Visiting Korea In November 2024 | Weather, What To Wear + Best Festivals » Travel-Stained (2024)

Many consider October in Korea to be the height of autumn, but it’s still possible to find spectacular fall foliage in Korea in November in the first half of the month. The kaleidoscopic colours all but disappear soon after, so you should be prepared for a dramatic change in landscape and climate by month’s end.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• what the November weather in Korea is like
• the Seoul weather in November and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Jeju, Pyeongchang and Gangwondo
• the best autumn festivals to attend in South Korea in November
• what to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip to Korea in November

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Visiting Korea in November

If you’re planning your trip to South Korea for November, you’ll have to pay extra attention to the climate and weather. November is a shoulder month between autumn and winter in Korea, so the end is vastly different than the beginning.

Aside from the first few weeks when fall foliage fever in Korea is at its peak, this is a quieter month travel-wise. It’s easier to book good value accommodation in popular neighbourhoods like Myeongdong and Hongdae, festivals and attractions are a little less crowded, and you’ll likely avoid major queues at the airport if you travel to South Korea in November.

It starts to cool down, but the weather is still decent enough to explore without totally freezing, especially in the first week of the month. Overall, it’s a very pleasant time to see places in relative comfort and peace, before travel picks up again for winter vacations and Christmas in Korea.

READ NEXT: The 7 Best Areas to Stay in Seoul for Travellers (with Hotel Recommendations)

Korea in November | Weather

November in Korea is a shoulder month, as autumn transitions fully into winter. Average temperatures range from a chilly 3°C | 38°F to 12°C | 53°F.

The Korea weather in November is still pretty decent for the first few weeks, and there are even days that are pretty warm. I’ve been out as late as mid-November in just a sweatshirt and jeans, and been perfectly comfortable.

Despite the odd warm day however, this is definitely a month where you should be prepared with thicker weight clothing and gear. After mid-November in Korea, it cools down significantly, with freezing winds adding to the chill. This is just a small taste of what the next 2 months of winter in Korea will be like weather-wise.

Korea Weather in November Quick Guide

Korea in November | Seoul Weather

At the beginning of November in Seoul, average highs still sit at a pleasant 20°C | 68°F. However, by the end of the month, average daytime highs have cooled down a full 8°C to 12°C | 53°F.

Expect it to feel much colder in the evenings and at night, and if it’s a windy day, with little sunshine, you’ll definitely want to be prepared with a warm jacket and layers of clothing.

It rains a little bit in November, but it’s not really anything to worry about. There’s a tiny, tiny chance of snow in Seoul at the end of the month, but it’s definitely not something to count on. Snow in Seoul tends to be of the blink and you’ll miss it variety. You’ll have to head into Gangwon-do for a better chance of seeing snow.

* Personal note: I’m writing this on November 1st, and it’s still quite comfortable outside, with city streets alive with autumn colour. Relative to last year, it seems a bit warmer (except at night), and there’s still plenty of green on trees. I did get caught in a falling leaf shower this morning though!

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Korea Weather in November | Busan

November is a pleasant month to visit Busan, before temperatures drop too much in winter. Unlike Seoul, it doesn’t get overly cold in Busan, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C | 50°F to 15°C | 58°F during November in Korea.

Strangely, this is the month with the most chance of snowfall in Busan. You’d have to be extremely lucky to catch it though, since the snowfall in Busan totals just 1-mm for all of November.

Korea Weather in November | Pyeongchang (Gangwon-do)

The Korea weather in November in the province of Gangwon-do is typically quite a bit cooler than in other parts of the country. Pyeongchang in November has average temperatures ranging from just -3°C | 27°F to 7°C | 45°F.

In my experience, it can feel a lot colder, with freezing winds that blow right through you, so be prepared with some seriously heavy weight clothing to deal with the sub-zero temperatures.

Despite Gangwon-do being the province where most ski resorts in Korea are located, there isn’t a ton of snowfall in November. While it usually snows for the first time in Pyeongchang in November, it’s not significant – totalling under 10-mm over the course of the month.

Korea Weather in November | Jeju Island

In November, Jeju Island has a similar climate to Busan, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C | 50°F to 16°C | 70°F. It’s an ideal climate for hiking and exploring the many stunning natural and UNESCO sites on the island.

It does rain a bit in Jeju in November, with just over 60-mm of precipitation falling over the course of the month.

GETTING AROUND JEJU ISLAND | Public transit on Jeju Island is not as efficient as in Seoul. Distances are long, and it’s a lot slower, so most visitors either take day tours, hire a taxi, rent a car, or book a private car charter.

To rent a car as a traveller to Korea, you MUST have: a book type international driver’s permit (obtained in your home country), your passport, and your driver’s license from home. Check full details and availability of rental cars on Jeju Island here (reserve as early as possible for the best selection and prices).

Korea in November | Public Holidays 2024

There are no major public holidays in Korea in November 2024.

