While the weather is cooling down in Korea, that doesn’t mean the events stop heating up! This October, locals and visitors alike have the chance to step out of the house and into many festivals, exhibitions, events and other things to do while Autumn is in full swing.
Here at 10 Magazine, we’ve comprised a list of big events for this October. Take a look!
2019 Job Fair for International Students | Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Oct. 1
On October 1-2 at the COEX Convention Center, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) will be hosting a job fair for international students. Students can meet over 100 Korean companies and their employers. The 2018 Job Fair featured 129 companies including POSCO and LG Chem.
Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival | Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Oct 1-13
Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival is one of the most famous lantern festivals in South Korea. You will be able to see Namgang River in Jinju with the excitement of bright lights and shows. For two weeks, there will be multiple events including the Citizens’ Lantern Street Parade, water fireworks, hanging of wishing lanterns, floating lanterns, the reenactment of Yudeung of Memory Floating, and various light exhibitions showcasing Korea’s beautiful craftsmanship.
National Foundation Day
Oct 3rd
National Foundation Day, or Gaejeoncheol, celebrates the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. This date has traditionally been regarded as the date for the founding of the Korean people. During this Thursday off, why don’t you try out renting a bike, trying some new cafes, or just being lazy and ordering delivery food to your home?
Busan International Film Festival | Haeundae-gu, Seoul
Oct 3-12
The Busan International Film Festival (or BIFF for short, how cute!) is held every year in Busan. It’s one of the most significant film festivals in all of Asia. The festival makes a point to highlight new films and first-time directors from Asia. You can expect all of the city of Busan to be buzzing with people, celebrities and events during the festival!
Jarasum Jazz Festival | Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Oct 4
Jarasum Jazz Festival is celebrating its 16th year of bringing music to Jarasum. The main purpose of this festival is to create a space where, for 3 days, people can celebrate and enjoy jazz music and genres such as swing, fusion, bossa nova, bebop, and more. Jarasum Jazz Festival is a great opportunity for discovering new artists and seeing the beauty of Jarasum.
Hanwha International Fireworks | Yeouido, Seoul
Oct 5th
Grab your picnic baskets and arrive early on October 5th, 2019 for the Hanwha International Fireworks Show! Held in the shadow of the 63 Building at Yeouido Han River Park, this fireworks show is one of the most popular events in all of Seoul. Every year, Hanwha invites major fireworks teams from around the world (this year is Sweden, China, and Korea) to light up the river and provide a show–FOR FREE!
Hangeul Day
Oct 9
Hangeul Day, or Korean Alphabet Day, is a celebration of the creation of the Korean alphabet. In 1443, King Sejong created the alphabet so that everyone in the nation could be free from using and learning Chinese characters. This allowed the lower class, who couldn’t afford education, the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of reading and writing. The ease of Hangul has lead both North and South Korea to maintain 99% literacy rates today.
Hangul is a source of pride for Korea, as it has been praised by linguists around the world for its ease of understanding. A small area of Indonesia has adopted Hangul in order to write the Cia-Cia language. In 2013, Hangul Day was declared a national holiday.
Why not celebrate Hangul Day with a bit of studying? Check out these free apps to learn Korean, no matter your level.
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival | Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
Oct 9-12
If you’re a bibimbap lover, make your way to the Jeonju Bibimbap Festival this October to taste all the city has to offer. There will be programs such as cooking classes, a Hanok village stamp tour, Jeonju food and tableware exhibitions, busking and parades. You can learn all about the history of bibimbap while visiting Jeonju Hanok Village!
Seoul Fashion Week | Jung-gu, Seoul
Oct 15-19
It’s time for the fashionistas to start planning their outfits (sike, they’ve been planning since Fashion Week F/W ended). The Seoul Fashion Week returns to Dongdaemun Design Plaza this October 15th for a week of shows displaying the best of fashion this 2019. Don’t miss this event if you are interested in Korean fashion!
Escape Psycho Circus Festival | Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Oct 25-26
If you thought EDM music festivals of summer were gone, you’ve got one more chance! The Escape Psycho Circus Festival is a Halloween-themed festival taking place just south of Seoul at Seoul Grand Park (Line 4). Welcome in Halloween, enjoy the cool weather and EDM music this October!
Want to advertise your event in 10 Magazine? Let us know through our contact form here!