The Korea Forest Service announced that nationwide autumn foliage will peak on schedule this season, starting at Mount Seoraksan in Gangwon Province on October 20. Peak foliage is forecast for Mount Songnisan on October 28, Mount Naejangsan on November 4, and Mount Hallasan on Jeju Island on November 6. Cool air moving south has restored typical seasonal temperatures across major mountain ranges.
So what
If you are planning foliage day trips, schedule mountain hikes in late October through early November when leaves reach peak color.
The Korea Meteorological Administration warned of temperature swings of around 15 degrees Celsius across inland Korea this weekend. Morning lows will hover between 8 and 19 degrees Celsius, rising to daytime highs of 23 to 28 degrees Celsius. Cloudy conditions and light rain between 5 and 10 millimeters are forecast for southern regions and Jeju Island.
So what
Dress in easily removable layers and carry a light jacket for cold morning and evening outings.
Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho's first animated feature film, Ally, will premiere in South Korean theaters in July next year, production company Barunson C&C confirmed. The production follows the journey of deep-sea creatures and is slated for an international rollout, including a release in France on July 14, 2027, alongside a theatrical release in the United States.
So what
Follow cinema announcements if you plan to visit Korea next summer to catch Bong Joon-ho's latest theatrical project early.
Director Cho Su-won and cast members Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young presented an onstage talk for the 10-episode Disney+ series The Remarried Empress at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. Adapted from the viral web novel and webtoon, the romance fantasy follows Empress Navier after her divorce. The drama adaptation will stream exclusively on Disney+.
So what
Add the title to your Disney+ watchlist if you follow Korean webtoon adaptations and high-profile period fantasy dramas.
Rookie group CLOSE YOUR EYES claimed their first music show trophy for title track 'Drop That!' on KBS Music Bank on October 9. The group also logged 711,224 first-week copies sold for their fourth mini album '256th Note' on the Hanteo Chart, marking their highest commercial record since debut.
So what
Expect rising demand for the group's merchandise and upcoming music program audience recordings in Seoul.
Seoul Grand Park announced that twin red pandas Maru and Marong will be officially unveiled to the public on October 14. Born on June 19, the cubs have begun exploring outdoor enclosures with their mother Lian. Because red pandas are primarily active during twilight hours, the park advised visiting either in the early morning or after 4:00 p.m. for the best viewing opportunities.
So what
Schedule your Seoul Grand Park visit after 4:00 p.m. from October 14 to see the newborn pandas moving outside.
The 23rd Jarasum Jazz Festival kicked off on October 9 for a three-day celebration on Jara Island in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The annual riverside festival features performances by international and domestic jazz musicians alongside outdoor autumn picnic grounds. Gapyeong is accessible from downtown Seoul via the ITX-Cheongchun train.
So what
Take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni to Gapyeong Station this weekend if you want an open-air autumn music picnic.