Things to do in Seoul in October - Why Oct Feels Like the City’s Best-Kept Secret

Where Can You See the Best Autumn Foliage in Seoul?

The city’s foliage doesn’t shout; it glows. You’ll find it in pockets, not panoramas, and that’s part of the charm.

• Haneul Park (near World Cup Stadium) is famous for its silver grass, which sways like ocean waves under the October sun. Go late afternoon for golden hour light and long shadows.
• Seoul Forest feels like a local secret. The trees here turn a buttery yellow, and the paths are wide enough to wander without a plan.
• Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace offer a regal kind of foliage, maple leaves against stone walls, ginkgo trees lining ancient walkways.
• Bukchon Hanok Village is where tradition meets texture. The rooftops peek through red and orange leaves, and the narrow alleys feel timeless.

Takeaway: For the best autumn foliage in Seoul, explore parks and palaces where nature and history quietly meet.

Day Trips for Peak Fall Foliage: Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm

If you have a free day, two nearby escapes offer very different takes on fall.

• Nami Island (about 90 minutes from Seoul) is postcard-perfect. Think tree-lined paths, riverside views, and a gentle hush that makes even busy weekends feel serene.
• Garden of Morning Calm (slightly further) is curated stillness. The gardens are designed to highlight seasonal shifts, and October brings a soft blaze of color, especially in the maple zones.

Both are easy to reach via day tours or public transport. I usually take the ITX train to Gapyeong and hop between the two.

Takeaway: For curated beauty and peaceful walks, Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm are ideal day tour options from Seoul.

Should You Travel Further for Autumn Foliage?

If you’re up for a longer journey, Seoraksan National Park is the crown jewel of Korea’s fall hiking scene; jagged peaks, bold reds, and trails that feel like they were carved for October. But it’s not the only option.

Seoraksan National Park (Northeast Korea)

Located near Sokcho, Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea’s most iconic autumn destinations. October brings peak foliage to its granite peaks and forested valleys, with fiery reds and golds lighting up trails like Ulsanbawi Rock and Cheonbuldong Valley.

• The hike to Ulsanbawi offers panoramic views and a rewarding challenge, while Sinheungsa Temple near the park’s entrance adds a peaceful cultural touch.
• For lighter walks, the Seorak Cable Car gives sweeping views without the climb, and Biryong Falls offers a scenic forest stroll.

From Seoul Station, take an intercity bus to Sokcho (about 2.5 hours), then transfer to local bus 7 or 7-1, a 30–45 minute ride to the park entrance.

Takeaway: Seoraksan blends bold scenery with cultural depth, a must for hikers and foliage seekers in October.

Bukhansan National Park (within Seoul)

Just 30–60 minutes from Seoul Station, Bukhansan National Park offers a rare blend of nature and city access. It’s officially the most visited national park per unit area in the world, and for good reason.

• Baegundae Peak (836m) is the highest point in Seoul, with panoramic views and a rewarding climb. The trail includes granite scrambles, anchored ropes, and scenic rest stops.
• Easier trails like the Daenammun Course or Obong Course offer gentler slopes and cultural touches; temples, fortress walls, and fall foliage along the way.
• Access is easy via subway and bus. Popular entry points include Gupabal Station (Line 3) and Dobongsan Station (Line 1/7), with signs and food stalls lining the approach.

Jirisan National Park (Southern Korea)

For those willing to venture further, Jirisan National Park is a spiritual and scenic masterpiece. Located 3.5–5 hours from Seoul, it’s South Korea’s first and largest mainland park.

• Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915m) is the highest on the mainland. The trail from Jungsan-ri is steep and rocky, but the views (especially in mid October) are unforgettable.
• The Nogodan Ridge Trail offers gentler slopes and panoramic foliage views, ideal for intermediate hikers.
• Jirisan is also home to ancient temples, waterfalls, and endangered wildlife like the Asiatic black bear. It’s not just a hike, it’s a cultural immersion.

Both parks are accessible via intercity bus, and while Jirisan requires more planning (including hotel reservations or shelter bookings), it’s worth the effort for serious hikers or those seeking solitude.

Takeaway: For bold colors and mountain air, head to Seoraksan, Bukhansan, or Jirisan National Park — each offers a unique slice of Korean culture and nature.

What Cultural Events Happen in Seoul in October?

October in Seoul is a month of movement — not just in the leaves, but in the rhythm of the city. From traditional performances to modern pop culture, the capital comes alive with events that reflect the heart of Korean culture.

• Namsan Beacon Mound Lighting Ceremony: Held throughout the year but especially atmospheric in fall, this event includes traditional games, music, and lanterns near Namsan Park — a nod to Seoul’s historic signaling system.
• K-pop concerts and university festivals: October is prime time for K-pop concerts, especially outdoor shows at universities like Yonsei and Korea University. These often feature top idols and are free to attend. You’ll also find cultural performances and food stalls lining the campus.
• Imsil N Cheese Festival: While the main event is in Jeollabuk-do, Seoul hosts satellite tastings and pop-ups in markets and malls — a quirky celebration of Korea’s cheese scene.
• Chrysanthemum Festival at Seoul Grand Park: This floral event showcases thousands of blooms in intricate displays, often paired with music and art installations.
• Moonlight tours at Gyeongbokgung Palace: These evening events include hanbok rentals, guided walks, and live music — a serene way to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace under the stars.

