Transport · Seoul
The labor union of Seoul Metro, operator of subway lines 1 through 8, officially resolved to enter a labor dispute following an extraordinary delegate assembly on October 15. The union is demanding a 3.5% wage hike, the cancellation of a planned cut of 2,212 workers, and the immediate recruitment of 1,313 staff. It plans to hold a strike authorization vote next month before initiating work-to-rule slowdowns and a potential general walkout.
So what
If you plan to use Seoul subways next month, keep an eye on transit announcements for potential service delays or strikes.
Events
The 18th K-Beauty Expo Korea opened at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 1 in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, running from October 15 through October 17. The event has expanded to over 1,088 booths featuring 679 cosmetics and skincare brands from 15 countries, up nearly 40% in floor space compared to last year. The exhibition showcases trending Korean dermo-cosmetics, microbiome skincare lines, and export consultation booths welcoming global buyers and visitors.
So what
If you are into Korean skincare, visit KINTEX in Goyang before Saturday to sample emerging beauty brands and indie cosmetics directly from producers.
Culture · Busan
The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) closed on October 15 at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, topping 200,000 theater admissions for the first time in 11 years. Iranian director Majid Majidi won the top Busan Award for his film 'Midday Meal' ('Bread and Book'), making it eligible for Oscar consideration under updated Academy rules. Total festival attendance reached roughly 270,000 visitors when factoring in outdoor programs and auxiliary events.
So what
If you missed BIFF screenings in Busan, watch for award-winning titles heading to commercial theaters and international streaming platforms.
Culture
NCT DREAM officially scheduled their upcoming musical comeback with a new release titled 'DREAM AFTER DREAM', set to drop on November 9 at 6:00 PM KST. This marks the group's first unit project in a year following their November 2025 release 'Beat It Up'. The first teaser images have been shared online as SM Entertainment begins promotional rollouts ahead of album pre-orders.
So what
Mark your calendar for November 9 if you follow NCT DREAM, as official pre-orders and concept teasers will roll out across major music stores.
Culture
R&B singer-songwriter Crush announced the release of a new digital single titled 'seesaw', featuring top solo vocalist IU, scheduled for release on October 21 at 6:00 PM KST. A short studio video showing IU recording vocals was released alongside the announcement. The song marks a rare direct collaboration between two of South Korea's biggest chart-dominating artists.
So what
If you follow K-indie and Korean R&B, watch for the track on Spotify, Apple Music, and Melon on October 21.
Weather
South Korea will enjoy mild, clear autumn weather through Saturday, October 17, with afternoon highs climbing to between 22°C and 26°C (71°F–79°F). Large temperature swings of up to 15°C will persist between morning lows and midday warmth across inland regions like Daegu and North Gyeongsang. Forecasters note that cloudy skies will thicken over the weekend before nationwide rain arrives on Sunday.
So what
Dress in light layers for comfortable daytime sightseeing, and carry an umbrella if you are planning outdoor travels on Sunday.
Transport · Busan
Korean Air flight KE209 bound for Da Nang, Vietnam, returned to Gimhae International Airport in Busan shortly after takeoff on October 15 due to an engine issue. The aircraft was carrying 146 passengers when the pilots detected an engine anomaly and safely circled back to Gimhae. Passengers were transferred to an alternate aircraft to resume their journey with minimal delay.
So what
If you are flying out of regional airports like Gimhae in Busan, double-check your gate notifications and departure boards in case of maintenance-related adjustments.