Monthly Event Calendar: September 2025

September is one of the most vibrant months in Seoul. The city comes alive with international art fairs, outdoor music, food festivals, and traditional cultural events. Whether you love history, music, or simply the city’s night vibes, there’s something happening almost every week.

Art & Exhibitions

Seoul Light DDP 2025 – Autumn

📅 Aug 28 – Sep 7 | 📍 Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
📝 The futuristic curves of DDP transform into a giant media façade. This year’s theme, “Everflow: Moving Fields,” combines laser beams, cosmic imagery, and immersive video art across the building’s 222-meter façade. It’s one of the most photogenic night events of the season.
🎟 Free | No ticket required

 Frieze Seoul

📅 Sep 3 – 6 | 📍 COEX Convention Center
📝 One of the world’s leading art fairs, Frieze brings 120+ international galleries and showcases both global and Korean artists. Alongside the main exhibition, there are film screenings, talks with artists, and special presentations. Expect an international crowd of collectors, curators, and art lovers.
🎟 Ticket purchase required | Available online at Frieze Seoul

 Kiaf Seoul

📅 Sep 3 – 7 | 📍 COEX Convention Center
📝 Held together with Frieze, Kiaf Seoul is Korea’s largest contemporary art fair, featuring over 170 galleries. It’s a great place to discover Korean painters, sculptors, and emerging talents alongside established names.
🎟 Ticket purchase required | Available via Kiaf Seoul official site

 Seoul International Book Fair – Autumn Special

📅 Sep 27 – 29 | 📍 Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
📝 This special fall edition brings together publishers, writers, and readers. Expect book signings, author talks, and interactive programs for children and families. The venue itself—DDP—adds a modern and creative atmosphere.
🎟 Free entry for most events | Some programs may require registration

  

Music & Performances

Seoul Music Week

📅 Sep 12 – 14 | 📍 Gwanghwamun Plaza & Sejong Center
📝 A weekend filled with global music, from jazz ensembles and indie rock bands to traditional Korean performances. With food trucks and an outdoor market, it’s a lively event for both locals and travelers. The setting in Gwanghwamun makes it especially atmospheric.
🎟 Mostly free | Premium seats may require booking

 Seoul Forest Jazz Festival

📅 Sep 19 – 21 | 📍 Seoul Forest
📝 This open-air festival is perfect for a relaxed evening. Listen to international and local jazz musicians while enjoying nature. Families with children and even pets are welcome. Many visitors bring mats or picnic baskets for a laid-back vibe.
🎟 Paid admission | Tickets online in advance

 Block Party Music & Art Festival

📅 Sep 20 – 21 | 📍 Haebangchon (HBC)
📝 HBC turns into a creative hub with indie bands, DJs, stand-up comedy, drag shows, and art performances. It’s popular with Seoul’s expat community and younger locals, offering a different energy than mainstream festivals.
🎟 Some outdoor shows free | Others ticketed at venues

 Candlelight Concerts

📅 Sep 5 | 📍 Venue TBA (Seoul city center)
📝 These concerts are held in intimate, candlelit venues. This September features a tribute to Korean legend Kim Kwang-seok and a Coldplay-themed program. The combination of atmosphere and live performance makes it unforgettable.
🎟 Tickets required | Advance booking online

  

Festivals & Night Events

Hangang Moonlight Night Market

📅 Every Fri & Sat, Sep | 📍 Banpo & Yeouido Hangang Parks
📝 One of Seoul’s most beloved night markets. Stalls sell international street food, craft goods, and local snacks. Eating spicy tteokbokki or sipping a drink by the Han River under the moonlight is a classic Seoul experience.
🎟 Free entry | Pay for food and shopping

 Seoul Outdoor Library

📅 Sep 5 – Nov 2 (Fri–Sun) | 📍 Seoul Plaza (City Hall)
📝 In the evenings, Seoul Plaza turns into a giant open-air library with cozy seating, soft lighting, and curated book collections. Perfect for a peaceful autumn night in the city center.
🎟 Free | Open to the public

