Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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![[Arts & Culture] As heatwave weakens, Seoul welcomes September with art festivals, outdoor events](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ep3VYeL82Wc/mqdefault.jpg "[Arts & Culture] As heatwave weakens, Seoul welcomes September with art festivals, outdoor events
선선한 가을 맞는 서울 미술관•궁궐•야외도서관 문 연다
Summer may not be over just yet, but September is right around the corner, and Seoul is already gearing up for a packed cultural calendar.
From major art events and free museum admission to outdoor libraries, nighttime palace tours and fireworks, theres plenty to look forward to as we head into fall.
For a closer look, our culture correspondent Chung Hye-lim joins us in the studio.
Welcome, Hye-lim.
Good evening, Mok-yeon.
So Hye-lim, lets start with art.
Next week looks like a pretty big week in Seoul. Whats happening?
Thats right.
Seoul Art Week kicks off on Monday and runs through September 6th.
It brings together 1-hundred 59 exhibitions and programs at 1-hundred 41 art spaces across the city.
The city will also host some of the biggest events related to art not only nationally but internationally, including Frieze Seoul and Kiaf, drawing collectors, galleries, and art lovers from Korea and abroad.
And if youre into art, next week is probably one of the best weeks of the year to be in Seoul.
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, or MMCA, is offering free admission from September 1st through the 6th as part of the Korea Art Festival.
And that applies to all four branches — Seoul, Gwacheon, Deoksugung and Cheongju.
One exhibition worth pointing out at the Seoul branch is a major solo exhibition by Korean installation artist Suh Do-ho.
This exhibition spans roughly three decades of his career, from early works to some of his more recent projects.
Deoksugung Palace is now free every Wednesday, so if you go next Wednesday, September 2nd, you could visit the palace and then stop by the MMCA Deoksugung branch, which will also be free during the festival week.
Also, the Gwacheon branch is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, so there will be many things to see.
And thats a lot for art lovers.
But with the weather finally starting to cool down, there are some outdoor options coming back too, right?
Yes, Mok-yeon, August was an exhausting month.
There was extreme heat, but things are cooling down, and while thats happening, other outdoor activities are starting up again.
The Seoul Outdoor Library returns beginning September 4th after taking a break during the hottest part of summer.
It now operates at three major locations — Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and along Cheonggyecheon Stream.
There are around 12-thousand books available across the three locations this year, along with reading areas and cultural programs.
Whats also great this season is the accessibility for international visitors.
The outdoor library features translated Korean literature and foreign-language collections in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
Along with bean bags, weekend performances, and family zones, its designed as an easy, relaxing spot located right in the heart of Seoul.
And theres another one at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The nighttime opening is coming back as well?
Exactly.
Gyeongbokgung Palace begins its fall nighttime opening on September 2nd, and its a completely different experience from visiting during the day; it’s absolutely beautiful and stunning.
The palace will be open at night from 7 to 9:30.
Tickets went on sale this Wednesday, but there is a pro tip for those who want to visit.
Anyone wearing traditional Hanbok gets in completely free without needing an advance reservation.
And there is another option for people who want a closer look at the palace.
Special guided visits to Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion also return from September 2nd after being suspended during the heatwave.
Those tours are held on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Okay, so weve got art, outdoor reading, even nighttime palace visits.
What about the fireworks? Thats coming up next weekend too, right?
Mokyeon, one of Seoul’s most loved events is coming up, and I, for one, am absolutely excited for it.
The Seoul International Fireworks Festival an annual fall event everyone can enjoy.
Events begin on Friday, September 4th, with the main fireworks show taking place on Saturday, September 5th at Yeouido Hangang Park.
There will also be daytime activities, food trucks, and a drone show before the fireworks begin.
And every year, huge crowds gather not only in Yeouido but along different parts of the river to watch.
So if youre planning to go, this is definitely one event where youll want to plan ahead, and probably get there early.
And I think thats really the story of next week.
Sounds like a good time to get out and enjoy the city.
Hye-lim, thanks for that.
My pleasure.
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2026-08-28, 20:00 (KST)")
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