Top 11 Korean festivals in October worth experiencing in fall 2025

Let's explore 11 outstanding events not to be missed in the 2025 Korean autumn festival season below!

1. Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival – Lantern Festival along the Namgang River

The Namgang River sparkles during the lantern festival night – The highlight of autumn in Korea in October. (Photo: Simon Bond)

Ideal time: October 5 – 20
Highlights: Releasing wishing lanterns, watching thousands of glowing lanterns on the river, night light parade.
Tip: Come after 6:30pm to enjoy the most magical lighting effects.

The Jinju Lantern Festival is one of the most iconic highlights of Korea's October festivals . Held along the Namgang River, the event offers a breathtaking view of thousands of glowing lanterns reflecting on the calm waters.

This is not only a visually striking Korean autumn festival, but also carries deep cultural significance as it commemorates the Imjin War warriors. With its magical, traditional atmosphere, the Jinju Festival deserves to be one of the most worth-experienced activities during the 2025 Korean autumn festival season.

>> See Korea tour fall 2025:
1. South Korea: Seoul – Nami Island – Seorak – Hwadam Botanical Garden | Experience wearing Hanbok at Gyeongbok Palace (4N3D)
2. Korea: Seoul - Nami Island - Morning Calm - Hwadam Botanical Garden - Everland Park - Panda World - Eunpyeong Hanok Village (3 nights hotel) (5N4D)

2. Jeonju Bibimbap Festival – Traditional Korean Food Festival

Enjoy famous Bibimbap and experience Jeonju's culinary culture during the autumn festival. (Photo: Collected)

Ideal time: Late October
Highlights: Mix your own giant bibimbap, sample local dishes, and take part in traditional cooking demonstrations.
Tip: Join a free culinary workshop to better understand Korean culture.

If you are looking for a Korean festival in October with a traditional flavor, then Jeonju Bibimbap Festival is the perfect choice. This festival is held right in Jeonju city – the cradle of the world- famous bibimbap dish.

In the bustling and authentic atmosphere of a Korean autumn festival, you will have the opportunity to enjoy bibimbap prepared on the spot, experience traditional cooking techniques, and immerse yourself in lively performances. This 2025 Korean autumn festival season, take the time to visit Jeonju to fully experience the connection between local cuisine and culture.

3. Andong Mask Dance Festival – Traditional Mask Dance Festival

Traditional Talchum mask dance – The soul of Korea's autumn cultural festival. (Photo: CHA)

Ideal time: Early to mid October
Highlights: Watch Talchum performance, explore Hahoe ancient village, join folk art parade.
Small tip: Wear hanbok to take pictures with masks in the ancient village – both beautiful and blending in.

The Andong Mask Dance Festival is an indispensable destination during the Korean festival season in October, especially for those who love traditional culture. Here, Talchum mask dances are performed vividly, reflecting many aspects of ancient society in a satirical and profound way.

The event is not only highly artistic, but also clearly demonstrates the spirit of preserving folk culture in a modern context. During the Korean autumn festival season, Andong becomes a true cultural stage. Coming here at the 2025 Korean autumn festival, you will not only watch but also live in the traditional cultural story.

4. Seoul International Fireworks Festival – Seoul International Fireworks Festival

The Han River is ablaze with color during Korea's biggest fireworks festival in October. (Photo: Hanwha Group)

Ideal time: First week of October
Highlights: Enjoy the international fireworks display on the Han River and the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Tip: Come early to get a good spot in Yeouido, bring a picnic mat and snacks.

One of the most anticipated events in the October festival series in Korea, the Seoul Fireworks Festival turns the capital's night sky into a spectacular symphony of lights. Many fireworks teams from different countries will take turns performing fireworks art in sync with music .

Not only attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, this event also brings the exciting atmosphere typical of the Korean autumn festival, where locals and tourists enjoy the cool weather and the most beautiful autumn colors. With a regular schedule, this year's fireworks festival continues to be a must-see destination in the 2025 Korean autumn festival.

5. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)

BIFF – Asian cinema rendezvous in the cool autumn of Busan sea. (Photo: Song Seung-hyun)

Ideal time: Early October
Highlights: Interact with famous Asian directors and actors, watch outdoor movies by the sea.
Small tip: Register to receive free tickets early via the official website so you don't miss out on hot screenings.

BIFF is not only Korea’s largest film event but also the “modern soul” of the October Korean festival in the coastal city of Busan. The cool autumn air, blue sea and gentle sunlight are the perfect “backdrop” to enjoy the 7th art.

In addition to domestic and international film premieres, you will also have the opportunity to meet the leading faces of Asian cinema. BIFF is proof that the Korean autumn festival is not only traditional but also converges with modern and creative flows. Add BIFF to your 2025 Korean autumn festival experience if you love cinema and contemporary art.

6. Baekje Cultural Festival – Baekje Cultural Festival

Recreating the ancient kingdom of Baekje in a historical autumn festival atmosphere. (Photo: Collected)

Ideal time: October (usually lasts 1 week)
Highlights: Historical parade, Baekje dance performance, ancient palace reenactment.
Tip: Wear traditional hanbok for period-style photos.

One of Korea’s most historic autumn festivals, the Baekje Cultural Festival recreates the golden age of the ancient kingdom of Baekje. Held alternately in Buyeo and Gongju – the two ancient capitals – the festival takes visitors back in time with its epic rituals, costumes and performances.

