Visiting Korea in October 2024 | Weather, Best Festivals + What to Wear

There’s no doubt that Korea in September is a stunner, but Korea in October is the true star of autumn. As fall foliage peaks, fiery crimsons, burnt oranges, and golden yellows paint the ROK in a rainbow of kaleidoscopic hues.

And as if that wasn’t enough, dreamy pink muhly, silvery grass, and sapphire skies add even MORE colour to the most wonderful of Korea’s seasons. I just know you’ll love October in South Korea as much as I do!

October is my favourite month of the year in Korea!

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• what the October weather in Korea is like
• the Seoul weather in October and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Jeju, Gangneung and the East Coast
• the best autumn festivals to attend during October in Korea
• what to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip in October

Visiting Korea in October

Most locals consider October in South Korea to be the best time of the year to visit, and I wholeheartedly agree. With magnificent autumn foliage, crystal clear air, and shimmering blue skies, October is my favourite month of the year. By far.

Some of the best autumn landscapes are in Korea in October © Lee Jung-kyu, Korea Tourism Organization

Aside from the many spectacular autumn landscapes, there are more festivals and events happening in Korea in October than you could possibly get to in a single month. You’ll have to plan your travels to Korea with absolute precision to fit everything in.

The month of October is PEAK travel season in Korea, so it’s wise to book accommodation and day tours well in advance, for the most selection and best prices.

Book day tours to places like the Gangchon Rail Bike early.

Planning a trip to Korea?

Connect with other travellers | Ask and get answers to all your travel questions | Learn about all the best things to do in Korea | Join our Korea Travel Planning + Guide Facebook Group now.

Korea in October | Weather

October is the middle month of autumn in Korea. The October weather in Korea might feel a bit cool to some, but it’s pretty much my idea of climate perfection.

For me, the Korea in October weather is perfection.

During daylight hours, average high temperatures are a very pleasant 20°C | 68°F. Average low temperatures for the month of October in Korea are 10°C | 50°F, but there’s little humidity or rainfall to worry about.

It IS quite a bit cooler in the evenings and at night though, so multiple layers and a light jacket are definitely required for your trip to South Korea in October.

Korea Weather in October Quick Guide

Korea in October | Seoul Weather

Average high temperatures in Seoul in October decrease 6°C from September to 20°C | 68°F. There’s a more dramatic cooling effect at night, with average low temperatures, falling a full 7°C to 10°C | 50°F by the end of the month.

Seoul in October has beautiful skies and gorgeous light

There are just 11 hours of day light in Korea in October, but these hours are filled with beautiful light and striking blue skies. The sun is strong, but the UV isn’t, so you can relax a little about sun protection.

The Seoul weather in October has very little humidity, so it’s incredibly comfortable to tour around the city. There are only about 6 days of rain, mostly concentrated near the beginning of the month, totalling approximately 50-mm, on average.

It cools down quickly as the sun sets in Korea in October.

*2024 Personal note: It’s the last week of September, and after one the longest, hottest, most humid summers on record, the heat FINALLY broke yesterday. I woke up to crystal clear air, gorgeous skies, and no sticky feeling. It truly feels like heaven after such a difficult summer. If you’re visiting Korea in October, expect weather perfection.

READ NEXT: Where to Stay in Seoul | The 7 Best Areas in Seoul for Travellers (with Hotel Recommendations)

Korea Weather in October | Busan

October in Korea is a great month to visit Busan. All that gorgeous sunshine, and comfortable temperatures make it easy to travel between Busan hotspots like Gamcheon Culture Village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

October is a perfect time to take a ride at Busan’s Blue Line Park © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Busan is located on the southeastern coast of Korea, so it’s slightly cooler than Seoul in October, with average daily temperatures ranging from 16°C | 60.8°F to 20°C | 68°F. There’s just 6 days of rainfall, totalling 29-mm (it’s really not enough to even bother with).

