The Autumn Mood, The Deep Resonance of Our Culture at the Jongno K-Festival

October in Jongno, A Season Where Even the Breeze Feels Special

These days, the air touching our skin has become quite crisp. Autumn in Seoul is exceptionally deep and vivid. Walking along Sejong-daero(Sejong Boulevard) in front of Gwanghwamun(Gwanghwamun Gate), you can feel the quiet serenity unique to Jongno(Jongno District), accompanied by the subtle scent of autumn. This year is a bit more special. The Jongno brand, 'Jongno K-Festival', which has been running since 2016, has reached its 10th anniversary. Excited by the news that it has evolved from simply walking around in Hanbok(Korean traditional clothing) to a comprehensive traditional art festival where one can fully experience the depth of our culture, I set out on my journey.

Upon arriving at 172 Sejong-daero(Sejong-daero), the heat of the festival was slowly rising. Throughout the 10-day festival period starting in October, Jongno truly becomes a massive stage for art. The aesthetics of tradition, shimmering under the autumn sunlight, enriched my heart throughout my walk.

Enjoying the Beauty of Our Tradition with All Five Senses

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the intensive program held on October 17th and 18th. Once the spectacular fashion show begins, you cannot take your eyes off the costumes that blend traditional lines with a modern sensibility on the runway. Beyond just viewing, as you pass the experience booths set up throughout the venue, the subtle scent of ink or wood brushes against your nose. If you listen closely, the melody of Gugak(Korean traditional music) drifting from afar blends with the wind, making the scenery of Jongno even more poignant.

Various exhibitions and hands-on participation programs allow anyone, from children to adults, to immerse themselves in our culture. When you hear the laughter of people amidst the lively market scene where goods are bought and sold, you truly feel that you are at a festival. This time to pause and breathe deeply into our culture within the complex city center—I think this is the true charm of the Jongno K-Festival.

A Few Notes for a Fruitful Festival Trip

If you want to enjoy the Jongno K-Festival properly, choosing the right time to visit is important. Instead of too late in the afternoon, try visiting around the time when the sun begins to set. You can take truly magnificent photos as the golden-hued building forest of Jongno and the festival lights harmonize. Access is also excellent, as it is connected to Gwanghwamun Station(Gwanghwamun Station) on Subway Line 5.

If you have the time to look around, visiting the nearby Seochon(Seochon Village) or Bukchon(Bukchon Hanok Village) alleyways is also a great way to spend your time. Walking quietly through the alleys while carrying the lingering emotion of the festival, you realize once again how beautiful the Seoul you thought you knew really is. There is no separate space provided for laying down mats to rest, so I recommend wearing comfortable sneakers and strolling around at your leisure.

October in Jongno, where the stories accumulated over 10 years seep into our daily lives. How about capturing the unforgettable scent of tradition at the Jongno K-Festival this autumn?