This guide lists 12 festivals and events in Korea that you can visit in October 2026. It is in two parts. The first covers festivals that begin in October, in order of their start dates. The second covers longer-running events that start earlier and continue into October, also in order of start date.
Festivals starting in October 2026
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
Dates: October 1–15, 2026. Where: Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River area, Gyeongsangnam-do. Admission: Paid (admission 10,000 won).
This lantern festival grew out of the floating of lanterns on the Namgang River during the Great Victory at Jinju in the Imjin War.
Sunchang Jangryu Festival
Dates: October 15–18, 2026. Where: Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Folk Village and Fermentation Theme Park area, Jeonbuk State. Admission: Free (some items charge a fee).
Dongnaeeupseong History Festival
Dates: October 16–18, 2026. Where: Around Dongnae Eupseong Fortress North Gate and Dongnae Cultural Center, Busan. Admission: Free, though some programs charge a fee: the outdoor escape room costs 10,000 won, and hands-on activities cost 3,000–10,000 won.
Gangneung Coffee Festival
Dates: October 21–25, 2026. Where: Gangwon-do. Check the listing for venue and admission details.
Gwangju Kimchi Festival
Dates: October 23–25, 2026. Where: Jeonnam-Gwangju. Check the listing for venue and admission details.
Longer-running events continuing into October 2026
Earthen Vessels: Stories of Our Lives
Dates: July 29 – October 25, 2026. Where: Special Exhibition Gallery, 1st Floor, Main Building, Gwangju National Museum, Jeonnam-Gwangju. Admission: Free.
Yuseong Onnal
Dates: August 14 – December 11, 2026. Where: Yuseong Hot Spring District, Daejeon. Admission: See the official website for detailed fees.
2026 5th Jeju Biennale Heokkeugok Modakchigok Iyahong: The Art of Transformation
Dates: August 25 – November 15, 2026. Where: Jeju Provincial Museum of Art, Jeju.
Admission: At Jeju Provincial Museum of Art, adults 8,000 won, youth 4,000 won and children 2,000 won. Entry to the Obaekjanggun Gallery at Jeju Stone Culture Park is free with a Jeju Biennale ticket. Entry to Jeju Art Platform, Art Space Ia and Gallery Remicon is free.
Semiwon Water Lily Culture Festival
Dates: September 1 – October 31, 2026. Where: Semiwon, Gyeonggi-do. Admission: Paid admission.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Starlight Night Tour
Dates: September 2 – October 24, 2026. Where: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul. Admission: Paid (60,000 won per person).
Hongseong Namdang Port Jumbo Shrimp Festival
Dates: September 4 – November 8, 2026. Where: Special stage at Namdang Port, Hongseong, and the Namdang Port area, Chungcheongnam-do. Admission: Free (some food and hands-on programs charge a fee).
Fortress City in the Forest - Namhansanseong Autumn Festa
Dates: September 5 – October 25, 2026. Where: Namhansanseong Fortress area, Gyeonggi-do. Admission: Free.
Before you go
Festival dates and details can change. Before you book travel, check the official page linked on each listing for the latest information.