Korea Weather in October | Gangneung (East Coast)

The Korea weather in October on the East Coast is typically a bit cooler than in the interior regions. Gangeung in October has average daily temperatures ranging from 11°C | 52°F to 17°C | 62.1°F.  In my experience. it can feel a lot colder, especially with sea breezes, so be prepared with some heavier weight clothing.

Naksansa is a popular seaside temple to visit on the East Coast, near Sokcho.

Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park on the East Coast, are popular places to see fall foliage if you’re visiting Korea in October. This area is one of the few places at peak foliage this month. If you’re planning to hike, be prepared with layers of clothing to deal with potential temperature changes and wind at higher altitudes.

Korea Weather in October | Jeju Island

In October, the Jeju weather is perfect for exploring the island, but not for swimming. Average temperatures range from 15°C | 59°F to 21°C | 70.3°F, with 7 days of rain, totalling around 80-mm of precipitation. Thankfully though, typhoon season is over by October in Korea, so you can rest a bit easier.

Typhoon season is over in Korea by October © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

The Korea weather in October on Jeju is perfect for the many outdoor activities available on the island. Check out the autumn foliage on Hallasan or go on a pastel hunt at Jeju pink muhly hotspots, Hueree Park and Herb Dongsan.

Korea in October | Air Quality and Typhoons

One big reason why many Koreans prefer October over cherry blossom season in April is air quality.

During spring in Korea, windstorms originating in the Gobi Desert travel across China and land squarely on top of the ROK, in the form of yellow dust. Called “hwangsa,” in Korean, it colours the sky, in a murky yellowish fog. And it’s full of ultrafine and fine dust pollution.

Yellow dust and pollution is pretty damn ugly.

The good news is that if you’re visiting South Korea in October, the odds of having to deal with bad air, or typhoons is much less.

In the event that you need one, high-quality disposable masks can be picked up in any pharmacy, convenience store or Daiso in Korea for as low as 500 won each.

The Korean equivalent of an N95 mask is called KF94. If that feels too hot and heavy for the Korea weather in October, you can get a KF80 mask instead. These factor out 80% of pollutants, so it’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.

Limited Edition Autumn Tours in Korea

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Korea in October, you can take advantage of these limited edition autumn tours, which only take place for about a month each year. They get booked up fast, because space and timing for them is limited, so I recommend reserving a spot as soon as you can.

Naejangsan is an autumn hotspot for a reason! ⓒ Ha Nam-gi, Korea Tourism Organization

Day Tours from Seoul

• Wondae-ri Birch Forest + Seasonal Flower Festival | September 13th – November 15th, 2024
• Nari Park, Pink Muhly Grass + Dumulmeori  |  September 23rd – October 18th, 2024
• Seoraksan (Osaek Autumn Foliage) + Nami & Garden of Morning Calm OR Alpaca World  |  October 2nd – November 29th, 2024
• Seoraksan Autumn Maple Leaves Tour | October 16th – 25th, 2024
• Seoraksan National Park Hiking Tour (Private or Join-in | no set dates, recommend booking in the last 2 weeks of October
• Alpaca World + Hongcheon Ginkgo Tree Forest  | October 8th – 18th, 2024
• Hwadam Botanic Garden + Namhansanseong Fortress (UNESCO)  |  October 15th – November 5th, 2024
• Seoraksan National Park with Cable Car Day Tour from Seoul | October 15th – November 8th, 2024
• Seoul City Autumn Tour (Gamaksan, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Haneul Park + Jingwansa)  |  October 16th – November 24th, 2024
• Jangtaesan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | October 28th – November 22nd, 2024
• Classic Naejangsan National Park Tour |   October 25th – November 15th, 2024
• Naejangsan National Park + Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul  |  November 1st – 13th, 2024

Day Tours from Busan

• Jirisan National Park Autumn Tour | October 21st – November 4th, 2024
• Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil Autumn Tour | October 24th – November 12th, 2024
• Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage Tour | October 25th – November 10th, 2024
• Naejangsan Autumn Tour with Transfer from Seoul to Busan | October 25th – November 11th, 2024
• Gyeongju Autumn Foliage One Day Tour | October 28th – November 15th, 2024

Yes, you’ll want to find the pink muhly in Korea too!

