The Best Festivals and Events in South Korea This October 2025

October is one of the most enchanting times to visit South Korea. The weather turns crisp, autumn foliage paints the cities and mountains in gold and crimson, and the country bursts to life with celebrations of light, art, food and heritage. Whether you’re drawn to dazzling light shows along the Hangang River or rural harvest feasts, these are the festivals and events not to miss this October 2025.

Also read: 6 Underrated Places You Should Visit in South Korea (That Aren’t Seoul)

Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival)

Often called Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok is a time when families reunite to give thanks for the year’s harvest and honour their ancestors. It’s a wonderful period to witness Korea’s cultural traditions, from folk dances and mask performances to markets selling seasonal delicacies like songpyeon rice cakes. Although many locals travel home, tourists can experience the festive spirit through cultural programmes and traditional games hosted in cities nationwide.

Dates: 5–7 Oct 2025

Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival

Returning for its third year, this spectacular festival transforms Ttukseom Hangang Park into a mesmerising playground of laser and media art under the theme “Spectra of Light.” Seven large-scale installations by world-renowned artists, including TUNDRA and Video Phase, illuminate the riverside each evening. Highlights include a five-kilometre LED light run where participants form a glowing ribbon along the Hangang, and a futuristic fashion show merging art, light and technology.

Dates: 3–12 Oct 2025
Ticketing: Mostly free; LED light run ₩15,000 (~S$13.76), ₩1,000 (~S$0.92) will be donated to charity

Imsil N Cheese Festival

In the pastoral hills of Jeollabuk-do, Imsil, Korea’s cheese capital, is celebrating its creamy pride at the Imsil Cheese Theme Park. Visitors can savour artisan cheeses, join workshops, and wander through vast chrysanthemum gardens in full bloom. Expect live music, kids’ performances, and plenty of opportunities to taste, craft, and learn about Korea’s dairy heritage.

Dates: 8–12 Oct 2025
Ticketing: Free (fees vary by programme)

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival

One of Korea’s most captivating night-time spectacles, the Jinju Lantern Festival lights up the Namgang River with thousands of floating lanterns. A tradition that began over 400 years ago during the 1592 Siege of Jinju. Lanterns of every shape and hue fill the night sky, accompanied by fireworks, performances, and food trucks lining the riverbanks. The result is a glowing tableau of remembrance and celebration.

Dates: 4–19 Oct 2025
Ticketing: Free

Seoul Street Arts Festival

The capital’s streets become a stage at Korea’s largest street performance festival, where contemporary art meets the everyday. Centred around Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seoul Plaza, this year’s edition carries the theme “Seoul-ness” and introduces Art Trekking, where visitors walk a creative route filled with performances and installations. Expect acrobatics, theatre, and interactive art that turns downtown Seoul into an open-air cultural playground.

Dates: 6–8 Oct 2025
Ticketing: Free

Seoul Silver Grass Festival

When autumn arrives, Haneul Park’s vast fields of silver grass sway like waves under the evening light, creating one of Seoul’s most romantic seasonal scenes. The Seoul Silver Grass Festival celebrates this transformation with light trails, photo zones, and music performances atop the city’s most scenic eco-park. Once a landfill, now reborn as a symbol of sustainable beauty.

Dates: 18–24 Oct 2025
Ticketing: Free

Mapo M Classic Festival: Cinema Concert

Experience a captivating fusion of film and live music at the Mapo M Classic Festival’s Cinema Concert. The Hudson Ensemble, featuring pianist Kay Kyung Eun Kim and violist Steve Lee, performs timeless scores alongside on-screen classics, narrated by actor Lee Sang-yeob. An elegant night for lovers of both cinema and symphony.

Date: 18 Oct 2025, 7:30 pm
Ticketing: ₩30,000 (~S$27.53), premium seats / ₩20,000 (~$18.35), standard seats

Yesan Apple Festival

Yesan County, famous for its crisp, sweet apples grown in mineral-rich yellow soil, hosts this fragrant autumn festival. Visitors can sample apple-based dishes and desserts, join cooking classes, and play harvest-themed games. Beyond the food, cultural performances and local crafts showcase the town’s proud agricultural roots.

Dates: 23–26 Oct 2025
Ticketing: Free (some activities charge separately)

Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival

Every autumn, Iksan blooms into a floral wonderland with millions of chrysanthemums arranged in artistic displays across parks and plazas. The festival also features live performances, local produce markets, and food stalls, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture.

Dates: 24 Oct–2 Nov 2025
Ticketing: Free

Jeonju Bibimbap Festival

In Jeonju, the UNESCO-recognised City of Gastronomy. Korea’s beloved bibimbap takes centre stage. The festival offers tasting booths, live cooking shows, and interactive food experiences celebrating this colourful and balanced dish. It’s an unmissable event for food lovers seeking a true taste of Korean culinary heritage.

Dates: 24–26 Oct 2025 (11am–5pm)
Ticketing: Free

Also read: New Things to Do in Seoul 2025: Upcoming Openings and Attractions

Travel tips for October 2025

Book early: With Chuseok and multiple major festivals falling close together, train and hotel bookings sell out quickly plan ahead.

Expect closures: During Chuseok, many small shops and restaurants may close, though museums and tourist attractions in larger cities usually remain open.

Dress in layers: Days are pleasantly mild, but nights can be cool, especially by rivers or in the countryside.

Arrive early: For large light and lantern festivals, head over before sunset to secure good viewing spots.

Explore beyond Seoul: Combine city events with regional trips. For instance, visit Jeonju or Jinju after exploring the Hangang or Haneul festivals for a full autumn itinerary.