October in South Korea is one of the most magical times of the year — when crisp air, golden leaves, and cultural celebrations fill every corner of the country. From dazzling lanterns lighting up ancient rivers to coffee-scented streets by the sea, this month offers travelers an unforgettable lineup of seasonal festivities. Though a few early-October events have already wrapped up, there are still plenty of exciting festivals to catch during the third and fourth weeks of October 2025. Whether you’re drawn to art and tradition, cozy autumn vibes, or unique local experiences, these festivals showcase the best of Korean culture under the fall sky.
- Suwon Media Art Festival @Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
- 2025 Car-Free Submersible Bridge Ttukbeok Ttukbeok Festival (2nd Half)
- Seoul Silver Grass Festival 2025 @ Haneul Park
- Jinju Lantern Festival 2025
- Gangneung Coffee Festival 2025
Suwon Media Art Festival @Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
- Venue: Hwaseong Fortress, 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825 수원화성 일원)
- Event period: September 27 – October 4, 2025
- Website: shfestival.com
For more than six decades, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival has stood as the city’s most iconic celebration, bringing history to life within the walls of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The festival reinterprets King Jeongjo’s grand eight-day royal procession through a vibrant mix of modern performances and immersive cultural programs.
At the heart of the event is Korea’s largest royal parade, King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession (Joint Re-enactment), which recreates the majesty of the Joseon Dynasty. As night falls, the fortress transforms into a living stage for spectacular military drills, multimedia shows, and water performances around Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion.
Beyond the performances, visitors can actively take part in the festivities through interactive experiences such as the energetic Suwon Palanquin Race and Citizen Painters, a community art project inviting participants to help create a massive collaborative painting.
Blending history, art, and community spirit, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival offers a dazzling journey through time and tradition.
2025 Car-Free Submersible Bridge Ttukbeok Ttukbeok Festival (2nd Half)
- Venue: Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain 반포대교 달빛무지개분수 서울시 서초구 반포동 649-1
649-1 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (of Banpo Hangang Park) - Event period: September 1 – October 27, 2025
- Website: https://www.festa-ddooddoo.com/
Experienced the unique charms of Hangang River at Jamsu Bridge (i.e. lower deck of Banpo Bridge) every autumn at Banpo Hangang Park, Seoul. Festival highlights include Silent DJ Party, eco-friendly food trucks, local farmers’ market, resting on beanbag chairs, etc.
The ‘Submersible Bridge Ttubuk Ttubuk Festival,’ which attracted 2 million visitors, is back! 🌉✨ Starting in September, every Sunday will be filled with exciting activities. The festival will feature a variety of programs such as the ‘Hangang Run Festa,’ ‘Sunset Yoga,’ and ‘Silent Disco.’ In addition, there will be street performances, photo zones, and a tent healing zone among other regular programs, ensuring a fun and enriching experience for all.
Seoul Silver Grass Festival 2025 @ Haneul Park
- Venue: 서울특별시 마포구 (성산동) | Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Event period: October 18 – October 24, 2025
- Website: official website
Every October, Seoul transforms into a golden wonderland, and Haneul Park (하늘공원) becomes one of the most enchanting places to experience the season’s beauty during the Seoul Silver Grass Festival 2025. From October 18 to 24, the park extends its hours into the evening, inviting visitors to wander through sweeping fields of silver grass (eulalia) swaying under the crisp autumn sky. The festival also fills the park with performances, light shows, and cultural events, creating a magical atmosphere that perfectly captures the charm of fall in Seoul.
Once a massive landfill, Haneul Park has undergone a remarkable transformation into one of the city’s most beloved eco-friendly sanctuaries. Through years of restoration and careful replanting, this former dump site was reborn as a thriving symbol of renewal and sustainability, offering visitors panoramic views, clean air, and a landscape that glows silver in the sunlight. The park’s story of regeneration mirrors the spirit of Seoul itself — ever-evolving, resilient, and deeply connected to nature.