This event plays a big role in promoting intangible cultural heritage, attracting many tourists during the Korean festival season in October. If you love experiences with deep history, this festival is the perfect stop on your journey to explore Korean festivals in autumn 2025.

7. Gangneung Coffee Festival – Coastal Coffee Festival

Enjoy handmade coffee by the sea at the famous Gangneung coffee festival. (Photo: Collected)

Ideal time: 2nd week of October
Outstanding experiences: Brewing workshop, enjoying hand-roasted coffee, checking in at a coastal cafe.
Small tip: Spend at least one leisurely afternoon sitting in a cafe watching the sea, no need to rush.

In the list of highly relaxing Korean festivals in October, the Gangneung Coffee Festival cannot be missed. Held right in the famous coastal city of Gangneung – home to the most developed coffee culture in Korea – the festival is an opportunity to gather artisans, baristas and leading coffee brands.

The cool coastal space combined with the fragrant aroma of coffee creates a very special atmosphere of the Korean autumn festival. With a slow, gentle rhythm, this is an ideal stop if you are looking for a balance between experience and relaxation during the 2025 Korean autumn festival.

>> See autumn tour to Korea:
3. Korea: Seoul - Nami Island - Everland Park - Panda World - Korean Folk Village - Suwon Starfield Library - Namsan Tower (3 nights hotel) (5N4D)
4. South Korea: Busan - Gamcheon Culture Village - Seoul - Nami Island - Korean Folk Village - Suwon Starfield Library | Experience the KTX high-speed train (5 days 4 nights)

8. Itaewon Global Village Festival

Multicultural convergence in Seoul's vibrant October festival season. (Photo: Jeon Han)

Ideal time: Mid-October
Highlights: Street music, multinational cuisine, cultural performances from over 20 countries.
Tip: Don't forget to try the fusion dishes at the international stalls – very creative and delicious.

The Itaewon Global Festival is a vibrant highlight in the capital city in the series of Korean festivals in October. Not only reflecting Korean culture, this event also opens the door for visitors to experience the cultures of many countries around the world right in the heart of Seoul.

Itaewon is known as an international neighborhood, and during the Korean autumn festival season, it becomes even more colorful with global music, art, and cuisine. You can find Mexican, Vietnamese, and Indian food all at once, and enjoy captivating street performances. With its special appeal, this event promises to be a dynamic stop on the 2025 Korean autumn festival journey for young people and those who love cultural exchange.

9. Seorak Cultural Festival – Festival in Seoraksan Mountain

Admiring red leaves on Seoraksan combined with a unique mountain folk festival. (Photo: Collected)

Ideal time: Mid – late October
Highlights: Seoraksan red leaves viewing, folk festivals, mountain art performances.
Small tip: Combine light mountain climbing in the early morning to catch the sunrise and admire the panoramic view of the autumn forest.

Seoraksan is a top autumn foliage spot during the Korean festival season in October, and the Seorak Cultural Festival makes the trip even more meaningful. Amidst the vibrant natural landscape, you can enjoy folk art performances, traditional games, and highland markets.

Among the Korean autumn festivals, this is one of the rare activities that brings you closer to nature, people and the life of the eastern mountains. If you love original experiences and want to take a break from the noisy city, do not miss this festival in the 2025 Korean autumn festival season.

10. Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival – Masan Chrysanthemum Festival

A sea of bright yellow chrysanthemums in autumn at the Masan Gagopa festival. (Photo: Collected)

Ideal time: Late October to early November
Outstanding experience: Admire millions of brilliant daisies, super romantic check-in space.
Small tip: Buy chrysanthemum products such as tea and cosmetics as gifts.

The Masan Chrysanthemum Festival is a beautiful symbol in the series of Korean autumn festivals 2025, especially for those who love nature and photography. The entire space of Masan city is covered in gold by millions of chrysanthemums meticulously trimmed in many creative shapes.

The air is mild, the scenery is full of colors, this is an ideal Korean autumn festival for couples, groups of friends or families. The end of October is also the time when the flowers are in full bloom, right at the peak of the Korean October festival, don't miss it!

11. Yangpyeong Han River Festival

River activities and autumn ecology in Yangpyeong, a destination near Seoul. (Photo: Collected)

Ideal time: Mid-October
Highlights: Kayaking, environmental activities, eco-art exhibition.
Small tip: Can be done as a day trip from Seoul by train, very convenient.

The Yangpyeong Han River Eco-Festival is a gentle, nature-friendly choice during the Korean festival season in October. Just over an hour by train from Seoul, the festival is suitable for the whole family or a group of friends who want to "change the wind" on the weekend.

Not as noisy as big events, the festival in Yangpyeong brings a peaceful feeling with green - clean - beautiful activities such as boating, tree planting, and nature painting exhibitions. This is part of the colorful overall picture of the Korean autumn festival, contributing to a diverse and harmonious Korean autumn festival 2025.

Each Korean autumn festival is a window into stories – of light, of taste, of history and of identity. October is not only the ideal time to see the red leaves, but also the opportunity to experience Korea in a deeper, more vivid and complete way than ever before.

If you are planning a trip to Korea during the red leaf season this year, consider planning early so you don't miss these unique Korean festivals in October!
-
For more information about the program, please contact:
VIETRAVEL
190 Pasteur, Xuan Hoa Ward, HCMC
Tel: (028) 3822 8898 - Hotline: 1800 646 888
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ vietravel
Website: www.travel.com.vn

Source of article: Collected and compiled
@traveltips #traveltips

_CN_

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-han-quoc-thang-10-mua-thu-2025-v17865.aspx