 Hangang Drone Light Show

📅 Sep 6 – Oct 25 (selected nights) | 📍 Ttukseom Hangang Park
📝 Thousands of drones perform choreographed shows over the river, sometimes combined with fireworks and music. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the park.
🎟 Free | Best seen from riverside viewing areas

 Seoul Street Arts Festival

📅 Sep 26 – 28 | 📍 Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon, Daehangno
📝 A massive celebration of performance art in public spaces. From mime and dance to interactive installations, the city becomes a stage. Great for families, photographers, and anyone who loves creative expression.
🎟 Free | Open to all

 Seoul International Fireworks Festival

📅 Sep 27 | 📍 Yeouido Hangang Park
📝 One of Seoul’s biggest annual events. Teams from Korea and abroad present dazzling fireworks synchronized with music. Crowds gather hours in advance—bring mats or chairs if you plan to stay.
🎟 Free | No tickets, but come early

 Car-Free Jamsugyo Festival

📅 Sep 28 – Oct 26 (Sundays) | 📍 Jamsugyo Bridge
📝 Once a week, cars are banned from the bridge and it becomes a pedestrian festival space. Expect cultural performances, small markets, and food trucks. A fun way to enjoy the city’s urban landscape.
🎟 Free | Sundays only

 

Heritage & History

Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Opening

📅 Sep 3 – 28 (closed Mon & Tue) | 📍 Gyeongbokgung Palace
📝 Explore the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty under the night sky. The illuminated halls and courtyards create a breathtaking atmosphere. Only a limited number of tickets are available each evening.
🎟 ₩3,000 | Must book in advance (often sells out)

 King Jeongjo’s Royal Parade

📅 Sep 28 | 📍 From Gyeongbokgung Palace to Nodeul Island
📝 A grand historical reenactment of King Jeongjo’s journey. Hundreds of participants in traditional costumes recreate the royal procession. It’s one of Seoul’s most photogenic cultural events.
🎟 Free | Public outdoor parade

 Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival

📅 Sep 26 – 28 | 📍 Olympic Park & Songpa area
📝 This festival celebrates Seoul’s ancient Baekje heritage with traditional performances, parades, food stalls, and hands-on programs for children.
🎟 Free | Some workshops may require registration

  

Food & Lifestyle

Seoul Wine & Dine Festival

📅 Sep 20 – 22 | 📍 COEX
📝 A paradise for foodies and wine lovers. International wineries and chefs present tastings, pairing experiences, and workshops. Dress up and enjoy Seoul’s gourmet culture.
🎟 Ticket purchase required | Book early online

 

Sports & Global Conferences

Korea Open Tennis 2025

📅 Sep 15 – 21 | 📍 Olympic Park Tennis Center
📝 A WTA 500-level tournament that brings world-class players to Seoul. An exciting chance to watch top-level women’s tennis.
🎟 Ticket purchase required | Available online

 IFSC Climbing World Championships

📅 Sep 21 – 28 | 📍 KSPO Dome, Olympic Park
📝 A major international climbing event, featuring lead, speed, bouldering, and paraclimbing competitions. Seoul hosts the best climbers in the world.
🎟 Ticket purchase required | Official IFSC site

 Metropolis 40th Anniversary Seoul Congress

📅 Sep 29 – Oct 1 | 📍 COEX & city venues
📝 A global gathering of city leaders and experts. Discussions focus on urban innovation, sustainable cities, and cultural exchanges.
🎟 Registration required | Not open to the general public

 

Final Thoughts

September in Seoul has something for everyone: breathtaking palace nights, Han River fireworks, world-class art fairs, jazz festivals, and cultural parades. Many events are free, and even the ticketed ones are worth the price for the experience.

👉 If you’re visiting Seoul this month, try to fit in at least one major festival and one night event. Together, they’ll give you the perfect taste of Seoul in autumn.