Romance Carried by the Cool Breeze: Korea’s October Festivals
- zone tp
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
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After a long, sweltering summer, the cool autumn season has arrived.
If you want to fully enjoy this season, join Korea’s October festivals!
Festivals that perfectly match the tranquility of autumn are set to showcase a variety of charms.
You can enjoy a romantic day amidst beautiful scenery!
Let's begin😎
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival allows you to participate in the lantern festival, which was used as a military tactic and communication method in 1592. During the Battle of Jinju Fortress in the Imjin War, lanterns were floated on the Namgang River to stop the Japanese army from crossing and to send messages to families—this became the origin of the festival. A traditional ritual using tea instead of alcohol honors the spirits of civilians and soldiers who endured hardships in the battle and prays for the festival’s safety. The Chohon Lighting Ceremony, which illuminates all the lanterns at once, offers a breathtaking spectacle.
The most popular activity is floating lanterns on the river, which you can make and release yourself. Watch the lanterns drift along the river at night, carrying your wishes, and reflect on their meaning. The festival is further enhanced by the Wish Lantern Tunnel, created with red lanterns inscribed with names and dreams, and a spectacular drone light show.
Address: Jinju Fortress and the Namgang River area
Website: https://yudeung.com/
Work: Oct 4th – 19th
Gunsan Time Travel Festival celebrates the resistance and vibrant lives of the people during the Japanese colonial period. Visitors can embark on a time-travel journey through Gunsan’s past, present, and future with a variety of programs. The festival recreates historical landscapes and offers hands-on experiences with games, costumes, and more.
A highlight is the Uri Modu 3.5 Manse, a reenactment of the first 3.5 Manse Movement south of the Han River in Gunsan, featuring a large-scale cheer performance at 3:05 PM during the festival. Participants receive special participation cards to feel fully immersed in the period. Other interactive programs include Gunsan Daehan Independence Manse, a game tracing the footsteps of local independence activists, mission-based public telephone challenges, and the modern costume room, offering a fun way to experience both history and the future.
Address: 32 Naehang 2-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
Website: https://festival.gunsan.go.kr/
Work: Oct 9th – 12th
Jongno Hanbok Festival is a comprehensive traditional arts festival celebrating the beauty of hanbok and offering a full experience of Korean culture. It is part of the seasonal 2025 Let’s Jongno festival series held in Jongno. Fashion shows and various exhibitions centered on Korea’s traditional attire take place throughout Gwanghwamun Square. In October 2025, celebrate the 10th anniversary during a 10-day festival week!
The grand opening on the 17th features spectacular hanbok-themed stages and visuals, all free to enjoy. Not only during the main festival days, but from October 10 to 19, visitors can enjoy a variety of programs. Exhibitions on how to wear hanbok and hands-on workshops where you can create traditional-inspired items like naturally dyed crafts, bokjumeoni eco-bags, and norigae keyrings are especially popular!
Address: 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Work: Oct 17th – 18th
