South Korea in November 2026 | Weather + Best Festivals in Seoul and Beyond

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.

How’s the Weather in South Korea in November?

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.

Summary of Korea’s Weather in November

Seoul Weather in November

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 or Pocheon for a better chance of seeing snow.

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

* Personal note: Last year was probably the strangest autumn I’ve experienced in Seoul so far. Summer was really long and hot, so the fall foliage changed late, then it swung to freezing cold overnight. We had a historic snowfall that made for some surreal scenes with vibrant autumn leaves.

Busan Weather in November

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.

MAX OUT BUSAN TOUR  |  Short on time? Max out all of Busan’s best photo spots, including the Haeundae Sky Capsule, Yonggungsa Temple, Gamcheon Culture Village and so much more! Check details here.

Pyeongchang Weather in November | 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.

SNOWY LAND  |  Admire snowy landscapes while you ride a gondola up to one of Korea’s most famous sled parks. Try ice sledding, group sledding in a raft and definitely don’t miss the tornado! Get more details here.

Jeju Island Weather in November

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, so be prepared for that.

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 2025

There are no major public holidays in Korea in November 2025.

Best 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, ginkgo and maple trees might just be at their best in Korea in early to mid-November.

• Seoraksan + Nami Island | September 16th – November 30th
• Jangtaesan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | September 16th – December 10th
• Suwon Hwaseong UNESCO Fortress + Jangtaesan | September 16th – November 29th
• Nari Pink Muhly Grass + Nami Island + Gangchon Rail Bike  |  September 23rd – October 18th
• Seoraksan (Osaek Autumn Foliage) + Nami & Garden of Morning Calm OR Alpaca World  |  October 1st – November 28th
• Seoraksan National Park Hiking Tour (Private or Join-in | no set dates, recommend booking in the last 2 weeks of October
• Hwadam Botanic Garden + Namhansanseong Fortress (UNESCO)  |  October 21st – 31st
• Seoraksan National Park with Cable Car Day Tour from Seoul | October 15th – November 8th
• Seoul City Autumn Tour (Gamaksan, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Haneul Park + Jingwansa)  |  October 16th – November 30th
• Jirisan National Park Autumn Tour | October 21st – November 4th
• Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju Hwangnidan-gil Autumn Tour | October 24th – November 12th
• Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage Tour | October 25th – November 10th
• Classic Naejangsan National Park Tour | October 27th – November 14th
• Gyeongju Autumn Foliage One Day Tour | October 28th – November 15th

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.

• Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sledding Tours across Korea | December – March
• 3 Romantic Winter Festivals in a Day | December 1st – February 1st
• Yongpyong Resort Balwangsan Cable Car + Samyang Ranch | December 3rd  – February 27th
• Elysian Ski / Snowboarding / Sledding One Day Tour | December 5th – March 5th
• Vivaldi Park Snowy Land Sledding Tour | December 6th – February 28th
• Snowy Land + Alpaca World or Nami Island | December 8th – March 6th
• Daedunsan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | December 15th – February 28th
• Wondae-ri Birch Forest + Maebawi Icewall Day Tour | December 15th – February 28th
• Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island, Alpaca World + Garden of Morning Calm  | December 16th – March 13th
• Gugok Ice Valley + Strawberry Picking + Snow Sledding | December 25th – February 28th

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

Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival | 포천 허브아일랜드

FESTIVAL DATES: September 20th – November 2nd, 2026

Address: 51, Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 포천시 신북면 청신로947번길 35

Got pink muhly on the mind? Well, you’re in luck, because the pink muhly festival at Herb Island in Pocheon is on until November 9th!

Frolic on a pink sand mountain, ride a pink tractor, and enjoy everything else that Herb Island has to offer at the pink wonderland of your dreams.

Check out 17 more gorgeous pink muhly spots in Korea here.

HERB ISLAND PINK MUHLY FESTIVAL  |  See some of Pocheon’s prettiest autumn sights, including Herb Island’s wonderland of pink sand, pink trees, and pink muhly. Check details here.

GAPYEONG / CHUNCHEON ATTRACTIONS  |  Feed adorable alpacas, wander gorgeous Nami Island, pedal on abandoned railway tracks, visit Legoland, or see the Garden of Morning Calm on a private or group tour. Customize an itinerary here.

Taste of Seoul | 테이스트오브서울

Festival Dates: October 27th – November 2nd, 2025

Address: All over Seoul

If you’re visiting Korea in November, and don’t know where to eat, you’re in luck! Taste of Seoul will celebrate the city’s diverse and varied food scene, with 100 Taste of Seoul restaurants which have been selected by 20 gourmet curators to represent the city’s food scene.

Vegetarians can rejoice. For the first time, a full half of these restaurants are plant-based. Figure out where to eat here.

SEOUL TABLE RESERVATION SERVICE |  Don’t have a Korean number, but want to make a reservation at one of Seoul’s popular restaurants? This service can help! See available restaurants here.

Cheongsong Apple Festival | 청송사과축제

Festival Dates: October 29th – November 2nd, 2025

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 relatively 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.

POCHEON ART VALLEY + APPLE PICKING + GARDEN OF MORNING CALM  |  See 2 gorgeous attractions on the outskirts of Seoul, with a stop for a fun apple picking experience at a local farm. Check details here.

Luminarie | 루미나리에

Festival Dates: October 31st, 2025 – February 28th, 2026

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

This year, the theme of Luminarie is Love and Dream Forever.  Expect sparkling light displays, photo zones, performances, and cultural experiences at Seokchon Lake Park throughout November in Korea.

