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

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 ROK 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. I just know you’ll love October in South Korea as much as I do!

October is my favourite month of the year in Korea!

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• what the October weather in Korea is like
• the Seoul weather in October and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Jeju, Gangneung and the East Coast
• the best autumn festivals to attend during October in Korea
• what to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip in October

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.

Some of the best autumn landscapes are in Korea in October © Lee Jung-kyu, Korea Tourism Organization

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.

The month of October is 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.

Book day tours to places like the Gangchon Rail Bike early.

Korea in October | Weather

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.

For me, the Korea in October weather is 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, but 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.

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Korea in October | Seoul Weather

Average high temperatures in Seoul in October decrease 6°C from September to 20°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.

Seoul in October has beautiful skies and gorgeous light

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 50-mm, on average.

It cools down quickly as the sun sets in Korea in October.

*Personal note: It’s the end of September right now, and every day has been full of sun, warm temperatures, and incredible sunsets. However, around 4pm, it starts to cool down quickly. I run really hot, and prefer cooler temperatures, but even I need a light jacket in the evenings now. If you’re usually cold, you might need more – especially if you’re visiting at the end of October in Korea.

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

Korea Weather in October | Busan

October in Korea 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.

October is a perfect time to take a ride at Busan’s Blue Line Park © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Busan is located on the southeastern coast of Korea, so it’s slightly cooler than Seoul in October, with average daily temperatures ranging from 16°C | 60.8°F to 20°C | 68°F. There’s just 6 days of rainfall, totalling 29-mm (it’s really not enough to even bother with).

Korea Weather in October | Gangneung (East Coast)

The Korea weather in October on the East Coast is typically a bit cooler than in the interior regions. Gangeung in October has average daily temperatures ranging from 11°C | 52°F to 17°C | 62.1°F.  In my experience. it can feel a lot colder, especially with sea breezes, so be prepared with some heavier weight clothing.

Naksansa is a popular seaside temple to visit on the East Coast, near Sokcho.

Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park on the East Coast, are popular places to see fall foliage if you’re visiting Korea in October. This area is one of the few places at peak foliage this month. If you’re planning to hike, be prepared with layers of clothing to deal with potential temperature changes and wind at higher altitudes.

Korea Weather in October | Jeju Island

In October, the Jeju weather is perfect for exploring the island, but not for swimming. Average temperatures range from 15°C | 59°F to 21°C | 70.3°F, with 7 days of rain, totalling around 80-mm of precipitation. Thankfully though, typhoon season is over by October in Korea, so you can rest a bit easier.

Typhoon season is over in Korea by October © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

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 pink muhly hotspots, Hueree Park and Norimae Park.

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.

Yellow dust and pollution is pretty damn ugly.

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 less. You’ll still need to equip yourself with some kind of mask though, since masks are still required indoors in Korea, but there’s no need to prepare too many in advance.

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 KF94. If that feels too hot and heavy for the Korea weather in October, you can get a KF80 mask instead. These factor out 80% of pollutants, so it’s not perfect, but it’s better than nothing.

READ NEXT: 11 Spectacular Autumn Hotspots to See in Seoul

Just Released | Limited Edition Autumn Tours in Korea

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Korea in October, you can take advantage of these limited edition autumn tours, which only take place for about a month each year. They get booked up fast, because space and timing for them is limited, so I recommend reserving a spot as soon as you can.

Naejangsan is an autumn hotspot for a reason! ⓒ Ha Nam-gi, Korea Tourism Organization

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

Pink muhly is a must see in Korea in October © Hwangbo Dal, Korea Tourism Organization

A few years ago, pink muhly grass took over the IG feeds of Korea and there’s no end in sight for this craze. Here’s a few discounted tickets and day tours for pink muhly hotspots in Korea for October.

• Hueree Park, Jeju Island
• Norimae Park, Jeju Island
• Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage One Day Tour from Busan (book in October)
• Gyeongju Day Tour from Busan (book in month of October)

Korea in October | Public Holidays

There are a few major national public holidays in Korea in October 2023: National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) on October 3rd, and National Hangul Day on October 9th.

National Hangul Day is on October 9th in Korea.

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

2023 is a bit unique in that Chuseok (September 29th) is so close to National Foundation Day that the government has elected to add an additional holiday day on October 2nd. This effectively gives everyone a 6 day Chuseok holiday.