READ NEXT: 48 Breathtaking Places to See Autumn Foliage in South Korea

Limited Edition Autumn / Winter Tours in Korea

If you’re visiting Korea in November, you can take advantage of these limited edition autumn tours. It’s still possible to see some of the best fall colour in southern parts of the country, before we head into a new season. And I dare say, gingko trees might just be at their best in Korea in early November.

Day Tours from Seoul

• Wondae-ri Birch Forest + Seasonal Flower Festival | September 13th – November 15th, 2024
• Seoraksan (Osaek Autumn Foliage) + Nami & Garden of Morning Calm OR Alpaca World | October 2nd – November 29th, 2024
• Hwadam Botanic Garden + Namhansanseong Fortress (UNESCO) | October 15th – November 5th, 2024
• Seoraksan National Park with Cable Car Day Tour from Seoul | October 15th – November 8th, 2024
• Seoul City Autumn Tour (Gamaksan, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Haneul Park + Jingwansa) | October 16th – November 24th, 2024
• Jangtaesan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | October 28th – November 22nd, 2024
• Classic Naejangsan National Park Tour| October 25th – November 15th, 2024
• Naejangsan National Park + Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul | TBA

Day Tours from Busan

• Jirisan National Park Autumn Tour | October 21st – November 4th, 2024
• Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil Autumn Tour | October 24th – November 12th, 2024
• Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage Tour | October 25th – November 10th, 2024
• Naejangsan Autumn Tour with Transfer from Seoul to Busan | October 25th – November 11th, 2024
• Gyeongju Autumn Foliage One Day Tour | October 28th – November 15th, 2024

Winter Tours in Korea

Sure, winter in Korea might feel downright brutal, but there’s still plenty of fun things to do to help you forget the cold. Don’t miss these special events and activities that are only available for 2 or 3 months of the year.

• Elysian Ski Resort + Nami Island + the Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival | December 11th, 2023 – February 23rd, 2024
• Alpaca World + Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival | December 9th, 2023 – March 11th, 2024
• Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival, Snowy Land + Strawberry Picking | TBA for 2023 / 24
• Vivaldi Park Snowy Land Sledding Tour | December 10th, 2023 – February 29th, 2024
• Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island, Alpaca World + Garden of Morning Calm | December 26th, 2023 – February 29th, 2024
• Cheongyang Alps Village Ice Fountain Festival + Strawberry Picking | December 26th, 2023 – February 29th, 2024
• Ice Fishing and Snowflake Tour in Gangwondo | TBA for 2023 / 24
• Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival Tour from Seoul | TBA for 2023 / 24
• Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sledding Tours across Korea | Various dates

Korea in November | Best Festivals and Events

There’s an ever so slight pause in the crazy festival schedule in Korea in November, as if people are saving their energy for the incredible variety of activities coming up in the busy winter months of December and January.

Not to worry though – even at its quietest, there’s still way more to do in Korea in November than humanly possible.

Visiting Korea at another time of the year? Learn about weather and festivals for other months in Korea, in the following detailed guides.

• Korea in January: The Coldest Month of the Year
• Korea in February: The Final Month of Winter
• Korea in March: First Signs of Spring
• Korea in April: Chasing Cherry Blossoms
• Korea in May: In Full Bloom
• Korea in June: The Best Month of Summer
• Korea in July: The Peak of Summer
• Korea in August: Summer Vacation for EVERYONE!
• Korea in September: Autumn Relief
• Korea in October: Full on Fall Foliage
• Korea in December: Christmas Lights Galore

Luminarie | 루미나리에

Festival Dates: October 27th, 2023 – February 29th, 2024

Address: 136, Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 삼학사로 136

This year, Luminarie is happening in collaboration with Bulgari. Expect sparkling light displays, photo zones, and cultural experiences at Seokchon Lake throughout November in Korea.

This is a great opportunity to grab a hot chocolate and join the locals strolling along the shores of Seokchon Lake, while admiring gorgeous autumn leaves.

READ NEXT: Jangtaesan is the Autumn Foliage Hotspot of your Dreams

Masan Chrysanthemum Festival | 마산국화축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, October 28th – November 6th last year

Address: 80, Haean-daero, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 창원시 마산합포구 해안대로 180 (월포동)

READ NEXT: 14 Magnificent Ginkgo Tree Avenues to Explore in Korea

ALPACA WORLD, NAMI ISLAND + GANGCHON RAIL BIKE | See adorable alpacas, wander gorgeous Nami Island, and pedal on abandoned railway tracks at the Gangchon Rail Park all on one super-convenient day tour. All transport and admissions included. Check availability of the Alpaca World day tour here (at least 48 hours in advance).

Cheongsong Apple Festival | 청송사과축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, November 1st – 5th last year

Address: Wolmak-ri, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 경상북도 청송군 청송읍 월막리

Every November in South Korea, crisp, juicy Cheongsong apples flood markets, streets, and grocery stores. At this time of year, you can be guaranteed a delicious apple, for a very reasonable price.

