Residents participate in a yoga program held at an outdoor stage located in Ui-dong Valley, in Gangbuk-gu, northern Seoul, in 2024. (Gangbuk-gu District Office)
Residents participate in a yoga program held at an outdoor stage located in Ui-dong Valley, in Gangbuk-gu, northern Seoul, in 2024. (Gangbuk-gu District Office)

Seoul districts are scheduled to host exciting outdoor events in September, offering an array of opportunities to experience the fall vibe.

Jongno in central Seoul is set to kick off the season's festivals with its annual art fair, which has continued since 1988.

From Sept. 11 to 14, multiple areas of Insa-dong — a neighborhood once considered the hub of traditional Korean culture — and Insa Central Museum will serve as venues for this year’s fair. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe on-site demonstrations of traditional calligraphic and painted works, as well as enjoy hands-on activities.

Traditional and contemporary Korean art will also be exhibited, with free docent-led tours.

The initial art fair turns to a tea and craft fair from Sept. 18 to 21, showcasing traditional teas, wares and crafts from across the country.

A visitor dressed in hanbok looks at an antique item displayed at Jongno-gu's 2023 antique fair. (Jongno-gu District Office)
A visitor dressed in hanbok looks at an antique item displayed at Jongno-gu's 2023 antique fair. (Jongno-gu District Office)

The district’s fall cultural event is scheduled to feature a large-scale antique fair from Sept. 25 to 28, allowing visitors to view a range of items, including traditional musical instruments, ceramics, furniture, accessories and rare international antiques.

Gwanak-gu in southern Seoul invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy a relaxing fall at an outdoor cinema on Sept. 13.

According to the district office, the open-air cinema experience will be offered to some 300 movie lovers at Children’s Water Park in Gwanaksan Park. Hoping to satisfy visitors of all ages, the district office has selected Pixar animated film “Inside Out 2” (2024).

Participants can enjoy the movie comfortably in camping chairs and inflatable air couches arranged in front of the giant 400-inch screen.

A balloon performance will entertain attendees before the screening, and snacks like cotton candy and popcorn will also be provided.

Though priority registration is open exclusively to Gwanak-gu residents until Friday, others can register for the outdoor cinema event regardless of residency from Saturday. Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis through the official website of Seoul Reservation for Public Service.

On-site registration will also be available on the day of the event. Admission is free.

Gangbuk-gu in northern Seoul has meanwhile announced that it will open both cultural and wellness programs for residents on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Under the slogan, “Have fun the healthy way,” the district office will offer yoga and meditation classes at its outdoor stage located in Ui-dong Valley.

After the session, visitors can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including sock loop crafting and a four-leaf clover key ring-making program.

Tea and coffee will be available for all participants.

Free registration is open via the Gangbuk Arts & Culture Foundation website.


sj_lee@heraldcorp.com