Fun Korean

Gyeongbuk Apple Promotion Fair

2026 경북사과홍보행사

Apples from 14 growing areas in Gyeongsangbuk-do come to Seoul Plaza with a fairy-tale royal garden theme: a hall of apple varieties, regional sales booths, tastings, a royal apple auction show, busking and photo zones.

10:00–17:00. Free.

Cheongsong Apple Festival

청송사과축제

Cheongsong's mountain valleys grow some of Korea's most prized apples, and this harvest festival celebrates them along Yongjeoncheon Stream near Hyeonbiam Cliff. Taste and buy fresh apples, join hands-on activities and catch the stage shows.

Juwangsan National Park, famous for its autumn colors, is close by.

June 10th Independence Movement Centennial Fair

6·10만세운동 100주년 기념 독립페어

2026 marks 100 years since the June 10th Independence Movement of 1926. This fair tells the story of the independence movement in today's language: re-created scenes in the exhibition zone, hands-on activities, talks and an international forum, a youth talk show, a film concert, an independence history quiz, busking and a food zone.

Free. 10:00–16:00.

Jinju International Agri-Food Expo: Farm Experience Halls

2026 진주국제농식품박람회 농업체험관

Two farm experience halls at the Jinju International Agri-Food Expo with 16 hands-on farm programs, from dessert making and natural dyeing to gardening and flower bouquets, plus livestock and dairy booths with ice cream making and free milk tasting.

10:00–18:00. Admission 1,000 won.

Jeju Olle Walking Festival

제주올레걷기축제

Three days of walking the Jeju Olle trail along the island's northeast coast, about 11 to 13 km a day. Local music, village food stalls and small shows wait along the way. Walk one day or all three.

Day 1: Jocheon → Dongbok-ri. Day 2: Dongbok-ri → Jeju Batdam Theme Park. Day 3: the reverse route from the Haenyeo Anti-Japanese Movement Memorial Park.

Goesan Gimjang (Kimchi-Making) Festival

괴산김장축제

Gimjang is the Korean tradition of making a winter's worth of kimchi together. In Goesan you can do it all in one place with fresh local produce: make kimchi yourself and take it home.

Open 10:00–20:00. Entry is free; the kimchi-making experiences cost extra.

BeautySum Suwon (K-Beauty Expo)

뷰티썸 수원

A K-beauty trade show at the Suwon Convention Center that covers the whole industry: skincare, makeup, hair, nails, fragrance and derma products, plus ingredients, packaging and manufacturing. It's aimed mainly at the business side, but visitors can browse the newest products.

10:00–17:00. 10,000 won, or free with online pre-registration.

Ulsan Startup Festa

울산 스타트업 페스타

A two-day startup event under the slogan "Bridge to Innovation": startup products and technology on show, conferences, IR pitching, investor meetings and networking, plus an Ulsan tourism showcase, a flea market, food booths, an AI photo booth and a stamp tour for visitors.

Free. 09:00–18:00.

Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival

김해분청도자기축제

Buncheong is Korean stoneware with a white slip coating and a relaxed, everyday style. Gimhae's festival, around the Buncheong Ceramics Museum and Clayarch Gimhae Museum, shows and sells work by local potters, with hands-on pottery and a traditional kiln firing.

Gumi Ramyun Festival

구미라면축제

Gumi is home to Nongshim's ramyeon factory, and this downtown festival by Gumi Station is all about instant noodles. Buy ramyeon fresh off the production line, try creative ramyeon dishes and enjoy exhibitions, photo spots and live shows.

Yanggu Punchbowl Siraegi & Apple Festival

청춘양구 펀치볼 시래기사과축제

A harvest festival in Yanggu's Punchbowl, the bowl-shaped Haean valley, for its two specialties: apples and siraegi (dried radish greens). Taste local food, try apple and siraegi activities, visit farm-village booths and catch the concerts.

Free entry.

Tongyeong Fishermen's Market × Port Village

어부장터X포트빌리지 통영

A seaside food festival in Tongyeong. Booths cook with the city's famous seafood (oysters, eel, sea squirt, red sea bream) and local produce, with live cooking shows, menus made with chefs, street performances, crafts, a stamp tour and pop-up shops of local brands.

Free.

Busan Illustration Fair

부산일러스트레이션페어

About 600 booths of illustrators and creators at BEXCO in Haeundae: illustration, painting, picture books, indie publishing, character design, webtoons, calligraphy and more. A great place to buy prints, stickers and goods straight from the artists.

10:00–18:00 (until 17:00 on the last day). 11,000 won; children free.

Korea Garden Culture Expo in Jeju

대한민국 제주정원문화박람회

The first garden culture expo held in Jeju, with the slogan "the breath of the wind between stone walls blooms into a garden". See Korea Garden Show designer gardens and gardens by residents and companies made with Jeju's soil, stone and wind, plus garden concerts, talk shows, hands-on activities and a garden market.

Free. 09:00–19:00.

Burak Festa

부락페스타

A retro street festival on the car-free street outside Pusan National Univ. Station, bringing back the music, fashion and alley culture of the 1990s and 2000s: a singing contest, dance battles, DJ booths, retro games and food booths from local shops.

