The South Korean military safely detonated a suspected North Korean antipersonnel landmine found on Daebinchang Beach on Jumun Island in Ganghwa County, Incheon, on October 8. This marks the second washed-ashore landmine discovered in the county over the past 54 days. Marine Corps authorities warned coastal visitors and residents to remain cautious of stranded debris.
So what
Avoid touching any washed-up or unfamiliar boxed objects when visiting beaches near Incheon and report them immediately to the police at 112 or local military posts.
Seoul Metropolitan City announced that Jamsu Bridge, the lower deck of Banpo Bridge spanning the Han River, will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning October 26. The 50-year-old bridge is undergoing a transformation into a pedestrian-only promenade and leisure space scheduled to reopen in August 2027. Drivers and taxi commuters traveling between Yongsan and Seocho districts will be redirected to the upper deck of Banpo Bridge.
So what
Plan alternative taxi and driving routes when crossing the Han River between Yongsan and Seocho starting late October.
The 2026 Seoul Race will take place on the morning of Sunday, October 11, starting at 7:30 AM from Cheonggye Plaza. Approximately 12,000 runners, including 400 foreign participants from 48 countries, will navigate courses spanning half-marathon and 11-kilometer distances. The route runs through key central districts including Jongno, Euljiro, Sungnyemun (Namdaemun Gate), and Dongdaemun.
So what
Take the subway instead of buses or taxis if traveling across downtown Seoul on Sunday morning to bypass rolling road closures.
A2O Entertainment, led by former SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man and veteran composer Yoo Young-jin, is debuting both a boy group and a girl group at the same time. The boy group A2O SOUL and girl group A2O LITE will hold their debut performance on October 12 during the global showcase 'WELCOME TO SOULITE.' Both teams will release their debut singles, 'SUPERSTAR' and 'NEON,' respectively, on October 13 at 6:00 PM KST.
So what
Watch the debut showcase on October 12 and stream the twin releases on October 13 to hear the latest sound from K-pop pioneer Lee Soo-man.
Netflix officially unveiled the 16-player lineup for Season 3 of the popular Korean psychological reality game show 'The Devil's Plan' on October 8. Helmed by director Jung Jong-yeon, the mastermind behind survival series such as 'The Genius' and 'The Great Escape,' the third season features a mix of strategic minds and public figures. The streaming service described the roster as the most competitive cast assembled so far.
So what
If you enjoy Korean brain survival shows like 'The Genius,' add 'The Devil's Plan' to your Netflix watchlist ahead of the upcoming season.
Virtual boy band PLAVE released a highlight medley video on October 8 previewing their upcoming fifth mini album, 'HYPERDRIVE.' The five-track project showcases styles ranging from bossa nova on 'Kkun' to fast-paced electronic dance beats on the title track 'Star Trace.' The full mini album is set to release across global streaming platforms on October 12.
So what
Listen to the teaser on YouTube and mark October 12 to stream the new release from Korea's leading virtual idol group.
The 2026 Jeonju International Hanji Industry Expo and 30th Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival opened on October 8 in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. The festival celebrates the heritage of hanji, traditional Korean handmade paper crafted from mulberry bark, while exploring modern industrial uses. Visitors can take part in live papermaking workshops, view artisan craft exhibitions, and purchase local paper goods.
So what
If you are visiting Jeonju this week, stop by the festival venues to try your hand at traditional Korean paper making.