A few years ago, pink muhly grass took over the IG feeds of Korea and there’s no end in sight for this craze. Here’s a few discounted tickets and day tours for pink muhly hotspots in Korea for October.

• • Yangju Nari Park, Nami Island, and Gangchon Rail Bike Tour
  • Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival and Pocheon Seasonal Attractions
  • Jeju Autumn Highlights and Pink Muhly Tour
  • Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage One Day Tour from Busan (book in October)

Korea in October | Public Holidays

There are a few major national public holidays in Korea in October 2024: Armed Forces Day on October 1st (temporary holiday for 2024), National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) on October 3rd, and National Hangul Day on October 9th.

National Hangul Day is on October 9th in Korea.

These days are a day off for all Koreans, but there will still be plenty to do around Seoul, including special events and activities for both holidays.

READ NEXT: 14 Spectacular Autumn Hotspots to See in Seoul

Korea in October | Best Festivals and Events

October in Korea really is a case of too many festivals, not enough time. You could literally attend a different event every single day of the month if you wanted to.

Here’s some big ones, but this list is by no means exhaustive. I literally would’ve been writing until next year if I included all of them. Many more festivals and events will be announced for Korea in October, last minute. Keep your eyes open!

The Lotus Lantern Parade and Festival is one of Korea’s biggest events in spring.

Visiting Korea at another time of the year? Learn about weather and festivals for other months in Korea, in the following detailed guides.

• Korea in January: The Coldest Month of the Year
• Korea in February: The Final Month of Winter
• Korea in March: First Signs of Spring
• Korea in April: Chasing Cherry Blossoms
• Korea in May: In Full Bloom
• Korea in June: The Best Month of Summer
• Korea in July: The Peak of Summer
• Korea in August: Summer Vacation for EVERYONE!
• Korea in October: Full on Fall Foliage
• Korea in November: Autumn to Winter Transition
• Korea in December: Christmas Lights Galore

The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is a huge winter event.

Jamsugyo Ttubeok Ttubeok Festival | 뚜벅뚜벅 축제

FESTIVAL DATES: Sundays from September 1st – October 27th, 2024

Address: 350, Dongjak-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 서초구 신반포로11길 40

This October in Korea, the Ttubeok Ttubeok Festival continues on Jamsugyo submarine bridge in Banpo Hangang Park.

Every Sunday, the bridge closes to traffic, and becomes a pedestrian friendly zone with great activities like a silent DJ party, performances, dance classes, food trucks, reading on beanbag chairs, a food festa, and much, much more.

Jamsugyo Bridge Festival © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press

Added bonus – you’ll get to see the Guinness World Record Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain from a completely unique angle. Check their website for full details.

Gyeongbokgung at Night | 경복궁 야간 특별관람

Festival Dates: September 11th – October 27th, 2024

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

If you’re visiting Korea for the first time, a trip during regular daylight hours is essential to any itinerary. If you have the opportunity to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace at night however, you’re guaranteed a remarkable evening, devoid of daytime buzz and excited crowds of tourists.

Gyeongbok Palace at night is extraordinary.

Learn how to visit in this comprehensive guide to visiting Gyeongbokgung at night.

Andong Mask Dance Festival | 안동국제탈춤페스티벌

Festival Dates: September 27th – October 6th, 2024

Address: 239, Yuksa-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 경상북도 안동시 축제장길 200 탈춤공연장

If cultural travel is your thing, the Andong Mask Dance Festival is the perfect event for you to attend in Korea during October. This festival takes place near the UNESCO World Heritage designated Andong Hahoe Village, which is totally worth a visit on its own.

Enjoy the mask dance festival in Korea in October © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Aside from performances of Korea’s mask dance drama (intangible cultural heritage), and other mask dances from around the world, there are experiential programs, mask related competitions and a ton of food stalls to stuff yourself at. Check full festival details here.

