Things to do
What's on in Seoul — September 2026
Festivals, concerts, markets and exhibitions happening this month, with dates, venues and what it costs to get in.
Updated from Seoul city’s official events listing a few times a day. Always check the organiser’s page before travelling across the city — dates and times do change.
Events in September 2026
- Seoul Outdoor LibraryFree
2026 Seoul Outdoor Library (Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream)
The Seoul Outdoor Library is back at Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and Cheonggyecheon Stream this September, Seoul’s month of reading! Discover the joy of reading in the heart of the city.
- When
- Fri, Sep. 4, 2026–Sun, Nov. 1, 2026 · Every Friday–Sunday (Daytime: 11 AM–6 PM / Evening: 4 PM–10 PM) / Daytime hours begin in October.
- Where
- Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square (Yukjo Yard), Cheonggyecheon Stream (Mojeongyo Bridge to Gwangtonggyo Bridge)
- Admission
- Free
- Namsangol Hanok VillageFree
Seoul Intangible Culture Heritage Festival
A traditional cultural festival in the heart of the city, bringing Korea’s intangible heritage to life for all to enjoy.
- When
- Sat, Sep. 12, 2026–Sun, Sep. 13, 2026 · Day 1: Sat, Sep. 12, 11 AM–9 PM / Day 2: Sun, Sep. 13, 11 AM–5 PM
- Where
- Namsangol Hanok Village / Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater
- Admission
- Free (some activities are paid)
- Seoul Philharmonic OrchestraFree
SPO Park Concert 2026 with B.Grimm Power Korea
Enjoy a romantic outdoor classical concert under the crisp autumn night sky at the Outdoor Concert Hall of Seoul Children’s Grand Park, featuring conductor Jaap van Zweden, pianist Hai-kyung Suh, and musical theater actor Jae-rim Choi.
- When
- Sat, Sep. 19, 20267 PM–8:20 PM
- Where
- Outdoor Concert Hall, Seoul Children’s Grand Park
- Admission
- Free (no reservation required)
- Namsangol Hanok VillageFree
Namsangol Chuseok Festival: Namsan Dalbit Madang
A traditional cultural festival held at the foot of Namsan Mountain to celebrate Chuseok.
- When
- Fri, Sep. 25, 2026–Sun, Sep. 27, 202610 AM–8 PM
- Where
- Namsangol Hanok Village
- Admission
- Free (fees apply to some activities and food and beverages)
- Seoul Baekje MuseumFree
2026 Seoul Baekje Museum Chuseok Festival
Celebrate Chuseok with a variety of performances, hands-on activities, and traditional games at the Seoul Baekje Museum.
- When
- Sat, Sep. 26, 202610 AM–5 PM
- Where
- Seoul Baekje Museum Plaza and Lobby, Seoul Baekje Children’s Museum Lobby
- Admission
- Free
- Seoul Urban Life MuseumFree
Chuseok Cultural Events
A variety of cultural and artistic performances and hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy this Chuseok.– Gugak performances and magic balloon shows– Traditional games (e.g., tuho, jegichagi)– Lucky pouch-making and more
- When
- Sat, Sep. 26, 20261–5 PM
- Where
- Seoul Urban Life Museum
- Admission
- Free
- Seoul Museum of Craft ArtFree
Special Exhibition of Donated Contemporary Crafts – Equinox: Autumn and Spring
A retrospective of approximately 40 years of work by Chang Eung-bok, one of Korea’s first-generation textile designers, who has expanded the value of craft in everyday life and culture through textile design rooted in Korean aesthetics and sensibilities.
- When
- Tue, Sep. 22, 2026–Sun, Mar. 7, 2027 · Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM*Closed on Mondays; open until 9 PM every day, except Thursdays, starting Sep. 15
- Where
- 3F, Exhibition Building 1, Seoul Museum of Craft Art
- Admission
- Free
- Guro-guFree
Guro G Festival (Asia Culture Festival)
Guro-gu’s signature local cultural festival, the 2026 Guro G Festival (Asia Culture Festival).
- When
- Sat, Sep. 19, 2026–Sun, Sep. 20, 2026
- Where
- Anyangcheon Stream (areas around Gocheokgyo and Ogeumgyo Bridges)
- Admission
- Free
Also happening around now
Seasonal things worth knowing about — holidays, annual festivals and the city’s bigger recurring events.