The Seoul Silver Grass Festival (서울억새축제) celebrates not only the beauty of nature but also the enduring vitality of the city. Visitors can stroll along Silver Grass Trails, where endless fields of soft eulalia shimmer beneath the sun or moonlight; capture Golden Hour Views overlooking the Han River and Seoul’s skyline; and enjoy live music, cultural performances, and evening illuminations that fill the park with cozy autumn energy. With countless Instagram-worthy spots scattered throughout, every corner of Haneul Park becomes a picture-perfect moment — a serene escape and a celebration of Seoul’s autumn splendor.
Jinju Lantern Festival 2025
- Venue: 경남 진주시 동진로 155 (우)52789 접기지번 :상대동 284
- Event period: October 5 – October 20, 2025
- Website: official website
The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival is one of Korea’s most enchanting autumn celebrations, transforming the city of Jinju into a glowing wonderland of light and color. Each year, the historic Jinjuseong Fortress, Namgang River, and surrounding areas come alive with thousands of lanterns in every shape and size, illuminating the night sky with a magical glow. During the day, visitors can enjoy cultural performances, food stalls, and hands-on experiences such as lantern-making workshops and lantern sailing on the river. The best time to visit is late afternoon—just before sunset—when the lanterns begin to flicker to life, painting the entire riverside in gold and crimson hues.
The festival’s main attractions include a torch-lit procession, hanging wishing lanterns, floating lanterns on the Namgang River, the World Lantern Exhibition, and spectacular fireworks that light up the night. These events blend artistry and tradition, creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates both Jinju’s culture and its historic past.
The origins of the festival date back to the Japanese Invasion of 1592, when yudeung (floating lanterns) were used by soldiers as military signals and as messages to their families across the river. Revived centuries later as part of the Gaecheon Art Festival, Korea’s first local art festival, it was officially named the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in 2000. Since then, it has earned recognition as a Korean representative festival and a Korea Global Promotion Festival, with its glowing legacy shared worldwide — from Canada’s Winterlude Festival and Niagara Falls Winter Lights Festival to the LA Korean Festival and Xi’an Wall Lantern Festival in China. Today, Jinju’s lanterns not only honor history but also illuminate Korea’s enduring creativity and spirit for the world to see.
Gangneung Coffee Festival 2025
- Venue: Gangneung Coffee Street and throughout the city 20-1 Changhaero 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
강원특별자치도 강릉시 창해로14번길 20-1 (견소동) - Event period: October 24 – October 27, 2025
- Website: https://www.coffeefestival.net/
The Gangneung Coffee Festival is a beloved annual celebration dedicated to Korea’s thriving coffee culture. Held every October in the scenic coastal city of Gangneung, often called the City of Coffee, the festival brings together coffee lovers, skilled baristas, and top cafés from across the country. With the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air and the sound of waves in the background, visitors can enjoy the perfect blend of coastal charm and caffeine culture.
Throughout the festival, the city comes alive with coffee installations, demonstrations, and tasting booths, offering endless opportunities to sample some of Korea’s finest roasts. Coffee masters and industry experts host engaging seminars, sharing insights on everything from brewing techniques to the artistry of espresso. Visitors can also join in the fun with hands-on activities and creative exhibitions scattered throughout Gangneung’s café-lined streets.
Festival highlights include the Barista Competition, where talented baristas showcase their skills; the Opening Ceremony, featuring the “100 People 100 Tastes” performance; and the Coffee Stamp Rally, which encourages participants to explore and experience different cafés around the city. Blending passion, craftsmanship, and community, the Gangneung Coffee Festival is a must-visit for anyone who loves coffee—or simply wants to enjoy a warm cup by the sea.
As you plan your festival itinerary for the rest of October, remember that weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Recent weeks have seen occasional rain, so it’s wise to check the weather forecast regularly and stay flexible with your plans. If an event gets rescheduled or canceled, make sure to review refund policies and always keep a backup plan in mind. Daytime temperatures are still pleasantly warm, but evenings can turn chilly — so pack a light, weatherproof jacket that will keep you comfortable through both sunshine and drizzle. With a little preparation (and perhaps an umbrella in hand), you’ll be ready to make the most of South Korea’s beautiful autumn festival season.
Foreigner Living in Korea 
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