READ NEXT: 9 Wonderful Things to do during Chuseok in Seoul

Korea in October | Best Festivals and Events

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

Here’s some big ones, but this list is by no means exhaustive. I literally would’ve been writing until next year if I included all of them. Many more festivals and events will be announced for Korea in October, last minute. Keep your eyes open!

The Lotus Lantern Parade and Festival is one of Korea’s biggest events in spring.

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 October: Full on Fall Foliage
• Korea in November: Autumn to Winter Transition
• Korea in December: Christmas Lights Galore

The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is a huge winter event.

Gyeongbokgung at Night | 경복궁 야간 특별관람

Festival Dates: September 1st – October 29th, 2023

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

If you’re visiting Korea for the first time, a trip during regular daylight hours is essential to any itinerary. If you have the opportunity to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace at night however, you’re guaranteed a remarkable evening, devoid of daytime buzz and excited crowds of tourists.

Gyeongbok Palace at night is extraordinary.

Learn how to visit in this comprehensive guide to visiting Gyeongbokgung at night.

Great Baekje Festival | 백제문화제

Festival Dates: September 23rd – October 9th, 2023

Address: 135, Baekgang-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 부여군 백강로 135

The 68th Great Baekje Festival takes place in the old Baekje capitals in Chungcheongnam-do. This festival promises to be totally epic, with multiple large scale parades, exhibitions, performances, and events staged at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gongju and Buyeo.

Gongju is hugely underrated and worth a visit!

I haven’t gone to the festival yet (this might be the year!), but I have been to Gongju (TWICE!), and I highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful place to visit in Korea that’s sadly overlooked. with so much to see, do, and explore.

Learn more about the festival here.

READ NEXT: Gongju Travel Guide | 11 Things to do in this Gem of the Baekje Dynasty

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival | 수원화성문화제

Festival Dates: September 23rd – November 4th, 2023

Address: 825, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825 (남창동)

There’s actually a lot happening near Suwon Hwaseong Fortress this month including media arts installations on the fortress walls, a Suwon Lantern Festival, and traditional performances and experience programs.

Held every October in Korea at the UNESCO World Heritage Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, this landmark festival includes a Citizen’s Parade, traditional performances, Guard’s Ceremony, and simultaneous Food Culture Festival.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is UNESCO World Heritage © Live Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Do not miss the Reenactment of King Jeongjo’s Tomb Parade. This is one of Korea’s largest national events, traveling 59.2 km from Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul to Yeungneug Tomb in Suwon from October 8th to 9th. Get more info about all festival events here (Korean only).

Gangnam Festival | 강남 페스티벌

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, September 30th – October 8th last year

Address: Coex K-POP Square, Gangnam Station, Garosu-gil, Throughout Gangnam-gu

After 3 long years, the Gangnam Festival returns to Korea in October, with a free Yeongdong-daero K-pop Concert outside of Starfield Coex Mall. This year the concert will feature Psy and other K-pop idols. Gangnam Style NEVER gets old. Am I right, or am I right?

If you didn’t get tickets to the show, don’t fret. There’s a ton more to do at the festival, including media art, fashion shows, K-food, a peace marathon, and even an event in the Gangnam Metaverse. Get all the details here.

READ NEXT: 9 Terrific Things to do at Starfield Coex Mall

Andong Mask Dance Festival | 안동국제탈춤페스티벌

Festival Dates: October 2nd – 9th, 2023

Address: 239, Yuksa-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 경상북도 안동시 축제장길 200 탈춤공연장

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

Enjoy the mask dance festival in Korea in October © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Aside from performances of Korea’s mask dance drama (intangible cultural heritage), and other mask dances from around the world, there are experiential programs, mask related competitions and a ton of food stalls to stuff yourself at. Check full festival details here.

Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) | 부산국제영화제

Festival Dates: October 4th – 13th, 2023

Address: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 해운대구 수영강변대로 120

Busan is always an amazing place to visit, but head there from October 4th – 13th, and you’ll find some extra special things to do, because the Busan International Film Festival is on!

Busan is always worth a visit © Kim Sangseok, Korea Tourism Organization

This is the biggest film festival in Asia, attracting hundreds of thousands of cinemaphiles, celebrities, and directors to the city, to screen hundreds of films from all over the world. Learn more here.

