Spooky season is the best time of year, and there’s so many wonderful things to do during Halloween in Korea. Western traditions have made their way over to the Land of the Morning Calm and you can definitely expect a Korean culture twist on it.
As an expat, homesickness hit me hard around the holidays, so I compiled this awesome list of spooky things to do in Korea to get you into the spirit. If you’re wondering what to do in South Korea during Halloween, Gina Bear’s Blog has got you covered!
This post has Korean haunted houses, Seoul ghost tours, and fun Halloween celebrations.
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Does Korea celebrate Halloween?
Do they celebrate Halloween in Korea? It is mostly celebrated in Seoul where you’ll find costume competitions and an overall good time.
Young people have warmed up to throwing Halloween parties for their children at school or private academies. You’ll typically find a lot of Halloween decorations at Seoul cafes and haunted houses at school festivals.
What To Expect During Halloween in Korea
The Halloween season in Korea is short, and once October 31st hits, many Korean Starbucks have transitioned to the Christmas menu. For my friends coming from Western countries, Halloween in Seoul isn’t what you’d find back home.
Spooky Things To Do in Seoul
Kick off the Halloween festivities in Seoul with these awesome activities. Just note that many of the Halloween events have been more subdued in recent years due to the Itaewon crowd crush.
The South Korean government has cracked down on large costume parties on the street due to the tragic events that took the lives of many foreign nationals and young Koreans. If you’re interested in Halloween parties, check out my post on How To Celebrate Halloween in Korea.
Independence Gate
The Independence Gate has a very dark past (and yes, it does have an eerie atmosphere even during the day). It was erected as a memorial to Joseon’s Independence movement.
Urban legend states the area was once infested by man-eating tigers. Others tell cautionary tales of merchants who were also sometimes victims of highway thieves.
There are even stories of the nearby Gyeongsan abandoned cobalt mine, which was used to imprison Koreans during Japanese colonization. Many lost their lives tragically within the prison walls.
Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk
One of the best haunted tours in Korea is the Dark Side of Seoul Tour. Journey with fellow ghost hunters to the most haunted places in Seoul.
Locals even avoid some of these places due to scary Korean urban legends.
Lotte World Adventure | ENHYPHEN Dark Moon
Lotte World is one of the biggest and most popular indoor amusement parks in the world. My former middle school students would rave about how much fun the Halloween activities are.
The Magic Castle located on Seokchon Lake will be illuminated with creepy designs. It is also stunning during the Autumn season and one of the best places to see Fall Foliage in Seoul.
University of Seoul
Some students apparently never got the memo class is no longer in session. The University of Seoul is an operational campus and you shouldn’t trespass on the property.
This haunted location has reported violent poltergeists, unexplained sounds, and things going missing. Also, I’ve been in this building to test for the Korean Immigration and Integration Program placement and it is very creepy.
Yongma Land
Yongma Land was a popular amusement park in the 80s before it closed down. It has a very spooky haunted amusement park feel.
When I lived in Korea, I would go almost every year. It costs 5,000 won to enter Yongma Land .
Spooky Things To Do in Korea
This list of haunted places is sure to have you putting on your lights before bed. These are real places so explore at your own risk.
Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital
Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital is located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. It is one of the most haunted places in Korea.
After a series of mysterious and unexplainable deaths in this mental health facility during the 90s, this place of sadness and terror closed its doors forever. Allegedly, the hospital is haunted by vengeful spirits who wrongfully died at the hands of careless staff.
There is even a movie called Gonjiam Haunted Asylum. Because of the film’s success, the property has a barbed wire fence to keep people out. Unfortunately, people were trespassing and vandalizing the property.
Korean Folk Village
Believe it or not, the Korean Folk Village located in Gyeonggi Province, puts on excellent Halloween-themed events with a Korean twist. When night falls, the performers dress up as scary creatures from Korean urban legends.
Everland Amusement Park | Everland Blood City 8
Everland’s Halloween Parade Party is one of my favorite events during the spooky season. It’s the largest theme park in Korea, so make sure you go early to get a reservation to the Everland Haunted House which is one of the most popular horror-themed events.
Park entertainers put on a huge zombie chase at night. and fun attractions like the Zombie Horror Safari at Zootopia, Horror Maze, and Horror T-express.
Daegu E-World | Virus Z Dead or Alive
If you’re in Daegu, Beebee and friends are bringing it at Daegu E-World. They have a Darkness Ghost House, Monster Race, Horror Powder Room, and Zombie Bartender for your chance to be scared out of your wits.
Neulbom Garden Restaurant
Once a popular meat grilling restaurant, its skeletal remains still stand. The owner’s daughter died in a tragic car accident.
