The Ultimate Guide to Seoul’s October 2025 Festivals

As autumn paints Seoul in vibrant colors, the city comes alive with diverse festivals. Whether your passion is food, art, literature, design, or simply the great outdoors, Seoul's October events offer something for everyone. Here’s your must-read guide to the season’s best!

Culinary Festivals

2025 Seoul BBQ Festa

• Date: October 25–26 (11:00–19:00)
• Venue: Noeul Park Camping Site
• Highlights: All-in-One Self BBQ Zone, Seoul’s Big 3 Meat Restaurants, live grilling shows, K-BBQ Road, and sunset concerts
• Admission: Free (fees apply for some experiences)
• Reservation: Opens October 1 at 11:00 via the official website
• Transport: Subway Line 6 (World Cup Stadium); free shuttle bus available

K-Food Festival “Knock Knock”

• Date: June 20 – December 7, every Fri–Sun, 16:00–21:00 (daily from Oct 3–12 for the holiday special)
• Venue: Sejongno Park, next to Gwanghwamun Square
• Signature Dishes: Injeolmi Chicken, Kimchi Bun Cha, Tteokgalbi Burger, Kimchi Seafood Pancake, Injeolmi Gelato and more
• Special Features: Classic meets fusion K-food stalls, QR-code ordering, prize draws
• Admission: Free; join on the spot

Culture and Reading Festivals

2025 Seoul Outdoor Library

• Date: September 5 – November 2, every Fri–Sun
• Venues: Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon
• Program Highlights: Open bookshelves, “Book Meditation” sessions, thematic curation, live readings, book talks, atmospheric night-time reading
• Ambience: Relax on beanbags under parasols, roam with portable bookshelves, enjoy gentle night illumination
• Admission: Free

Seoul Design Week 2025

• Date: October 15–26 (10:00–20:00)
• Venue: DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) and locations citywide
• Main Events: Design Fair, brand markets, conferences, special exhibitions, 29CM collaboration pop-ups
• Admission: ₩15,000 (advance ticket required)
• Tickets: Purchase via official website

Outdoor and Nature Festivals

2025 Car-Free Jamsugyo Walk Festival

• Date: September 28 – October 26, every Sunday, 13:00–21:00
• Route: Jamsugyo Bridge, Banpo Hangang Park, Dalbit Square, Sebitseom outdoor stage
• Activities: Riverside walking trails, lively flea markets, gourmet food trucks, local product fair, DJ parties
• Healing Zone reservations: Open every Monday on the event website
• Admission: Free

24th Seoul Eulalia (Silver Grass) Festival

• Date: October 18–24 (10:00–21:00)
• Venue: Haneul Park, World Cup Park
• Experience: Walk scenic grass trails, pose at themed photo zones, enjoy busking, media art shows, and “singing bowl” meditations after sunset
• Admission: Free; just walk in
• Info: Full schedule available at the festival page

Charity & Community Events

2025 Let's Walk Together My5K

• Date: October 9 (Hangul Day), 09:00–12:30
• Course: Seoul Plaza to Hyochang Stadium (approx. 5 km)
• Entry Fee: ₩30,000 (100% goes to charity)
• Perks: Finisher’s medal, festival kit
• Registration: Sign up online

Tips for the Best Festival Experience

• Use public transit where possible (parking is limited at most venues)
• Advance reservations mandatory for BBQ Festa, Jamsugyo Healing Zone, and My5K
• Bring layers for chilly autumn nights—some events run late; rain may affect schedules
• Always check each festival’s homepage for up-to-date programs and guides