This is a great opportunity to grab a hot chocolate and join the locals strolling the figure 8 walking path, while admiring gorgeous autumn leaves.

Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival | 여수밤바다 불꽃축제

Festival Dates: November 8th, 2025

Address: 383 Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do

With a relaxed vibe, excellent food, and interesting things to see and do, Yeosu is one of my favourite cities to visit. Head there at the end of October in Korea, and be treated to an incredible fireworks display at Yi Sun Shin Square.

There’s a number of events and activities starting from 7:00PM, but fireworks are on from 8:00 – 8:35PM. Free to attend.

HOW TO GET TO YEOSU FROM SEOUL  |  If you’re not driving yourself, the fastest way to get from Seoul to Yeosu is via Korea’s KTX bullet train. Check out KTX combo tix here. If you prefer to travel by intercity bus, head to Central City Terminal in Seoul, and head to Yeosu Bus Terminal instead. The journey takes just over 4 hours. Check bus tickets here.

Knock Knock K-Food Festival | 마산국화축제

Festival Dates: until December 31st, 2025

Address: Jiha 189, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 지하 189

Masan Chrysanthemum Festival | 마산국화축제

Festival Dates: November 1st – 9th, 2025

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

Jeju Olle Walking Festival | 제주올레걷기축제

Festival Dates: November 6th – 8th, 2025

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.

JEJU TOURS  |  Whether its Haenyeo, Seongsan Ilchubong, or lava formations, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for on these excellent tours that will never be cancelled. No time wasted with shopping and hotel drop-off included too. See options here.

Seoul Autumn Festa | 서울어텀페스타

Festival Dates: October 4th – November 12th, 2025

Address: across Seoul

The Seoul Autumn Festa celebrates theatre, dance, music, traditional arts and more under the theme of “Performing Arts, Connecting Seoul”

There are over 110 performances and events to enjoy across Seoul, at iconic venues like Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival | 서산국화축제

Festival Dates: November 7th – 16th, 2025

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.

KOREAN FOLK VILLAGE + HAN RIVER CRUISE  |  Seoul’s sparkling lights are more beautiful from the water. Combine a trip to the Korean Folk Village in Yongin with a night cruise on the Han River to see Korea’s past and present on the same day. Check details here.

Pepero Day | 빼빼로 데이

Festival Dates: November 11th, 2025

Address: Everywhere!

Pepero Day is undoubtedly one of the most uniquely Korean events happening in November.

It’s an annual observance where people exchange boxes of Pepero chocolate-covered biscuit sticks with friends, family, and loved ones to express their love, and friendship.

It’s held on 11.11 because the shape of a Pepero stick is the same as a 1. On this day, and the week before (usually), you’ll find Pepero events, and special gift packages all over Seoul and beyond.

ENCORE: K-Pop Demon Hunters Seoul Drone Show | 드론 라이트 쇼

Festival Dates: November 15th, 2025, 19:40

Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330 (여의도동)

The Seoul Drone show is already an incredibly popular event, but add Rumi, Mira, and Zoey to it, and it’s really next-level.

The K-pop Demon Hunters drone show was such a success that they’re bringing it back for a special encore performance this November in Korea.

It features 2,000 drones, and will be taking place at the event plaza in Yeouido Hangang Park on November 15th, 2025. There’s a bunch of festivities planned for earlier in the day, but the Kpop Demon Hunters drone show starts at 19:40 on the dot.

Check out my video of the drone show here.

Busan Fireworks Festival | 부산 불꽃축제

Festival Dates: November 15th, 2025

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.

Grab front-row seats for the 20th Anniversary of the Busan Fireworks Festival.

VISIT BUSAN PASS  |  With free access to over 30 incredible attractions, including Busan X the Sky and Lotte World + discounts at another 120 – the Visit Busan Pass is incredible value. Check details here.

Jeju Hueree Camelia Festival | 휴애리 동백축제

Festival Dates: typically starts from mid-November (TBC)

Address: 256 Sillyedong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do | 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 남원읍 신례동로 256

As mid-November hits Korea, camelia takes over Hueree Park in Jeju. There are literally thousands of gorgeous red 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.

HUEREE ADMISSION TICKETS  |  Hueree Natural Park is one of the most popular and beautiful parks on Jeju Island, with a ton to do and see. Perfect for families! Grab advance tickets here.

Cheonggye Soul Ocean | 청계소울오션

Festival Dates: until December 31st, 2025

Address: Cheonggyecheon Gwanggyo Gallery, 9, Namdaemun-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul   

Cheonggye Soul Ocean is a media art exhibition on top of the flowing Cheonggyecheon Stream takes places throughout the month of November in Korea.

Head to the lower section of Cheonggyecheon Gwanggyo Bridge and the Gwanggyo Gallery area, daily between 6 and 10 at night to see it.

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 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!

Tips for What to Wear in Korea in November

1. It feels a lot colder at the end of November in Korea, so prepare accordingly. If you’re visiting in the last few weeks of November, you definitely need to be prepared with winter gear.

2. Koreans generally dress quite well. You’ll stand out quite a bit if you’re wearing a “typical backpacker“ look.

3. If you don’t want to draw unwelcome attention to yourself, it’s best to dress on the conservative side. For women, a low neckline will attract eyes, but a super short skirt won’t (go figure). Shorts with thick tights underneath are a common sight in 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)

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