15:00–21:00 (Fri 17:00–21:00). Free. Exit 1 of Pusan National Univ. Station (Line 1).

Jeju Pet Culture Festival & Pet Fair

제주 반려동물 문화산업 한마당

Jeju's pet culture festival and the Jeju Pet Fair in one place. About 70 pet companies show food, goods and services, alongside pet etiquette classes, agility, a 'zone out with your pet' contest and hands-on programs for everyone.

10:00–18:00. Free.

Hasukdong No. 1 (Gongju Boarding House Festival)

하숙동 1번지

Gongju has long been a town of students living in boarding houses (hasuk). This festival brings that era back with a retro dance hall, home-style boarding-house food and snacks, school-uniform dress-up, quiz games and winter-prep activities like kimchi-making.

14:00–20:00. Free (some activities cost extra).

Yeongnam–Honam Traditional Market Expo

2026 영호남 전통시장 박람회

Traditional markets from Korea's southeast (Yeongnam) and southwest (Honam) bring their best local products to Busan Citizens Park, with performances and hands-on traditional food activities.

10:00–18:00. Free. Main site: Dasom Plaza in Busan Citizens Park.

Jukbyeon Port Seafood Festival

죽변항 수산물축제

Uljin's big seafood festival at Jukbyeon Port: catch live fish with your bare hands, watch fish-filleting and mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) shows, join on-the-spot seafood auctions and a fishing boat parade, and see fireworks at night.

11:00–19:00. Free.

Hope Dream Fair (Chungnam Products Fair)

2026 희망드림 판매전

About 120 companies from Chungcheongnam-do sell their products directly to visitors at the Independence Hall of Korea, with performances, hands-on programs and events alongside the shopping.

10:00–19:00. Free.

Busan Fireworks Festival

부산불꽃축제

Busan's biggest night of the year. Fireworks light up the sea and Gwangan Bridge, timed to music, and you can also watch from Igidae and Dongbaekseom. Watching from the beach is free. Paid seats sell out early.

Huge crowds and road closures. Arrive by mid-afternoon and take the subway (Line 2).

Brotherly Love Festival (Uijoeun Hyeongje)

의좋은 형제 축제

A family festival in Daeheung, Yesan, built on the local folk tale of two loving brothers who cared for each other. Storytelling activities, traditional games, shows, a village tavern and a local food and produce market.

Free. The Yedangho Suspension Bridge and monorail are nearby.

Hwasun Unjusa Culture Festival

화순운주문화축제

Unjusa is the temple of a thousand Buddhas and a thousand pagodas, with stone statues and towers in every valley and a legendary reclining Buddha. The festival brings temple bell ringing, pungmul drumming, concerts, temple-food and woodcraft experiences, and wish-writing on roof tiles.

Free. Food stalls sell pajeon and fish cakes.

Sanbuk AI Gimjang Festival

산북AI김장문화축제

The 22nd Sanbuk Pumsil Festival is about gimjang, Korea's kimchi-making tradition (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013), made easy with new technology. Come empty-handed and make kimchi with salted cabbage and fillings from local farms. Kids can grind beans on a millstone and make injeolmi and kkakdugi.

Free entry. The kimchi-making experience needs booking and costs extra.

Masan Outdoor Library "Orosi Madoro"

마산야외도서관 [오롯이 마도로]

For two days Masan Library turns its parking lot into a reading space with green lawn and parasols. Read any of the books freely with free coffee, watch a picture-book reading play and an outdoor family film, and try crafts such as scent sachets and mini books.

Free. 10:00–17:00.

Iksan Treasure Hunt Festival "Find the Gold Bars!"

보물찾기 축제 - 금괴를 찾아라!

The fourth treasure-hunt festival turns Somni, an Iksan neighborhood of modern-era streets, into an AR game: follow clues on a smartphone map through the alleys to collect gold-bar cards for a prize draw. Try on 1920s clothes, do the stamp tour, and enjoy street shows, a marching parade, a flea market, jewel crafts and the market food stalls.

Free (AR treasure hunt 5,000 won; some crafts paid). 10:00–18:00.

Whole-Family Book Festival (Jeongdok Library)

온 가족 책 잔치

Every autumn since 2013, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has held its reading festival in the garden of Jeongdok Library in Bukchon. Libraries, local bookshops and school reading clubs run book crafts and eco and traditional-culture activities, with a library concert and a book swap market.

Free. Saturday, Nov 7, 11:00–17:00.

Peace On: Dam

평화온담

A one-day peace and unification culture festival hosted by the Ministry of Unification on the lawn beside Cheomseongdae, the ancient observatory in Gyeongju. Join crafting activities and games linked to Gyeongju's history, and watch samulnori drumming, acoustic music, opera, magic and gugak shows.

Free. 11:00–17:00. It is right by Cheomseongdae, so pair it with a walk around Daereungwon and Woljeonggyo.

