South Korea in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in South Korea

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

53mm (2.1 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak autumn foliage season - maple leaves turn brilliant red and yellow throughout the country, with Naejangsan and Seoraksan national parks at their most spectacular
Perfect hiking weather with comfortable temperatures 15-20°C (59-68°F) during the day and crisp mornings ideal for mountain trails without summer's oppressive humidity
Significantly lower accommodation prices compared to cherry blossom season - expect 30-40% savings on hotels as this is shoulder season before winter tourism peaks
Ideal temperature for Korean comfort foods - hot pot, Korean BBQ, and street food like hotteok and bungeoppang are at their most enjoyable in cool weather

Considerations

Short daylight hours with sunset around 5:30 PM, limiting outdoor sightseeing time and requiring careful itinerary planning
Unpredictable weather patterns - can swing from 20°C (68°F) sunny days to 5°C (41°F) with sudden rain, making packing challenging
Yellow dust (hwangsa) from China occasionally affects air quality, particularly in Seoul, requiring masks and limiting outdoor activities on affected days

Best Activities in November

Seoraksan National Park Autumn Hiking

November is the absolute peak for autumn foliage in Korea's most famous national park. The cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress offers spectacular views of red and gold maples without the extreme summer heat or winter snow closures. Day temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are perfect for the moderate 3-4 hour hiking trails.

Booking Tip: Book park accommodation 30 days ahead as autumn is peak season. Day trips from Seoul take 3 hours each way. Entry costs ₩3,500 (US$2.60) with cable car rides ₩10,000 (US$7.50) return. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Jeju Island Autumn Exploration

November offers Jeju's most comfortable weather - no summer crowds, no winter flight cancellations, and perfect 18°C (64°F) temperatures for hiking Hallasan mountain and exploring volcanic landscapes. The island's unique autumn atmosphere includes silver grass blooming at Sangumburi Crater.

Booking Tip: Book flights 2-3 weeks ahead for 20% savings over peak summer prices. Rental cars typically ₩45,000-65,000 (US$34-49) daily. Multi-day packages often include accommodation and car rental - see current options in booking section below.

Seoul Temple and Palace Walking Tours

Cool November weather makes exploring Seoul's five grand palaces and mountain temples like Jogyesa infinitely more pleasant than summer's 35°C (95°F) heat. Early morning visits to Changdeokgung's secret garden catch golden autumn light, while evening temple stays at nearby mountains become cozy retreats.

Booking Tip: Palace combination tickets cost ₩10,000 (US$7.50) for all five palaces. Book guided cultural tours 1-2 weeks ahead, typically ₩40,000-70,000 (US$30-53) for full-day experiences. Current Seoul cultural tour options in booking section below.

Busan Coastal and Mountain Activities

November's mild coastal weather around 16°C (61°F) makes Busan perfect for hiking Geumjeongsan mountain for autumn colors, then warming up with hot seafood at Jagalchi Market. The city's beaches are peaceful without summer crowds, ideal for coastal walks and temple visits at Beomeosa.

Booking Tip: High-speed KTX trains from Seoul take 2.5 hours, book 7-14 days ahead for discount fares ₩55,000-75,000 (US$41-57). Day tours combining mountain hiking and coastal areas typically ₩80,000-120,000 (US$60-90). See current Busan tour options in booking section below.

Korean Traditional Market Food Tours

November's cool weather makes exploring Korea's covered markets like Gwangjang in Seoul and Seomun in Daegu incredibly pleasant. This is peak season for Korean winter comfort foods - freshly made hotteok (sweet pancakes), steaming bowls of gukbap (rice soup), and warming Korean rice wine makgeolli.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours typically ₩60,000-90,000 (US$45-68) including tastings. Evening tours (5-8 PM) capture the best market atmosphere. Book 3-7 days ahead through licensed food tour operators - current options available in booking section below.

Gyeongju Historical Site Exploration

November's comfortable walking weather makes exploring Korea's ancient capital infinitely more pleasant than summer heat. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto surrounded by autumn foliage create magical photo opportunities, while cycling through Tumuli Park and visiting royal tombs becomes enjoyable rather than exhausting.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes for ₩15,000-20,000 (US$11-15) daily to cover multiple sites efficiently. Combined temple and historical site tours typically ₩70,000-100,000 (US$53-75) including transportation from major cities. Book cultural tours 1-2 weeks ahead - see current options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early to mid November

Seoul Lantern Festival

Cheonggyecheon stream comes alive with thousands of colorful LED lanterns depicting Korean traditional stories and modern themes. The festival creates a magical evening atmosphere perfect for November's cool weather, with food stalls and cultural performances along the 1.2 km (0.7 mile) route.

Early November

Busan International Film Festival

Asia's most prestigious film festival transforms Busan's Haeundae beach area into a cinema hub with outdoor screenings, celebrity appearances, and international premieres. November's mild coastal weather makes outdoor events comfortable for evening screenings.

Mid to late November

Kimchi Making Festival

Communities across Korea hold kimchi-making festivals where families prepare winter kimchi reserves. Seoul Plaza often hosts large public demonstrations where visitors can learn traditional techniques and taste different regional varieties of Korea's national dish.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack base layers, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell for 20°C (36°F) temperature swings between day and night

Waterproof hiking boots - November trails can be muddy and slippery with wet leaves, especially in national parks like Seoraksan

Compact umbrella - November sees 8 rainy days averaging 53mm (2.1 inches), but showers are usually brief and unpredictable

Warm sleepwear - traditional ondol floor heating in Korean accommodations keeps rooms warm, but nights drop to 8°C (46°F)

Moisture-wicking base layers - 55% humidity combined with active hiking requires breathable fabrics that dry quickly

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially with snow reflection at higher elevations

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively for hiking trails and navigation

Warm hat and gloves - essential for early morning temple visits and mountain hiking when temperatures feel like 5°C (41°F)

Quick-dry pants - avoid jeans which stay wet and cold; lightweight hiking pants work for both city exploration and mountain trails

Face mask - for potential yellow dust days and as courtesy in crowded areas, widely expected in Korean culture

Insider Knowledge

Korean heating systems (ondol) warm floors but not air - pack warm pajamas and slippers as most accommodations maintain 18°C (64°F) room temperatures to save energy

November is 'gimjang' season when families prepare kimchi for winter - many restaurants offer special seasonal kimchi varieties not available other months, particularly at traditional markets

Mountain temples serve special autumn temple food (seasonal wild vegetables and mushrooms) only available during November harvest season - ask about 'gaeul sachal eumsik'

Koreans consider November ideal for 'nunchi' - reading social situations - fewer tourists mean more authentic cultural interactions, but dress conservatively as locals appreciate seasonal propriety

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild daytime temperatures without considering 8°C (46°F) nighttime lows - many tourists end up buying expensive clothes in Seoul

Scheduling too many outdoor activities after 5:30 PM sunset - popular hiking trails and outdoor markets wind down early in November's short daylight

Assuming all autumn foliage peaks simultaneously - northern regions like Seoraksan peak early November while southern areas like Jeju peak mid-to-late November