person. If you’re comfortable with cooler weather, then you’ll not have any problems dressing like that.

Winter usually starts around mid-November and the warm autumn weather quickly disappears before the cold winter weather arrives to freeze everything in place. Predicting the weather is very tricky, so be prepared for the worst, which would include colder weather than expected.

Packing an extra jumper or jacket is probably best. If you’re stuck with the wrong clothes in October, you can always visit the markets in Seoul and find lots of cheap clothes to keep you warm.

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Tips For Visiting Korea In October

Finally, here are some of my tips to help you travel Korea in October. October is the time I’m out travelling the most in Korea and you’ll find lots of other people doing the same.

Book ahead: As I’ve mentioned, October is peak season in Korea and many things will be booked up weeks or months in advance, especially around the public holidays.

Plan your route: Be careful when travelling on trains and buses. Use Naver Maps to help you plan your route and use the official Korail website – letskorail – to book train tickets.

Expect delays: Want to visit the best autumn foliage spot when it’s just about to peak? Well, so does everyone else. Expect traffic delays, crammed buses, and long queues. That’s part of peak travel.

Pack appropriately: October is a month that swings from warm to cool and the temperatures can vary depending on where you travel. Assume the worst and bring some cold weather clothes.

Get out of the cities: The best sights in Korea during autumn are typically outside of the cities and in the national parks. There are plenty of national parks in Korea, including Bukhansan National Park which is right next to Seoul.

Join a walking tour: Walking or social tours are a great way to meet other travellers and explore more of Korea with others. You can find lots of these in the Korea Travel Advice group.

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Visiting Korea In October FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about visiting Korea in October, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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