Ansan Science Valley (ASV) Science Festival

안산사이언스밸리(ASV) 과학축제

About 90 booths of future tech you can try, such as an AI baduk robot, humanoid robot missions, drone simulators and AR games, plus science talk concerts and robot shows. Made for kids and adults alike.

10:00–16:00. Free.

MATERIALISM – BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) Exhibition

MATERIALISM｜비야케 잉겔스 그룹 기획 전시

The first exhibition in Korea by the architecture group BIG, founded by Bjarke Ingels. Displays and models are built around 10 building materials such as stone, earth, concrete, metal and wood, showing how BIG thinks about the past, present and future of city buildings.

10:00–18:00. Free.

Gimpo Marine Corps Culture Festival at Daemyeong Port

김포 해병대 문화축제 in 대명항

Gimpo is home to the Marine Corps 2nd Division, and this one-day festival shows Marine equipment, military band and honor guard performances, and lets you make dog tags and Marine caps. At sunset a night market with seasonal seafood, local food and busking opens on the fish market rooftop.

11:00–19:00. Free.

Anseong TokTok Dalkom Festival

2026 안성맞춤 상설공연 “톡톡달콤 페스티벌”

A one-day family arts festival: a musical gala, magic and bubble shows, acoustic busking, play booths for kids, an art market and hands-on activities with local artists.

11:00–16:00. Free (some programs paid).

Goheung Yuja (Citron) Festival

고흥유자축제

Goheung is Korea's biggest yuja (citron) growing area, and this autumn festival takes place among its yuja orchards. Make your own yuja syrup, relax in a yuja spa, taste yuja dishes, pick yuja and walk the orchard trails. At night the orchards light up, with busking and a fire-art show.

Entry is free; some experiences cost extra.

Yangdong Hongtak Festa (Back to the Jang)

양동 백투더 장(BACK TO THE 장) 홍탁페스타

Gwangju's Yangdong Market celebrates hongtak, fermented skate (hongeo) with local makgeolli. Seven nearby markets join in with food booths, 1,000-won cups of Gwangju makgeolli, a hongtak cooking contest, a song and dance contest and an EDM DJ party.

14:00–21:00. Free entry; food and drinks are paid.

Noodle Daejeon Festival

누들대전축제

Daejeon is known for its many kalguksu shops, and this food festival puts the city's noodles and noodles from around the world in one place, with a Global Noodle Zone, a student noodle contest, cooking shows and food trucks.

16:00–21:00 (Sat–Sun 12:00–21:00). Free entry; food is paid.

Yeongju Apple Festival in Seoul

영주 사과축제 (서울 청계광장)

Yeongju, home of Buseoksa Temple, brings its crisp, sweet apples to downtown Seoul: an apple market with tastings, a display of apple varieties, hanbok try-on, small crafts and an apple-rolling game.

10:00–19:00. Free (some activities paid). The festival in Yeongju itself ran Oct 30–Nov 1.

Korea Traditional Liquor Festival (K-Sool Grand Festival)

2026 대한민국 우리술 대축제

Korea's biggest traditional liquor festival: taste, try and buy traditional drinks from all over the country, with stage shows like cocktail and food pairing shows, makgeolli brewing classes, hangwa (traditional sweets) making and food trucks.

13:00–20:00 (last day to 19:00). Admission 15,000 won.

QUAD Theater: "Hwayeom" (Flames)

쿼드, 연극의 질문들: 〈화염〉

The next play in Daehangno Theater QUAD's 2026 series. Twins Jeanne and Simon are thrown by the will of their mother, Nawal, who stayed silent for her last five years: they must find the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew, and give each a letter. Following her past through a history of war and massacre, they reach a shocking truth about her silence.

Weekdays 19:30, weekends 15:00 (Saturday, Nov 14 at 18:00); no shows on Mondays. All seats 50,000 won; ages 16 and up.

Pohang Marine Corps Culture Festival

포항 해병대문화 축제

Pohang is home to the ROK Marine Corps 1st Division, and this military culture festival shares the Marines' history with residents and visitors: an opening with the band and honor guard, a joint civilian-military parade, a base open day with amphibious assault vehicles and tanks on display (and rides), a Marine Corps history exhibition and food stalls.

Free. 10:00–17:00.

Suncheon Ollanga One-Day Market

순천 올랑가 일일마켓

A one-day street market in Suncheon's old downtown celebrating new local shops: food booths from local merchants and teams from many countries, busking and spoon-drumming shows, a stamp tour, a treasure hunt and crafts like dalgona making.

11:00–18:00. Free.

Jinan Plateau Kimchi & Bossam Festival

진안고원 김치보쌈축제

Celebrate kimjang, Korea's kimchi-making season, with produce from the clean Jinan plateau. Make kimchi, eat it with boiled pork (bossam), and enjoy a flea market, a grill zone, concerts and a kimchi quiz show.

10:30–17:00. Free; the take-home kimchi-making set is 185,000 won (20 kg salted cabbage + 10 kg seasoning), first come, first served.

Asan Ginkgo Road Street Arts Festival (Art Street)

2026 은행나무길 거리예술제 〈아트 스트리트〉

Asan's ginkgo tree road, one of the city's best autumn spots, becomes an outdoor stage: circus, mime, juggling and drum shows with no words needed, a street parade, circus activities for kids, a local art market and a hanbok photo studio.

