Autumn Activities in Korea
Oh Autumn.... Most of us love this weather and the beautiful views you can experience due to the change of leave colors and nice breezy weather. Therefore coming to Korea should not take so much convincing for you to come huh? Trust me when I say you will want to be here during that time because not only is the best weather here but also because there are various festivals, holidays and view spots you won't want to miss out!!
September
There are a few events that happen in September and you won't want to miss out the opportunity to experience them!!
Gwangju World Kimchi Festival
(Every two years from early September to November)
This festival celebrates what could be called Korea's national food, kimchi. At the festival visitors may sample a wide range of kimchi varieties and learn how to make some as well. In addition, exhibitions, educational and hands-on programs will be held too. You can also tour around Gwangju, which is known as "home of delicacies".
Admission for Adults: ₩14,000 Youth: ₩6,000
Paju Booksori Festival
(Usually second week of September)
Are you a Book Lover!? then you will not want to miss out this Book Festival in Paju!! The event draws half a million of book lovers from all around for a week-long celebration. In there you can find around 100 publishers and many notable book-related organizations in attendance. There are dozens of bookshops in Paju Book City one of only 16 official book towns in the world and includes a variety of themed exhibitions, performances and hands on activities for the whole family!! (credit)
Admission is FREE
Dates for 2019: TBD
Chuseok
(15th Day of the 8th Month of the Lunar Calendar)
You probably have heard about this holiday, but if you haven't it's a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in both North and South Korea. If you are familiar with American holidays you could say Chuseok is American's Thanksgiving since families come together to share food and stories to give thanks to their ancestors.
Keep in mind that since it's a very important holiday many stores and restaurants will be closed!!
Dates for 2019: September 12 to September 14
Visit HERE for more information about what it means and how it is celebrated!!
Andong Mask Dance Festival
(Usually end of September and beginning of October)
This festival was designed by Korea's Cultural Heritage Administration as Important Intangible Cultural Properties. Therefore this festival is a MUST if you are wanting to understand more about Korean culture. The event is full of performances and hands on activities for you to join the free-spirited environment!!
Admission is NOT FREE but it's pretty cheap!!
Adults: ₩7,000 Students: ₩5,000
Dates for 2019: 09.27 - 10.6
Gimje Horizon Festival
(End of September and beginning of October)
This festival is a Traditional Farming Festival that represents the Republic of Korea. You will be able to experience all the fall fragrances, offering content that can satisfy all five sense of every family member, including a street full of things to see, food streets, and experiential street. Come heal your body and mind, letting go of exhaustion from daily life and visit the Gimje Horizon Festival!!
Admission FREE Experience programs: ₩10,000
Dates for 2019: 9. 27 - 10.6
October
There are quite some events happening in this month so you will have to pick wisely which ones to go!!
Jinju Lantern Festival
(First week of October)
Do you enjoy being out during the dark and see beautiful lights of arts, then these lamps in this festival are seen as a representation of wishing for the world peace and mankind fortune each year.
Admission is FREE
Dates for 2019: 10.1 - 10. 13
Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival
(First week of October)
Anseong was the birth place of Namsadang (troupes of entertainers who traveled around the country during the Joseon Period) and the hub of Korean art and Culture. Namsadang Baudeogi Festival continue the heritage of the artistic spirit of Baudeogi. The festival was also declared as the official festival of UNESCO's CIOFF (International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts) in 2006. At the event there will be Baudeogi many ceremonies, courtyard performances, hanbok experience, traditional games, barehaded fishing, 7090 Concert and much more!!
Admission is FREE and Family Friendly
Dates for 2019: 10.2 - 10. 6
Jeonju International Sori Festival
(First week of October)
The Jeonju International Sori Festival is a traditional music festival which is held every fall at the Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do and other venues as well. They host indoor and outdoor programs for kids and adults. All great masters of gugak (Korean traditional music, for instance pansori and pungmul) perform at the festival when welcoming artists from all over the world!!
For Admission you will have to purchase a ticket in their website
Dates for 2019: 10.2- 10.6
Seoul Street Art Festival (SSAF)
(First week of October)
The Seoul Street Arts Festival turns a daily space into a stage while demolishing the boundaries between the audience and performers.It is the street arts festival that brings the city, people and art together based on the citizens’ involvement. The festival is widely open to people of all age and gender and it will be a great chance to find new attractions of the familiar city space while moving through every street corner.
Admission is FREE
Dates for 2019: 10.3 - 10. 6
Busan International Film Festival
(First to second week of October )
The BIFF purpose is to introduce new films and first-time directors, especially those from Asian countries. An interesting feature about the festival is the great appeal to young people, in terms of large youthful audience it attracts and efforts to promote young talent.
Admission is FREE but you do have to do a reservation online
Dates for 2019: 10.3 - 10. 12
Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival
(First week of October)
The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is Suwon's landmark festival held every October at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site built to commemorate King Jeongjio's filial piety and dream for national prosperity and military power.
Admission FREE
Dates for 2019: 10.3 - 10.6
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
(Early October)
Yay Fireworks!! the Seoul International Fireworks Festival brings a million of people to the banks of the Han River every October. You can go there during the day and enjoy some performances and later on enjoy exuberant themed fireworks shows by teams from South Korea and abroad. After the show there is a DJ-led party!!
Admission is FREE
Dates for 2019: 10.6
Guri Cosmos Festival
(Usually first week of October)
There are beautiful flowers in Guri during Autumn!! The festival is held in the beautiful Hangang River with the cosmos fully blossomed. Many people take idle walks or ride a bicycle to enjoy the refreshing river wind. This place is also ideal to have a picnic and the festival is held for two days with approximately 200,000 visitors!!
Admission FREE
Dates for 2019: TBD
Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival
(Usually second to third week of October)
This festival is known for its freshest and finest quality since the recipes were handed down from generation to generation, and still retaining the unique and authentic taste of salted fermented fish. All the ingredients are imported directly and prepared in modern facilities. Everything you find here is considered incredibly healthy!!
Admission FREE
Dates for 2019: 10.16 - 10.20
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
(Usually by the end of October)
The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place at the Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province). The festival centers on the widely popuar jeonju bibimbap, a popular dish served as a bowl of rice topped with various vegetables, beef and chili pepper paste. A variety of events await visitors at the festival, including concerts and magic shows. Organizers will be mixing a gigantic bibimbap (about 400 servings) as well as bibimbap cooking and a night market.
Admission FREE
Dates for 2019: 10.23 - 10.26
We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!
