South Korea is hosting a diverse array of cultural festivals and events throughout November, offering visitors unique opportunities to experience the country's rich heritage, natural beauty, and culinary traditions. From illuminated art installations to seasonal celebrations, these events showcase the best of Korean culture across multiple regions.
The Nowon Moonlight Walk continues daily through November 16 along a scenic 2-kilometer stretch of Danghyeon Stream in Seoul's Nowon-gu district. This year's captivating theme, "Moon for All," explores how the universal symbol of the moon connects individual stories to collective light, creating a meaningful cultural experience for all visitors. The outdoor gallery features more than 30 illuminated artworks and cutting-edge media installations created by 18 talented artist teams from Korea, the Netherlands, and Taiwan. Visitors can enjoy traditional hanji lanterns, modern light sculptures, and nightly guided Moonlight Tours that run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., providing expert insights into the artistic displays.
The event also includes weekend busking performances that add musical entertainment to the visual spectacle, and a comfortable moonlight rest area featuring food trucks that operate daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. This combination of art, culture, and dining creates an immersive evening experience that celebrates both traditional Korean elements and contemporary artistic expression.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Korean Heritage Media Art: A Spotlight on Heritage is transforming numerous heritage sites throughout South Korea through November 16. Organized by the Korea Heritage Service, this ambitious event showcases Korea's invaluable cultural heritage through immersive media art, creatively reimagining historical landmarks with innovative combinations of light, sound, and projection technology.
In Gunsan, the former Customs House serves as a canvas that highlights the city's fascinating modern history, while Jinju Fortress presents visitors with a futuristic cityscape that remains firmly rooted in traditional Korean values. Additional multimedia installations can be experienced in Goryeong, Jeju, Cheorwon, and Tongyeong, each offering unique perspectives on local heritage. At the historic Tongdosa temple in Yangsan and the ancient Daereungwon tomb complex in Gyeongju, interactive art experiences create meaningful connections between Korea's distinguished past and its dynamic present.
Nature lovers can enjoy the Gochang Bluefarm Pink Muhly Festival, which runs through November 16 in Gochang, North Jeolla Province. The festival takes place at Gochang Bluefarm, a picturesque countryside attraction inspired by the historic Cheongcheon village, featuring a traditional hanok courtyard, a spacious cafe, and peaceful bamboo walking trails. The seasonal highlight is the vast field of pink muhly grass that creates breathtaking waves of soft pink color across the garden landscape, providing perfect photo opportunities and a serene natural environment.
The farm also features carefully curated seasonal flower displays, making it an ideal nature-rich day trip destination for families and pet owners who want to experience Korea's natural beauty. The combination of traditional architecture and stunning natural displays creates a uniquely Korean cultural experience.
For autumn enthusiasts, the Autumn Colors Festival at Hwadam Forest continues through November 17 in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. This highly anticipated annual foliage event features an impressive collection of more than 400 varieties of maple trees, including native Korean species alongside Norway and Japanese varieties. Visitors can choose to stroll along peaceful walking trails at their own pace or take the scenic monorail to enjoy elevated views of the brilliant red, orange, and gold leaves spread across the hillside.
Due to its popularity and environmental protection measures, admission is strictly limited to 10,000 people daily, and all visitors must reserve both admission and monorail tickets online in advance. This careful management ensures that Hwadam Forest remains one of Korea's most beloved autumn destinations, offering visitors crisp mountain air and vivid seasonal colors in a well-preserved natural setting.
Food enthusiasts can experience the 2nd Gourmet Eat Gangnam, taking place through November 16 at the square in front of the COEX East Gate in Seoul's vibrant Gangnam district. Following the success of last year's Seoul Night Market edition, this year's festival embraces an expanded theme of culinary celebration, featuring an impressive array of over 100 different dishes, 19 food and beverage booths, and engaging live cooking shows performed by professional chefs.
Visitors can sample a diverse variety of gourmet foods and beverages while enjoying lively performances and soaking in the energetic city-night atmosphere that Gangnam is famous for. With convenient access in the heart of one of Seoul's most dynamic districts, the festival provides an accessible way for everyone to savor, sip, and celebrate the vibrant and evolving dining culture that makes Seoul a world-class culinary destination.