13:00–17:00. Free. Main area: in front of the Asan Yi Sun-sin Tourism Experience Center.

Lecky's Mysterious Picnic

2026 렉키의 수상한 피크닉

A retro picnic weekend on Dotseom, a small island resort off Masan: picnics and games on the lawn, a free map-based walking tour, a paid mystery mission tour on your phone (no app needed), yacht rides, hanbok try-on and a small concert.

11:00–17:00. Entry free; ferry to the island 9,000 won (event price), mission tour 5,000 won, yacht ride 15,000 won.

Run Busan Run Running Festival

달려라부산 러닝페스티벌

A running party for everyone, from beginners to seasoned runners: a 5 km sunset run by the sea, running crew rankings, a citizen fitness challenge, yoga and Zumba classes, a running talk show, a flea market and a concert.

12:00–19:00. Free.

Pocheon Pet Star at Art Valley

포천펫스타

A pet festival at Pocheon Art Valley, a former quarry turned art park: mission games with your dog, a healing forest walk with dogs, dog pilates, a pet olympics, a pet etiquette quiz, a dog playground and performances.

10:00–18:00. Art Valley admission applies.

Mind Health Walking Day

2026 국민건강 리부트 마음건강 걷기대회

A free walking event for anyone: walk about 5 km from Sejong Central Park through the National Sejong Arboretum, with free arboretum entry and a souvenir, plus health booths, performances and events.

09:00–13:00. Free. About 800 walkers.

Citywide Energy Walk Festival

온시민에너지걷기한마당

A free, non-competitive autumn walk through central Daejeon, held for the 2026 World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WCPEC-9). Start at Expo Citizens' Plaza, walk past Hanbat Arboretum, scan four QR stamp missions on your phone for a finisher's reward, then try the energy quiz and eco activities.

Sun, Nov 15, 13:30–17:00. Bring a charged smartphone for the QR stamps.

Busan Folk Arts Festival

부산종합민속예술제

Busan's intangible heritage and folk traditions in one day: farmers' music, shaman rites, tightrope walking and folk songs on stage, crafts with heritage masters like embroidery, flower shoes and kites, traditional games, a craft market and hanbok rental.

11:00–17:00. Free. Moved from Oct 24–25 to Nov 15 (official notice).

Pohang International Fireworks Festival

포항국제불빛축제

Pohang, Korea's steel city, celebrates "fire and light" with a costume parade, drone light shows and a light-art walkway, ending with an international fireworks show over Yeongilman Bay. It began in 2004 for Pohang Citizens' Day and is free to attend.

The international fireworks show is planned for Saturday night, Nov 21. Expect big crowds around Yeongildae Beach.

Unconfirmed: Dates differ by source: KTO's English TourAPI lists Nov 19–21, the Korean VisitKorea festival page Nov 20–22. KTO's details are still from 2025.

Game Culture Festival

게임문화축제

Korea's game festival: immersive exhibitions of popular Korean game worlds, a live concert of game music arranged for gugak (traditional music) and pop, an amateur esports tournament, family game zones, a stamp tour and quizzes.

10:00–18:00. Free.

Incheon International Design Fair (INDEF)

인천국제디자인페어

The 20th Incheon International Design Fair, hosted by Incheon City and run with Incheon's design associations. This year's theme, "Twenty; Meet Incheon", looks at the city through design.

The venue is the Incheon Culture & Arts Center (149 Yesul-ro, Namdong-gu), not Songdo.

20th-Century Masters of Photography: Light Stops Time

20세기 사진 거장전 - 빛, 시간을 멈추다

About 80 works by 17 photographers who shaped modern photography, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Tina Modotti and William Klein, chosen from the collection of Gallery Lumiere. The show is about the weight of physical prints, made in silver and platinum in the darkroom, in an age of endless digital images.

10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30). Adults 12,000 won; children, youth and seniors 9,000 won; young children free.

The Souvenir Fair

대한민국 관광기념품 박람회

A three-day fair of Korean souvenirs, from traditional crafts to trendy goods, with companies and local governments from around the country. Walk the exhibition halls, shop for gifts, see the prize-winning works from the national souvenir competition and a zone of the best local souvenirs, plus a special display of souvenirs from abroad.

Art Hall 1 and 2, DDP. 10:00–19:00 (last day until 18:00); last entry 30 minutes before closing. Free admission.

Muan YD Festival

무안 YD 페스티벌

A youth culture festival themed 'PLAY YD': an opening parade, a celebration concert, a street basketball contest, busking, drone flying, beauty and AI game booths, a chrysanthemum display and local produce sales.

09:00–22:00. Free (some programs paid).

Sunchang Korea Tteokbokki Festa

순창 떡볶이 페스타

Two days of tteokbokki in Sunchang, home of the Traditional Gochujang Folk Village. Eat tteokbokki from village and snack stalls, make tteokbokki sauce with a master, watch chef cooking shows and a university tteokbokki contest, and join street drawing, magic and bubble shows.

