Settle. Seoul 2027
Weekends · Calendar

What's on.

Festivals, palace nights and holidays worth planning a weekend around, autumn 2026 to spring 2027.

Rows of colourful paper lanterns hung above a temple courtyard in Seoul

Researched in October 2026. Events marked Expected follow previous years and have not been officially announced. Always check the organiser's page before you go. See every event on the map →

Make a weekend of it · New online guideA night in a hanok.Where to stay, what to expect and eight things to check before booking.

October 2026

  • 7 Oct – 1 Nov 2026 (Wed–Sun)
    Confirmed

    Changgyeonggung Water-Lotus Light

    An evening light show over the palace pond. Small ticket fee.

    Chundangji Pond, Changgyeonggung Palace, Jongno-guOn the mapOfficial page

November 2026

  • 2–4 Nov 2026
    Confirmed

    Seoul Kimjang Festival

    Free communal kimchi making and sharing, celebrating UNESCO-listed kimjang culture.

    Seoul Plaza & Mugyo-ro, Jung-guOn the mapOfficial page
  • From late Nov 2026
    Expected

    Lotte World Tower Christmas Market

    A European-style Christmas market by Seokchon Lake. Opening date follows last year's pattern.

    Lotte World Tower World Park, Songpa-guOn the mapOfficial page
  • 25 Nov – 4 Dec 2026
    Confirmed

    Seoul Independent Film Festival

    Korea's leading competitive festival for independent film, now in its 52nd year.

    CGV Apgujeong & CGV Cheongdam CineCity, Gangnam-guOn the mapOfficial page
  • 26–29 Nov 2026
    Confirmed

    Seoul Design Festival

    Established and emerging Korean designers show furniture, objects and lifestyle design.

    COEX Hall A, Gangnam-guOn the mapOfficial page

December 2026

  • From 4 Dec 2026
    Expected

    Seoul Lantern Festival

    Free lantern displays along the stream. Dates are tentative and may extend into January.

    Cheonggyecheon, Cheonggye Plaza to Samilgyo Bridge, Jongno-guOn the mapOfficial page
  • 4 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
    Confirmed

    Seoul Winter Festa

    Media-façade light shows, a Christmas market and an ice rink across central Seoul.

    Gwanghwamun Square and six other sites, Jongno-guOn the mapOfficial page
  • 31 Dec 2026, 11pm – 12:20am
    Expected

    Bosingak New Year's Eve Bell-Ringing

    The bell is struck 33 times at midnight, with a countdown and performances. Expect big crowds.

    Bosingak Pavilion, Jongno-guOn the mapOfficial page

February 2027

  • Early Feb 2027
    Expected

    Seoul Fashion Week (F/W 2027)

    Runway shows and trade events. Dates follow the February pattern; not yet announced.

    Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Jung-guOn the mapOfficial page
  • 6–9 Feb 2027
    Confirmed

    Seollal (Lunar New Year) holiday

    A national holiday. Many shops and clinics close; plan errands and travel early.

    Citywide — palaces often open free, All of SeoulOn the mapOfficial page

March 2027

  • Sun 21 Mar 2027
    Confirmed

    Seoul Marathon

    The city's spring marathon. Expect road closures across central Seoul on race day.

    Starts at Gwanghwamun Square; 10K from Jamsil, CitywideOn the mapOfficial page

Already happened

  • K-Royal Culture Festival (autumn)7–11 Oct 2026 · Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung & Jongmyo, Jongno-gu
  • Gyeongbokgung Starlight Night TourUntil 24 Oct 2026 (Wed–Sun) · Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu

These dates have passed. Many return each year — check the organiser's page for the next edition.