Travel
10 best festivals to experience in Korea this September
Haps Magazine Korea
August 26, 2025
(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government / Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
September in Korea is one of the most exciting times of the year for festivals. The summer heat begins to fade, the skies turn crisp and clear, and cultural events fill the calendar.
From music and art to traditional culture and nature, here are ten of the best festivals to check out across the country this September.
Frieze Seoul & Kiaf Art Fair
Dates: September 3–6
Location: COEX, Seoul
Seoul becomes the center of the global art market when Frieze Seoul and Kiaf open side by side. With over 120 galleries from more than 30 countries, visitors can see cutting-edge art, immersive installations, and meet the world’s top artists and collectors.
Asia Song Festival
Dates: September (TBD)
Location: Yeouido, Seoul
A must for K-pop fans, the Asia Song Festival brings together artists from across the continent for one of the largest music stages in Asia. Performances are broadcast internationally, making it both a live spectacle and a global showcase of Korean pop culture.
Seoul Forest Jazz Festival
Dates: September 19–21
Location: Seoul Forest
This open-air jazz festival blends music with nature in one of Seoul’s most scenic urban parks. With both Korean and international artists performing, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend picnic and live music under the autumn sky.
Block Party Music & Art Festival
Dates: September 20–21
Location: Haebangchon, Seoul
This alternative street festival takes over Haebangchon with indie bands, drag shows, magic, performance art, and even wrestling. It’s a grassroots celebration of creativity and counterculture in one of Seoul’s most eclectic neighborhoods.
Cheongwansan Eulalia Festival
Dates: Mid-September–Mid-October
Location: Jangheung, Jeollanam-do
Silver eulalia grass covers the slopes of Cheongwansan Mountain, turning it into a sea of shimmering fields. Hikes and cultural events accompany the natural beauty, making it one of the season’s most photogenic festivals.
Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival
Dates: September (Annual)
Location: Bongpyeong, Pyeongchang
Dedicated to writer Lee Hyo-seok, this literary and cultural festival celebrates his novel When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom. Visitors can enjoy poetry readings, essay contests, book workshops, and walks through blooming buckwheat fields.
DMZ Peace Train Music Festival
Dates: Early September
Location: Goseokjeong, near Cheorwon
Held near the Demilitarized Zone, this indie music festival is as much about peace as it is about performance. International and Korean artists gather for concerts, talks, and camping, making it one of Korea’s most unique festival settings.
Seoul Mediacity Biennale
Dates: August 26–November 23
Location: Seoul Museum of Art & venues across Seoul
A leading platform for contemporary media art, the biennale features installations, films, and performances by Korean and international artists. This year’s theme explores technology, spirit, and society through multimedia works.
Seoul Light DDP – Autumn Edition
Dates: August 28–September 7
Location: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Seoul
The night sky over Seoul glows with massive media façades and immersive light installations. Global digital artists transform DDP into a futuristic art hub, making it one of the city’s most photogenic nighttime festivals.
Gwangju Fringe Festival & G-Festa
Dates: September 25–October 6
Location: Gwangju
Coinciding with the Gwangju Biennale, this street culture celebration fills the city with music, dance, art exhibitions, and performances. It’s an energetic festival that blends contemporary art with local street culture.