Saturday from 10:00 (with overnight camping), Sunday 10:00–17:00. Some programs need booking on the official site.

Gyeonggi Rice Dessert Festa

경기미 디저트 페스타

A fair for desserts made with Gyeonggi rice. This year the rice bakery and rice tteokbokki festas are held together: a rice dessert market, rice baking and rice tteokbokki contests, small rice bakeries and tteokbokki shops, and make-your-own tteokbokki and rice cookie classes.

Free. 11:00–17:00.

Board Game Festa (Season 2)

보드게임페스타(시즌2)

A board game fair run by the Korea Board Game Industry Association (held as the Seoul Board Game Festa from 2015). Play new and upcoming games, try designers' new games, enter tournaments and buy games at a discount.

Day 1 10:00–18:00, day 2 10:00–17:00. 5,000 won (4,500 won in advance).

E-World Illumination

이월드 일루미네이션

Daegu's E-World theme park and the 83 Tower above it are covered in some ten million lights for the winter season. Come in the evening to walk through the glowing park and stop at the many photo zones.

Paid admission (E-World ticket). Check the official site for each day's hours.

Run Trip Namhae! Fall & Fun

2026 런트립 남해! FALL & FUN

A 10 km non-competitive run along Namhae's Naesan autumn-leaves road, with a flea market linked to the German Village, DJ and nanta shows, hands-on booths and food trucks. Runners get free entry to Namhae's main sights and lodging discounts.

12:00–17:00. Entry fee 40,000 won.

Seoul Design Festival

서울디자인페스티벌

The 25th Seoul Design Festival, a four-day design show at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul.

Tickets ₩15,000 on site (early-bird ₩12,000 until Nov 22). Nov 26–28 10:30–18:30, Nov 29 10:30–17:00; last entry one hour before closing. Entry by QR code.

Dandandan Festival

단단단페스티벌

Run by the Gangneung Danoje Committee, Dandandan (端單團) means "our one and only, finest festival". Built on Gangwon's traditional culture, it gives local artists a stage: guest concerts, a traditional performing arts show by Gangneung children and youth groups, joint shows by Gangwon companies and the closing Yeongsanhong Concert.

Free. 10:30–19:30. Evening concerts at 18:30 on Nov 26 and 27; Yeongsanhong Concert on Nov 28 at 16:30.

Busan Christmas Village

크리스마스 빌리지 부산

For a month before Christmas, Busan Cinema Center turns into a Christmas village with a big tree, a snowy plaza, Santa parades and choir performances. Villagers such as Santa and the mail carrier greet you, and there are limited-edition Christmas menus from local Busan brands, gift shops and seasonal pop-ups.

Paid tickets this year (sold through YES24) to cut waiting. Weekdays 16:00–22:00, weekends and the Christmas season 11:00–22:00.

Ulsan Culture Expo

울산문화박람회

Ulsan's big culture fair under the slogan 'My Ulsan, Our City': exhibitions on the city's future and local culture, programs from its five districts and county, performances and events. Ulsan's Bangucheon petroglyphs became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025.

10:00–18:00. Free (some programs paid). UECO is near KTX Ulsan Station.

Paju Jangdan Bean Festival

파주장단콩축제

The 30th festival for Paju's Jangdan beans (Jangdan-kong), held at Imjingak near the inter-Korean border. Farmers sell beans and other local produce, stalls make fresh tofu, rice cakes and fried snacks on the spot, and there are hands-on activities and street artists.

K-Rice Festa (Korean Rice & Traditional Liquor)

우리쌀 우리술 K-라이스페스타

Korean rice and traditional liquors from all over the country in one hall: taste and buy rice snacks, rice-based foods and traditional drinks. Tastings, makgeolli brewing, cocktail and drinking-table contests and kids' activities.

Free. Nov 27–28 10:00–18:00, Nov 29 10:00–17:00.

Haeundae Light Festival

해운대 빛축제

This winter Haeundae Beach and the streets nearby fill with light sculptures, media art and performances. It is free and lit every evening, so you can walk along the beach after dinner and enjoy the city at night.

Lights on 18:00–23:00. Free.

The Painters: Live Drawing Show

페인터즈

A non-verbal show that talks to the audience through dance, acting and art. The performers make pictures live on stage, with projection mapping on top: carving with light, action painting on four canvases, dust drawing, speed drawing, marbling on water and glow-in-the-dark drawing.

Shows at 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 (the schedule can change). Seats 50,000–70,000 won. All ages.

Jinyeon: Royal Banquet Gugak Show

국악공연 진연

A one-hour show of Korean traditional instruments in a small hanok-style theater in Insadong, inspired by the music of royal banquets. The players move from court and folk pieces to arrangements of modern and world music, and you sit close enough to see every string.

Shows at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00, none on public holidays. Tickets 65,000 won.

Gwangalli M Drone Light Show

광안리 M 드론 라이트쇼

Every Saturday evening about 1,100 drones light up the sky over Gwangalli Beach, with Gwangan Bridge lit up behind them. Each show lasts about 12 minutes and you can watch from anywhere on the beach. Special days such as the New Year countdown, Seollal and Chuseok get bigger shows with up to 3,000 drones.

