Annyeonghaseyo everyone!
Autumn is almost here and Korea is ready to shine!
As September arrives, Korea leaves behind the summer heat and welcomes cooler temperatures and crisp breezes. It is the perfect time to inspire your clients to get outdoors, discover Korea’s cultural heritage and experience the country as it prepares for one of its most beautiful seasons.
Think spectacular hiking trails, traditional hanok villages, vibrant local markets and unforgettable cultural experiences. In the weeks ahead, the country will gradually transform as autumn colours begin to appear, spreading from the mountains towards the cities.
September also brings one of Korea’s most important celebrations: Chuseok, the Korean autumn harvest celebration, taking place from 23 to 27 September 2026. This is a fascinating opportunity to discover Korean traditions and family culture, while also requiring careful planning for travel arrangements.
From spectacular autumn landscapes and centuries-old traditions to lively festivals, Korea offers plenty of reasons to visit this season.
Continue reading for local updates, fresh inspiration and experiences your clients will want to book in Korea this autumn.
Get Inspired - Featured Experiences
Explore Seoul Forest
& Seongsu by Bike
Half Day
Discover Seongsu, one of Seoul’s trendiest neighbourhoods, where former industrial buildings have been transformed into creative cafés, designer boutiques and ever-changing pop-up stores. Explore the area by bicycle before continuing through the peaceful surroundings of the Seoul Forest, discovering an engaging contrast between industrial heritage, contemporary culture and green open spaces.
Busan Seafood
& Street Food Market
Half Day
Immerse in the lively atmosphere of Busan’s famous Jagalchi Fish Market and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market alongside a local guide. Sample fresh seafood, popular street food and traditional Korean drinks while learning about Korean food culture and interacting with local vendors along the way.
Featured Properties
Royal Jimil Hanok (Wangyijimil)
Jeonju
- Ideally located just a short drive from Jeonju Hanok Village, Royal Jimil Hanok Hotel offers easy access to downtown Jeonju, local dining districts and scenic riverside walks.
- Luxurious and spacious wooden rooms provide a comfortable stay, blending traditional Korean aesthetics with modernised interiors and western-style beds.
- Beautiful courtyard gardens and a grand Joseon Dynasty-inspired atmosphere make it a great choice for couples and families seeking a unique blend of comfort and cultural charm.
Gyeongju City Hotel
Gyeongju
- Incredibly well positioned in the downtown area of Gyeongju, this hotel offers easy access to popular historic landmarks, local dining districts and scenic cultural sites.
- Clean and spacious rooms feature modern and comfortable designs, providing a relaxing environment for guests to unwind after exploring the city.
- Modern amenities and convenient facilities provide a hassle-free stay, making it an ideal choice for leisure, family and business travellers seeking comfort and convenience.
Destination news
Chuseok Traditional Holiday – 23 to 27 September 2026
One of Korea’s most important and celebrated traditional holidays. Chuseok is a major harvest festival where family members gather from all over the country to share traditional foods like songpyeon (half-moon shaped rice cakes) and pay respects to their ancestors. It offers travellers a unique opportunity to witness rich cultural traditions. However, because it is a peak travel period, transportation must be booked well in advance, KTX Train tickets are sold out and heavy highway traffic is to be expected.
Andong Mask Dance Festival – 24 September to 4 October 2026
Held in the UNESCO-listed historic city of Andong, this festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional performing arts. It features captivating performances of the famous Hahoe Mask Dance Drama, international folk troupes, colourful parades and hands-on cultural workshops. It’s an exceptional experience for clients wishing to immerse themselves in authentic Korean heritage.
National Sports Festival of Korea in Jeju – 16 to 22 October 2026
Jeju Island is set to host this prestigious national sporting event. Due to the high influx of athletes and spectators, hotel occupancy and local transportation across Jeju will be heavily impacted during this period. In particular, hotels in Jeju City (northern Jeju near the airport) are already seeing high occupancy, with some reaching full capacity. For clients visiting Jeju in October, it is strongly recommended to secure reservations in the southern Jungmun area as early as possible.
Autumn Foliage Season – Mid-October to Mid-November
Autumn is arguably Korea’s most beautiful season as the country’s mountains and cities transform into brilliant shades of crimson, orange and gold. Breathtaking scenery can be found across the nation, from the dramatic peaks of Seoraksan National Park to the historic grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. Since this is the absolute peak travel season for both domestic and international visitors, securing early reservations for accommodations and popular attractions is highly recommended.
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) – 6 to 15 October 2026
One of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and visitors from around the world. The event brings a lively atmosphere to Busan, with film screenings, special events, and activities taking place across the city.
Due to the high influx of visitors, hotel availability in Busan is expected to be limited during the festival and surrounding dates, with room rates likely to increase significantly. Heavy traffic congestion is also expected, particularly around the Haeundae area and Busan Station. For clients travelling to Busan during this period, it is strongly recommended to secure accommodation and make transportation arrangements as early as possible.
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