It’s September, and thanks to the Mid-Autumn Festival, we’ve got a lot of days off. It’s a great time to take a break from the heat and spend some time relaxing in places you’ve been meaning to visit. Here are some of the best things to do in September in Seoul and around its suburbs.
1. Seoul Moon
A chance to get a bird’s eye view of Seoul from 130 meters above the Han River in a hot air balloon. Seoul Moon, a suspended gas balloon in Yeouido Park, will officially open on August 23 after a month-long trial run. You’ll be able to enjoy a bird’s-eye view that any tall building’s observatory would envy.
📍Yeouido Park, 68, Yeouido Park-ro, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
2. Gwangneung Forest National Arboretum
After an intense summer, you want to find a place where time seems to flow slower. Gwangneung Forest National Arboretum is the place to go. The entrance to the arboretum is reached through a winding forest path, and the views, like this opening sequence, will slowly warm you up to the exhilarating experience.
Walk the trails that surround the arboretum, connecting Namyangju and Pocheon, and watch the komorebi (sunlight shining through the leaves) and hit the so-called tree holes. Right next to the pond is the peaceful Bongsunsa Temple, which is even more serene during the holidays.”
📍📍509, Gwangneungsumokwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
3. Tea House Season
Along the same lines, why not calm your mind with a cup of tea? The tea house Season introduces teas that match the festivals and seasons. There are also tea cocktail and tea blending classes, as well as performances and exhibitions, including classes in can be booked here.
📍📍306, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
4. Daniel Asham: 서울 3024
Danielle Assham is an artist whose experimental and architectural paintings and sculptures are beloved not only in the art world but also in the fashion world. His solo exhibition Daniel Ascham: Seoul 3024 – An Unearthed Future is on view through October 13th. Be inspired by the artist’s genius for interweaving pop culture motifs and ancient sculptures.
📍LOTTE MUSEUM, 7th floor, Lotte World Tower, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
5. Drunken Bean
It’s either Seoul or New York, and if you’re desperate to travel to New York but circumstances don’t allow it, there’s no better place to make do. Recently opened is Drunken Bean, a cafe that looks like a combination of a New York subway, gallery, and whiskey bar. It’s a great place to get in the mood with its authenticity.
📍📍서울 서초구 사평대로55길 56
6. Gwangjang Market
If you’re tired of shopping for those twice-yearly holiday gifts at the big box stores, use this as an excuse to visit a market. Seoul’s largest Gwangjang Market, you’re sure to find something witty that’s more than just another boxed goodie. Don’t forget to try the dope gimbap and bedbug rice cakes.
📍88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
7. Concino Concrete
If you haven’t yet experienced a listening space, which has become a trend in the last few years, head to Concino Concrete. In a space designed solely for music, you can enjoy high-end audio from around the world, including the Mirrorphonic M2 system, and book a session here. The view of the Imjin River through the windows is a bonus.
📍📍17, Saeori-ro 161beon-gil, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
8. Dinéenblanc
Dine in head-to-toe white. Dinéenblanc returns to Seoul once again. Dinéenblanc is a secret dinner party that began in Paris, France, in 1988 and has since been held in more than 120 cities, attracting nearly 100,000 participants. It will take place on September 28, and you can register to attend and learn more here.
9. Frieze & Kiaf
Presented in partnership with Kiaf (Korea International Art Fair), Frieze Seoul is now in its third year and has become an iconic September event. Frieze Seoul 2024 will feature more than 110 exhibitors from 30 countries. It will bring together world-class galleries such as Gagosian, Faith Gallery, White Cube, and David Zwirner, as well as leading Korean galleries such as Arario Gallery, Kukje Gallery, and Hakgojae. It takes place the first weekend of September at COEX.
📍Coex, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul