South Korea in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in South Korea
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak autumn foliage (단풍) from October 15-30 - maple leaves turn brilliant red across Seoraksan, Naejangsan, and Seoul's mountains with temperatures perfect for hiking at 15-22°C (59-72°F)
- Ideal weather for walking and outdoor exploration - cool, dry conditions with only 7 rainy days and comfortable 65% humidity levels make this the best month for temple visits and mountain hiking
- Korean harvest season brings exceptional local food experiences - fresh persimmons, chestnuts, and new-crop rice appear in markets, plus October is peak season for Korean pear (배) and apple picking
- Clear mountain visibility for hiking and photography - low humidity and minimal air pollution create crystal-clear views from peaks like Bukhansan and Seoraksan, with visibility often exceeding 30 km (18.6 miles)
Considerations
- Peak domestic tourism season during autumn foliage period - Korean families and tour groups crowd popular mountain areas and hiking trails from mid-October onwards, requiring early morning starts (6-7am) to avoid crowds
- Accommodation prices increase 30-50% during foliage season (October 15-30) especially near national parks and mountain areas like Seoraksan and Jirisan
- Significant temperature swings between day and night - while days reach comfortable 22°C (72°F), mornings and evenings drop to 15°C (59°F), requiring layered clothing for outdoor activities
Best Activities in October
Seoraksan National Park Autumn Hiking
October is the absolute peak time for Korea's most spectacular mountain scenery. The park's maple, oak, and birch trees create a carpet of red, orange, and gold from October 15-30. Cool temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) make hiking comfortable, and clear skies provide impressive visibility. The Ulsanbawi Rock trail (4.6 km/2.9 miles) and Biryong Falls route are particularly impressive. Start early (6am) to avoid Korean tour groups that arrive after 9am.
Seoul Palace and Bukchon Hanok Walking Tours
October's cool, dry weather makes this ideal for exploring Seoul's historical districts on foot. Temperatures rarely exceed 22°C (72°F) and low humidity eliminates the summer discomfort. Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces are particularly beautiful with autumn ginkgo trees, and the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village offers perfect lighting for photography. The 3-4 hour walking distance between all major palaces (approximately 5 km/3.1 miles) is comfortable in October weather.
Jeju Island Coastal Hiking and Crater Exploration
Jeju's October weather is perfect for hiking - warm enough at 20°C (68°F) for coastal trails but cool enough to tackle Hallasan Mountain (1,947m/6,388ft). October offers the clearest mountain views of the year with minimal cloud cover. The Olle Trail coastal sections provide comfortable walking with impressive ocean vistas, while Seongsan Ilchulbong crater offers sunrise views without summer's oppressive humidity.
Busan Coastal Markets and Temple Complex Visits
October's mild temperatures make Busan's coastal areas perfect for extended walking. Jagalchi Fish Market and nearby Gukje Market are comfortable to explore without summer heat and humidity. The seaside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, built on cliffs overlooking the ocean, offers spectacular views with October's clear skies. Busan's famous beaches like Haeundae are still pleasant for walking though too cool for swimming at 18°C (64°F) water temperature.
Korean Traditional Market Food Tours
October marks harvest season, making this the best month for experiencing Korea's seasonal ingredients. Traditional markets like Gwangjang in Seoul and Seomun in Daegu feature fresh persimmons, chestnuts, Korean pears, and newly harvested rice products. Cool weather makes market walking comfortable, and vendors offer warm seasonal foods like bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) that are perfect for October temperatures.
DMZ and Border Area Historical Tours
October's clear weather provides excellent visibility for DMZ tours, with comfortable temperatures for the outdoor portions including Dora Observatory viewings of North Korea. The mild climate makes the 3-4 hour tours more enjoyable, and autumn foliage adds poignancy to the landscape along the 38th parallel. Joint Security Area (Panmunjom) tours benefit from October's clear skies for photography and observation.
October Events & Festivals
Seoul Lantern Festival
Large-scale lantern displays along Cheonggyecheon stream in central Seoul featuring traditional Korean cultural themes. The cool October weather makes evening strolling comfortable, and the festival typically runs for 2-3 weeks with different themed sections each year.
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
Asia's most prestigious film festival transforms Busan's Haeundae and Centum City areas into a cultural hub. Red carpet events, outdoor screenings, and film industry activities create a busy atmosphere throughout the city.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
Traditional lantern festival along the Nam River in Jinju, featuring thousands of floating lanterns commemorating the 1592 Japanese invasion. The cool October evenings are perfect for riverside viewing of this UNESCO-recognized cultural event.