Transport · Jeju
Flights departing Jeju International Airport suffered widespread delays on Friday evening following airspace controls. Several late flights bound for Seoul's Gimpo Airport were diverted to Incheon International Airport due to Gimpo's strict overnight curfew. Passengers arriving in Incheon past midnight faced unexpected transit reroutes back into central Seoul.
So what
If you are flying out of Jeju on late-evening flights, confirm whether your flight might divert to Incheon Airport and plan late-night transport into Seoul accordingly.
Culture · Seoul
The Melon Music Awards (MMA 2026) will expand to a two-day ceremony for the first time at the Gocheok Sky Dome in southwestern Seoul. Headlined by performers including aespa and ATEEZ, the ceremony also features top nominations for BTS and BLACKPINK. Kakao Entertainment also introduced a new regional award tracking streaming performance across South Korea, Japan, and China.
So what
Keep an eye on Kakao Melon ticket announcements if you want to attend one of K-pop's largest year-end music award shows in Seoul.
Safety
Police apprehended a man in his twenties who extorted approximately 22 million won (~$15,700) from 38 pedestrians by intentionally bumping into hurried walkers in busy public spaces and claiming they broke his phone. The suspect dropped an already damaged phone during the staged collisions and demanded on-the-spot cash settlements for emergency repair costs. Authorities urge pedestrians not to hand over cash on the street if accused in similar staged accidents.
So what
If someone bumps into you in crowded pedestrian districts and immediately demands cash for a cracked smartphone screen, decline payment and call the police at 112.
Events · Busan
The Busan Tourism Organization announced special autumn and winter water sport packages operating from October 17 through November 20. Visitors can book sunset stand-up paddleboarding at Gwangalli, cold-season surfing and seafood barbecues at Songjeong, running and surfing at Dadaepo, and yacht packages combining K-beauty experiences. The initiative aims to keep beach activities accessible well beyond the peak summer season.
So what
Check Busan Tourism Organization platforms if you want to book off-season surfing, sunset yacht tours, or paddleboarding while visiting Busan this fall.
Events
Autumn foliage has reached its peak at Odaesan National Park in Gangwon Province, with nearby Seoraksan expected to hit peak vibrant colors by next week. Weather authorities note clear conditions across inland regions alongside wide day-and-night temperature swings exceeding 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Hikers and leaf-peepers are flocking to Gangwon's mountain trails this weekend.
So what
Head to Odaesan or Seoraksan over the coming days for prime fall colors, and dress in warm layers to handle cold mountain mornings.
Culture
Girl group LE SSERAFIM kicked off their debut European arena tour 'PUREFLOW' with a sold-out show of 15,000 fans at London's The O2 arena. The five-city tour continues through Amsterdam, Paris, and Copenhagen before concluding in Berlin on October 26. High demand prompted promoters to release restricted-view seats to accommodate European fans.
So what
Check local ticket vendors in Paris, Copenhagen, or Berlin if you are looking for last-minute seats during LE SSERAFIM's remaining European stops this month.
Culture
Four-member girl group BESTie has announced their official reunion after an 11-year gap since their active releases. Members Hyeyeon, Yuji, Dahye, and Haeryung shared a reunion message video asking fans for love and support. The group, known for tracks like 'Pitapat' and 'Love Options', debuted in 2013 and ceased group promotions in 2015, making this their first full reunion project in over a decade.
So what
Follow BESTie's social channels if you are a fan of classic third-generation K-pop looking forward to upcoming group activities and releases.
Money
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that wholesale fuel price caps will remain frozen for the fourth consecutive cycle despite climbing international crude oil prices. Upper supply limits for gas stations remain capped at 1,784 won (~$1.27) per liter for gasoline and 1,773 won (~$1.27) per liter for diesel for the next four weeks. The decision seeks to buffer household spending against imported energy inflation.
So what
Expect relatively steady pump prices if you are renting a car or taking road trips across Korea over the coming month.