Korea in October 2026: My Favourite Fall Festivals, Weather Tips & Packing Blueprint (from a 15-Year Expat)

There’s no doubt that Korea in September is a stunner, but Korea in October is the true star of autumn. As fall foliage peaks, fiery crimsons, burnt oranges, and golden yellows paint the country in a rainbow of kaleidoscopic hues.

And as if that wasn’t enough, dreamy pink muhly, silvery grass, and sapphire skies add even MORE colour to the most wonderful of Korea’s seasons. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll quickly see why October in South Korea is one of my favourite months of the year.

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Visiting Korea in October

Most locals consider October in South Korea to be the best time of the year to visit, and I wholeheartedly agree. With magnificent autumn foliage, crystal clear air, and shimmering blue skies, October is my favourite month of the year. By far.

Aside from the many spectacular autumn landscapes, there are more festivals and events happening in Korea in October than you could possibly get to in a single month. You’ll have to plan your travels to Korea with absolute precision to fit everything in.

October and early November are PEAK travel season in Korea, so it’s wise to book accommodation and day tours well in advance, for the most selection and best prices.

We don’t have to deal with Chuseok travel traffic in October this year since the holiday wraps up in September, but there are still a couple of local long weekends to keep on your radar. I’ve broken down all those specific dates and transit tips for you in the public holiday section below.

How’s the weather in South Korea in October?

October is the middle month of autumn in Korea. The October weather in Korea might feel a bit cool to some, but it’s pretty much my idea of climate perfection.

During daylight hours, average high temperatures are a very pleasant 20°C | 68°F. Average low temperatures for the month of October in Korea are 10°C | 50°F, and there’s little humidity or rainfall to worry about.

It IS quite a bit cooler in the evenings and at night though, so multiple layers and a light jacket are definitely required for your trip to South Korea in October.

A Quick Climate Reality Check: While October in Korea has historically been our driest, clearest month, shifting global weather patterns mean autumn rain is becoming a lot more unpredictable lately. We’ve been getting sudden, heavy downpours or lingering damp days right in the middle of peak foliage season. It’s nothing like the summer monsoon, but it’s a smart idea to keep a flexible indoor backup plan – like checking out Starfield Coex Mall or relaxing in a jjimjilbang – in case you hit an uncharacteristic wet stretch.

Weather in Korea in October: Breakdown by Major Cities

Seoul Weather in October

Average high temperatures in Seoul in October decrease 6°C from September to 21°C | 68°F. There’s a more dramatic cooling effect at night, with average low temperatures, falling a full 7°C to 10°C | 50°F by the end of the month.

There are just 11 hours of day light in Korea in October, but these hours are filled with beautiful light and striking blue skies. The sun is strong, but the UV isn’t, so you can relax a little about sun protection.

The Seoul weather in October has very little humidity, so it’s incredibly comfortable to tour around the city. There are only about 6 days of rain, mostly concentrated near the beginning of the month, totalling approximately 52-mm, on average.

*Personal note: In recent years, our hot, humid summer has stuck around much longer than usual. Back in 2025, we had sticky, unseasonably warm weather right into the first week of October in Korea. This didn’t have much impact on the peak fall foliage dates to be honest, but it does make it a bit more challenging to pack effectively, doesn’t it?

Busan Weather in October

October is a great month to visit Busan. All that gorgeous sunshine and comfortable temperatures make it easy to travel between Busan hotspots like Gamcheon Culture Village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.

Busan is located on the southeastern coast of Korea, so it’s actually a bit warmer than Seoul in October, with average daily temperatures ranging from 15°C | 59°F to 22°C | 72°F. There are just 6 days of rainfall, totalling around 70 mm, so it’s really not enough to even bother worrying about on your trip.

Sokcho Weather in October (East Coast)

The Korea weather in October on the East Coast is typically a bit cooler than in the interior regions. Sokcho in October has average daily temperatures ranging from 11°C | 52°F to 21°C | 70°F.  In my experience. it can feel a lot colder, especially with sea breezes, so be prepared with some heavier weight clothing.

Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park on the East Coast, are popular places to see fall foliage if you’re visiting Korea in October. With its cooler temperatures, this region is one of the few places at peak foliage in October.

If you’re planning to hike, be prepared with layers of clothing to deal with potential temperature changes and wind at higher altitudes.

Jeju Island Weather in October

In October, the Jeju weather is perfect for exploring the island, but not for swimming. Average temperatures range from 15°C | 59°F to 22°C | 72°F, with about 7 days of rain, totalling around 92 mm of precipitation. Thankfully though, typhoon season is over by October in Korea, so you can rest a bit easier.

The Korea weather in October on Jeju is perfect for the many outdoor activities available on the island. Check out the autumn foliage on Hallasan or go on a pastel hunt at Jeju’s pink muhly hotspots, Hueree Park and Herb Dongsan.

Korea in October | Air Quality and Typhoons

One big reason why many Koreans prefer October over cherry blossom season in April is air quality.

During spring in Korea, windstorms originating in the Gobi Desert travel across China and land squarely on top of the ROK, in the form of yellow dust. Called “hwangsa,” in Korean, it colours the sky, in a murky yellowish fog. And it’s full of ultrafine and fine dust pollution.

The good news is that if you’re visiting South Korea in October, the odds of having to deal with bad air or typhoons is much lower. In the rare event that you do need one, high-quality disposable masks can be picked up in any pharmacy, convenience store, or Daiso in Korea for as low as 500 won each.

The Korean equivalent of an N95 mask is called a KF94. If that feels too hot and heavy for the Korea weather in October, you can grab a KF80 mask instead. These filter out 80% of pollutants, so it’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.

Are there Public Holidays in Korea in October?

There are a few major national public holidays in Korea in October 2026.

• National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) on Saturday, October 3rd, with the observed substitute holiday on Monday, October 5th,
• National Hangul Day on Friday, October 9th.

These are days off for all Koreans, but there will still be plenty to do around Seoul, including special events and activities for both holidays.

Expect Incheon Airport to be incredibly busy, as locals take advantage of those two consecutive long weekends during Korea in October to jet off on quick holidays.

Korea in October | Best Festivals and Events

October in Korea really is a case of too many festivals, not enough time. You could literally go to a different event every single day of the month if you wanted to.

Here’s a look at some of the best ones, but this list is by no means exhaustive. I’d literally be writing until next year if I tried to include all of them! Plenty more regional festivals and unique pop-up events will be announced for Korea in October at the last minute, so definitely keep your eyes peeled while you’re exploring.

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: The Start of Autumn
• Korea in November: Autumn to Winter Transition
• Korea in December: Christmas Lights Galore

Flower & Nature Festivals to See During October in Korea

While everyone knows about the changing autumn leaves, October is also the absolute best time of the year to catch South Korea’s spectacular fall flower celebrations. Huge regional autumn festivals just outside Seoul’s borders completely transform into seas of vibrant colour, and you’ll find everything from fluffy pink muhly grass clouds to endless fields of golden blossoms.

Quick heads up: A lot of these stunning autumn flower festivals are tucked away in rural areas that are tricky to reach using public transit, so renting a car or joining an organized day tour is the easiest way to skip the transit stress. If you want to see a full breakdown of which autumn blooms to see across the country, don’t miss my brand new guide to Korea’s best autumn flowers..

Otherwise, here are the absolute best nature celebrations you need to keep on your radar for your trip to Korea in October.

Goseokjeong Autumn Flower Festival | 고석정꽃밭

Goseokjeong Flower Garden has an endless sea of autumn flowers and grasses, and they’ll be in full bloom during October in Korea.

I checked out this gorgeous flower field back in 2025, and I was completely awestruck by the sheer quantity of pretty petals. This one’s still relatively under the radar for international travellers, but I’m guessing it won’t stay a secret for long.