At the Cheongsong Apple Festival, you can enjoy EVERYTHING apple – including an apple parade, apple contests, apple sculptures, and much more. And of course, there are Cheongsong apples available for purchase at the festival.

Events take place from 10:00 – 21:00. Get more info here.

Jeju Olle Walking Festival | 제주올레걷기축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, November 2nd – 4th last year

Address: 22, Jungjeong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 중정로 22

Jeju Island’s nature is simply glorious during November in Korea, and participating in the the Jeju Olle Walking Festival is one of the best ways to see it.

Walk along 23 different hiking routes around the island, with visitors from all over the world, while watching local performances and eating local food. This is one of the most interesting autumn festivals in Korea!

Anyone can register, including children and groups. Get more details here.

Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival | 서산국화축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, November 3rd – November 12th last year

Address: 320-1, Gobuk 1-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 서산시 고북면 복남골길 31-1

See flower tunnels, displays and other exhibits made up of colourful chrysanthemums and other wildflowers at Hannogwon Garden during November in Korea. There’s also a handicraft market, a showcase of traditional folk games, and food and tea made from chrysanthemum flowers available.

I was pleasantly surprised by my visit to the quiet city of Seosan. There’s a ton to do! Be sure to stop into Haemieuipseong Fortress and check out the unique seaside Ganworam Hermitage while you’re there.

Get more festival details on their website.

Busan Fireworks Festival | 부산 불꽃축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, November 4th last year

Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219 (광안동)

The Busan Fireworks Festival lights up the sky above Gwangalli Beach every November in Korea. Aside from the epic fireworks display, you can also enjoy cultural programs, laser light shows and media facades.

More details here.

Sacheon Air Show | 휴애리 동백축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, November 4th – 5th last year

Address: Samcheonpodaegyo Bridge Park, 35 Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 사천시 사천대로 35 삼천포대교공원

At the Sacheon Airshow, you can witness Korea’s Black Eagles aerobatic flight in Korean supersonic aircraft T-50s on a clear November day. With additional performances from army, navy, air force and the US Air Force, it promises to be a thrilling time.

Full details here.

Seoul Ballet Festival | 서울발레페스티벌

Festival Dates: TBA for 2024, November 8th – 12th last year

Address: Various locations in Seoul (refer to website)

Celebrate everything ballet in Seoul in November. Aside from performances, there are several unique events planned around the city, including Ballet with a Baby, and a Ballet Fringe Festival at Seokchon Lake. Check their website for full details.

Jeju Hueree Camelia Festival | 휴애리 동백축제

Festival Dates: November 14th, 2023 – January 31st, 2024

Address: 219, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219 (광안동)

As mid-November hits Korea, pink camelia takes over Hueree Park in Jeju. There are literally thousands of gorgeous pink blooms, and if you’re lucky a carpet of bright petals too.

It’s also possible to pick Jeju tangerines, and feed animals at Hueree Park at the same time. More details here.

Korea in November | What to Wear

The Korea weather in November changes quite dramatically, with the end a lot colder than the start. For the first week, you could get away with jeans, hoodies, and sweaters during the daylight hours if you tolerate cooler temperatures well. However, a jacket is definitely needed by late afternoon and at night.

By the end of the month, I don’t know many people who aren’t struggling with the deep freeze of Korea’s impending winter. HEATTECH inner layers, fleece-lined pants, warm boots, and a winter jacket are your best friend by the end of November in Korea. A lot of locals wear lighter-weight puffer coats with multiple layers underneath this month.

It’s helpful to have good running shoes or boots, for warmth, comfort, and convenience. I mostly wander around Seoul wearing my Loom waterproof sneakers and thick socks, and it’s enough, since I’m in and out of heated spaces. On cooler days though, or if I’m planning to spend a full day outdoors, I wear waterproof Uggs to keep my toes toasty warm. There’s nothing worse than cold feet!

Visiting Korea in November | Packing List

Here’s a rough guideline of items to pack for the Korea weather in November.

Bring from Home

• travel documents: passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
• international driver’s license if you plan to rent a car
• adaptor / plug
• long sleeved t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, cardigans
• jeans, trousers, leggings, thick tights
• skirts or dresses
• jacket, or thin puffer style coat for the beginning of the month
• winter coat, gloves, scarf by the end of the month
• sunglasses,eyeglasses, contact lenses
• deodorant, feminine hygiene items
• comfortable shoes or boots for lots of walking
• any special medications you need

Buy in Korea

• umbrella if it rains
• hot packs (at the convenience store or DAISO)
• gloves and scarves are cheap and easy to buy everywhere
• HEATTECH inner layers for warmth (Uniqlo)
• disposable air pollution / medical masks
• batteries / charging cables (super cheap at Daiso)
• skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!)
• eyeglasses and contact lenses can be purchased just by walking into a store (a free eye test will be provided)
• birth control can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription (but all brands may not be available)

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