South Korea in November
For a full year overview, see our best time to visit South Korea guide.
November carries the tail of South Korea’s autumn season. The foliage that peaked in Seoraksan in October has moved southward and downhill - Seoul’s city parks, Gyeongju’s heritage sites, and the streets of the south coast hold colour through the first two weeks of November. After mid-month, the leaves begin to fall and winter character starts to assert itself.
For travellers, November offers a genuine opportunity: the experience of autumn colour without October’s crowds, and at prices that drop from peak levels once the month progresses.
Weather
| City | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 12°C | 2°C | 50mm | Crisp and clear early month; cold snaps possible late November |
| Busan | 16°C | 7°C | 45mm | Comfortable through most of the month; mild coastal conditions |
| Jeju | 16°C | 9°C | 60mm | Warmest mainland option; colour holds into mid-November |
| Gyeongju | 15°C | 4°C | 35mm | Dry and clear; excellent for heritage site visits |
November is largely dry across the country. Days are clear and often bright; nights grow cold quickly, particularly in Seoul and central regions. By late November, Seoul’s overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Foliage in November
Early November: Seoul (Namsan, Bukhansan, Changdeokgung), Gyeongju, Jeonju Hanok Village, Naejangsan lingering Mid-November: South coast areas, Jeju highland routes, Suncheon Bay Late November: Jeju lowlands - usually the last foliage of the season on the mainland; Jeju Island colour can hold to the first week of December in mild years
The ginkgo tree avenues are a particular November highlight in Seoul - Deoksugung Palace’s periphery and Yonsei University campus are known for their ginkgo-lined paths.
Events in November
Seoul Lantern Festival (Cheonggyecheon) - the Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival fills the stream with illuminated installations and floating lanterns. Usually running from late October into November, this is one of Seoul’s most photographed annual events. Entry is free; the stream walkway becomes densely crowded on event evenings. The festival typically operates from 17:00 to 23:00 daily.
Kimchi Cultural Festival (Gwangju) - typically held at the Gwangju Kimchi Town in November, coinciding with kimchi-making (kimjang) season. Kimjang is the traditional community practice of making large quantities of kimchi for winter storage and is UNESCO-listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Participants can join communal kimchi-making sessions; participation fees start from approximately KRW 10,000 as of 2026.
Suncheon Bay reed beds - November is the best month to see the migratory birds that use the wetlands of Suncheon Bay in South Jeolla Province. Thousands of migratory birds including black-faced spoonbills use the area. Entry to Suncheon Bay National Garden is approximately KRW 8,000 for adults as of 2026. The reed beds turn golden in November and the Sky Bridge walkway offers elevated views over the wetland.
Pepero Day (11 November) - a commercial but culturally distinctive holiday where Koreans exchange Pepero (chocolate-covered biscuit sticks). Bakeries and convenience stores create elaborate displays. Not a public holiday, but visible throughout the country.
Where to Stay and Eat
Seoul - Hotel Gracery Seoul in Myeongdong offers mid-range rooms from approximately KRW 120,000 per night as of 2026, with excellent access to Namsan and the ginkgo-lined streets around Deoksugung Palace. For a warming November meal, Tosokchon near Gyeongbokgung serves samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) from approximately KRW 18,000 per bowl - ideal as the weather turns cold.
Busan - Aventree Hotel Busan Station provides a comfortable base from approximately KRW 90,000 per night as of 2026, with direct KTX access. For fresh seafood, Jagalchi Market’s upper-floor restaurants serve sashimi platters from approximately KRW 30,000 for two people.
Gyeongju - Commodore Hotel Gyeongju sits near the Tumuli Park burial mounds, with rooms from approximately KRW 80,000 per night as of 2026. Gyeongju Ssambap Jeongsik on Hwangnam-dong serves traditional Korean set meals from approximately KRW 12,000 per person.
Crowds and Prices
November starts with moderate crowd levels that drop progressively as the foliage fades and the cold sets in. Prices for accommodation and flights are noticeably lower than in October, particularly from mid-November onward. It is one of the better value months of the year for travel. KTX tickets to Busan and Gyeongju are easier to secure than in October.
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What to Pack
- Mid-weight to heavy jacket (down jacket for late November)
- Warm layers for evenings - fleece or wool sweater
- Hat and gloves for late November, particularly in Seoul
- Waterproof shoes comfortable for walking on leaf-covered paths
- Scarf for windy days
- Sunscreen for sunny days - the low autumn sun is still strong
- Camera - November light in Seoul is excellent for photography
November is the last good month for hiking in South Korea before winter conditions arrive. Late November foliage in Jeonju’s hanok village is quieter than October and still colourful. Ski resorts begin opening in late November. Other monthly guides: October | December | Best time to visit
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is November a good time to visit South Korea?
- Yes - particularly early November. Autumn foliage continues in Seoul and the southern regions through the first two weeks of November, and crowds are noticeably lower than in October. Temperatures are cooler but manageable with appropriate clothing.
- Does it snow in South Korea in November?
- Snow is rare in November at low elevations - it occasionally falls in late November in the north, but Seoul's first significant snow typically comes in December or January. The mountain areas (Seoraksan, Hallasan) may see early snowfall at higher elevations in late November.
- What festivals are on in November in South Korea?
- The Seoul Lantern Festival on the Cheonggyecheon Stream is typically held in late October to November and is one of the most visited urban events of the year. The Kimchi Cultural Festival in Gwangju is usually in November.