READ NEXT: How to Visit the Magnificent Jangtaesan Recreational Forest in Daejeon

Gwangju Chungjang Festival | 추억의 충장축제

Festival Dates: October 5th – 9th, 2023

Address: 1, Seonam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju | 광주광역시 동구 서남로 1

For 10 days in Korea in October, the Chungjang Festival will transform the streets of Gwangju back to the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Visitors can attend a huge citizens parade, relax in old-style cafes, watch a retro dance battle, snack on nostalgic street foods, and much, much more. Get full details here.

Imsil N Cheese Festival | 임실N치즈축제

Festival Dates: October 6th – 9th, 2023

Address: 50, Doin 2-gil, Imsil-gun, Jeollabuk-do | 전라북도 임실군 성수면 도인2길 50 (성수면)

This must be one of 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.

Geumsan World K-Insam Festival | 금산세계인삼축제

Festival Dates: October 7th, 2023

Address: 30, Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 금산군 금산읍 인삼광장로 30

The Geumsan Insam Festivals is rooted in a 1,500 year old tradition of giving thanks to the mountain god who bestowed a humble farmer with gingeng to help heal his sick mother. Now in its 41st year, this is one of the most popular festivals in Korea in October.

At the festival, try your hand at harvesting ginseng or drink some ginseng-infused wine. You can also enjoy traditional performances like the Geumsan Nongak and Nongbaukkeusigi. More details here.

READ NEXT: The 15 Best Hotels in Myeongdong – at Every Budget

Seoul International Fireworks Festival | 서울세계불꽃축제

Festival Dates: October 7th, 2023

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

The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is a huge event that sees a million people head to Yeouido Hangang Park area to see an epic fireworks show. This year, Korea, China, and Poland will participate in the festival.

The Fireworks Festival is one of Seoul’s biggest events in October © Park Sang-hoon, Korea Tourism Organization

This is one of the most anticipated events in Korea during October, with people staking out a spot the day before. The crowds should not be underestimated. Attend at your own risk. More details here.

Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress Festival | 서산해미읍성역사체험축제

Festival Dates: October 7th – 9th, 2023

Address: 143 Nammun 2-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 서산시 남문2로 143 해미읍성

Seosan is one of those relatively unknown cities, with a surprising amount of stuff to see and do – including a 600 year old fortress called Haemieupseong, where you can enjoy a festival during October in Korea.

Haemieupseong Fortress in Seosan is 600 years old.

After you’ve enjoyed the traditional music performances, parade, and fireworks at the festival, head over to Ganworam Hermitage – a unique seaside temple that gets stranded on an island at high tide.

Check festival details here (Korean only).

Gangneung Coffee Festival | 강릉커피축제

Festival Dates: October 12h – 15th, 2023

Address: 9-1, Gyeonggang-ro 2021beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do | 강원도 강릉시 경강로2021번길 9-1 명주예술마당

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 15th Gangneung Coffee Festival, where you can sample coffee from various roasters, attend seminars, and watch barista competitions.

The Gangneung area is credited for starting modern coffee culture in Korea.

The festival takes places at Gangneung Olympic Park, but if you’ve got the time, I recommend heading over to Anmok Beach and Gangneung Coffee Street to explore a seaside strip of over 30 gorgeous cafes.

Learn more about the festival here (Korean only).

Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo | 계룡세계군문화엑스포

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, October 7th – 23rd last year

Address: 16, Jeongjang-ri, Gyeryong-si, Chungcheongnam-do | 충청남도 계룡시 신도안면 정장리 16

In Korea in October, South Korea will host a World Military Expo in the city where South Korea’s Army, Air Force and Navy are all headquartered. At the Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo, you can watch performances by military bands from around the world, see a military parade, or even climb Mount Gyeryong.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival | 진주 남강유등축제

Festival Dates: October 8th – 22nd, 2023

Address: 626, Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do | 경상남도 진주시 남강로 626

Yudeong or floating lanterns were used during the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress as a military strategy during the Japanese Invasion of 1592. Today, every October in Korea, this history is celebrated in Jinju with a glorious lantern festival that illuminates the Namgang River with more than 70,000 lanterns.

This is one of Korea’s biggest lantern festivals, and it’s well worth a visit, with cultural performances, fireworks, and the opportunity to make and fly your own lantern high into the sky. More details here (Korean only).

