Originally published September 2019. Updated September 2026.
If you’re planning on visiting South Korea in autumn, then you’re in luck! As someone who lived in the Land of the Morning Calm for almost six years, I know a thing or two about the best autumn festivals in South Korea.
I’ve been to many myself and can confidently give the best tips and tricks to enjoying (in my not so humble opinion) the BEST season in Korea.
Also, I don’t know about you, but I have been consuming copious amounts of pumpkin cream cold brew from Starbucks. I’m geeked and ready to bring you another awesome guide to fall in Korea.
So grab your passport and my hand because we’re about to have a fun season!
Where To Go To Autumn Festivals in Korea?
There’s a variety of festivals to choose from during autumn in Korea. This is one of my favorite times of year to travel to see the beautiful maple trees, check out annual festivals, and go on day trips to Nami Island, Gyeongju, and Jeonju.
Peak season for fall foliage is mid-October and a great way to see it is via national parks. If you’d like to know more, I have a complete guide on 33 Amazing Places To See Fall Foliage in Korea.
September Festivals in Korea
Bongpyeong Buckwheat Flower Festival
When: September 4, 2026 – September 15, 2026
If you’re looking for stunning and picturesque scenery you have to check out the Bongpyeong Buckwheat Flower Festival in Pyeonchang. You’ll be able to feast your eyes on endless fields of stunning white blooms along mountains.
If you’re familiar with the Korean drama, Goblin, these blooms have powerful symbolism because they are meant to be given by a lover.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival | 서울세계불꽃축제
When: September 5, 2026
This extravagant fireworks festival usually takes place at the beginning of September in Korea. Fireworks technicians from all over the world put on a fabulous fireworks display sponsored by Hanhwa Group.
This festival attracts over one million visitors per year, and you’ll see spectators lining up early in the day to catch this glorious show. Even though it is shoulder-to-shoulder crowded, it was #worthit.
Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Festival | 창덕궁 달빛기행
When: September 10, 2026 – October 17, 2026
The Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Festival takes place in the downtown area of Seoul and starts at Changdeokgung. It runs twice a year, in spring and fall.
Make sure you grab your tickets ASAP because this event is super popular and sells out quickly.
Jeju Island Hueree Pink Muhly Festival | 휴애리 핑크뮬리축제
When: September 15, 2026- November 15, 2026
September brings the pink muhly in Korea. Fun fact, the muhlenbergia capillaris comes from the American southwest.
The festival is located at the Hueree Natural Park at the foot of Hallasan Mountain. You need a ticket to enter Hueree Park so make sure to grab yours in advance.
Nari Park and Pink Muhly Festival | 나리공원 핑크뮬리 축제
When: September 18, 2026 – October 25, 2026
When I tell you the pink muhly makes for amazing photos… I got to see the pink muhly in full bloom, and it was fabulous.
Go on a day tour to the Nari Park and Pink Muly Festival mid-week to skip the large crowds and enjoy a fall festival in South Korea.
Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival) | 추석
When: September 24, 2026 – September 26, 2026
This annual festive event changes yearly because it goes by the Lunar Calendar. Chuseok is the Korean equivalent to Thanksgiving in America where we celebrate a good harvest.
This is one of the biggest national holidays so many Koreans will take international trips. Others will return to their hometowns where they celebrate by paying respect to their ancestors, eating lots of delicious food, and spending time with family members.
Andong International Mask Dance Festival | 안동국제탈춤페스티벌
When: September 24, 2026 – October 4, 2026
One of my favorite South Korean October festivals is the Andong Mask Festival. This is one of the most popular fall festivals held yearly in the Andong Hahoe Village in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Visitors can enjoy watching traditional Korean mask dance performances. The Andong Mask Dance Festival features foreign artists showcasing their dances from their home countries.
Autumn in Seoul & South Korea Ebook
Planning everything yourself can be overwhelming, so I’ve also created an autumn Korea itinerary to help you put everything together.
It includes recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, must-see attractions, transportation, packing tips, photo locations, and other insider advice for planning your trip.
What You Will Get In This E-Book:
🏩 Where to stay in Seoul?
🥘 Best restaurants in Seoul?
🇰🇷 Must-see sites & can’t-miss activities?
🍁What to pack for Korea in autumn?
🚆 What transport do I use to get around the city?
🧧 Plus insider travel tips, photo spots, and deep dives you won’t see on my blog.
October Festivals in Korea
Jeongseon Arirang Festival | 정선아리랑제
When: October 1, 2026 – October 4, 2026
Arirang is a Korean folk song. This style of music was registered on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2012.
At the Jeongsan Arirang Festival, you can hear Arirang from different regions in Korea, play traditional folk games, and watch a parade.
Goyang Autumn Flower Festival | 고양가을꽃축제
When: October 1, 2026 – October 11, 2026
At Ilsan Lake Park, visitors can enjoy views of diverse autumn flowers. This Korea Flower Park is so special because groups of flower producers in Goyang participate directly in planting, designing, and decorating the garden with a lake in the background.
This large-scale flower garden truly is a feast for the eyes.
Busan Rock Festival | 부산국제록페스티벌
When: October 2, 2026 – October 4, 2026
The lineup for the Busan Rock Festival 2026 is gonna be freaking amazing so go get your tickets! The lineup for the 2026 Busan Rock Festival will feature Avenged Sevenfold, Broccoli, you too?, Lee Seung Yoon, Jang Beomjun, and CreepHyp.