Seoul Drone Show | 드론 라이트 쇼

Festival Dates: Saturdays, September 28th – November 2nd, 2024

Address: 139, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 광진구 강변북로 139 (자양동)

The Drone Light show continues in Korea during October. This is a totally free event, that lights up Seoul’s night sky with 1000 drones, with different themes each week.

The Seoul Drone Show is a free event!

For a quintessentially Korean experience, make sure to eat some ramyeon by the Han River. I recommend the Ramyun Library in nearby Jamsil Hangang Park!

Great Baekje Festival | 백제문화제

Festival Dates: September 28th – October 6th, 2024

Address: 135, Baekgang-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 부여군 백강로 135

The 70th Great Baekje Festival takes place in the old Baekje capitals in Chungcheongnam-do. This festival promises to be totally epic, with multiple large scale parades, exhibitions, performances, and events staged at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gongju and Buyeo.

Gongju is hugely underrated and worth a visit!

I haven’t gone to the festival yet (this might be the year!), but I have been to Gongju (TWICE!), and I highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful place to visit in Korea that’s sadly overlooked. with so much to see, do, and explore.

Learn more about the festival here.

READ NEXT: Gongju Travel Guide | 11 Things to do in this Gem of the Baekje Dynasty

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival | 수원화성문화제

Festival Dates: September 28th – October 20th, 2024

Address: 825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825 (남창동)

There’s actually a lot happening near Suwon Hwaseong Fortress this month including media arts installations on the fortress walls, a Suwon Lantern Festival, and traditional performances and experience programs.

The Suwon Heritage Festival is excellent.

Held every October in Korea at the UNESCO World Heritage Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, this landmark festival includes a Citizen’s Parade, traditional performances, Guard’s Ceremony, and simultaneous Food Culture Festival.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is UNESCO World Heritage © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Do not miss the Reenactment of King Jeongjo’s Tomb Parade. This is one of Korea’s largest national events, traveling 59.2 km from Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul to Yeungneug Tomb in Suwon from October 4th to 6th. Get more info about all festival events here (Korean only).

Jeongseon Arirang Festival | 정선아리랑제

Dates: October 2nd – 5th, 2024

Address: Bongyang-ri, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do | 강원도 정선군 정선읍 봉양리

The Korean folk song Arirang was registered on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2012, and the mournful Jeongseon is its oldest version, dating back over 600 years.

At the Jeongseon Arirang Festival, you can hear many versions of Arirang from different regions, play traditional games, and watch a parade. Don’t miss the “Arirang Gilnori” – a massive performance of Arirang by over 1,600 people!

Check more details here (Korean only).

READ NEXT: How to Visit the Magnificent Jangtaesan Recreational Forest in Daejeon

Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress Festival | 서산해미읍성역사체험축제

Festival Dates: October 2nd – 5th, 2024

Address: 143 Nammun 2-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 서산시 남문2로 143 해미읍성

Seosan is one of those relatively unknown cities, with a surprising amount of stuff to see and do – including a 600 year old fortress called Haemieupseong, where you can enjoy a festival during October in Korea.

Haemieupseong Fortress in Seosan is 600 years old.

After you’ve enjoyed the traditional music performances, parade, and fireworks at the festival, head over to Ganworam Hermitage – a unique seaside temple that gets stranded on an island at high tide.

Check festival details here (Korean only).

READ NEXT: A Complete Guide to Visiting Gorgeous Hwadam Forest in Autumn

Gwangju Chungjang Festival | 추억의 충장축제

Festival Dates: October 2nd – 6th, 2024

Address: 1, Seonam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju | 광주광역시 동구 서남로 1

For 4 days in Korea in October, the Chungjang Festival will transform the streets of Gwangju back to the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Visitors can attend a huge citizens parade, relax in old-style cafes, watch a retro dance battle, snack on nostalgic street foods, and much, much more.

