Planning around festivals in Korea this month? This page lists what’s on in November 2026 that’s worth travelling for, with dates, places and practical tips for foreign visitors. We update it every month from the Korea Tourism Organization’s festival listings and official announcements.
Last updated: 27 October 2026. Festival dates can change or be cancelled for weather; always check the official site before you travel.
Quick answer
- Biggest event: Busan Fireworks Festival on Saturday 7 November at Gwangalli Beach.
- In Seoul: the last of the autumn leaves, Seoul Autumn Festa performances (until 29 Nov) and free media art at Gwanghwamun.
- Food: kimchi-making (kimjang) season, apple harvests and a ramyeon street festival.
- Next month: Seoul Lantern Festival, Christmas markets and the Korea Grand Sale.
What’s on in Seoul and nearby in November 2026?
| Dates | Festival and place | Why go / tips |
|---|---|---|
| Until 29 Nov | Seoul Autumn Festa Theatres, Han River parks and Daehangno | A citywide performing-arts season; many outdoor shows are free. Check the programme by date. |
| Until 30 Nov | Atelier Gwanghwa media facade Sejong Center, Gwanghwamun | Free evening media art on the building’s front; pair with Gyeongbokgung or Cheonggyecheon. |
| Early Nov | Autumn leaves in Seoul Palaces, Namsan, Seoul Forest | Peak colour usually lasts into the first week or two of November: foliage guide. |
| 5–7 Nov | Beautysum Suwon (K-beauty fair) Gwanggyo, Suwon (Gyeonggi-do) | For K-beauty fans; combine with Hwaseong Fortress. |
What’s on in Busan in November 2026?
| Dates | Festival and place | Why go / tips |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 7 Nov | Busan Fireworks Festival Gwangalli Beach (also visible from Haeundae and Igidae) | One of Asia’s biggest fireworks shows over Gwangan Bridge, around 7–8 p.m. The beach is free but packed from the afternoon; paid seats sell out. Book hotels early: where to stay in Busan. |
| 6–8 Nov | Busan Illustration Fair BEXCO, Haeundae | Independent illustrators, prints and stationery; good for unique souvenirs. |
Which festivals elsewhere in Korea are worth the trip?
| Dates | Festival and place | Why go / tips |
|---|---|---|
| 5–8 Nov | Goesan Gimjang (kimchi-making) Festival Goesan, Chungcheongbuk-do | Make and taste kimchi during the kimjang season; can’t get there? Try a kimchi class in Seoul. |
| 5–7 Nov | Jeju Olle Walking Festival Jeju (Jocheon area) | Walk a section of the famous Olle coastal trails with music and local food along the way. |
| 4–8 Nov | Cheongsong Apple Festival Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do | Harvest-season apples in one of Korea’s best apple regions; rural and very local. |
| 6–8 Nov | Gumi Ramyun Festival Gumi Station area, Gyeongsangbuk-do | A street festival of freshly fried instant noodles in the city where a big ramyeon factory sits. |
| Until 8 Nov | Chrysanthemum festivals Masan (Changwon) and Hampyeong | Huge flower displays and sculptures; the Masan festival runs 31 Oct–8 Nov. |
| 6–10 Nov | Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival Gimhae, near Busan | Traditional grey-green buncheong pottery; an easy add-on to a Busan trip. |
What’s coming next month?
| Dates | Festival and place | Why go / tips |
|---|---|---|
| Dec–Jan | Seoul Lantern Festival Cheonggyecheon | Dates and tips. |
| Mid-Dec | Christmas markets Gwanghwamun and more | Seoul Christmas market 2026. |
| 23 Dec–13 Feb | Korea Grand Sale Myeongdong and nationwide | Discounts on shopping, food and transport for foreign visitors. |
Tips for festivals in Korea
- Book transport early for big events like the Busan fireworks: KTX seats and hotels sell out weeks ahead (Seoul to Busan by KTX).
- Use Naver Map for festival venues; Korean names work best (Naver Map in English).
- Carry a T-money card and some cash for food stalls in smaller towns.
- Dress for the weather: November evenings are cold, especially by the sea (weather by month).
Sources: Korea Tourism Organization festival data · Ministry of Culture – Busan Fireworks Festival · Seoul Metropolitan Government