- This Week in Korea
- Oct 26 – Nov 1
이번 주 한국 · This Week in Korea
This Week in Korea Oct 26 – Nov 1
Five things in Korea this week for learners, workers, exam takers and travellers.
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1 · Visas & work
E-9 work permits for five more sectors
From Mon Oct 26 to Fri Oct 30, employers in construction, farming and livestock, services, fishing and forestry get their permits for new E-9 workers (round 4 of 2026). The labour ministry expects arrivals from November.
Why it matters: On the EPS job-seeker list in one of these sectors? This step comes before the work contract and the visa.
Sources: Ministry of Employment and Labor (Seoul office notice) (checked 22 Oct 2026) · Ministry of Employment and Labor (infographic) (checked 22 Oct 2026)
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2 · Daily life
A cold turn from Wednesday
Rain on Monday morning in the south, Chungcheong, eastern Gangwon and Jeju. From Wed Oct 28, mornings fall to 0–10°C and days to 12–19°C. Seoul's forecast low: 13°C on Monday, 3°C on Wednesday.
Why it matters: Mornings and afternoons will feel like two seasons. Carry a warm layer and check the latest forecast.
Sources: Korea Meteorological Administration (10-day forecast (checked 22 Oct 2026)
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3 · Culture & seasons
Autumn leaves near their peak
The Korea Forest Service forecast puts the peak (half the leaves turned) at Oct 28 for Songnisan and Oct 31 for maples and oaks nationwide. Naejangsan follows on Nov 4.
Why it matters: Planning one autumn day trip? The weekend of Oct 31 – Nov 1 is the forecast high point for much of the country.
Sources: SBS Biz (checked 22 Oct 2026) · Maeil Shinmun (checked 22 Oct 2026)
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4 · Daily life
The time difference with Korea changes
Korea does not use daylight saving time. UK clocks went back on Sun Oct 25; the US changes on Sun Nov 1. Korea is now 9 hours ahead of London, and from Nov 1, 14 hours ahead of New York.
Why it matters: Check the times of calls home, online classes and live streams.
Sources: GOV.UK (checked 22 Oct 2026) · NIST (US) (checked 22 Oct 2026)
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5 · Exams
The 109th TOPIK: three weeks to go
The 109th paper-based TOPIK is on Sun Nov 15, and registration has closed. The results are listed for Dec 22.
Why it matters: Registered? Check your test site and the exam-day rules on topik.go.kr well before the day.
Sources: Korean Cultural Center Hong Kong (2026 TOPIK schedule) (checked 22 Oct 2026) · Hallym University (109th TOPIK notice) (checked 22 Oct 2026)
Word of the week · from “A cold turn from Wednesday”
쌀쌀하다 ssalssalhada
to be chilly
소리쌤도 아시다시피 날씨가 쌀쌀해지면 호떡이 제일 맛있어요.
As you know, hotteok tastes best once the weather turns chilly.
Which of these changes your plans this week?
Dates are Korea time unless a line says otherwise. Facts as of the dates shown; forecasts change, so check the source before you go.