Get full details here.

Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo | 계룡세계군문화엑스포

Festival Dates: October 2nd – 6th, 2024

Address: 16, Jeongjang-ri, Gyeryong-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 계룡시 신도안면 정장리 16

In Korea in October, South Korea will host a World Military Expo in the city where South Korea’s Army, Air Force and Navy are all headquartered. At the Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo, you can watch performances by military bands from around the world, see a military parade, or even climb Mount Gyeryong.

Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) | 부산국제영화제

Festival Dates: October 2nd – 11th, 2024

Address: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 해운대구 수영강변대로 120

Busan is always an amazing place to visit, but head there from October 2nd – 11th, and you’ll find some extra special things to do, because the Busan International Film Festival is on!

Busan is always worth a visit © Kim Sangseok, Korea Tourism Organization

This is the biggest film festival in Asia, attracting hundreds of thousands of cinemaphiles, celebrities, and directors to the city, to screen hundreds of films from all over the world. Learn more here.

READ NEXT: How to Book the Adorable Haeundae Sky Capsule in Busan

Imsil N Cheese Festival | 임실N치즈축제

Festival Dates: October 3rd – 6th, 2024

Address: 50, Doin 2-gil, Imsil-gun, Jeollabuk-do | 전라북도 임실군 성수면 도인2길 50 (성수면)

This must be one of quirkiest festivals happening in Korea in October. At the Imsil N Cheese Festival, prepare to experience cheese in ways that you never thought possible, with 84 separate cheese themed programs.

Try cheese curling or archery at the Cheese Olympic Playground, make a cheese cupcake mosaic, or enter the cheese songwriting contest. And of course, you’ll be able to taste and purchase as much Imsil cheese as you can possibly stomach at a discounted price.

Learn about all the cheesy goodness here.

Geumsan World K-Insam Festival | 금산세계인삼축제

Festival Dates: October 3rd – 13th, 2024

Address: 30, Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 금산군 금산읍 인삼광장로 30

The Geumsan Insam Festivals is rooted in a 1,500 year old tradition of giving thanks to the mountain god who bestowed a humble farmer with gingeng to help heal his sick mother. Now in its 41st year, this is one of the most popular festivals in Korea in October.

At the festival, try your hand at harvesting ginseng or drink some ginseng-infused wine. You can also enjoy traditional performances like the Geumsan Nongak and Nongbaukkeusigi. More details here.

READ NEXT: 14 Stunningly Beautiful Places to See Golden Ginkgo Leaves in Korea

Seoul International Fireworks Festival | 서울세계불꽃축제

Festival Dates: October 5th, 2024

Address: 330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is a huge event that sees a million people head to Yeouido Hangang Park area to see an epic fireworks show. This year, Korea, USA, and Japan will participate in the festival.

The Fireworks Festival is one of Seoul’s biggest events in October © Park Sang-hoon, Korea Tourism Organization

This is one of the most anticipated events in Korea during October, with people staking out a spot the day before. The crowds should not be underestimated. Attend at your own risk. More details here.

2024 K-Link Festival | 서울세계불꽃축제

Festival Dates: October 5th, 2024

Address: 127, Gonghang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon | 공항문화로 127 인스파이어 아레나

The spectacular K-Link Festival features K-pop artists like RIIZE, THE BOYS, TWS, aespa, ITZY, MINHO, and NCT WISH.

Taking place at Incheon’s new Inspire Arena during October in Korea, this is an excellent opportunity to experience all the excitement of a K-pop concert firsthand.

The K-Link Festival is on October 5th! © K-Link Festival, KTO

Even better, it’s a breeze to get tickets. Grab them quick, before they disappear.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival | 진주 남강유등축제

Festival Dates: October 5th – 20th, 2024

Address: 626, Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 진주시 남강로 626

Yudeong or floating lanterns were used during the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress as a military strategy during the Japanese Invasion of 1592. Today, every October in Korea, this history is celebrated in Jinju with a glorious lantern festival that illuminates the Namgang River with more than 70,000 lanterns.

