The Time When Autumn Stays in Jeju, A Travelogue of the October Seogwipo(서귀포) Culture Month Festival

Seogwipo(서귀포) in October, The Fragrance of the Festival Carried on the Breeze

Autumn in Jeju(제주) is exceptionally deep and rich. When the breeze, neither too hot nor too cold, brushes against my cheek, the excitement buried in a corner of my heart often begins to stir. This October, Seogwipo(서귀포) will be filled with the heat of artistic warmth more than ever before. The '2025 Culture Month' event, taking place from October 17th to 19th around Cheonjiyeon(천지연) Waterfall and the original downtown area of Seogwipo(서귀포), is the main highlight.

As you walk along Cheonjiyeon(천지연) Waterfall, a long-standing landmark of Seogwipo(서귀포), the magnificent sound of water fills your ears. My heart is already racing, anticipating the refreshing mist felt beneath the pouring waterfall, combined with the busy preparations for the festival. This festival is not just an event to watch; it is highly anticipated because it reinterpret the breath of Seolmundae Halmang(설문대할망), the myth of Jeju(제주), with a modern sensibility.

Experiencing Jeju's Narrative Through the Five Senses: Meeting the Chilsimni(칠십리) Festival

What makes this event even more special is that it is held at the same time as the 31st Seogwipo Chilsimni(서귀포칠십리) Festival. The long history of Seogwipo(서귀포) and the romanticism inherent in the name 'Chilsimni(칠십리)' are infused throughout the festival. The melodies of domestic and international musicians you hear while walking the streets will transform Seogwipo(서귀포)'s evening into a romantic concert venue.

In every alleyway, the gourmet booths and markets will tease your nose with the scents of healthy ingredients gifted by Jeju(제주)'s land. As you stroll through the market with a warm cup of tea, the friendly dialect and lively laughter of the Jeju(제주) people will feel as familiar as neighbors you've known for a long time. Participating in experience programs to craft something colored with Jeju(제주)'s hues also seems like a wonderful way to remember this autumn.

My Personal Way of Enjoying the Seogwipo(서귀포) Festival Walk

The original downtown of Seogwipo(서귀포) is a place whose charm is only revealed when you walk slowly. During the festival, leave your car behind and take your time walking from the area around the waterfall to the charming alleyways. There is no need to hurry. Resting for a while on a bench with the sound of the waterfall as your background under the languid afternoon sun before the performances begin is also part of the festival.

I would recommend visiting the nearby Lee Jung-seop(이중섭) Street or Jaguri(자구리) Park. After fully enjoying the energy of Seogwipo(서귀포), buzzed with the Culture Month events, you can finish your day by strolling near the sea at sunset. Don't forget to pack a light outer layer, as Jeju(제주) in October gets chilly as soon as the sun goes down. I am already looking forward to the deep stories of Jeju(제주) that Seogwipo(서귀포) will share over these three short days.