October also includes two major holidays:

• National Foundation Day (Oct 3) celebrates the legendary founding of Korea with parades and ceremonies.
• National Hangul Day (Oct 9) honors the creation of the Korean alphabet, often marked by exhibitions and performances in museums and cultural centers.

Takeaway: October in Seoul offers a rich mix of traditional village vibes, modern music, and seasonal festivals — perfect for those who want to enjoy performances and explore Korean culture firsthand.

Cultural Events Further Afield in October?

• The Andong Mask Dance Festival is a celebration of tradition and movement. Performers in ornate masks dance to ancient beats, and the whole town feels alive.
• The Silla Cultural Festival in Gyeongju brings history to life; lanterns, reenactments, and a sense of timeless pride.
• Even modern beats join in. A K-pop concert under fall skies is a reminder that Seoul never stops moving.

Takeaway: October’s festivals blend old and new, from masked dances to pop concerts, there’s something for every rhythm.

Seoul’s Seasonal Street Food Scene

Cooler nights bring warmer bites. Street food in October is all about comfort, grilled skewers, hotteok (sweet pancakes), and bubbling tteokbokki.

• Gwangjang Market is a sensory overload in the best way. Try the mung bean pancakes and spicy noodles.
• Along the Han River, vendors pop up with roasted chestnuts and fish cakes, perfect after a riverside walk.
• And of course, Korean BBQ hits different when the air is crisp and the grill is hot.

Takeaway: Seoul’s street food scene in October is warm, spicy, and best enjoyed outdoors.

Outdoor Activities Worth Trying in October

This is the month to move. Not fast, just enough to feel the city breathe.

• Rent a bike and follow the Han River trails. The views shift with the light, and the ride is smooth and scenic.
• Walk through Haneul Park at sunset. The silver grass glows, and the skyline feels close but quiet.
• Hike near Seoul, places like Inwangsan or Bukhansan offer short trails with big payoffs.
• Bring your camera. October light is soft and golden, and Seoul’s photo zones (like Ihwa Mural Village) are especially vivid now.

Takeaway: October invites you outside; bike, walk, hike, or simply watch the light change.

Favorite Cozy Corners: Cafés, Temples, Markets

When you need a pause, Seoul offers quiet corners.

• Jogyesa Temple glows in fall light. The courtyard is peaceful, and the trees turn slowly.
• Hanok-style cafés in Samcheong-dong or Seochon are perfect for slow afternoons. I love one near the old city wall; warm tea, soft jazz, and a view of the leaves.
• Local markets like Mangwon or Tongin feel lived-in. You’ll find seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and the kind of snacks locals love to eat.

Takeaway: For warmth and quiet, explore Seoul’s temples, cafés, and neighborhood markets.

Planning Tips: Public Transport, Tickets & More

Getting around South Korea in October is refreshingly simple. Seoul’s public transport is clean, fast, and intuitive; especially with a T-money card. Whether you're heading to Seoul Station, catching an intercity bus, or hopping on a train to Nami Island, everything runs on time and at high speed.

If you're flying in, Incheon Airport is well-connected to the city via AREX and airport buses. Just make sure your travel documents and travel visas are sorted. October is a popular month, and plane tickets can spike around National Foundation Day (Oct 3) and National Hangul Day (Oct 9).

For hotel reservations, book early. The combination of pleasant weather, peak foliage, and seasonal events means rooms fill fast, especially near popular spots like Jongno-gu, Dong-gu, or around beautiful parks like Hangang Park.

Takeaway: Use Seoul’s efficient transport, book ahead for holidays, and keep your documents ready — October is peak travel season.

Final Thoughts: Why October Might Be Seoul’s Best Month

After seven years here, October still feels like Seoul’s best-kept secret. The Seoul weather is just right, cool enough for long-sleeved shirts, warm enough to linger outside. The city moves gently, with locals heading to park entrances, sipping coffee in old-style cafés, and watching the light change over the Samcheonpodaegyo Bridge Park.

You’ll see cultural performances in palaces, traditional games in the streets, and even adorable alpacas at pop-up farms near the Korean Folk Village. The Imsil N Cheese Festival and Chrysanthemum Festival add flavor and color to the season, while traditional performances echo the rhythms of the Baekje Dynasty and the resilience after the Japanese invasion.

Whether you're exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Changdeokgung Palace, getting a Korean body scrub, browsing beauty products, or simply wandering through food stalls, October invites you to visit Korea not as a tourist, but as a curious guest.

Takeaway: October in Seoul is a sensory season; full of color, culture, and calm. It’s the month I always recommend first.