If you want to see what these incredible flower fields look like illuminated at night, or find out how to use the free shopping voucher included with your ticket, check out my complete Goseokjeong Flower Garden guide to plan your trip.

The Cheonilhong Festival at Nari Farm | 천일홍 축제

Yangju Nari Park is already one of the best places to check out in Korea during October for pink muhly and autumn flowers, but you’ll want to head there a bit earlier to celebrate its incredible Cheonilhong festival.

Nari Farm has the largest globe amaranth colony in the whole country, and during the short festival window, you can also enjoy local busking performances, regional street food stalls, and unique hands-on cultural activities.

Because the gorgeous October weather in South Korea keeps the fields in beautiful condition, the flowers stay open to visitors straight through to the end of the month. If you want to check out the exact bus transfers from Seoul, entry fees, or the best time of day to catch the pink grass clouds glowing at sunset, my dedicated Yangju Nari Park guide has you covered

Seoul Silver Grass Festival | 서울억새축제

Move over pink muhly – the super instagrammable Seoul Silver Grass Festival is back this October in Korea. You’ll be able to search out 10 different photo zones amidst the waving stalks, watch the colourful evening lighting show, or catch live performances at the central stage on weekends.

For this specific event only, Haneul Park extends its opening times until 10:00 PM so you can enjoy the glittering skyline views long after sunset.

If you’re still determined to track down those fluffy pink grass clouds alongside these golden stalks during your travels, you can look through my complete pink muhly in Korea guide to find the best spots outside the city. Otherwise, make sure to check the official Seoul Metropolitan Government park site for the latest evening shuttle rules and weekend schedules before you head up

Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival | 익산천만송이국화축제

Late October in Korea is when you’ll find chrysanthemums starting to bloom across the country. There are a number of festivals celebrating this pretty flower all over South Korea, but Iksan puts on a truly incredible show.

This free event treats visitors to traditional folk dance, art performances, a lively street parade, and musical fountain shows, with beautiful floral displays gorgeously decorating 8 different locations around the city.

The crisp October weather in Korea makes it the perfect time of year to head down south to Jeollabuk-do for a weekend trip. If you’re planning to explore the area, you can easily see the Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival, then head to a unique local landmark nearby.

Take a look at my Goseurak Hangari Park guide to see how to wander through a stunning garden packed with over 4,000 traditional fermenting earthenware jars.

Royal Palaces & Traditional Culture Festivals to Experience This October in Korea

If you want to experience the rich heritage of the country, October in Korea is one of the peak months for historical celebrations. The stunning royal palaces in Seoul host unique night openings, while historic villages across the provinces come alive with ancient mask dances and spectacular folklore re-enactments.

Here are the absolute best cultural celebrations you’ll want to add to your itinerary if you’re visiting Korea in October.

Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang | 경복궁생과방

Visiting Gyeongbokgung at night is generally limited to earlier autumn months, but you can still check out the special Saenggwabang tasting tour right into early November.

This exclusive experience is an extraordinary opportunity to taste the identical royal sweets and medicinal herbal teas that were carefully prepared for the kings during the Joseon Dynasty, inside the exact palace kitchen complex where they were originally crafted centuries ago.

Because the crisp October weather in Korea is so comfortable, sitting in all that Korean royal architecture while sipping historic tea is an absolute dream.

There’s no official word on foreigner exclusive tickets for the autumn slots just yet, but I’ll be sure to update the details right here the second the Korean Cultural Foundation announces the release dates.

While you’re locking down your historic palace route, you can look through my curated list of 17 spectacular autumn hotspots to see in Seoul to find more hidden photo spots around the city center.

Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour | 창덕궁 달빛기행

Moonlight tours of UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace are back for a 17th year this October in Korea. I attended this event in the spring, and it was honestly one of the most unforgettable things I’ve done during my 15 years living here.

Every year, there are separate time slots operating from Thursdays to Sundays. Each guided tour lasts approximately 100 minutes, and tickets cost 30,000 won each, with a strict limit of two tickets per person.