Chuseok (September 25, [lunar] August 15)
Chuseok is a representative traditional holiday in South Korea, marking the end of the agricultural season and expressing gratitude for the harvest. Chuseok falls on the 15th day of August in the lunar calendar and is also known as Hangawi or Jungchujeol. During this time, people make Songpyeon, a half-moon rice cake, using newly harvested grains. Similar to Lunar New Year, Chuseok is celebrated with a three-day holiday, which includes the day of Chuseok itself and the days before and after it.
F/W Seoul Fashion Week
At F/W Seoul Fashion Week, Korean designers and global fashion leaders come together to unveil new designs and trends. This event plays a crucial role in spotlighting Korea’s fashion industry internationally, offering Korean designers a stage to showcase their innovation and skill.
Find out more →Seoul Light DDP
Seoul Light DDP is a large, 222 meter media facade show held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a hub of culture and art in Seoul. It received the ‘Red Dot Design Award 2023’ in the Brands & Communication Design competition, making it the only light festival in Korea to win this prestigious award. Seoul Light DDP creatively utilizes the DDP building and its surrounding spaces to showcase various lighting artworks. Through diverse lighting installations, performances, and interactive art, the event beautifully illuminates the city’s landmarks, transforming Seoul’s cityscape into a mesmerizing spectacle.
Hangang River Light Show in the second half of 2026
“The Hangang River Light Show is a multimedia drone display featuring various drones, including LED drones, firework drones, and water drones, set against the backdrop of the Hangang River. The light show unfolds with diverse themes and concepts, with content changing depending on the season or event schedule. Typically, the show includes unique stage performances along the Hangang River, illuminated bridges, and buildings, as well as fireworks. The Hangang River Light Show offers a special experience, allowing visitors to enjoy Seoul’s beautiful night view alongside this captivating event. Through this show, attendees can experience the beauty of the Hangang River and immerse themselves in the unique culture of Seoul.
Find out more →Car-Free Jamsugyo Bridge Festival in the second half of 2026
Car-Free Jamsugyo Bridge Festival is an annual event held at Banpo Hangang River Park and the Jamsugyo Bridge in Seoul. During this festival, vehicular traffic is suspended, allowing visitors to walk or cycle across the bridge while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Hangang River. Additionally, various events such as Small Library, flea markets, street performances, food trucks, and photo zones are organized, providing visitors with a unique and memorable experience.
Find out more →Hangang Park for Reading Books in the second half of 2026
Hangang Park for Reading Books is a special space where visitors can enjoy both the beauty of the Hangang River’s nature and the pleasure of reading.
Find out more →Seoul International Ultra Trail Running Race
The Seoul International Ultra Trail Running Race (Seoul 100K) is a distinctive international ultra trail running event set against the backdrop of an urban environment in a city with a population exceeding ten million. The Seoul 100K course winds through national parks such as Bukhansan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain, along the scenic Hangang River that crosses Seoul, and past historic fortress trails, encompassing the city’s diverse landscapes. Participate in the Seoul International Ultra Trail Running Race to immerse yourself in Seoul’s natural beauty and to discover a unique way to experience the city.
Seoul Beauty Week
Seoul Beauty Week is a lifestyle expo showcasing the latest lifestyle trends of Seoul. The event focuses on discovering and introducing the latest trends in the beauty and cosmetics industry to consumers. Serving as a platform for communication and exchange between experts and consumers, it is also popular as a venue where attendees can directly experience and try out Korean beauty products and services.
Find out more →Seoul Autumn Festival (Sep. 21–Nov. 29)
Experience Seoul’s autumn through the performing arts. Seoul Autumn Festa is a performing arts platform dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the value of fine performing arts. Enjoy 116 festivals and performances featuring 6,000 artists over forty days, taking place across Seoul.
Find out more →2026 Seoul International Fireworks Festival
The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is an annual international event held in Seoul during the fall. The fireworks displays showcase the unique cultures and characteristics of various countries, featuring vibrant colors and intricate designs that offer spectators a breathtaking visual experience.
Find out more →Planning around what’s on?
This page only covers the month ahead. For the bigger picture — cherry blossoms, summer festivals, autumn foliage — see the events calendar by season, or the Seoul city guide for neighbourhoods and getting around.
Ask Mr. Kim →