South Korea

October is when Korean autumn is at its best. Crisp blue skies and the first hints of red and gold on the mountains make it a wonderful time to be outdoors and the calendar is packed with festivals celebrating art, history and the harvest.

October also brings two national holidays: Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day) on October 3rd marks the mythical founding of Korea and Hangeul Day on October 9th honours King Sejong’s creation of the Korean alphabet. To celebrate, the Sejong Hangeul Festival in Sejong City offers hands-on activities that bring the beautiful script to life.

This is also the season of pink muhly, the fluffy ornamental grass that turns fields across Korea into soft, rosy clouds. One of the most striking spots is Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju, where the pink waves stretch out beside ancient Silla royal tombs. You can also find pink muhly at Haneul Park in Seoul and Daejeo Ecological Park in Busan. Speaking of Busan, film lovers can head there for the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Asia’s biggest film festival, where red-carpet premieres and outdoor screenings fill the city with buzz.

In Gyeongsangnam-do, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival sets thousands of glowing lanterns afloat on the Namgang River beneath the historic Jinjuseong Fortress, a tradition rooted in the Imjin War. Meanwhile, the Andong Maskdance Festival in Gyeongsangbuk-do showcases the lively Hahoe mask dance alongside performers from around the world. History enthusiasts will love the Baekje Cultural Festival in Gongju and Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do, which brings the ancient Baekje Kingdom back to life with grand parades and river lanterns.

Photo Source: 경상남도 진주시, 부산광역시, 경북나드리, 셀수스협동조합 / 한국저작권위원회