The crisp October weather in Korea makes holding a traditional silk lantern while walking through the dark, silent palace grounds feel completely magical. It’s a stellar way to see the ancient architecture without the usual daytime crowds.

If you’d like full details on what to expect at the event, check out my Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour review for complete details.

Andong Mask Dance Festival | 안동국제탈춤페스티벌

If cultural travel is your thing, the Andong Mask Dance Festival is the perfect event for you to attend in Korea during October. This celebration takes place right near the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Andong Hahoe Village, which is totally worth a visit on its own.

Aside from witnessing rare live performances of traditional Korean mask dance dramas, which are recognized as vital intangible cultural heritage, you’ll also catch global dance troupes performing alongside local talent.

Because Andong is chock-full of ancient architecture and protected heritage landmarks, it’s widely considered one of the most authentic place to fully submerge yourself in traditional culture in Korea.

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival | 수원화성문화제

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is easily one of the biggest festivals to catch in Korea in October. Held at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, this landmark celebration treats visitors to a vibrant Citizen’s Parade, traditional martial arts demonstrations, a solemn Guard’s Ceremony, and a simultaneous Food Culture Festival.

One of the most important events is the Reenactment of King Jeongjo’s Royal Tomb Parade. This monumental costumed parade features over 4,000 participants and traces a historic 59-kilometre route starting all the way from Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul and finishing down at the royal tombs on Sunday, October 4th.

There’s also a concurrent media art festival running from mid-September right through to early October, which projects stunning digital displays directly onto the ancient fortress walls. Because the October weather in Korea stays beautifully clear, wandering around the illuminated parapets after dark feels completely magical.

The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is absolutely one of the best events I’ve attended in recent years, and I definitely recommend making the quick trip down from Seoul.

Jeongseon Arirang Festival | 정선아리랑제

The Korean folk song Arirang was registered on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2012, and the mournful Jeongseon version is its oldest, dating back over 600 years. It’s gotten even MORE famous, with global supergroup BTS performing their own incredible version of Arirang on stages all over the world.

At the Jeongseon Arirang Festival that takes place in Korea in October, you’ll be able to hear many versions of Arirang from different regions, play traditional games, and watch a lively street parade. You definitely shouldn’t miss the “Arirang Gilnori”—a spectacular performance of Arirang sung by over 1,600 people simultaneously!

Great Baekje Festival | 백제문화제

The Great Baekje Festival takes place in the old Baekje capitals in Chungcheongnam-do during October in Korea.

This festival promises to be totally epic, with multiple large-scale parades, historical exhibitions, traditional performances, and cultural events staged at UNESCO World Heritage sites across Gongju and Buyeo.

I’ve checked out this festival in Buyeo, Gongju, and Iksan, and it did not disappoint. I definitely need to head back again because there was so much to see and do that I barely cracked the surface during my visits.

I’ve been down to Gongju at least three times, and I highly recommend making the trip. It’s a wonderful place to visit in Korea that’s sadly overlooked by most international travellers, despite having so much ancient history to explore.

If you want to see what there is to do there, look through my complete Gongju travel guide to plan out your itinerary easily.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival | 진주 남강유등축제

Yudeung, or floating lanterns, were originally used during the historic Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress as a clever military strategy during the Japanese Invasion of 1592. Today, every October in Korea, this rich national heritage is celebrated in Jinju with a glorious lantern festival that completely illuminates the Namgang River with more than 70,000 brilliant floating lights.

It’s one of Korea’s biggest lantern festivals, and it’s well worth a visit to experience the cultural performances, dazzling fireworks displays, and the opportunity to write a wish on your own paper lantern before launching it high into the sky.

The crisp October weather in Korea makes it absolutely wonderful to stroll along the flat riverside paths, where you can cross temporary floating pontoon bridges to see the installations up close.

Royal Culture Festival | 궁중문화축전

If you haven’t had a chance to visit any of Seoul’s five Joseon Dynasty palaces yet, the Royal Culture Festival is a good time to do it. Korea’s rich cultural heritage will be highlighted with musical performances, historical court rituals, stunning moonlight tours, and interactive activities for kids scattered across its historic venues in Korea in October.

