Namsan’s autumn nights are set to change ... a “night festival” with camping, movies and DJ parties

[Financial News] A special autumn night will unfold on Namsan, where visitors can take in the night views among the autumn foliage, watch a movie and dance to music wearing wireless headphones. The festival combines Namsan’s natural scenery with performances and nighttime activities. The plan is to boost leisure activities for residents while also bringing vitality to nearby businesses.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 12th that it will hold the “2026 Namsan Night Festival” around Namsan Park from the 23rd through November 14.
The festival features “Namsan Campnic,” where visitors can enjoy a camping atmosphere against the backdrop of Namsan’s sunset and night views; “Autumn Foliage Walk,” along the leafy trails; and “Namsan Palgak Club,” where visitors can enjoy music wearing wireless headphones.
First, Namsan Campnic will be held every Friday and Saturday at Baekbeom Square. There will be 100 spaces on the lawn where visitors can set up tents or spread out picnic mats, with a range of cultural programs running from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Outdoor performances and film screenings will follow after sunset. A total of 600 groups can take part, with 100 groups per day.
The nighttime trek “Autumn Foliage Walk,” where visitors can stroll on Namsan and enjoy the autumn scenery, will take place over four days: October 23–24 and November 6–7. It will feature two routes starting at Namsan Yejang Park and passing major walking trails and scenic viewpoints on Namsan. Buskers will also perform at points along the trails.
A total of 2,800 people will be recruited, with 700 taking part each day. Groups of 350 will set off at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.
The festival will wrap up with an unusual music party on Namsan’s summit. “Namsan Palgak Club,” to be held at Namsan Palgak Plaza on November 14, is a silent DJ party where participants dance to music through wireless headphones. It was designed to minimize music noise spreading outside while letting participants enjoy a club-like atmosphere. There will be two 90-minute sessions, starting at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with 300 people able to take part in each session.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to boost nighttime spending by encouraging residents to visit nearby restaurants and shops after enjoying leisure activities on Namsan. It will set up a delivery zone so visitors can order food from nearby restaurants, and will also operate food areas with food trucks and other options.
The finish points for Autumn Foliage Walk were also chosen with the revitalization of local businesses in mind. They include Haebangchon, Huam-dong, Sinheung Market, Itaewon, Chungmuro, Pil-dong, Inhyeon Market and Euljiro. After the activity, visitors can continue their outing with a meal or shopping.
Kim Young-hwan, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Garden City Bureau, said, “We prepared the Namsan Night Festival so people can make memories while enjoying Namsan’s sunset and night views, bathed in autumn colors. We will run it in a way that offers residents a special respite in their everyday lives and brings greater vitality to nearby businesses.”


[email protected] Yi Seol-yeong Reporter