A wave of cold northwesterly air will sweep across South Korea starting Tuesday night, bringing a sharp temperature drop on Wednesday. Seoul's morning low will plummet to 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with some inland mountainous regions dipping below freezing. Strong coastal gusts of around 70 km/h (43 mph) are expected along the western and southern coastlines as weather authorities prepare cold wave and wind advisories.
So what
Pack heavy winter layers and windbreakers if you are traveling outdoors on Tuesday evening or Wednesday.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold the year's final drone light performance on Saturday over Ttukseom Hangang Park in eastern Seoul. Starting at 8:30 p.m., a fleet of 2,000 drones will illuminate the Han River with Marvel characters such as Iron Man in synchronized choreography set to music. The 15-minute riverside show is completely free to the public without reservations.
So what
Take Subway Line 7 to Ttukseom Park Station and arrive at least an hour early to secure prime viewing along the Han River.
K-pop group ILLIT released their fifth EP, 'Break Even,' and its electro-pop title track 'You’re Under Arrest' on October 26. The group held a media showcase in Yongsan, Seoul, marking a shift toward a bolder and more assertive concept compared to their debut releases. ILLIT is currently promoting as a four-member unit consisting of Yunah, Minju, Wonhee, and Iroha while member Moka remains on a temporary medical hiatus.
So what
Stream the new title track 'You’re Under Arrest' on global music platforms as weekly Korean music show appearances kick off this week.
The South Korean won finished at 1,323.1 won against the US dollar on October 26, reaching its strongest level in more than two years since October 2024. The currency has climbed significantly from its yearly low near 1,555 won per dollar recorded in July. Central bank officials expect the won to remain relatively firm, reducing imported fuel costs for Korea but yielding fewer won for inbound tourists converting foreign currency.
So what
Budget slightly more in your home currency for local won spending, as exchange rates are currently less favorable for foreign cash holders.
Popular Korean makeup brand 3CE has unveiled its first official collaboration with Sanrio, featuring the character Kuromi in a limited winter release. The collection highlights an 'off-pink' seasonal color concept and includes multi-eye shadow palettes, powder blush, and velvet lip tints in customized collector packaging. The products are launching across 3CE retail stores and major cosmetics distribution networks across Korea.
So what
If you collect Sanrio merchandise, look for this limited-edition release at 3CE flagships and Olive Young stores before seasonal stock sells out.
Shares of JYP Entertainment surged up to 14 percent on October 26 after domestic reports claimed Japanese investment groups, including The NEXROC Group and SVCV, were seeking to acquire a major stake. JYP management quickly refuted the claims, clarifying that no discussions or proposals have occurred regarding a takeover. The agency manages leading global K-pop acts such as TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY, and NiziU.
So what
Disregard social media rumors about abrupt management changes at JYP Entertainment, as the agency remains under its existing leadership.
Italian-style coffee franchise Caffe Pascucci announced an average 4.9 percent price hike across select beverage and cake items starting November 2. The chain maintains widespread locations throughout South Korea, especially in express bus terminals, train stations, and shopping malls. The adjustment reflects rising international coffee bean prices and domestic distribution costs.
So what
Expect to pay slightly more for coffee and dessert orders at Pascucci branches across Korea starting next week.