Money · Seoul
South Korean authorities have abruptly postponed a planned admission fee hike for major royal palaces and Joseon-era royal tombs, which had been slated to take effect in January. The proposal would have raised entry fees by up to five times their current rates. The announcement was initially scheduled for next month before being put on hold.
So what
If you are planning to visit Seoul landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace early next year, you will continue paying standard low entrance fees for now.
Culture · Seoul
K-pop boy group ATEEZ announced they will make their official comeback on November 13 at 2:00 PM KST. The group released an introductory teaser titled 'CRASH TO BEGIN' revealing the project as 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6'. This marks their first major domestic release following their recent international stadium tour legs.
So what
If you follow ATEEZ, mark November 13 on your calendar for their new music video drop and the opening of album preorders.
Culture · Seoul
Seoul will host its first specialized industrial fragrance exhibition, 'ACCORD SEOUL 2026', on October 17 at S-Factory Building D in the trendy Seongsu-dong district. Over 110 teams—including Asian boutique perfume houses, international fragrance manufacturers, and packaging specialists—will gather to showcase products and raw ingredients. The event aims to spotlight K-fragrance alongside established cosmetic and skincare industries.
So what
If you are visiting Seoul in mid-October and love niche scents or K-beauty trends, stop by S-Factory in Seongsu-dong to sample independent fragrance brands.
Transport
Gyeonggi Province has introduced five new commuter routes under its G-Bus reserved seating system starting October 8. The lines connect suburbs including Pyeongtaek, Yangju, Hwaseong, and Uiwang with major Seoul hubs like Seoul National University of Education and Gangbyeon stations, as well as the Pangyo tech hub in Bundang. The buses require advance seat bookings during morning and evening rush hours.
So what
If you commute between Seoul and southern or northern Gyeonggi Province, check the reserved seating bus service to avoid standing in long queues.
Weather
Marking 'Hanro'—the traditional solar term signaling cool autumn dew—weather agencies forecast clear skies across South Korea with sharp daily temperature differences reaching up to 15 degrees Celsius. Seoul will see morning lows near 12°C rising to 24°C in the afternoon, while parts of Daegu and inland North Gyeongsang drop to 5°C before climbing into the mid-20s. Higher mountain valleys in Gangwon may experience early morning frost.
So what
If you are traveling in Korea this week, dress in versatile layers as chilly mornings give way to warm, sunny afternoons.
Culture
Netflix has released a preview teaser for its upcoming fantasy romance series 'Take Charge of My Heart', starring Kim Young Kwang and Chae Soo Bin. Based on a web novel, the comedy centers on a man whose artificial heart battery is depleting and a woman who holds the ability to recharge him. The series will stream globally on Netflix.
So what
If you are looking for new K-dramas, add this Netflix release to your watchlist as international streaming promotion ramps up.
Life
South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has approved 'Epe Auto-Injector', the nation's first homegrown GLP-1 obesity treatment developed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical. Expected to launch as early as late October, the drug is projected to cost around 100,000 KRW (~$71 USD) monthly, significantly lower than foreign alternatives like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Clinical trials over 40 weeks showed an average weight reduction of approximately 9.75 percent.
So what
If you follow Korea's healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape, anticipate more accessible GLP-1 weight-loss prescription options at local clinics before year-end.