Seoul in November

Seoul is beautiful in November.

Planning to visit Seoul in November?  

The month of November is the last month of autumn before winter sets in, and we will see shorter days and lower temperatures. (Also keep in mind that the temperature at the beginning of November vs the end of the month can be quite different! More on this below)

However, November is still a good time to visit Seoul. Travelers can enjoy watching the natural beauty of the Korean landscape and the falling foliage during the first two weeks of the month. There are also many events and festivals celebrating Korean culture to take part in.

Weather 

November is the shoulder month between autumn and winter.

In my opinion, October and early November are the best months to visit Seoul and Korea. Seoul has distinct seasons, and each month is very different. In early November, the weather conditions are good- not hot, but also not too cold so it's the perfect time for exploring. (But note that I prefer chillier weather.)

Compared to the summer months, it is less hot and there are fewer rainy days. Compared to spring, there is less air pollution. Hence, the best time to visit 🙂

However, by the end of the 2nd week of the month, the end of the fall foliage would have changed the landscape of South Korea, and the bare trees can look a bit bleak. Days become shorter and cooler with a monthly average of between 41 degrees F (5 degrees C.)

Note that Seoul weather can reach lows of 0 degrees C towards the end of November, with a low possibility of snowfall so pack appropriately! The evenings are much colder, and you would need a warmer jacket and layering with a scarf of shawl. (More on what to bring in fall below.) When budget is not an issue, I prefer visiting Korea in the beginning of the month of November.

P.S. The UV index is high, so sunblock is always a good idea. (Korean sunblock is famous for its quality FYI!)

Things to Note

There are no major holidays in South Korea in November but there are still various festivals (see below.)

Tourism will be at its peak during the first 2 weeks of November thanks to mild temperatures and the colorful autumn leaves.

After the first 2 weeks of November, the fall foliage will have disappeared but the crowds will also have started to decrease, so prices will also fall.  It will be easier to book hotel accommodation and will be less crowded at popular tourist destinations such as Insa-dong and Bukchon Village. 

Festivals & Events

Seoul Lantern Festival  (서울빛초롱축제)

Admission: free

There'll be lanterns hanging ar various spots (see above)- both traditional and modern LED ones! 

Luminarie

Admission: Free (temple grounds are opened 24 hours)

Enjoy strolling along the shores of Seokchon Lake which will be beautifully lit up. In addition to the lighted landscapes, there will be light sculptures and photo zones.

There will also be various cultural events, an opening lighting ceremony, artistic performances, experience booths and many more.

Jogyesa Chrysanthemum Festival

The Chrysanthemum Festival at Jogyesa Temple takes place every autumn from October to November.  

Brightly coloured chrysanthemums will be displayed in the temple grounds together with chrysanthemum-themed art installations and sculptures. You can also watch ladies making chrysanthemum shaped cakes, filled with bean paste!

Outside Seoul

Busan Fireworks Festival

Dates        :    November 9, 2024

Address    :         219 Gwanfanhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

Admission    :      Free (fees applicable for reserved seats)

This annual fireworks festival lights up the sky above Gwangali Beach in Busan, one of Busan's most famous beaches. It has grown from a small regional event into one of South Korea’s top festivals.

Busan is Korea's second city and there is a lot to do there. Here is a 2-day itinerary for Busan- you can find one of Korea's best spas (jjimjibangs) there!

MASAN Chrysanthemum Festival

Dates:    It was held on October 28 - November 6, 2023 last year.

Dates for 2024 will be advised later.

Address: 180, Hasan-Daero, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Admission:      Free

The Masan Chrysanthemum Festival, held since 2000, celebrates the beautiful Changwon chrysanthemums.  Blessed with rich soil, warm temperature and advanced framing techniques, Changwon produces about 13% of South Korea’s chrysanthemum blossoms.

At the festival, you'll have a great time enjoying the breathtaking spectacle display of one of South Korea’s most cherished flowers, paving the grounds in various colors, shapes and sizes.  

Note: Chang-dong Art Village is located nearby at 24 Odongseo 6-Gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. It opens from 10 am with the last entry at 530 pm and admission is free.

Chang-dong Art Village, aimed at revitalizing the once-thriving commercial heart of old Masan’s downtown area, features attractions like Moonshine Art Alley, Masan Art Trace Alley and E’cole de Chang-dong Alley bringing back memories of the town’s cultural and artistic popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. Workshops are run here.

Cheongsong Apple Festival

Cheongsong, the 3rd largest producing county in South Korea produces about 42,000 tons of apples yearly. The apples are known not only for their sweetness but also being farmed in eco-friendly surroundings with limited use of pesticides.

The festival is held to increase the income of the farmers and display their yearly abundant harvest. You can indulge in apple-themed delights, take photos with apples, build apple clocks, paint paper apples, and watch an apple parade.

Workshops such as apple soap making and lotion making are also available. And, of course, apples, apple alcohol, apple snacks and other related apple food items are available to purchase at discounted prices.  (Boxes of such items can even be delivered to your hotel).