Free. Saturdays at 19:00 and 21:00 from October to February (20:00 and 22:00 from March to September). Weather can change the schedule.

Namsan Beacon Fire Ceremony and Traditional Culture Events

남산봉수의식 등 전통문화행사

Seoul re-creates a Joseon-era way of sending news: the beacon fire ceremony at the Namsan Bongsudae, where fire signals from beacon towers all over the country ended up, with a guide explaining the history. At Bosingak you can join the daily noon bell ringing, and there are samul nori and traditional martial arts shows at the Palgakjeong plaza by N Seoul Tower, plus one-day beacon-keeper experiences.

Free. Events run 11:00–15:40.

Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Deoksugung

서울 왕궁수문장 교대의식

Seoul's best-known traditional re-enactment: the changing of the guards who kept the palace gates in the Joseon era, built from historical records and staged in front of Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung. You can also beat the drum that opens the ceremony, play a gate guard in full uniform (book ahead) or take photos in Joseon-era clothes.

Free. 11:00 and 14:00, every day except Monday.

Sungnyemun Gate Guard Ceremony

숭례문 파수의식

Pasu was the Joseon-era duty of guarding the gates of the capital. At Sungnyemun (Namdaemun), guards in Joseon uniforms open the gate to the sound of a conch shell and horns, change the watch through the day, march on patrol and close the gate again at the end.

Free. 10:00–15:40, every day except Monday.

DDP Architecture Tour

DDP 건축투어

A 60-minute guided walk around Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the building designed by Zaha Hadid, and the history of the Dongdaemun area around it: the Seoul city wall, the restored Joseon-era water gate of Cheonggyecheon and the lighting towers of the old Dongdaemun Stadium.

Tuesday–Sunday (closed Mondays and on New Year's Day, Seollal and Chuseok). One tour a day is in English; check times on the DDP site. Adults 10,000 won. Ages 13 and up (under 13 with a guardian).

Royal Stroll at Incheon Airport

왕가의 산책

A short show of Joseon court life for travelers before their flight. In Terminal 1 a king and queen take a stroll as if through their palace; in Terminal 2 a royal procession with military officers re-creates a late-Joseon military exam. Afterwards you can take photos with the performers in court costume.

Free, in the departure duty-free areas (after security). Terminal 1 at 11:00 and 14:00 (about 30 minutes); Terminal 2 times change by weekday.

2026 Visit Korea's Islands Year

섬 방문의 해

A year-long national campaign for Korea's islands and their nature and culture, linked to the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. Most of it runs online, with island travel cost support and events that help you pick an island to visit.

Free; details differ by program. Check the official site.

Jindo Saturday Gugak Show "I Love Gugak"

국립남도국악원 토요상설공연 '국악이 좋다'

Every Saturday the National Namdo Gugak Center on Jindo Island puts on a free show of southern Korean traditional music: instrumental pieces, folk songs and pansori. Jindo is the home of Ganggangsullae and many other folk arts, and each month has a theme. November's is the start of winter.

Free. A free shuttle runs from Jindo-eup before and after the show (about 70 minutes).

Anyang Public Art Project (APAP) Artwork Tour

APAP 작품투어 (안양공공예술프로젝트)

Since 2005 the Anyang Public Art Project has filled the city's parks and streets with outdoor artworks. Guided tours start at Anyang Pavilion in Anyang Art Park, at the foot of Gwanaksan, and also visit Pyeongchon's Central Park. A relaxed 60 to 90 minutes of art and greenery.

Tours Tue–Sun at 10:30 and 14:00 (closed Mondays). Adults 3,000 won, ages 19 and under 1,000 won.

Culture Day Youth Mic (Jeolla & Jeju)

문화가 있는 날 청춘마이크 (전라·제주권)

Free pop-up performances by young and senior performing groups in everyday places around Jeolla and Jeju, part of the national Culture Day program. This year's theme, Cheongchun Eoram, brings young and older artists together, with solo shows and joint stages.

Free. Times and places differ for each of the 47 shows; check the official site.

Daejeon Saturday Gugak Show

대전시립연정국악단 토요국악

The Daejeon Yeonjeong Korean Traditional Music Center, opened in 1981, was the first gugak venue run by a Korean city. Its orchestra, singers and dancers give a themed show on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, from court music to new gugak, in the small hall by Hanbat Arboretum.

November shows: Nov 14 and 28. About 60 minutes, ages 8 and up.

Ssokssokdeul-i Festival (National Theater of Korea)

국립극장 쏙쏙들이페스티벌

The National Theater of Korea's Stage Arts Support Center in Heyri Art Village runs free performances through the year in its small "Ssok" Experience Theater, with acts across popular genres for all ages. Free tickets are handed out at the information desk from noon on the day, first come, first served.

Shows usually 14:00–15:00. Tickets can run out early, so get there before noon.

