Seoul is famous for fast-moving beauty launches, cafés and shopping districts. This autumn, the city is inviting visitors to experience something different: a slower side of Korean culture. Seoul Wellness Travel Week 2026 begins with activities on October 24 and continues through November 4, bringing meditation, traditional food, Korean craft and music to Gangnam and other parts of the city.
1. Try meditation at Bongeunsa Temple
Bongeunsa, the historic Buddhist temple in Gangnam, hosts 15 wellness programmes on October 24–25, including Seon meditation, tea conversations, gentle movement and guided walking. Most bookable sessions cost ₩5,000, while a featured Seon meditation session led by monk Geumgang is free. Popular sessions require advance registration. A daytime audio-guided walking meditation offers routes of approximately 15 or 30 minutes, with small groups starting under staff guidance.
2. Take a free evening temple walk, in English
From October 26 to November 4, Bongeunsa, Jogyesa and Hwagyesa temples are scheduled to offer self-guided nighttime audio meditation from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Instructions are available in Korean and English through QR codes or the TripAudio app. According t
o Seoul’s October 21 announcement, the programme is free and does not require advance reservations. Bongeunsa asks walkers to start in groups of five or fewer because part of its route is narrow.
3. Hanji art and traditional food
The festival’s Taste theme includes Philkyungjae, a historic hanok restaurant in Suseo associated with Korean royal court cuisine. From October 26 to November 4, its courtyard hosts a free exhibition of sculptural hanji paper lanterns, including large works by artist Kim Won-cheon. The exhibition is open noon–10 p.m., with evening illumination from 6 p.m. Importantly, visitors can see the exhibition without reserving or purchasing a meal. Dining is separate. Other programmes connect Korean tea, fermentation and food culture.
4. Music and booking details
The Style theme includes a free harp-and-vocal performance at Boston Chamber in Sinsa’s Garosu-gil area on November 4 at 12:30 p.m., with no advance booking required according to the city. From October 29 to November 4, eight destinations from Seoul’s selected 100 Wellness Tourism Destinations also host experiences, with varying prices and reservations. Some official listings advertise October 29–November 4 as the core festival week, while the city’s October 21 announcement confirms related programmes begin October 24. Check each activity’s own dates and availability.
The ThisKovery Take
Korean wellness is often marketed internationally through skincare and beauty treatments. This festival offers a broader view: meditation, architecture, paper craft, food and music as parts of everyday well-being. Discovering Korea doesn’t always mean keeping up with the next trend.