Halloween in Korea: Origins, Hotspots, and How to Celebrate in 2025

Every year on October 31st, Halloween is celebrated across Korea with a variety of events. In particular, areas like Hongdae and Itaewon in Seoul are filled with people in creative costumes, and Everland hosts a special Halloween-themed festival.

In this post, we’ll explore what Halloween in Korea means, share key festival information for 2025, and give tips on how to experience Halloween the Korean way.

Halloween in Korea: How It Came to Be

How Halloween in Korea Took Root Among Young People

Halloween originally comes from Western traditions, centered around families and children sharing candy.

In Korea, since the 2000s, exposure to English education and global culture gradually made Western holidays and customs more familiar, and Halloween in Korea naturally took root.

Initially, it started as small parties mainly among international students and expatriate communities, but soon spread quickly in areas popular with young people, such as Hongdae and Itaewon, through costume events and street celebrations, eventually evolving into a mainstream festival.

Over time, Halloween expanded beyond small gatherings to various commercial spaces like clubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as theme parks like Everland and cities across the country.

Thanks to social media and media coverage, it has grown into a festival where both foreigners and Koreans participate together. Today, Halloween in Korea is not only popular among young people but has become a broader social cultural phenomenon enjoyed by multiple age groups.

So, where can you enjoy these Halloween celebrations? Let’s take a look at the 2025 Halloween festival lineup.

Halloween in Korea: 2 Must-Visit Spots to Celebrate in Seoul

Itaewon: The Original Hotspot for Halloween in Korea

The first place that comes to mind as an iconic spot for Halloween in Korea is, of course, Itaewon. 

Known for its international street culture where both locals and foreigners mingle, Itaewon was also the center of small Halloween parties in Korea’s early days, organized mainly by international students and expatriate communities.

With people of various nationalities strolling the streets in vibrant costumes, Itaewon naturally became the “holy ground” of Halloween celebrations in Korea.

Today, during Halloween season, the entire streets of Itaewon are transformed into a festive atmosphere, with clubs, bars, and restaurants hosting a variety of themed parties and events.

1). Comicalloween 2025
: A “Hero vs. Villain” themed Halloween party in Itaewon, where you can enjoy costumes, makeup, and celebrate all night long.

Date & Time: October 31, 2025, 9:00 PM – November 1, 5:00 AMLocation: Billion Bar or Lit Lounge (the event is split across two venues)How to book: Apply in advance via the Comicalloween Instagram.

2). Rush Halloween Night 2025 : A Halloween party where participants dressed in costumes and makeup can enjoy various events and performances.

Date: October 31 – November 1, 2025Location: Provided after advance reservationHow to book: Check via RUSH Instagram.

By day, check out unique costumes on Itaewon Rodeo Street; by night, enjoy the lively streets and nearby cafes and restaurants for the full Halloween experience.

How to get there: Take Subway Line 6 to Itaewon Station, Exit 1, then turn right into the alley.

Hongdae: A Street Alive with Youth and Art

Alongside Itaewon, Hongdae(the Hongik University area) is considered another central hub for Halloween in Seoul.

Every year during the Halloween season, large crowds of college students and young people flock to the area. In 2024, around 100,000 people filled the streets of Hongdae.

Throughout the streets, you can enjoy a variety of events including performances, costume contests, art markets, interactive programs, and photo zones. The Walking Street and Red Road areas, in particular, are packed with flamboyant cosplayers, letting visitors fully immerse themselves in the vibrant and energetic Halloween atmosphere.

Here are some great places to enjoy Halloween in Hongdae this season.

1. Hongdae Walking Street

Location: 348-40 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Walking Street areaDuring Halloween, the street fills with cosplayers and visitors, creating a festive atmosphere with performances and events. Foreigners can easily enjoy the shows without any special preparation.

🔍 Search “Hongdae Halloween” on YouTube to get a preview of the atmosphere.

2. Hongdae Flea Market

Location: 19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, near Hongdae Playground, about a 5-minute walk from Hongdae Station Exit 9The flea market sells Halloween goods, food, and handmade items, with interactive activities and photo zones for everyone to enjoy. Check “Hongdae Flea Market”online.

Halloween in Korea: A Special Celebration at Korea’s Biggest Theme Park

Everland: Halloween Party with KPop Demon Hunters in 2025

Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, hosts special events every Halloween season. In 2025, the park will collaborate with the global animated film KPop Demon Hunters for a unique Halloween festival. The event runs from September 26, 2025, through the end of the year.

For Halloween 2025, Everland will feature two themed zones that recreate the movie’s universe: Huntrix Zone and Lion Boys Zone.

In Huntrix Zone, visitors can enjoy immersive experiences like the “Crisis Airplane Shooting Game,”“Protect Homun Touch Game,” and the “Golden Performance Photo Zone,” allowing you to feel like a character straight out of the film.

Meanwhile, Lion Boys Zone offers interactive music-based experiences such as “Complete the Song Rhythm Game,”“Sacrifice Your Soul Rolling Game,” and the “Your Idol Performance Photo Zone.”

How about taking part in the missions, games, and photo zones in Huntrix and Lion Boys zones to really experience the exciting Halloween spirit at Everland?

You can check directions to Everland using Google Maps or other international map apps.

Location: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-doTickets: The KPop Demon Hunters Package requires advance reservation. Tickets can be purchased via Everland’s official website or offline.Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

+ Access and pricing may vary depending on the type of ticket, such as day passes or evening passes. Halloween in Korea has now evolved beyond just experiencing a foreign tradition. It has become a festival that can be enjoyed in many different ways across streets, clubs, and theme parks, each offering its own unique charm.

By checking out the festivals and hotspots we introduced today, you can make your 2025 Halloween in Korea experience even more fun and memorable.