K-Gugak Stage in Namwon

K-국악 스테이지

Namwon is the setting of Chunhyangjeon, Korea's best-loved classic love story, and a home of pansori. At Yewondang Theater the resident troupe performs scenes from pansori stories such as Chunhyangga and Heungbuga, plus salpuri dance and farmers' music, in about 70 minutes.

Ages 8 and up. Afterwards, see the gugak exhibition hall and walk to Chunhyang Theme Park.

Culture Day Youth Mic (Seoul region & Gangwon)

문화가 있는 날 청춘마이크 (수도·강원권)

From April to November, 40 young and senior performing groups bring street shows to the capital region and Gangwon: bands, circus, dance, gugak, vocals, popera and more, at places such as Sinchon Star Plaza, Seoul Forest and Jayu Park in Incheon.

Free. 15:00–19:30; places change, so check the official Instagram.

International Seon Meditation Summit & Festival

국제선명상대회

Run by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism for the nation's mental health, now in its third year with the theme "Seon meditation in the AI era". Alongside forums and an international conference on Nov 12 (the closing day), the meditation festival lets you try walking, eating and sound meditation at meditation centers and temples around the country.

Free. Events at Bongeunsa 10:00–18:00.

ARI – The Spirit of Korea (Jeongseon Arirang Musical)

아리아라리

A musical built on Jeongseon Arirang, one of the best-known regional versions of Korea's Arirang folk song, mixing traditional melody with modern music and 3D holograms. A daughter sets out for Hanyang (old Seoul) to find her father, a Jeongseon carpenter who went to help build Gyeongbokgung Palace. It won an award at the Adelaide Fringe in 2023.

About 75 minutes, all ages. It runs with the Jeongseon Arirang Market, held on dates ending in 2 and 7.

Gombaengi Teotta: Namsadang Nori in Anseong

곰뱅이텄다

Namsadang Nori, the art of Korea's traveling folk troupes, is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list. This weekend show in Anseong tells the story of Baudeogi, a 15-year-old girl who became the head of a Joseon-era troupe, in six acts: puppetry, pungmul drumming, plate spinning, ground acrobatics, tightrope walking and a mask play.

Weekends, about 90 minutes, all ages.

Raftman (Ttetkkun): A Jeongseon Arirang Stage Show

뗏꾼

A stage drama about the raftmen who floated timber from Jeongseon down the river to Seoul. Set in the Japanese colonial era, it follows a veteran raftman and a newcomer who secretly carry gold for the independence army, with Jeongseon Arirang, once the raftmen's work song, woven through the story.

About 75 minutes, all ages, at Arirang Hall in Jeongseon town.

Geumnam-ro Car-Free Street "Geotjaing"

금남로 차 없는 거리 '걷자잉'

On the first Saturday of each month from April to November, Geumnam-ro in central Gwangju closes to cars. Geotjaing mixes Gwangju dialect for "let's walk" with English "-ing". The street fills with board games and a reading lounge, a local flea market, food trucks, chalk art, play zones, youth busking and a bike repair stand. November's day is Saturday, Nov 7, the last one this year.

Free. 13:00–19:00.

Chungjang Raon Festa

충장 라온페스타

A street festival started in 2022 to bring shoppers back to Chungjang-ro and its underground shopping arcade in Gwangju's old downtown. It runs on the first Saturday of each month from April, with a K-star challenge on car-free Geumnam-ro, culture days in the underground arcade, the Dokkaebi flea market and a rock concert. November's day is Saturday, Nov 7.

Free. Times differ by program.

Culture Lounge Gyeonggi "Jang"

컬처라운지 경기, 장(場)

A cultural lounge that brings Gyeonggi-do's local culture together in one place. Plan a Gyeonggi trip to your own taste, try pottery and tea tasting at the Gyeonggi ceramics shop, color in artwork and catch live music and film screenings.

Free. 10:00–18:00.

Han River History Walks

한강역사탐방

Free guided walks along the Han River with a Hangang guide, run by the Seoul Future Hangang Headquarters. There are 16 routes, each with its own theme, such as Pungnap Fortress and the old Gwangnaru ferry crossing, or the Samjeondo Stele and Seokchon Lake in Songpa.

Free. Two walks a day, 10:00–12:00 and 14:00–16:00. Routes on the official site.

Goesan Space City: Star Explorers

충북 괴산 우주특별시: 별별탐사대

A hands-on exhibition for children built around an imagined "space ecosystem" that explores new possibilities for fruit and plants. Three rooms: installation, graffiti, UV and interactive sound art; a Milky Way play space; and an art room where kids finish their own ideas, with parents as guides.

Free. 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays.

Seoul Street Performances "Guseok Guseok Live"

서울거리공연 구석구석라이브

150 acts chosen through an open call play free street shows in central Seoul and at city landmarks, until the end of November.

Free. Times and places change by show; check the official site or Instagram.

Hwaseong Haenggung Night Opening "Dalbit Hwadam"

화성행궁 야간개장

Hwaseong Haenggung, the temporary palace built under King Jeongjo and the grandest of Korea's haenggung, opens at night with the theme "stories of flowers under the moon": flower sculptures, soft lighting, 3D holograms and lasers along the palace paths, plus palace walks led by local resident actors.