Stricken with grief, he ended his own life. A year later, the property was renovated into a new restaurant. The new owner and staff started getting scared when they heard dishes being washed at night, plates falling, doors slamming for no reason, and other unexplainable phenomena.
Seoul Escape Room
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to escape your “imminent death” at the Seoul Escape Room? With different themed rooms, it’s a super thrilling way to get your Halloween vibes on. There are locations in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon.
Yeongdeok Haunted House
This abandoned house is haunted by the spirits of South Korean soldiers killed by North Korean soldiers in Incheon during the Korean War. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of soldiers crying out for help.
The scariest part of this place? The bodies were never found.
There have also been a series of tragedies involving multiple deaths in the house until it was finally left abandoned. Ghost seekers report feeling cold despite it being the middle of the day or getting headaches.
Tips For Exploring Abandoned Sites
I feel like I shouldn’t even have to give tips, but ya know, some people disregard their safety and that of others for a thrill. And you know what happens? They end up getting fucked sideways and then cry about it later. Here are some of my tips to stay safe.
- Don’t be an asshole.
- Don’t cause a ruckus, respect the locals, and don’t trespass.
- Don’t take anything from the sites.
- The abandoned buildings mentioned are condemned. That means you run the risk of getting trapped inside or getting hurt. If you do venture into the property, you do so at your own risk.
- Trust your gut.
Where To Find a Seoul Halloween Party
Seoul International Halloween Party
Looking to get lit during the week? No problem!
This party will be held from 10pm to 3am and is mostly for the university students, but all ages are welcome. Meet new people, make new friends, and get hella spooky!
Get your tickets to the Seoul International Halloween party here.
Date: October 31, 2024
Halloween Cruise Bash
Hosted by Good Time ROK, this is the original Halloween Cruise bash where you can dress up as your favorite character and party along the river for 4 hours. There will be cash prizes for the best costume and free entry to one of their partnered clubs.
Date: October 26, 2024
Cost: 70,000 won
Seoul Pub Crawl
Every year, the Seoul Pub Crawl hosts an event in honor of Halloween. You can choose between Hongdae or Itaewon.
All bars and clubs you will be going to are Halloween-themed so you can get into the spirit of things. It’s a great way to drunkenly walk around Seoul with some good friends in your Halloween costumes.
Where to Find A Halloween Costume in Korea
If you’re looking for fun costumes for the spooky holiday, then the following stores sell them for children and some adult sizes. Be aware they usually stock the smaller sizes because they are catering to a Korean audience.
I haven’t found any costume shops, but rest assured if one opens up, you’ll be the first to know!
Joy Party 조이파티
If you don’t feel like DIYing your Halloween costume, Joy Party has a large selection of Halloween masks and spooky decorations. You’ll definitely find a great Korean Halloween costume here.
Address: 191 Itaewon-ro, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10am – 10pm
Party House
Part House is the best place for Halloween decorations. They sell balloons, face painting supplies, party supplies, and seasonal decorations.
Address: 27, Dosan-daero 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10:30am – 10pm
Korean Horror Movies
Korean films have really come up in the entertainment industry, and many of their paranormal films leave me thinking, “WTF did I just watch?” Check out my complete list of Scary Korean Horror Movies you Need to Watch.
The Piper
The Piper is a retelling of a Western fairy tale. Koreans made it so much darker and scarier. The Piper follows a father and son after the Korean War.
They come across a village infested with rats that have mad munchies for human flesh. Woo-Ryong makes a deal with the village chief to rid the town of the infestation. While Woo-ryong keeps his end of the bargain, the chief does not. Instead, this lovable father becomes a man hell-bent on revenge.
Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel is a ghoulish genre-bending Asian horror. In the movie, a young man gets lost in the woods but finds himself in a beautiful house with three adorable children.
With a warm fireplace and plenty to eat, the place seems too perfect to be true ― and impossible to exit. It stars Chun Jung-Myung as Lee Eun-Soo.
The Wrath
The Wrath takes place during the Joseon Dynasty and is one of the most underrated films. Right from the getgo, audiences tune right into the eerie vibe.
The film revolves around a noblewoman named Ok-bun (Son Na-eun), who becomes a concubine in a prominent noble family. She moves into the family’s luxurious mansion, isolated in the countryside where she is subject to strange visions from a mysterious girl.
I hope you enjoyed this list of spooky things to do in Korea!
P.s. I should also mention you will never catch me DEAD at any of the actual haunted places mentioned in this article. (Especially Gonjiam Haunted Asylum in Korea.) I believe in the supernatural and have had my own paranormal experiences.
If you are also attune or feel a sinking feeling in your gut, steer clear of those places. Or bring some holy water or your bible. There’s a reason we have an intuition. Whatever you do, have a safe and Happy Halloween!
This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!
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