Autumn Festivals map (Illustration courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
As cool breezes begin to blow and golden hues paint the trees and fields, autumn is the perfect season to travel in Korea. From festivals celebrating traditional culture and stunning autumn landscapes to food-filled feasts and global film events, Korea’s autumn is packed with themed festivals you won’t want to miss.
Seoul
K-Royal Culture Festival, Oct. 8-12
K-Royal Culture Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Held every spring and autumn, this festival takes place at the five royal palaces in Seoul—Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung—as well as at Jongmyo Shrine. Each venue welcomes visitors with its own unique program and a rich variety of cultural experiences.
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Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Sept. 27
Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Held every fall at Yeouido Hangang Park, this is one of Seoul’s most iconic festivals. Over one million people gather to enjoy a spectacular 90-minute fireworks show, with a festive atmosphere filling the area all day long.
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Gyeonggi-do
Siheung Gaetgol Festival, Sept. 26-28
Siheung Gaetgol Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Held during the most beautiful days of autumn, this festival takes place at Gaetgol Ecological Park. The main highlight of the event is the acoustic music concert, where visitors can sit back and relax on the grass while enjoying live performances in a serene natural setting.
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Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival, Oct. 9-12
Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
This festival is based on Namsadang Nori, a UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage. It originates from the Joseon dynasty, when the Namsadangpae—troupes of traveling performers—entertained local communities across the country. Today, the festival features a wide array of vibrant performances that celebrate this rich traditional art form.
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Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, Sept. 27-Oct. 4
Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival commemorates an eight-day journey taken by King Jeongjo in 1795. As Suwon is a popular destination among international travelers, the festival also offers hands-on programs that allow foreign visitors to actively participate in cultural experiences.
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Chungcheongnam-do
Seosan Haemi Eupseong Festival, Sept. 26-28
Seosan Haemi Eupseong Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress is a 600-year-old national heritage site. This festival infuses the site’s long-standing history and traditions with a modern touch—through concerts, media art shows, and more— offering visitors a rich blend of the past and present.
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Geumsan World K-Insam Festival, through Sept. 28
Geumsan World K-Insam Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
This festival celebrates ginseng, a traditional herbal root known for its health benefits. Visitors can enjoy a variety of ginseng-based foods—like ginseng fritters, juice, and makgeolli—and even try harvesting ginseng themselves through hands-on programs.
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Jeonbuk State
Gimje Horizon Festival, Oct. 8-12
Gimje Horizon Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
This festival takes place around Byeokgolje Reservoir, Korea’s oldest and largest irrigation facility. Visitors can enjoy traditional folk games and hands-on cultural programs, along with outdoor activities such as ziplining.
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Gwangju
Gwangju Kimchi Festival, Oct. 31-Nov. 2
Gimje Horizon Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
A lively kimchi party unfolds in the plaza around Gwangju City Hall. Here, you can make kimchi, taste it, and even take some home. If you want to experience the true essence of Korean kimchi, this is the place to be!
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Gyeongsangbuk-do
Andong Maskdance Festival, Sept. 26-Oct. 5
Andong Maskdance Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
This festival celebrates Talchum, Korean mask dance, which is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Enjoy the captivating charm of Talchum through live performances, street parades, and original stage plays inspired by this traditional art form.
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Cheongsong Apple Festival, Oct. 29-Nov. 2
Cheongsong Apple Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
This lively festival celebrates Cheongsong apples, famous for their sweet and delicious taste. Visitors can enjoy a variety of apple-based foods and fun-filled events like trivia quizzes, ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling), and singing contests.
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Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival, Oct. 18-26
Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
This festival takes place in Yeongju, a major producer of ginseng—a popular health-boosting food loved by both Koreans and international visitors. Guests can enjoy ginseng-based dishes and take part in various traditional games and festive programs.
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Busan
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), through Sept. 26
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
Celebrating its 30th edition in 2025, this global gathering of film professionals and fans is the largest film festival in Asia. Every autumn, it draws numerous international cinephiles to the city of Busan.
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Dongnaeeupseong History Festival, Oct. 24-26
Dongnaeeupseong History Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
“Encounter Dongnae in 1592 Joseon” — this history-themed experiential festival takes place in Dongnae, a district rich in historical heritage. Visitors can enjoy a range of immersive programs including musicals reenacting historical events, tug-of-war games, and various traditional folk activities.
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Busan
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, Oct. 4-19
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
This festival lights up the autumn nights of Jinju with floating lanterns on the river and spectacular fireworks over the water. Don’t miss the magical sight of tens of thousands of lanterns lighting up the city in a warm, golden glow.
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Tours by theme
Theme 1 – Festivals of Traditional Korean Culture
Experience the richness of Korean tradition through special festivals that bring the past to life. From programs held at the five major royal palaces in Seoul to celebrations inspired by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage elements like Talchum (mask dance) and Namsadang Nori (folk performance), these events offer an immersive glimpse into Korea’s cultural roots.
Theme 2 – Festivals Highlighting Local History
Exploring local history offers a unique way to experience a place. These festivals combine lively traditional games inherited from the past with a touch of modern sensibility, bringing the past to life in fresh and exciting ways.
Theme 3 – Food & Local Specialty Festivals
No journey or festival is complete without great food. These regional festivals invite you to savor a wide variety of local dishes and enjoy a full-on culinary experience unique to each destination.
Theme 4 – Festivals in Nature, Ecology & Scenic Landscapes
There are festivals that truly embody the spirit of autumn. Set against the backdrop of the Hangang River in Seoul, the Namgang River in Jinju, lush ecological parks, and pristine natural settings, these celebrations offer the joy of experiencing the season in harmony with nature.
Theme 5 – A Global Gathering of Filmmakers
Each autumn, the streets of Busan come alive with film professionals and fans from around the world. Dive into the Busan International Film Festival, a cinematic celebration that fills the city’s autumn nights with romance and artistic brilliance.
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