Culture
TWICE member Nayeon is preparing to return as a solo artist with the single album titled 'NA-sty' on November 20. Official promotional visual films released over the weekend showcase stylized concept teasers following earlier logo reveals. The upcoming single follows her established solo track record and marks her latest music release before year-end festivities.
So what
Look out for official album pre-orders and concept drops ahead of Nayeon's November 20 solo return.
Events · Busan
The smash Broadway musical 'Hamilton' will stage its premiere South Korean season in Busan before traveling to Seoul. The production will run from December 17, 2026, to January 16, 2027, at the Dream Theatre in Busan's Nam-gu district. It will subsequently open in Seoul at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from January 21 through March 20, 2027.
So what
If you plan to attend the Tony-winning musical in Korea, book Busan dates to catch the production a month earlier than Seoul.
Culture
BLACKPINK member Jisoo will appear as a guest part-time assistant on the second season of tvN's variety program 'Bogum Magical.' The reality show follows actor Park Bo-gum, who recently obtained his certified hair styling license, running a small coastal salon alongside fellow actors. Jisoo joins a guest roster that includes Uhm Ji-won, Ahn Eun-jin, and Heo Sung-tae, with the premiere scheduled for November 29 at 7:45 p.m. KST.
So what
Mark November 29 at 7:45 p.m. KST to watch BLACKPINK's Jisoo collaborate with Park Bo-gum on Korean cable network tvN.
Culture
Boy group AMPERS&ONE has confirmed the release date for their first full-length studio album, titled 'PATHFINDER.' The group unveiled a main sequence trailer titled 'WE ARE UNCROWNED' to mark the launch of promotions. The album will drop across global streaming platforms on November 17 at 6:00 p.m. KST.
So what
Save November 17 at 6:00 p.m. KST on your calendar if you follow rookie K-pop boy groups and digital album releases.
Transport · Seoul
Seoul Metro trains on Subway Line 6 passed through Itaewon Station without stopping starting at 11:47 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, due to heavy Halloween crowd congestion. Yongsan District authorities issued emergency mobile alerts instructing visitors to avoid entering the station area and redirect to adjacent Noksapyeong or Hangangjin stations. Peak evening estimates recorded up to 125,000 visitors in Hongdae and around 30,000 in Itaewon, where police and municipal safety teams maintained one-way pedestrian routes.
So what
Expect temporary station skip-stops and strict one-way barricades whenever navigating major nightlife zones during heavily attended holiday weekends in Seoul.
Events · Busan
The 14th Seomyeon Medical Street Festival will take place along Seomyeon 1st Street in Busan on November 6 and 7. Twelve local medical and aesthetic institutions will provide free consultations covering dermatology, plastic surgery, dental, and vision screenings. Visitors can also test AI skin diagnostics and product booths at the government-backed 'Beauty Play' cosmetic zone.
So what
Head to Busan's Seomyeon shopping district on November 6 or 7 to access complimentary skin health diagnostics and explore K-beauty items.
Money · Seoul
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is running a citywide campaign throughout November 2026 to help residents claim dormant local tax overpayments. Foreign and local taxpayers can look up and claim their unpaid refunds online via Seoul's ETAX portal, by telephone, or in person at any ward district office (gu-cheong). Residents also have an option to donate minor refund amounts to the Community Chest of Korea to receive tax deductions.
So what
If you paid local taxes or municipal fees while living in Seoul, log into Seoul ETAX or contact your local district office this month to retrieve any leftover refund.
Money
South Korea's government kicked off the second annual 'Korea Grand Festival,' a unified nationwide sales campaign aimed at stimulating domestic retail spending. Large discount marts, department stores, traditional markets, and online retailers across the country are rolling out discounts of up to 50% on electronics, everyday groceries, and seasonal goods. The festival's opening ceremony took place in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, with top officials signaling broader consumer stimulus through November.
So what
If you are shopping in Korea this month, check major department stores and discount hypermarkets for festival discount promotions.