I think there will be too much rock for one hand.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Cultural Festival | 수원화성문화제
When: October 4, 2026 – October 11, 2026
This festival takes place in October and features many cultural performances. The Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, you can watch the King Jeongjo Tomb Parade, which is a reenactment of the funeral procession. The procession starts at Gyeongbokgung Palace and goes all the way to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
Busan Film Festival | 부산국제영화제
When: October 6, 2026 – October 15, 2026
This year, the 31st Busan Film Festival is one of Asia’s biggest film festivals.
You can expect countless films in different genres to be screened. Thirty screens across seven theaters will screen these films.
If you’re a movie buff, you can’t miss this fall festival in Korea.
Jarasum Jazz Festival | 자라섬 국제 재즈 페스티벌
When: October 9, 2026 – October 11, 2026
Korean fall festivals are incredible, and you definitely can’t miss out on the Jarasum Jazz Festival. Located on Jarasum Island in Gapyeong, you’ll feel like you’re jamming out on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Renowned jazz artists from all over the world perform at Jarasum Namdo. One-day tickets start at 88,000 won.
Namhae Oktoberfest
When: October 10, 2026
Believe it or not, Korea has an Oktoberfest.
I love meself a good beer, and I hope you folks do too. There is imported German beer and bratwurst served at the Oktoberfest Festival on Namhae Island off the south coast of Korea.
Fun Fact. Back in the 60s and 70s, many Koreans skipped town to find work in Germany. To coax Koreans who had settled in Germany back, the government offered super-cheap land in Namhae, and they began building a very German village.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival | 진주 남강유등축제
When: October 13, 2026 – October 18, 2026
Held in a small town in Jinju, the Jinju Lantern Festival attracts thousands of guests each year. You’ll see oversized and traditional lanterns with Buddhist influences, famous scenery, and more.
This festival began with practices in the 1500s. The Namgang River and Jinjuseong River is where you can add your own wish lanterns to the river.
Icheon Rice Cultural Festival | 이천쌀문화축제
When: October 14, 2026 – October 18, 2026
I’ve been to the Icheon Rice Festival twice with my students on school field trips. It’s one of my favorites in the autum.
The land in Icheon is very fertile, and the rice there is grown with such care that it is said to be fit for a king.
They have all sorts of rice dishes, cakes, and even ice cream. Honestly, I think I enjoyed myself more than my students did.
Haneul Park Silver Grass Autumn Festival | 하늘공원 억새 가을축제
When: October 17, 2026 – October 23, 2026
I don’t feel like it’s fall in Seoul unless I have a photo with the silver grass. Haneul Park is one of the most popular places along the Han River.
Gwangju Kimchi Festival | 광주김치축제
When: October 23, 2026 – October 25, 2026
Kimchi is a staple of Korean cuisine. Join kimchi-making experiences and taste a variety of kimchi at the Gwangju Kimchi Festival.
November Festivals in Korea
Busan International Fireworks Festival | 부산국제불꽃축제
When: November 7, 2026
In response to Seoul’s beautiful fireworks festival, Busan also puts on the spectacular Busan Fireworks Festival over Gwangalli Beach. I love nothing more than watching the sky light up with pretty colors and beautiful lights.
Gumi Ramyeon Festival | 구미라면축제
When: November 6, 2026 – November 8, 2026
라면 먹고 갈래? If you don’t know what this means… You NEED to watch my video about Things Korean Fuckboys Say. 😂
On the real… Koreans are obsessed with ramen.
This is Korea’s only downtown ramyeon festival. It’s held in Gumi, home to the country’s largest ramyeon factory.
Immerse yourself in Korea’s ramyeon culture by buying freshly fried ramyeon and sampling original ramyeon dishes.
How To Get Around
The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use.
I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72/120 hours.
How To Stay Connected
Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer free wifi and you can connect to various free spots around the city. If you don’t want to rely on that, you should book an e-sim card and download it to your phone.
What To Pack For in Autumn in Korea
I highly recommend packing as lightly as possible so you have room in your suitcase for all your favorite Korean products. For a complete guide on what to wear and what to pack for Korea in fall, during each month from September to November.
Fall Weather in Korea At a Glance
September: T-shirts, dresses, skirts, lightweight pants, and a light cardigan
October: Sweaters, jeans, tights, cardigans, leather or denim jackets, and ankle boots
November: Warm sweaters, trousers, thicker jackets or coats, scarves, and closed-toe shoes
I have a complete guide on everything you need to know about autumn in Korea, including the best places to see foliage, where to go, and what to eat.
September Weather in Korea
Temperatures range from 25°C to 26°C (77°F to 80°F) during the day. September is a great month to visit Korea if you don’t like cold weather because the crowds get smaller and most people return to school and work.
October Weather in Korea
The temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) during the day. October brings cooler temperatures at night and they get as low as 7°C (45°F). The weather conditions toward the end of October start to get cold.
November Weather in Korea
The temperature usually averages at about 10°C (50°F) during the day. Bring your warm jacket at night because the temperature gets down to -1°C (30°F). November is a great time to visit Korea because you’ll be able to catch the last of the fall foliage in Korea.
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