Gorgeous lanterns in Jinju © Kim Seong-cheol, Photo Korea

This is one of Korea’s biggest lantern festivals, and it’s well worth a visit, with cultural performances, fireworks, and the opportunity to make and fly your own lantern high into the sky. More details here (Korean only).

Check it out on a day tour from Busan, that starts in Gamcheon Culture Village, and ends at the Jinju Lantern Festival. See details here.

READ NEXT: 7 Inspiring Things to See at Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival

Welcome Daehakro | 웰컴대학로

Festival Dates: October 5th – November 3rd, 2024

Address: 120, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 대학로 120 (동숭동)

Stroll around the Hyehwa Station area during October in Korea and you’ll feel the vibrancy of theatre and performing arts in Korea, as Welcome Daehakro takes over the streets. This month long performing arts festival started in 2017, and it’s the perfect event to go to with this crisp, autumn weather.

There are ticketed non-verbal, traditional, musical and play performances, but also a ton of free street performances to watch at the Welcome Fringe portion of the festival. Check out all the details here.

Seoul Ballet Festival | 서울발레페스티벌

Festival Dates: October 10th – 13th, 2024

Address: Various locations in Seoul (refer to website)

Celebrate everything ballet in Seoul in November. Aside from performances, there are several unique events planned around the city, including Ballet with a Baby, and a Ballet Fringe Festival at Seokchon Lake. Check their website for full details.

READ NEXT: The 15 Best Hotels in Myeongdong – at Every Budget

Silla Cultural Festival | 신라문화제

Festival Dates: October 11th – 13th, 2024

Address: 18, Jungang-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 경상북도 경주시 중앙로 18

Every October in Korea, the Silla Cultural Festival takes over the city of Gyeongju with events celebrating the culture and arts of the thousand year old Silla Dynasty. Prepare to be wowed by large-scale performance, traditional games, fireworks, and what looks to be an incredible drone show.

Gyeongju is so worth a visit © Kim Jae-hyeon, Photo Korea

As if Gyeongju wasn’t ALREADY one of the best places to visit during autumn in Korea. Check their website here (Korean only).

Royal Culture Festival | 궁중문화축전

Festival Dates: October 9th – 13th, 2024

Address: Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu, Changgyeong and Gyeonghui Palaces, Jongmyo, and Sajikdan

If you haven’t had a chance to visit any of Seoul’s 5 Joseon Dynasty palaces yet, the Royal Culture Festival is a good time to do it. Korea’s rich cultural heritage will be highlighted with performances, rituals, moonlight tours, and interactive activities for kids at these venues in Korea in October.

Head to any of Seoul’s Royal Palaces during the Royal Culture Festival

Grab a K-Royal Palaces Pass, which gives you unlimited entry into Seoul’s 5 Royal Palaces during the festival. This limited edition pass also includes a 1-time admission to the special Gyeongbokgung at night openings and doubles as a T-money card (Korea’s transport card).

There are plenty of free activities, but some events, like the Changdeokgung Moonlight tours, require advance reservation. Find more details here.

Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival | 익산천만송이국화축제

Festival Dates: October 18th – 27th, 2024

Address: Areas of Iksan-si | 전라북도 익산시 하나로 322 중앙체육공원

Late October in Korea is when you’ll find chrysanthemums starting to bloom across the country. There are a number of festivals celebrating this pretty flower all over South Korea.

Chrysanthemums bloom in Korea in October and November.

This free event sees folk, dance, and art performances, a street parade, musical fountain shows, and chrysanthemums gorgeously decorating 8 different locations around Iksan. Get more details here (Korean only).

Seoul Silver Grass Festival | 서울억새축제

Festival Dates: October 19th – 25th, 2024

Address: 95, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 마포구 하늘공원로 95 (상암동)

Move over pink muhly – the super instagrammable Seoul Silver Grass Festival is back this October in Korea. Search out 10 different photo zones amidst the waving grass, watch the colourful lighting show, or watch performances at the central stage on weekends.