18:00–21:30. Adults 2,000 won, youth 1,500 won, children 1,000 won. Last night Sunday, Nov 1.

Seoul Plaza Culture Stage

문화가 흐르는 서울광장

Free evening shows on the outdoor stage at Seoul Plaza, in front of City Hall, from May to December, with a new line-up every month: pop, hip-hop, jazz, bands, classical music, magic and more.

Free. 18:00–19:30. Program and performers on the official site.

Palsaek Chanran: Regions Full of K

팔색찬란

A special exhibition by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism that asks where the "K" in K-culture comes from. Regional content and media art show how Korea's history, arts and local heritage grew into today's K-content. There is also a short performance every Wednesday at 12:10.

Free. 09:00–18:00, closed Tuesdays.

Yuseong Onnal (Yuseong Hot Springs Days)

유성온날

A program to make you stay a while in Yuseong, Daejeon's hot spring district: healing yoga with aromatherapy and tea, outdoor cinema with wireless headphones, small concerts at Biryongjae (a former presidential villa) and a running challenge along Gapcheon Stream. Participants get coupons for hotels, cafés and bakeries in the area.

Programs, dates and prices differ; check and sign up on the official site.

5th Jeju Biennale "Iyahong: The Art of Transformation"

제5회 제주비엔날레

Jeju's fifth biennale looks at how cultures that reached the volcanic island by sea and from the northern mainland scattered, gathered and changed into Jeju's own way of life. Its keyword, Iyahong, is the refrain of a folk song that came from the mainland and became a Jeju song. Venues include Jeju Museum of Art, the Five Hundred Generals Gallery at Jeju Stone Park and Jeju Art Platform.

10:00–18:00 in October and November. Jeju Museum of Art: adults 8,000 won, youth 4,000 won, children 2,000 won. The other venues are free (the Stone Park gallery with a biennale ticket).

Hongseong Namdang Port Jumbo Shrimp Festival

홍성남당항 대하축제

Namdang Port on Cheonsu Bay is known for West Sea seafood, and every autumn it hosts Korea's biggest jumbo shrimp (daeha) festival. Eat shrimp grilled on a bed of salt at the harborside restaurants, then walk the port at sunset.

16th Gwangju Biennale "You Must Change Your Life"

제16회 광주비엔날레

Korea's best-known contemporary art biennale. This 16th edition takes its title from the last line of a 1908 poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, in which facing a broken ancient statue changes the way the speaker sees the world.

10:00–18:00. Tickets 20,000 won (17,000 won in advance); more prices on the official site.

House of an Honest Official (Chunghyeon Museum)

청백리의 집, 오늘을 비추다

A family heritage program at the head house of Yi Won-ik, a Joseon statesman remembered as a model of an honest, modest official, and at Gwangamdang, the house King Injo gave him. Watch an interactive play, dye cloth with mulberries, explore the hanok with a guide and hear a gayageum concert. It runs on four days only; the last is Saturday, Nov 7.

11:00–15:00. Play 6,000 won, hanok tour 8,000 won, natural dyeing 10,000 won; the gayageum concert is free. Book ahead.

Hantangang Garden Festa

포천 한탄강 가든페스타

A seasonal garden and flower festival by the Hantangang River, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Walk through themed gardens made with local artists, cross the 410 m Y-shaped suspension bridge, browse the River Market for Pocheon produce and food, and ride electric bikes along the river.

Open 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00). Admission is charged.

Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale

경기도자비엔날레

Korea's big ceramics show spreads across three pottery towns southeast of Seoul: Cerapia in Icheon, Gonjiam Ceramic Park in Gwangju and Yeoju Dojasesang. Expect exhibitions of contemporary ceramics, talks and hands-on classes for all ages.

Last day Nov 1. Open 10:00–18:00; combination ticket 11,000 won for adults.

Gwimong Night Horror Park (Jeju Shinhwa World)

귀몽 제주신화월드

An outdoor horror experience at night in the Shinhwa World theme park. Walk through dark ghost zones laid out in the real landscape, with sound and visual effects, catch your breath in the safe zones, ride horror versions of the park's rides and join the horror party. The Gwimong market has makeup, food and a pub.

19:00–22:30 (tickets until 22:00), closed Wednesdays. Last night Sunday, Nov 1. 30,000 won; ages 36 months and up.

Han River Walk

한강수계 걷기행사

A free walking series along the Han River and its branches in three sessions: Jarasum Island in Gapyeong (Sep 19), the Hantangang River in Pocheon (Oct 10) and, in November, Hajungdo Island in Chuncheon (Nov 7). An easy walk in nature, with a finisher's medal and extra events on the day.

Nov 7, 08:30–13:30. Free.

Moonlit Night Exercise Busan Challenge

달밤에체조 부산 챌린지

Busan's free autumn evening fitness series in its parks and by the water: group calisthenics, yoga, circuit training, Zumba and kids' exercise led by fitness instructors, plus sports shows, try-it booths such as archery and basketball, and fitness checks. Made for beginners and families.

Weekly until Nov 7. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.