While there are plenty of completely free outdoor activities to discover at the Royal Culture Festival, certain exclusive events require making advanced online reservations ahead of your trip.

One major highlight is the special morning walking tour at Changdeokgung Palace, which gives you early access to the grounds from 8:00 to 10:00 AM before the gates open to the public. It’s a wonderful chance to see the architecture at its quietest, though you’ll need to secure reservations well in advance.

To look up the full event schedule and see what else is happening across the different venues, you can check out the official Royal Culture Festival portal to plan out your day.

Silla Cultural Festival | 신라문화제

Every October in Korea, the Silla Cultural Festival takes over the city of Gyeongju with events celebrating the culture and arts of the thousand-year-old Silla Dynasty. Prepare to be wowed by large-scale musical performances, traditional folk games, dazzling fireworks, and what looks to be an incredible evening drone show high above the royal burial mounds.

The main downtown avenues completely shut down to traffic, transforming the historic core into a lively festival hub filled with art markets and street food carts.

As if Gyeongju wasn’t ALREADY one of the best places to visit during autumn in Korea, this festival gives you a whole extra reason to make the journey down south. The overall October weather in Korea is absolutely ideal for wandering through the open-air heritage areas after dark, when all the ancient structures light up beautifully.

City and Light Festivals to Catch this October in Korea

If you love urban art and buzzing night markets, planning your trip around these festivals is a must. October in Korea is the sweet spot for evening outdoor activities because the autumn skies stay incredibly crisp and clear, making it easy to transform public spaces across the Seoul into glowing open-air galleries after dark.

Here are some of the best modern light and urban lifestyle celebrations you’ll want to add to your Korea itinerary in October.

Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival | 서울라이트 한강 빛섬축제

The Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival is making a move over to Nodeulseom Island this October in Korea. Because this media art festival rotates to a different part of the Han River each year, they’re completely resetting the layout to take over Nodeulseom’s unique river spaces with cool laser installations, glowing art displays, and outdoor lectures. It’s a total dream for photographers because the colourful beams bounce right off the dark river water during our crisp Seoul autumn nights.

The best thing about catching the festival at Nodeulseom is that you can wander the waterfront paths and see the city skyline lit up from a totally different angle that most tourists never see. The overall October weather in Korea is still comfortable enough that you can stroll around late into the evening without freezing. If you’re looking for more fun ways to explore Seoul after dark, take a look at my guide to 29 amazing things to do in Seoul at night for more ideas.

Seoul Outdoor Library | 서울야외도서관

The Seoul Outdoor Library is one of the city’s most popular events, drawing huge crowds to iconic spots like Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggyecheon Stream. This October in Korea, the entire program is being expanded with 2,000 foreign language books added to the collection for tourists to enjoy. You’ll even find translated versions of Korean literature and original novels adapted by filmmakers available to peruse while chilling on the colourful outdoor beanbags.

The library runs on weekends from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it a stellar spot to slow down and rest your feet between sightseeing stops. The crisp October weather in Korea is absolutely perfect for reading outside under the autumn sun without the intense heat of the summer months. If you want to check out the specific schedule, find the exact locations of the pop-up shaded tents, or see which authors are being highlighted, you can head over to the official Seoul Outdoor Library site to find information.

Jamsugyo Ddubeok Ddubeok Festival | 뚜벅뚜벅 축제

This October in Korea, the Ddubeok Ddubeok Festival continues on Jamsugyo submarine bridge in Banpo Hangang Park. Every single Sunday, they shut down the entire bridge to cars and turn it into a giant, pedestrian-only playground. It is packed with fun things to do, like silent DJ parties, street performances, dance classes, and rows of food trucks. You can even grab a beanbag chair to read over the water or wander through the local food stalls.

A bonus of walking the Jamsu Bridge is that you get an up-close, unique angle of the Guinness World Record Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain as it shoots colourful water right over the river.

