Visiting Korea in November | Weather, What to Wear + Best Festivals [UPDATED 2023]

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.

There’s a dramatic change in landscape in Korea in November.

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

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.

There’s still tons of fall foliage to enjoy in November in Korea.

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.

Christmas is another busy travel season in Korea.

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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.

Perfectly comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt at Asan Ginkgo Tree Road in mid-November in Korea.

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.

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

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.

The weather is still perfectly comfortable in Seoul at the beginning of November.

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.

It rains a bit in Seoul in November, but not enough to worry about.

* Personal note: I’m writing this on November 3rd, and it’s still relatively comfortable outside, with city streets alive with autumn colour. I did feel a sudden drop in temperature this morning and last night though, so cooler temperatures are definitely afoot. Get ready.

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

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.

Busan is perfectly lovely in November © IR Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

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.

Trees lose their leaves fastest in Gangwon-do and Seoraksan National Park.

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.

You’ll have the most chance of experiencing snow at places like Snowy Land in Gangwondo.

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.

November in Korea is the perfect time to explore Jeju’s UNESCO sites © Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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

Korea in November | Public Holidays 2023

There are no major public holidays in Korea in November 2023.

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.

Ginkgo trees turn gloriously golden during November in Korea.

Here are the limited edition autumn day tours available in Korea for 2023.

• Hwadam Botanic Garden + Namhansanseong Fortress (UNESCO)  |  September 3rd – October 19th, 2023
• Nari Park, Pink Muhly Grass + Dumulmeori from Seoul  |  September 25th – October 13th, 2023
• Jangtaesan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | September 25th – November 25th, 2023
• Seoraksan Maple Leaves Tour (optional Cable Car) | October 2nd – 20th, 2023
• Alpaca World + Hongcheon Ginkgo Tree Forest  | October 10th – 24th, 2023
• Seoraksan National Park with Cable Car Day Tour from Seoul | October 16th – November 3rd, 2023
• Seoraksan (Osaek Autumn Foliage) + Nami & Garden of Morning Calm OR Alpaca World  |  October 16th – November 3rd, 2023
• Seoul City Autumn Tour (Gamaksan, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Haneul Park + Jingwansa)  |  October 16th – November 24th, 2023
• Classic Naejangsan National Park Tour (VIP Bus Available)  |   October 26th – November 15th, 2023
• Naejangsan Autumn Foliage Maples Leaves Tour | October 30th – November 5th, 2023
• Naejangsan National Park + Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul  |  November 1st – 13th, 2023, Wednesdays and Fridays ONLY

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.

You can channel your inner Elsa at the excellent Alps Village Ice Fountain Festival

• 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

The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is one of Korea’s best winter events.

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.

Cherry blossom festivals take over Korea in spring ⓒ Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

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

Winter in Korea brings sledding fun at Vivaldi Park Snowy Land.

Luminarie | 루미나리에

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, October 28th – January 31st in 2022

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

Until October 30th, you can see both the Rubber Duck Project, and Walkerhill’s “Theatre of Light,” at Seokchon Lake Park in Jamsil. It doesn’t end there though. Throughout November in Korea, Luminarie will decorate Seokchon Lake in glowing light art and photo zones.

This is a great opportunity to grab a hot chocolate and join the locals strolling along the shores of Seokchon Lake.

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

Masan Chrysanthemum Festival | 마산국화축제

Festival Dates: October 28th – November 6th in 2023

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

With fertile soil and a warm climate, Changwon (formerly Masan), is the biggest producer of chrysanthemums in Korea.

Chrysanthemums in Masan © Dodream, Korea Tourism Organization

At the Masan Chrysanthemum Festival, gawk at an exhibition of over 120,000 chrysanthemums artfully displayed in a massive garden, watch a cool drone light show and see a singing competition.

More details on their website.

Cheongsong Apple Festival | 청송사과축제

Festival Dates: November 1st – 5th, 2023

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.

Cheongsong apples are crisp and sweet © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

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: November 2nd – 4th, 2023

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.

See the beauty of Jeju by foot in November © Lee Beomsu, Korea Tourism Organization

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 2023, November 2nd – November 13th in 2022

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.

Ganworam is a unique temple that turns into an island at high tide.

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: November 4th, 2023

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.

Fireworks light up the sky in Busan in November in Korea © Seo Yeong-gyeon, Korea Tourism Organization

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.

It’s a warmer at the beginning of November in Korea, but a jacket is still required.

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.

You’ll definitely need some kind of winter wear by the end of the 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!

Wear warm shoes if you plan to spend lots of time outside © Lee Seong-u, Korea Tourism Organization

Make sure to pack for the cooler nights if you’re visiting Korea in November.

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)

Shop for what you need at Daiso! © LERK (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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All ready for the perfect trip to Korea in November? What have you got planned?