 Geoje Island Flower Festival(거제섬꽃축제)

Address: 3577, Geojenamseo-ro, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

경상남도 거제시 거제면 거제남서로 3577

This is an autumn flower festival (obviously includes chrysanthemums!) If you need transport around Geoje Island, you can book a private day tour.

Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival

Dates:    Last year, it was held on November 3-12, 2023.

Dates for 2024 will be advised later

Address:    320-1, Gobuk 1-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Opening Hours:     0900 - 1800 hours

Admission:    Free

Here, chrysanthemum exhibitions are held inside an apple orchard. Like most flower festivals, there are photo zones, flower picking, flower crown making as well as workshops for food and tea made from chrysanthemums.

Sacheon Airshow

Dates:    It was held on November 4-5, 2023, last year.

Dates for 2024 will be advised later.

Address:    Samcheonpodaegyo Bridge Park, 

                                   35 Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Admission:     Free

This thrilling event is held in Saechon, the hub of South Korea’s aero industry. At the Sachin Airshow 2024, visitors can also look forward to the ROK Airforce band concert, aerospace-related hand-on and educational programs.

Jeju Hueree Camelia Festival

Dates:    Last year it was held on November 14, 2023 to January 31, 2024

 Dates for November 2024 will be advised later.

Address:        256 Silredong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Hueree National Park

Hueree Park will be covered with rows and rows of pink camelia in November.  Besides admiring the flowers, you can play with black pigs (a Jeju specialty), goats and horses (another animal Jeju Island is famous for), feed animals, learn about wildflowers, pick tangerine (one of Jeju's famous exports) and traditional games.

Outdoor Activities

Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream

When I first hears that this is a popular Seoul attraction, I was in disbelief as it seemed quite uninteresting to me.

However, when you actually visit, you'll realize what a lovely walk it is- especially at sunset, as you'll see birds swooping around. Sometimes, there are even buskers along the stream- you never know, you might hear the next big K-pop sensation before he or she gets famous!

Take A Last Glimpse of Colorful Autumnal Leaves

Remember that this has to be during the first 2 weeks of November or the trees will be bare! Some areas good for enjoying the autumn colors and/ or hiking are:

• Namsan Park, a popular spot for its walking trials and good view of Seoul City.

Note: if you're not as mobile, there's also a cable car at Namsan. The sight of the orange leaves as you take the cable car up is beautiful!

•  Bukhasan National Park:  the cool November weather is an ideal time for hiking in Seoul's National Parks and also for enjoying the autumn foliage and sight of the mountains
• Jirisan National Park is the first National Park established in Korea and it boasts the 2nd highest mountain peak in South Korea, which is also revered as a sacred mountain. There's even a Korean drama set here!

Visit the Garden of Morning Calm

An easy day trip outside of Seoul, the garden is very beautiful. (I much prefer it to Nami Island. You can find out more about the best day trips from Seoul in the previous link.)

There are many organised tours from Seoul to the Garden of Morning Calm.

Night Activities

 Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace 

Every spring and fall, Gyeongbokgung Palace opens its gates to visitors, and this is a must-do.  Enjoy strolling the palace grounds and the incredible view of the palace under the moonlight.

Don't forget to come in a hanbok to get free admission!

Night Markets

South Korea is famous for coming alive at night. Tourists and locals visit Seoul's night markets to shop, eat street food, and stroll/wander through the streets.  

Myeongdong Night Market and Dongdaemun Night Market are undoubtedly the forerunners, paving the way for other night markets

Other night markets include: Gwangjang Market, Hongdae Night Market and Namdaemun Market.

Hangang Parks and Han River Views

There are 11 Hangang Parks along South Korea’s iconic Han River.  

The best and most popular are Yeouido Hangang Park, Ttukseom Hangang Park and Banpo Hangang Park. There are different events at these parks besides cycling, cruising and eating.

Other Things To Do

Besides visiting the festivals, events and landmarks of Seoul, why not take a rest and relax at: 

(1) spa treatments - face and body massages are very popular Seoul experiences so book early! There are many different ones- here is the list of the facials I have tried in Seoul and my reviews of them. (My favorite is the one at the Sulwahsoo spa.)

If you're adventurous, why not visit a Korean jjimjibang and get a Korean body scrub? (Note that you have to take off all your clothes in the Korean baths!)

(2) mother-of-pearl making class

(3) hair cuts and/ or treatments

Enjoy some Korean BBQ to warm up in the chilly weather!

What to Bring

Koreans dress very well. Your packing list ideally would include:

• travel documents, passport, travel itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas

if needed

• long-sleeved shirts and tops

• Jeans, sweaters, cardigans

• light weight coat

• skirts, dresses

• scarves, winter hats

• umbrella or raincoat

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots

• Any special medication you may need

• Adapters and charger

Note: Layered clothing would be ideal so that you can add or remove it when needed.

Have an enjoyable time in Seoul!! I hope you enjoy sunny days and find it the best time of year to visit, like I do!