In South Korea, the event lineup is a brilliant clash of old and new, offering something for every backpacker looking for adventure. From the traditional beauty of the Lotus Lantern Festival illuminating temples in spring, to electrifying K-Pop concerts that fill arenas in Seoul, the contrast is what makes this country so captivating. For 2026, South Korea has over 69 events ready to explore, ranging from quirky neighbourhood markets to huge international festivals.
Exploring South Korea’s diverse programme means you could be sampling street food at a night market one evening and dancing until dawn at a club in Hongdae the next. Hostelworld hostels across South Korea keep you right in the centre of the action, making it easy to meet other travellers and share tips on what’s on. Grab your travel buddies and dive into South Korea’s unique scene in 2026.
Top Events South Korea
South Korea Events you can’t miss in 2026
Seoul's neon glow, ancient lanterns, K-Pop beats
Best things to do in South Korea
69 eventsFestival

Busan Biennale
5 Sep - 15 Nov, 2026
Busan
Festival

Seoul Autumn Festa
19 Sep - 29 Nov, 2026
Seoul
Festival

32nd Seogwipo Chilseongri Festival
23-25 Oct, 2026
Seogwipo
Festival

Busan International Film Festival
6-15 Oct, 2026
Busan
Concert

Concerto Night with Arbivo Symphony Orchestra
2 Sep, 2026
Seoul
Festival

Jeju & Kyochon Minivelo Festival
12-13 Sep, 2026
Seogwipo
Concert

Gangnam Symphony Orchestra Matinee Concert
3 Sep, 2026
Seoul
Museum exhibit

National Asian Culture Center Media Art Exhibition
1 May - 27 Oct, 2026
Seogwipo
Festival

Dongrae-eupseong History Festival
16-18 Oct, 2026
Busan
Convention expo

Fashion Week Designer Showcase
4 Sep, 2026
Seoul
Museum exhibit

100th Anniversary of Byun Si-ji
23 Jun - 27 Sep, 2026
Seogwipo
OYO Hostel Myeongdong 6
1.02km from city centre
From€29.75
OYO Hostel Myeongdong 6
0.95km from city centre
From€29.75
Blue Backpackers Hostel
3.45km from city centre
From€12.53
Backpacker's Home
14.62km from city centre
From€9.39
Blueboat Hostel Gyeongju
1.62km from city centre
From€13.15
Original Backpackers
3.11km from city centre
From€26.30
Original Backpackers
3.19km from city centre
From€26.30
Stay Dearmoon
9.95km from city centre
From€2.51
Island Guesthouse
30.74km from city centre
From€15.66
Doobaki Hostel
1.92km from city centre
From€6.89
Oppa Hostel
3.63km from city centre
From€14.09
Oppa Hostel
3.54km from city centre
From€14.09
Funwave Guest House in Busan
7.98km from city centre
From€14.40
Ttottot Jeju Backpackers
29.31km from city centre
From€12.46
Han Jin Hostel
2.54km from city centre
From€10.33
Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae
5.95km from city centre
From€12.53
Zzzip Guesthouse in Hongdae
5.85km from city centre
From€12.53
One Way Guesthouse Busan
7.96km from city centre
From€12.53
SLOW CITI Hostel
14.23km from city centre
From€10.44
Seoul Forest Stay
6.26km from city centre
From€11.27
Seoul Forest Stay
6.27km from city centre
From€11.27
INSIDE Busan
8.18km from city centre
From€12.53
MIDO Hostel
14.3km from city centre
From€14.40