As autumn officially begins in Korea with Thursday's "Ipchun" on the lunar calendar, Seoul is offering residents unique ways to stay cool during the remaining hot days. The city is hosting special outdoor movie screenings beneath Han River bridges for three consecutive Saturdays, while a new traditional Korean garden has opened just outside the capital.
The Hangang Under-the-Bridge Film Festival is transforming Seoul's urban landscape into romantic outdoor theaters, with picnic blankets scattered beneath concrete arches and gentle sounds of the Han River mixing with movie soundtracks. Cool breezes drift off the water as darkness settles over the city, creating an accessible form of riverside romance where Seoul's concrete jungle softens into open-air screening venues.
Running from August 9 through 23, the screenings begin Saturday nights at 8 p.m., converting spaces beneath Wonhyo, Cheongdam, and Cheonho bridges into impromptu movie theaters. These bridges arch over the Han River as it cuts through the capital, each sheltering riverside parks below in Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Gwangnaru respectively.
This Saturday's lineup features crowd-pleasers including "Wonka" at Yeouido, the tearjerker "Miracle" at Ttukseom, and animated favorite "Love's Hachuping" at Gwangnaru. The second weekend will honor Liberation Day's 80th anniversary with Admiral Yi Sun-sin's naval trilogy spanning all three locations. The festival concludes on August 23 with home-grown superhero comedy "Hi-Five," screening exclusively beneath Wonhyo Bridge.
The setting authentically captures Seoul's character, with urban infrastructure repurposed for communal joy. At Cheongdam Bridge, subway trains rumble overhead, prompting organizers to wisely offer headphones for the first 200 arrivals. Admission is free, seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and cooling towels and water are provided to attendees.
Meanwhile, in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Medongaule held its soft opening on August 1, offering visitors an early glimpse of this ambitious cultural project before its official opening. This large-scale garden took 13 years to realize and spans 7,000 pyeong (approximately 23,100 square meters) as part of a 60,000-pyeong development set for full completion in 2026.
The project aims to revive Korea's traditional garden culture, which nearly disappeared during the colonial era and industrialization. Inspired by Joseon-era scholars and traditional Korean estates from 1392-1910, the garden is divided into three thematic zones: "The Lives of the Commoners," "The Elegance of Seonbi," and "The Spirit of the Korean People." Visitors can explore magnolia-lined paths, stone walkways, and tranquil ponds that reflect Confucian ideals.
To celebrate the soft opening, the garden operates on a limited, online reservation-only basis throughout August, with all visitors receiving a complimentary cold beverage. Admission costs 50,000 won for adults and 25,000 won for children and teens, while infants under 24 months enter free. Visitors should allow approximately three hours for a complete experience or 90 minutes for a quicker tour.
For those venturing to Busan, the coastal city offers numerous attractions that have made it a popular summer destination. Haedong Yonggung Temple stands out as a unique venue perched on rocks lining the coast, offering beautiful ocean views especially at sunset or sunrise. This 650-year-old temple greets visitors with 12 zodiac animal deities.
Seafood lovers should visit Jagalchi Market, located along the waterfront, where they can explore a wide variety of fresh seafood that can be prepared and eaten on the spot at market tables. After a long day of exploration, visitors can cool off at Haeundae Beach, which never sleeps and often has people enjoying nighttime ocean views and taking late-night swims. Vendors and buskers add to the vibrant atmosphere, ensuring visitors never go hungry while enjoying the seaside ambiance.
