From Hanok traditions to AI talks — Seoul’s ‘Culture by Night’ program brings autumn evenings to life every Friday in November

(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government, courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

Seoul City’s signature night-time cultural series, “Culture by Night, returns every Friday evening in November, offering citizens a warm cultural escape on late autumn nights.

Eight city-run cultural venues will stay open until 9 p.m., presenting unique performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences.

On the first Friday, November 7, various programs will highlight the beauty of autumn in Seoul. At Namsangol Hanok Village, visitors can enjoy a traditional Korean music concert and fragrance-making experience under the theme “Hanok Concert: Taste of Tradition.”

Unhyeongung Palace will host “Unhyeon Excursion,” an evening blending traditional craft workshops with a live Korean music performance inspired by Heungseon Daewongun’s era.

For those seeking knowledge and inspiration, the Seoul Metropolitan Library will hold an AI-themed “At-Home Book Talk” series for three consecutive Fridays, featuring authors Choi Yeon-gu (Nov 7), Kang Chang-rae (Nov 14), and Lee Seung-min (Nov 21).

The Seoul Museum of History will also host a special curator-led session on November 7, offering behind-the-scenes insights into its “Unprecedented Flood” exhibition.

Families can look forward to diverse evening events as well. The Buk-Seoul Museum of Art will stage the family musical “Dimpled Apple” on November 21, while the Hanseong Baekje Museum will feature “Moonlight Tour at Mongchon Fortress” (Nov 28) and “Twinkling Starlight Playground” (every Friday), providing immersive experiences for children.

Additional programs include:

“Nighttime History Tour” at the Seoul Museum of History
“Candle Craft Workshop” at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art
“Sign Language Exhibition Tour” at the Seoul Museum of Art (Seosomun Main Hall)
“House.zip” Modern Craft Exhibition at Namsangol Hanok Village
Permanent and digital exhibitions celebrating Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong

As part of the initiative, Seoul will also offer discounted Night Performance Tickets — allowing audiences to enjoy acclaimed plays and musicals in Daehangno and other theaters for just 10,000 won. Ticket and program details are available at www.대학로티켓.com.

More information about the full lineup of “Culture by Night” programs can be found on the Seoul Culture Portal at culture.seoul.go.kr.

USAG Yongsan