Silver grass is just as lovely as pink © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

For this event only, Haneul Park will be open until 10PM. Details here (Korean).

READ NEXT: 15 Surreal Spots to See Pink Muhly in Korea in October

Gangneung Coffee Festival | 강릉커피축제

Festival Dates: October 24th – 27th, 2024 

Address: 9-1, Gyeonggang-ro 2021beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do | 강원도 강릉시 경강로2021번길 9-1 명주예술마당

The Gangneung area, with its mix of clean water, creative writers and local roasters is widely credited for starting modern coffee culture in Korea. Get a taste for why at the 15th Gangneung Coffee Festival, where you can sample coffee from various roasters, attend seminars, and watch barista competitions.

The Gangneung area is credited for starting modern coffee culture in Korea.

The festival takes places at Gangneung Olympic Park, but if you’ve got the time, I recommend heading over to Anmok Beach and Gangneung Coffee Street to explore a seaside strip of over 30 gorgeous cafes.

Learn more about the festival here (Korean only).

Sacheon Air Show | 사천에어쇼

Festival Dates: October 24th – 27th, 2024

Address: Samcheonpodaegyo Bridge Park, 35 Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 사천시 사천대로 35 삼천포대교공원

At the Sacheon Airshow, you can witness Korea’s Black Eagles aerobatic flight in Korean supersonic aircraft T-50s on a clear November day. With additional performances from army, navy, air force and the US Air Force, it promises to be a thrilling time.

Full details here.

Pre-registration is required for the event. Get more details here.

Korea in October | What to Wear

Figuring out exactly what to wear and pack for the Korea weather in October is a bit challenging. It’s a bit schizophrenic.

At the beginning of the month, the sun is so bright and strong, it’s warm enough for shorts during daylight hours. But it cools off so quickly at night, that you’d need at least a hoodie or light cardigan to be comfortable.

The October weather in Korea is a bit schizophrenic.

By the end of the month, it’s cooled off enough that it can feel quite chilly at night, especially if it’s windy. However, there are even days in November in Korea that I feel comfortable with a cardigan and scarf. So yeah, schizophrenic.

The name of the game in Korea in October is layers. A lot of them. In multiple weights and variety, depending on which time of the month you’re visiting.

Jeans, leggings, skirts, and long-sleeved shirts, tees, or lighter weight sweaters work well. Bring along a hoodie, cardigan or light jacket for cooler evening temperatures. You probably don’t actually need shorts, but you can get away with them if that’s your preference.

A cardigan, jeans, and my Loom sneakers are usually enough for me during October in Korea.

You will log a ton of steps exploring Seoul, so a comfortable shoe is really important. I live in my Loom waterproof sneakers year-round. Not because they’re waterproof, but because they are no-hassle, super comfortable and stylish enough for life in Seoul.

October in Korea is when the autumn leaves start to turn.

Korea in October | Packing List

Here’s a rough guideline of items to pack for the Korea weather in October.

Bring from Home

• travel documents: passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
• international driver’s license if you plan to rent a car
• adaptor / plug
• t-shirts, lightweight sweaters, hoodies, cardigans
• jeans, trousers, leggings
• skirts or dresses
• light jacket, windbreaker or shell
• sunglasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses
• deodorant, feminine hygiene items
• comfortable shoes for lots of walking
• any special medications you need

Buy in Korea

• umbrella if it rains / parasol
• disposable air pollution / medical masks
• batteries / charging cables (super cheap at Daiso)
• skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!)
• eyeglasses and contact lenses can be purchased just by walking into a store (a free eye test will be provided)
• birth control can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription (but all brands may not be available)

October in South Korea is absolute perfection.

Did this article help you? Writers (and moms especially) need caffeine!

Help support my small business with a cup of coffee.

All ready for the perfect trip to South Korea in October? What have you got planned?