A New Kind of Halloween in Seoul

Halloween in Seoul has evolved dramatically over the past few years. Following the tragic Itaewon crowd disaster of 2022, celebrations across the city have shifted — not cancelled, but transformed. In 2025, Seoulites honor the spirit of the season with mindfulness, fashion, and creativity rather than chaos. City districts now coordinate official events, with limits on crowd size and dedicated safety staff on every street corner.

Where Seoul Celebrates Now

Instead of the old Itaewon crowds, Seoul’s Halloween energy now spreads across multiple neighborhoods — from the art streets of Hongdae to the futuristic lights of DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza). In Gangnam, rooftop lounges host costume parties with curated guest lists, while Yeonnam-dong and Seongsu feature themed pop-up cafés and pumpkin latte menus.

For families and tourists, the Seoul Halloween Festival at Oil Tank Culture Park and Lotte World offers immersive experiences with projection mapping, K-pop DJ nights, and photo zones — blending spooky fun with urban art.

🎢 1️⃣ Everland Halloween Festival
📍 Dates: September 6 – November 17
Everland is full of surprises this year! Experience immersive Halloween thrills in collaboration with Stranger Things and All of Us Are Dead: Zombie Training Camp, spooky photo zones, and even free school uniforms for photo ops! Gather your friends and family for a night of screams and laughter.
✨ Highlights: Realistic set designs · Zombie interaction experiences · Live performances

🎼 2️⃣ Jeongdong 1928 Candlelight Concert
📍 Location: Jeongdong 1928 Arts Center
Prefer a more elegant, non-scary atmosphere? This romantic and sophisticated candlelight concert is perfect. Enjoy classical music infused with Halloween vibes, featuring live performances of classics like Thriller, Harry Potter, and Ghostbusters, all under the warm glow of flickering candles.
💡 Tips: Ages 10+ · First-come, first-served seating · Advance ticket reservations recommended

🎉 3️⃣ Hongdae & Itaewon Street Parties
The heart of Seoul’s Halloween! Streets come alive with busking performances, themed bars, and free face painting. Creative costumes fill the streets, making you feel like you’re part of a European-style street festival.
🍻 Recommended activities: Dance at themed bars · Escape rooms · Impromptu costume contests · Photo ops

🎨 4️⃣ Seongsu Creative Experiences
📍 Recommended: Real World Seongsu × Paint Rabbit Studio
Looking for something beyond traditional parties? Try the zombie-themed escape room Unlucky, or join a Halloween-themed hand-painting party. Create, interact, and take your artwork home—a cultural and fun choice with friends!

👶 5️⃣ Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Seoul Land and Lotte World offer gentle Halloween experiences for families: pumpkin cookie DIY, children’s musicals, cute costume contests, and more. Perfect for parents and kids to enjoy a safe and joyful holiday together.
🎃 Keywords: Warm · Safe · Educational fun

🏡 6️⃣ Hanok Villages & Community Markets
Halloween-themed markets at Bukchon Hanok Village, Seongsu, and other neighborhoods offer a cozy and charming atmosphere. Browse handmade crafts, vegan treats, and flea market finds—a delight for fans of artsy and boutique experiences.

🏨 7️⃣ Hotel Parties & Themed Stays (Hotelcation)
For a more private holiday experience, many hotels offer Halloween-themed suites and activities: ghost-themed dinners, monster cafés, decorated rooms, and some even feature in-room escape games!

Beauty & Style: The K-Halloween Aesthetic

Korean Halloween looks have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, where the vibe is less “scary” and more “stylishly spooky.” Think glass-skin vampires, pastel witches, and angelic ghosts — makeup trends that mix eerie with elegance. K-beauty brands release limited-edition palettes with metallic lilacs, shimmer reds, and holographic glitters inspired by Seoul’s nightlife.

Popular beauty YouTubers like Risabae and Pony Park have shared tutorials for “Ethereal Vampire” and “Soft Horror” makeup, combining glossy skin, blurred eyeliner, and red-tinted lenses. It’s Halloween, but make it K-beauty.

Culture, Safety & Reflection

The memory of Itaewon remains a quiet undercurrent during every Halloween season. The city’s efforts to ensure safety — from emergency exits to crowd monitoring — have restored public confidence while reminding everyone of the importance of awareness. In schools and cultural centers, educational programs now accompany Halloween events, focusing on empathy and respect.

At the same time, Seoul’s creative spirit continues to shine. Halloween has become a space for expression — from LGBTQ+ parades to art performances — showing how the city can celebrate freely yet responsibly.