What to eat in Seoul in October: Seasonal delicacies
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Budae jjigae (부대찌개)
Budae jjigae is a spicy stew combining sausage, ham, tofu, kimchi, and noodles in a chili-based broth. It emerged after the Korean War and remains a communal comfort dish. It is commonly eaten year-round but especially appreciated during cooler weather.
Jajangmyeon consists of wheat noodles topped with black bean sauce, pork, and diced vegetables. It is commonly ordered for casual meals and celebratory occasions and is available throughout the year.
Ganjang gejang is raw crab marinated in soy sauce, creating a briny and umami-rich flavor profile. Often referred to as “rice thief,” it is particularly enjoyed when crab is in season during cooler months.
October offers glorious autumn weather, with crisp air and vivid foliage by mid to late month. It’s high tourist season, with busy hiking trails and major festivals. Evenings are cool, and city views are especially clear.
Pro tips for visiting Seoul in October
Popular hiking trails and viewpoints are busy—visit early or on weekdays for quieter experiences.
Major events like the Seoul Street Arts Festival fill downtown with performances.
Book accommodation and train tickets in advance, especially during Golden Week for neighboring countries.
Late October is ideal for panoramic city views from towers.
For several days in October, central Seoul streets and squares become stages for acrobats, stilt-walkers, installations, and interactive performances. Shows from Korean and international troupes are mostly free and suitable for all ages. Some roads partially close to traffic, and evening performances draw large standing audiences. It is a key highlight of Seoul’s autumn arts season.
Held in front of City Hall, this event gathers citizens and volunteers to prepare large quantities of kimchi for donation. Long rows of tables and mountains of cabbage create a striking scene. Visitors can often join short kimchi-making sessions and taste different regional varieties. It is mildly pungent and crowded but very distinctive culturally.
At Haneul Park, silver grass fields reach their autumn peak, and extended evening hours let visitors walk among illuminated paths. Simple acoustic performances and photo zones complement views over the city. Reaching the hill requires climbing many steps or taking a shuttle. It is popular near sunset, so allow time for lines at park entrances.
This relatively new festival showcases K-pop, hip-hop, and indie artists, often with hybrid online and offline formats. Live concerts on Nodeul Island draw young audiences near Halloween weekend, sometimes via free but lottery-allocated tickets. It is a good chance to see rising acts without stadium prices, though lineups focus on mid-tier rather than top-tier idols.
On October 31, Itaewon’s nightlife streets host costume parties and themed bar events. Since 2022, authorities strictly manage crowd flow with checkpoints and controlled access to key alleys. Travelers considering Itaewon on this night should monitor official guidance and arrive early if they choose to attend. Those preferring quieter evenings can opt for Hongdae or other districts with smaller celebrations.
This biennial literary event gathers authors, poets, and translators for readings, panels, and signings at venues like Nodeul Island and Seoul Metropolitan Library. Many sessions are free with optional online registration, and some offer live translation. It is quieter than large music festivals, suiting visitors who enjoy thoughtful discussions and cultural exchange.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Seoul in October