October in Korea is the perfect time for hanging out by the waterfront late into the evening without dealing with summer’s sticky heat. If you want to switch things up and get right out onto the water itself, you can easily book a classic Hangang River cruise, rent a private yacht, or bob around next to the bridge in one of those round, motorized Tubester boats for a skyline view you will not forget.

Seoul Drone Show | 드론 라이트 쇼

The city changes up the location for this free show every week, moving the drones between Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Jamsil Hangang Parks. They use anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 drones to build giant shapes in the sky, and each weekend has a different theme with music playing along. The actual performance only lasts about fifteen minutes, but it’s a can’t-miss event that everything looks forward to in Seoul.

While you wait for the start time, grab a bowl of instant ramyeon from the nearest park convenience store. You can cook it right on the spot using the automated hot water machines and find a patch of grass to eat. Hanging out by the river is one of the best ways to enjoy the mild evening climate when visiting October in Korea. Just make sure to check the official Seoul Drone Light Show website before you travel down, since high winds or bad weather will cancel the flights.

Seoul Silent Disco

A silent DJ party with EDM and K-pop, under bridges, next to Seoul’s iconic Han River? No wonder this has become one of the city’s most popular events! The organizers set up multi-channel DJ booths right on the edge of the water so you can switch channels and change up your vibe while looking at the city skyline. It a bit surreal to see hundreds of people dancing in total silence next to the river, but the energy gets incredibly high once the beat drops.

Because space is limited by the number of available headsets, securing your spot ahead of time is a smart move if you really want to go.

Advance tickets are sold exclusively on Creatrip, though they do save about 200 headsets to pass out at the gate for walk-ins if you prefer to decide the night of. The crisp night air during October in Korea makes it the perfect month to dance outside without getting sweaty like you would in mid-summer.

Gwangju Chungjang Festival | 추억의 충장축제

For 5 days in Korea in October, the Chungjang Festival will transform the streets of Gwangju back to the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Locals set up vintage comic shops, old-school board game parlours, and vinyl-spinning cafes. You can watch intense retro street dance battles, graze on old-fashioned snacks, or catch the giant neighbourhood float parades. It is a wild piece of living nostalgia that connects younger K-pop fans with the older generations who built the scene.

Getting here from Seoul is simple via the high-speed KTX train, and it’s a great excuse to explore Jeollanam-do (my fave). The crisp afternoon weather during October in Korea is ideal for walking around all day, plus the famous Damyang Bamboo Forest sits just a quick local bus ride away from the festival grounds, so you can easily combine retro street culture with a morning nature stroll.

Film, Theater & Performing Arts Festivals to See In Korea this October

Autumn is one of the best times of the year for live entertainment. You can easily catch world-class movie premieres down in Busam where global film stars take over the beaches. Up in Seoul, the historic theatre districts build free outdoor street stages right on the pavement. You can just wander up and watch everything from traditional musical theatre to modern comedy shows.

Here’s the music and art festivals you’ll want to check out in this October in Korea.

Welcome Daehakro | 웰컴대학로

Stroll around the Hyehwa Station area during October in Korea and you’ll feel the vibrancy of theatre and performing arts in Korea, as Welcome Daehakro takes over the streets. This month-long performing arts festival started in 2017, and it completely fills the streets with independent stage plays, traditional acts, and high-energy musical shows.

While you can buy tickets for the main indoor non-verbal comedy shows, the outdoor Welcome Fringe section offers dozens of free street acts that you can watch right on the pavement.

Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) | 부산국제영화제

Busan is always an amazing place to visit, but heading down there in autumn makes it extra special because the international film festival is in town.

The entire beachside city transforms into a huge cinema hub. The pleasant weather during October in Korea is perfect for exploring the outdoor stages. Make sure to check the official Busan International Film Festival website early because tickets sell out almost instantly.

Food and Harvest Festivals to Experience this October in Korea

There are some great festivals celebrating the autumn harvest season with street markets, traditional cooking, and fresh regional produce available all over Korea.