READ NEXT: 7 Inspiring Things to See at Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival

Royal Culture Festival | 궁중문화축전

Festival Dates: October 14th – 18th, 2023

Address: Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Deoksu, Changgyeong and Gyeonghui Palaces, Jongmyo, and Sajikdan

If you haven’t had a chance to visit any of Seoul’s 5 Joseon Dynasty palaces yet, the Royal Culture Festival is a good time to do it. Korea’s rich cultural heritage will be highlighted with performances, rituals, moonlight tours, and interactive activities for kids at these venues in Korea in October.

There are plenty of free activities, but some events, like the Changdeokgung Moonlight tours, require advance reservation. Find more details here.

Silla Cultural Festival | 신라문화제

Festival Dates: October 13th – 15th, 2023

Address: 18, Jungang-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do | 경상북도 경주시 중앙로 18

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 performance, traditional games, fireworks, and what looks to be an incredible drone show.

As if Gyeongju wasn’t ALREADY one of the best places to visit during autumn in Korea. Check their website here (Korean only).

Welcome Daehakro | 웰컴대학로

Festival Dates: October 14th – 28th, 2023

Address: 120, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 대학로 120 (동숭동)

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’s the perfect event to go to with this crisp, autumn weather.

There are ticketed non-verbal, traditional, musical and play performances, but also a ton of free street performances to watch at the Welcome Fringe portion of the festival. Check out all the details here.

Seoul Silver Grass Festival | 서울억새축제

Festival Dates: TBA for 2023, October 15th – 22nd last year

Address: 95, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 마포구 하늘공원로 95 (상암동)

Move over pink muhly – the super instagrammable Seoul Silver Grass Festival is back this October in Korea. Search out 10 different photo zones amidst the waving grass, watch the colourful lighting show, or watch performances at the central stage on weekends.

Silver grass is just as lovely as pink © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

For this event only, Haneul Park will be open until 10PM. Details here (Korean).

READ NEXT: 15 Surreal Spots to See Pink Muhly in Korea in October

Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival | 익산천만송이국화축제

Festival Dates: October 20th – 29th, 2023

Address: Areas of Iksan-si | 전라북도 익산시 하나로 322 중앙체육공원

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.

This free event sees folk, dance, and art performances, a street parade, musical fountain shows, and chrysanthemums gorgeously decorating 8 different locations around Iksan. Get more details here (Korean only).

Busan One Asia Festival | 부산 원아시아페스티벌

Festival Dates: October 21st – 22nd, 2023

Address: 344, World cup-daero, Yeonje-gu, Busan | 부산광역시 연제구 월드컵대로 344

Taking place every October in South Korea, the Busan One Asia Festival is one of the ROK’s biggest hallyu events, designed to spread K-love all over the world. It includes multiple K-pop concerts with idols, exhibitions, markets, fan meet and greets, and much, much more.

The lineup for the October 21st K-pop concert has been announced, and includes NCT 127, Oh My Girl, Lee Chae Yeon, The Wind, and many more. Get full details here.

Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival | 여수밤바다 불꽃축제

Festival Dates: October 28th, 2023

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.

Arte Museum in Yeosu is worth a visit!

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

Korea in October | What to Wear

Figuring out exactly what to wear and pack for the Korea weather in October is a bit challenging. It’s a bit schizophrenic.

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.

The October weather in Korea is a bit schizophrenic.

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 in November in Korea that I feel comfortable with a cardigan and scarf. So yeah, schizophrenic.

The name of the game 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.

A cardigan, jeans, and my Loom sneakers are usually enough for me during October in Korea.

You will log a ton of steps exploring Seoul, so a comfortable shoe is really important. I live in my Loom waterproof sneakers year-round. Not because they’re waterproof, but because they are no-hassle, super comfortable and stylish enough for life in Seoul.

October in Korea is when the autumn leaves start to turn.

Korea in October | Packing List

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

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
• t-shirts, lightweight sweaters, hoodies, cardigans
• jeans, trousers, leggings
• skirts or dresses
• light jacket, windbreaker or shell
• sunglasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses
• deodorant, feminine hygiene items
• comfortable shoes for lots of walking
• any special medications you need

Buy in Korea

• umbrella if it rains / parasol
• 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)

October in South Korea is absolute perfection.

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