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A Costume Isn’t a Uniform.
How Seoul does Halloween, which Korean ghosts to know, where to buy or rent a costume, which outfits and props to skip, and how to be a good guest on Halloween weekend.
Ask a Korean grandparent about Halloween and you might get a shrug. Ask a Korean university student and you might get a costume plan.
Halloween came to Korea mostly through English schools, foreign communities and theme parks, and it stuck as a night out for young people. (Peep observation) This page covers how Seoul does it, what to wear, where to get it, and the few things that can get you in trouble.
Yes and no. It is not a public holiday, and Koreans did not traditionally observe it.1 But in Seoul, October now means pumpkins in cafe windows, horror seasons at the theme parks and costume parties at the weekend.2, 5
How people in Korea actually celebrate:
Q. Do Korean kids go trick-or-treating? Rarely door to door. Most families live in apartments, and it is not a local custom. If you are traveling with kids, a theme park is the closest thing to a Halloween night out. (Peep observation)
Korea has a full cast of ghosts, and they are scarier than a pumpkin. A 2021 story by an honorary reporter on Korea.net, the Korean government's culture site, lists five well-known ones.1
| Ghost | Korean | Story |
|---|---|---|
| Maiden ghost | cheonyeo gwisin | A young woman who died before fulfilling her duties, now seeking revenge |
| Water ghost | mul gwishin | Born from drowning, haunts lakes and the sea |
| Egg ghost | dalgyal gwishin | A smooth, egg-like face with no features |
| Outhouse god | cheuksin | Blamed for strange events in dark outhouses |
| Wayfarer ghost | gaekgwi | Someone who died far from home before their time |
From Korea.net, checked 28 October 2026.1
Seoul Land's festival this year adds two more stars of Korean horror: the grim reaper (jeoseung saja) and the nine-tailed fox (gumiho).2, 3
Q. What is the easiest Korean ghost costume? The maiden ghost. A plain white traditional-style outfit and long, loose hair is the look Koreans know from films and TV. Keep it simple and people will get it right away. (Peep observation)
Q. Is a Korean ghost costume respectful? Yes. These are folk characters that Korean theme parks use openly.2 Skip anything that mocks real people or a real religion. (Peep advice)
Pick something cheap, easy to move in and comfortable on the subway. (Peep advice)
Q. What about Korean Halloween makeup? Many people in Seoul love detailed special-effects looks: fake wounds, pale ghost skin, dark lips. (Peep observation) At Everland, professional artists do zombie makeup at the park's Zombie Makeup Salon.4 If you do your own, try it on a small patch of skin first, use makeup made for skin, and bring proper remover. (Peep advice)
You do not need to pack one. Seoul has every price level, from cheap props to full rentals. (Peep observation)
| Option | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Daiso and similar discount stores | Headbands, capes, masks, decorations | Cheap; stock varies by store and can sell out near the 31st |
| Dongdaemun toy and stationery market | Masks, cosplay items, party goods | Weekdays are safest for opening hours |
| Costume rental shops | Full outfits for one night | Book ahead and check the return time |
| Online shops | Specific characters | Order early; delivery to a hotel can be slow |
| Theme-park shops | Themed capes, gloves, horns | Everland sells 38 seasonal items this year4 |
Daiso, rental and online notes are Peep observations, not ads. Check the store before you go.
Next to Dongdaemun, in Changsin-dong, is Korea's largest toy and stationery wholesale market, with more than 100 shops.6 Besides toys, it sells masks, cosplay items and party goods, and the weeks around Halloween are one of its busiest seasons.6, 7
Q. Is it really cheaper? Visit Seoul says toys there are often well below normal retail prices.6 If you buy several items, it is fine to ask politely for a small discount. (Peep observation)
This is the part most guides skip, and it matters.
No police uniforms. Under Korea's police uniform law, anyone who is not a police officer and wears or carries a police uniform, or a look-alike uniform or gear, can face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 3 million won.8 For Halloween 2026, police are checking areas like Itaewon and Hongdae and blocking online searches for police uniforms on shopping and secondhand sites.8, 9
Police have also asked people not to use costume items that could be mistaken for real officers at night or in a crowd.8 That means "sexy cop" outfits that look close to the real thing, fake badges and police caps. The simple rule: skip the police look completely. (Peep advice)
Leave realistic weapon props at home. Fake guns, knives and swords that look real can alarm people on a crowded street or subway, and police may stop you. (Peep advice)
Also skip:
Be the guest everyone is glad to see. (Peep advice)
Seoul City runs extra safety measures from 23 October to 1 November, including car-free streets and one-way walking lines. Its own tips: keep to the right, do not stop or turn suddenly, move away as soon as people start touching you, and call 112 or 119 if something feels wrong.10
This week is also a time of remembrance in Seoul. Near Itaewon Station Exit 1 there is a memorial path. Please pass it quietly, and do not use it as a costume or photo spot. Our Seongsu, Hongdae and Itaewon guide explains more.
Theme parks are the easiest choice, and Everland even offers costumes and zombie makeup this season.4, 5 For parties, events and dates, see our Halloween in Seoul 2026 events guide.
Q. Can I wear a costume on the subway? Yes, people do. Keep props small, avoid face paint that rubs off on seats and other riders, and expect a few smiles. (Peep observation)
No. Shops, offices and transport run as normal.
It is popular with young adults and families, mostly at parties and theme parks. (Peep observation)
Rarely door to door. Kids usually do it at school or kindergarten parties. (Peep observation)
The maiden ghost (cheonyeo gwisin), water ghost, egg ghost, outhouse god and wayfarer ghost.1
The maiden ghost, a young woman's restless spirit seeking revenge.1
The maiden ghost, the grim reaper or a gumiho. All three appear at Seoul Land's festival this year.2
Discount stores like Daiso for props, and the Dongdaemun toy market for masks and party goods.6
Yes, from costume rental shops. Book ahead and check the return time.
At Everland's Zombie Makeup Salon during Blood City Zero.4
Yes, in a real or look-alike police uniform or gear. The penalty can be up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 3 million won.8
We advise against it. Realistic props can alarm people and draw police attention. (Peep advice)
Yes, but take it off in shops, and on busy streets if it blocks your view. (Peep advice)
Ask first, and do not post strangers' faces without permission.
You can. Keep props small and makeup set.
A theme park or a booked party. See our Halloween events guide.
Keep right, do not stop suddenly, and move away when people start touching you.10
112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance.10
4,594 officers across five areas from 30 October to 1 November.11
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