[K-TRAVEL], week 3 of Oct - Seoul's Autumn Symphony: Silver Grass, Drones, and K-Pop Beats!
📌 Table of Contents
Hey K-Travelers! BonoHyung here, your go-to guide for everything hot and happening in Korea. Welcome to your weekly dose of Seoul travel magic! The third week of October is when Seoul truly shows off its autumn colors. The air is crisp, the leaves are a fiery masterpiece, and the city is buzzing with an energy that's simply contagious. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte (yes, we have them here too!), and let's dive into the ultimate Seoul itinerary for this week!
🍂 This Week's Hot Place: Haneul Park's Silver Waves
If there's one place you absolutely must visit this week, it's Haneul Park (Sky Park). Why? The Seoul Silver Grass Festival is in full swing, and it's a sight to behold. Imagine endless fields of pampas grass swaying in the autumn breeze, creating shimmering silver waves against the backdrop of the city skyline. It's pure poetry!
What to Expect:
- Golden Hour Magic: The best time to visit is late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, the entire park is bathed in a warm, golden light, making for some truly breathtaking photos.
- Night Views: The park extends its hours during the festival, illuminating the fields with colorful lights after dark. It’s a completely different, magical vibe!
- Photo Zones: You'll find charming photo spots scattered throughout, like the iconic Silver Grass Swing.
- Getting to the Top: You can take on the 291 stairs for a good workout or hop on the convenient shuttle bus for a small fee.
🎉 Exciting Festivals & Events You Can't Miss
Seoul is a city that never sleeps, and this week is packed with events to prove it. From dazzling lights to heart-pumping music, there's something for every taste.
Seoul Drone Light Show
Prepare to be mesmerized! Head to Ttukseom Hangang River Park on Saturday, October 18th, for a spectacular drone show. Over 1,000 drones will paint the night sky with incredible formations, creating a magical experience over the Han River. It's a free event, but be sure to arrive early to get a good spot!
Madly Medley Music Festival
K-Pop and Hip-Hop fans, this one's for you! While technically in Incheon's Paradise City, it's just a short trip from Seoul. This weekend (Oct 18-19), the festival features an insane lineup, including the legendary G-Dragon on Saturday! Other artists like E Sens, Sik-K, and BOL4 will also be performing. It's the perfect way to experience the pulse of Korea's music scene.
Seoul International Garden Show
Catch the final days of this beautiful exhibition at Boramae Park until October 20th. It's a stunning display of over 100 unique garden designs created by artists from around the world. The theme is "Seoul, Green Soul," and it’s a perfect, peaceful escape within the city. Best of all, admission is free!
Hangang Paper Airplane Festival
Relive your childhood dreams at the Yeouido Hangang Park on Saturday, October 18th. This fun-filled festival includes paper airplane competitions for distance and airtime. Even if you don't compete, you can join free workshops, watch experts demonstrate their skills, and be part of a massive group launch of colorful planes.
🎟️ Special Travel Deals: Your Smart Seoul Pass
Want to explore Seoul without breaking the bank? The Discover Seoul Pass is your golden ticket. This pass gives you free or discounted access to over 50 of Seoul's top attractions, including the N Seoul Tower, Lotte World, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and many museums. You can choose a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass to match your travel style. It also functions as a T-money transportation card, making it super convenient to get around. It's a fantastic way to save money and skip the long ticket lines!
🌟 Influencer's Pick: A Day with @SeoulWanderer
I caught up with popular travel influencer Sophie Kim (@SeoulWanderer) to see what's on her agenda this week. Here’s her ideal autumn day in Seoul:
"This week, I'm all about soaking in the traditional autumn atmosphere. I'll start my morning by renting a beautiful Hanbok and getting lost in the alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. The contrast of the colorful Hanbok against the dark wood of the traditional houses and the autumn leaves is just magical. For lunch, I'll head to a cozy restaurant in Samcheong-dong for some classic Sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup). In the afternoon, it's all about the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace. The fall foliage there is simply unrivaled. I’ll finish the day with a cup of traditional tea at a cafe overlooking the palace walls. It's the perfect blend of history, beauty, and tranquility."
🎨 Travel Styles for Everyone
Seoul has something for every type of traveler. Here are a few ideas based on your style:
- For the Nature Lover: Rent a bike and cycle along the Han River. The paths are well-maintained, and the views are incredible. For a bit more of a challenge, hike up Inwangsan Mountain for a panoramic view of the city nestled among the golden peaks.
- For the Culture Vulture: Spend a day exploring the city's grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung. The fall colors make the ancient architecture even more stunning. Don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony!
- For the Foodie: Head to Mangwon Market for authentic street food and a lively local atmosphere. In the evening, gather with friends for a sizzling Korean BBQ experience, a must-do in Seoul.
- For the K-Pop Fan: Besides the Madly Medley festival, you can take a K-pop dance class in Hongdae or visit the HiKR Ground to create your own K-pop music video.
💡 BonoHyung's Insider Tips
Alright, here are some of my personal tips to make your trip even better:
- Layer Up: October weather in Seoul can be tricky. It's pleasant during the day but gets chilly once the sun goes down. Dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable.
- Use Public Transit: Seoul's subway system is one of the best in the world—it's clean, efficient, and will get you almost anywhere. Use apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for the best routes.
- Pack a Picnic: Grab some gimbap, fried chicken, and a mat and head to Seoul Forest or the Han River for a classic autumn picnic. It’s a great way to relax and people-watch like a local.
- Look for Ginkgo Trees: Seoul's streets are lined with ginkgo trees that turn a brilliant, uniform yellow in the fall. The area around Deoksugung Palace's stone wall is particularly famous for its beautiful ginkgo-lined path.
That's a wrap for this week, everyone! Get out there and enjoy the absolute best of autumn in Seoul. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and I'll see you next week with more K-Travel secrets. Until then, happy travels!
- BonoHyung
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