Travel
‘Seoul Autumn Festa’ opens, filling the city with pure performing arts during Chuseok holidays
Haps Magazine Korea
October 6, 2025
(Photo by Seoul Cultural Heritage Foundation/Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Seoul’s city center is alive with art this Chuseok, as the Seoul Autumn Festa officially opened on October 4, transforming the capital into a stage for pure performing arts.
Marking the final link in the “Four Seasons of Seoul Festivals,” the 40-day event features more than 110 performances of opera, ballet, traditional arts, and theater across major cultural landmarks including Daehangno, Cheonggyecheon, Nodeul Island, and DDP.
At the opening ceremony held at Seoul Plaza, around 10,000 citizens and artists gathered as the city declared its vision to become a “global performing arts capital.” Directed by acclaimed theater director Ko Sun-woong, the ceremony opened with performances by the Seoul Children’s Traditional Music Band and Seoul Boys and Girls Choir, followed by the Noble Art Opera Company’s rendition of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, percussion group TAGO’s dynamic “White Tiger,” and Yoon Byul Ballet Company’s original piece GAT, where dancers wore traditional Korean hats to symbolize strength and grace.
Legendary actor Park Jung-ja moved the audience with a reading performance of Eternal Farewell, Young Farewell, accompanied by haegeum music, while the Luda Blackto Dance Company presented a multimedia work combining modern dance, traditional percussion, and visual art. The finale featured singer Yoo Tae-pyungyang and Phantom Singer 4 finalist Kim Soo-in performing Arirang, closing with the audience and artists singing “Seoul’s Hymn” together.
The festival encourages public participation through art installations and hands-on experiences. During the Chuseok holiday, Artrekking (October 6–8) will allow visitors to walk along the 5.2 km stretch of Cheonggyecheon while enjoying performances marking its 20th restoration anniversary. Other programs include the Seoul Street Arts Festival (October 6–8), World Pansori Festival (October 8–9), Yeoyujak Concert (October 8–9), and Gwanghwamun Traditional Dance Festa (October 6).
The 2025 Seoul International Arts Forum (SAFT) will conclude the festival on November 4 at DDP, bringing together global artists, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of culture and urban creativity.
More information is available on the official website.