You can sample local specialties all month long. The mild weather makes exploring these rural food stalls an absolute blast during October in Korea.

Imsil N Cheese Festival | 임실N치즈축제

This must be one of the quirkiest festivals happening in Korea in October. At the Imsil N Cheese Festival, prepare to experience cheese in ways that you never thought possible, with 84 separate cheese-themed programs.

Try cheese curling or archery at the Cheese Olympic Playground, make a cheese cupcake mosaic, or enter the cheese songwriting contest. And of course, you’ll be able to taste and purchase as much Imsil cheese as you can possibly stomach at a discounted price. Learn about all the cheesy goodness here.

The surrounding Jeollabuk-do province has so many great places to explore during your autumn trip, like the historic streets of Iksan and or the gorgeous traditional hanok village in Jeonju.

Chuncheon Makguksu & Dakgalbi Festival | 춘천 막국수닭갈비축제

I don’t know about you, but I can never get enough dakgalbi. But did you know that along with makguksu (buckwheat noodles), this spicy chicken dish has its origins in the Chuncheon Region. There’s even a whole street dedicated to the dish there (that I may or may not have driven to just to eat dakgalbi). Dakgalbi can be pan-fried or grilled.

During the Chuncheon Makguksu and Dakgalbi Festival, you can get your fill of these 2 specialties, as well as enjoy performances, drone light shows, and experience zones. Spending a crisp afternoon tasting these dishes is perfect during October in Korea.

Gangneung Coffee Festival | 강릉커피축제

The Gangneung area, with its mix of clean water, creative writers and local roasters is widely credited for starting modern coffee culture in Korea. Get a taste for why at the Gangneung Coffee Festival, where you can sample coffee from various roasters, attend seminars, and watch barista competitions.

The festival takes places right along Anmok Beach and Gangneung Coffee Street, making it easy to explore a seaside strip of over 30 gorgeous cafes. Mild, sunny afternoon weather makes October in Korea the prime month to carry a hot cup of pour-over right down onto the sand without getting too hot or cold.

Autumn Tours in Korea

Many of the best fall foliage spots in Korea are located in rural areas, or nestled deep inside provincial and national parks. Trying to do it independently using public transport is often time-consuming and more expensive, so joining a day tour is the easiest and most affordable way to see them. Compare options here.

Korea in October | What to Wear

Figuring out exactly what to wear and pack for the Korea weather in October is a bit challenging. The daily temperatures can feel like a total rollercoaster ride.

At the beginning of the month, the sun is so bright and strong, it’s warm enough for shorts during daylight hours. But it cools off so quickly at night, that you’d need at least a hoodie or light cardigan to be comfortable.

By the end of the month, it’s cooled off enough that it can feel quite chilly at night, especially if it’s windy. However, there are even days later in November in Korea that I feel comfortable with a cardigan and scarf. So yeah, the climate definitely has a split personality.

The name of the game for a packing list in Korea in October is layers. A lot of them. In multiple weights and variety, depending on which time of the month you’re visiting.

Jeans, leggings, skirts, and long-sleeved shirts, tees, or lighter weight sweaters work well. Bring along a hoodie, cardigan or light jacket for cooler evening temperatures. You probably don’t actually need shorts, but you can get away with them if that’s your preference.

You will log a thousands of steps exploring Seoul, so a comfortable shoe is really important. The rain is not usually a big factor in Korea during October, and it’s not overly cold, so just grab some walking shoes that are well-worn.

What to Pack for Korea in October (and What to Buy When You Get There)

Here is a rough guideline of items to pack for the Korea weather in October. Knowing what to bring from home and what to pick up at local shops makes packing much easier.

South Korea in October FAQs

I originally researched, wrote & published this guide on October 2, 2022. I review & update my content for accuracy regularly. Watch out for copycats.This post was last updated on July 19, 2026. Copyright © 2022–2026 Travel-Stained. All rights reserved.