[K-TRAVEL], week 1 of Oct - Unveiling Seoul's Autumn Magic: Your Ultimate Weekly Guide!
📌 Table of Contents
Hey K-Travelers! BonoHyung is back! Can you feel that crisp, cool air? That's right, autumn has officially painted Seoul in the most breathtaking colors! This week is the perfect time to dive headfirst into the vibrant energy of the city. Forget your worries, pack your sense of adventure, and let's explore the magical streets of Seoul together. Here’s your exclusive guide for the first week of October!
🍁 This Week's Hot Places
Seoul is buzzing with autumn vibes! The leaves are turning into a beautiful tapestry of red, orange, and yellow. Here are the spots you absolutely cannot miss this week.
1. Deoksugung Palace & Stone Wall Road (덕수궁 돌담길)
This is the quintessential autumn walking path in Seoul. The combination of the historic palace, the modern art museum, and the beautifully colored gingko trees creates a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll, day or night. The gentle curve of the road lined with golden leaves is a sight to behold.
2. Seoul Forest (서울숲)
An urban oasis that truly comes alive in the fall. Seoul Forest is massive and offers various sections, from a serene deer enclosure to the stunning Gingko Tree Forest. The golden leaves create a magical canopy that is perfect for your Instagram feed. Rent a bike or simply lay down a mat and enjoy a picnic under the autumn sky.
3. Euljiro's "Hip-jiro" Cafes & Bars (힙지로)
When the sun goes down, the trendy neighborhood of Euljiro, affectionately called "Hip-jiro," lights up. This area is famous for its hidden gems—cafes and bars tucked away in old industrial buildings, offering a unique, retro vibe. It's the perfect place to experience Seoul's modern, artistic nightlife after a day of leaf-peeping.
🎉 Unmissable Festivals & Events
October in Seoul is festival season! The pleasant weather brings a plethora of events to the city. Here's what's happening this week.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival (서울세계불꽃축제)
When: Saturday, October 5, 2025
Where: Yeouido Hangang Park
This is one of the biggest events of the year! The night sky above the Hangang River will be spectacularly illuminated by breathtaking fireworks from teams around the world. It gets incredibly crowded, so my tip is to go very early to claim a good spot, or find a less crowded viewing point on the nearby bridges or from the north side of the river.
Hi, Seoul Festival (하이서울페스티벌)
When: Early October (Check official dates)
Where: Various locations including Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square
This is Seoul's representative street arts festival. You'll find a wide array of performances, from mesmerizing acrobatics and dance to puppet shows and interactive installations, all for free! It’s a fantastic way to experience dynamic and creative public art right in the heart of the city.
🌟 Influencer's Pick of the Week
I was scrolling through Instagram and saw that famous travel creator @SeoulWanderer just posted about their amazing day in Ikseon-dong! They raved about the unique blend of traditional Hanok houses that have been transformed into trendy cafes, restaurants, and accessory shops. They recommended trying a soufflé pancake at a Hanok cafe and then getting a vintage-style portrait taken. It's a place where old meets new in the most charming way. Definitely a must-visit this week to capture that perfect autumn shot!
🎨 Seoul for Every Traveler
No matter your travel style, Seoul has something special for you this week.
- For the Foodie: Head to Gwangjang Market. The autumn weather is perfect for enjoying warm, savory Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and a comforting bowl of Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup). The bustling energy and authentic flavors are an experience in itself.
- For the Culture Vulture: Spend a day exploring the Bukchon Hanok Village. The golden hour sunlight filtering through the traditional tiled roofs is simply magical in the fall. Remember to be quiet and respectful as it's a residential area!
- For the Shopaholic: Myeongdong is not just for cosmetics! This week, you'll find many shops launching their autumn/winter collections. It's also a great place to enjoy street food like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and roasted chestnuts as you shop.
- For the Nature Lover: Take a day trip to Bukhansan National Park. The hiking trails offer stunning panoramic views of the city surrounded by fiery autumn foliage. The trails are well-marked, making it accessible even for beginner hikers.
💡 BonoHyung's Insider Tips
Dress in Layers! The temperature can change quite a bit from day to night in October. A light jacket or a cozy cardigan over your outfit is the perfect solution. You'll be comfortable exploring from morning till night.
T-Money is Your Best Friend: This rechargeable transportation card is essential. You can use it for subways, buses, and even in taxis and convenience stores. Top it up at any subway station or convenience store to make your travel seamless.
Look for "Dancheong": As you visit palaces and temples, pay close attention to the intricate and colorful patterns on the wooden eaves. This traditional Korean decorative coloring is called 'Dancheong', and it looks especially vibrant against the clear autumn sky.
That's all for this week, my fellow adventurers! Seoul is waiting for you with open arms and a million beautiful autumn leaves. Get out there, explore, make memories, and don't forget to tag me in your photos! 😉
Catch you on the flip side,
BonoHyung
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