Korea in November: Weather, What to Wear & Things to Do

November is a transitional month in South Korea, where the autumn foliage peaks in the first half before the winter slowly approaches in the latter half. Early in the month, you may still enjoy comfortable afternoons and colorful autumn scenery, but temperatures gradually drop as winter approaches, especially in Seoul and northern regions. The month is also characterized by chilly mornings and evenings and shorter daylight hours. Pack warm layers and plan outdoor activities around the weather.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Korea?

November is a good time to visit South Korea if you enjoy cool weather, seasonal food, and late-autumn scenery. Early November offers the best time to see remaining fall colors, while late November feels like a gentle beginning of winter. It is ideal for food lovers, photographers, and visitors who prefer cooler temperatures.

The first two weeks of November are when autumn foliage peaks in fall destinations like Naejangsan. Here’s what booking platforms charge for autumn foliage tours:

Korea in November Weather

South Korea in November sees two distinct weather patterns, with the first half retaining the mild temperatures from October and the latter half being much colder. The weather also varies by region. Seoul and other northern areas tend to be colder, while Busan and Jeju Island generally remain milder. While it is one of the drier months of the year, occasional rain and windy days are still possible. If you want to see autumn foliage, travel during the first two weeks of November. Or, opt for the second half of November for fewer crowds and better travel deals.

Seoul Weather in November

Compared to Busan and Jeju, Seoul gets noticeably colder in November. Temperatures range from a mild 11-12°C (52-54°F) average high to a chilly 2-3°C (36-37°F) average low in Seoul. The first half of the month is generally better for outdoor and sightseeing activities, but by late November, the city takes on a more wintry atmosphere. However, don’t expect to see snowfall; it’s not always guaranteed.

These are just averages; for accurate information, check the regular Seoul weather forecast.

Busan Weather in November

Busan is generally milder than Seoul in November, making it a favorable destination for travelers who prefer cooler weather without the capital’s sharper chill. Temperatures can range from average highs of 16-17°C and lows near 8-9°C. The weather is just right for scenic walks, seafood dining, temple visits, and exploring beaches like Haeundae and Gwangalli. Early November also offers excellent opportunities to chase fall foliage to nearby destinations like Gyeongju.

Jeju Island Weather in November

Weather in Jeju is generally milder than Seoul in November, with average daytime temperatures of around 16°C (61°F) and nighttime temperatures of approximately 10°C (50°F). Given its coastal location, Jeju can be windy and experience light rainfall. Always check the weather forecast, especially if you plan to hike Hallasan Mountain.

What Changes Between Early and Late November?

Since November is the transition month from autumn to winter in South Korea, the temperature and weather will gradually change from mild to cold between early and late November. You will need to pack appropriate clothing and plan activities according to the weather. Here’s a quick comparison table:

Factor	Early November	Late November
Weather	Cool autumn days	Colder, approaching winter
Autumn Foliage	Better chance to see fall colors in Naejangsan, Duryunsan, and Hallasan	Most northern foliage will have ended
Clothing	Layers; sweaters and light jackets	Winter coats, thermal underwear, thick wool socks
Activities	Autumn Foliage sightseeing	Mix of indoor and outdoor activities, like palace visits or a Korean sauna experience

Regardless of which week of November you visit South Korea, there is always something exciting awaiting you.

What to Wear in Korea in November?

Depending on which week of November you travel, pack for cool to cold weather. Prioritize layers, sweaters, hoodies, light jackets, and long-sleeve shirts for early November visits. By late November, temperatures drop drastically, so pack winter coats, thick wool socks, fleece-lined leggings, and thermal underwear. Here is what you need to wear in Korea in November:

• Warm jacket or insulated coat
• Sweaters or hoodies
• Scarf, gloves, and thick wool socks for colder days
• Long pants and comfortable walking shoes
• Lip balm and moisturizer for dry weather

Best Things to Do in Korea in November

From catching the remaining fall colors to attending seasonal festivals, here are the best things to do in South Korea in November:

Catch the Last of Korea’s Autumn Foliage

According to the 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast of South Korea, Naejangsan, Duryunsan, Hallasan, and Palgongsan will see fall foliage up to the second week of November. Bukhansan, Jirisan, Gyeryongsan, Songnisan, and Woraksan will have fall foliage until the first week of November, so if you plan to visit there, arrive before November 5. The fall foliage timing varies by year, so always check the foliage forecast beforehand.

Warm Up At A Korean Jjimjilbang

The Jjimjilbang, or Korean bathhouse, is a practical experience for colder days in late November. Unlike modern spas, Jjimjilbang is where people go to sweat. You start with a shower and a body scrub before moving inside a hot room, where temperatures can go up to 90° Celsius. The kiln sauna is the hottest option; however, there are also themed dry heat rooms which help visitors relax. Korean sauna has many medicinal benefits as well, including reducing stress, burning calories, and improving blood circulation.

Treat Yourself To Korea’s Cold-Weather Comfort Foods

Nothing beats having a comforting Korean meal in November. Choose from a variety of steaming jjigae (stews), especially Kimchi-jjigae, which is a must-have in winter. Popular foods to try include kalguksu (knife noodles), mandu-guk (dumpling soup), hotteok (sweet pancakes), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and roasted sweet potatoes. Markets like Gwangjang, Myeongdong, and Dongdaemun offer the best street food options. Don’t miss the seasonal delicacies, such as scallops, gwamegi, ginkgo nuts, and persimmons.

Plan A Day Trip From Seoul

Nami Island in Gangwon-do is a premier November day trip destination from Seoul. Its golden ginkgo tree-lined paths create a romantic setup, ideal for couples and honeymooners. For a culture-focused experience, plan a day trip to Gyeongju or Jeonju, whose traditional architecture, history, museums, and temples are the highlight. If you want to explore somewhere closer, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is only an hour away from Seoul.

Experience Kimjang & Korean Food Culture

November in Korea marks the start of Kimjang. It is a communal tradition of preparing kimchi for winter. Koreans gather and work together to produce a large amount of kimchi that will last throughout the winter. You have likely seen kimjang in dramas like Boys Over Flowers, Because This Is My First Life, or Crash Landing on You. While you can’t randomly join a household’s kimchi preparation, you can always participate in a kimchi-making class and experience this tradition firsthand.

As the weather starts becoming colder, opt for indoor attractions, such as the National Museum of Korea, Lotte World Tower, or noraebangs (coin karaoke).

Festivals & Events in Korea in November 2026

November in South Korea is also a month of celebration. It hosts one of the largest fireworks festivals in Korea and various seasonal festivals.

Busan Fireworks Festival

• Date: November 7, 2026
• Location: Gwangalli Beach
• Admission: Free
• Getting There: Take Busan Metro Line 2 to Gwangan Station, use Exit 5, then walk for 12 minutes.

The Busan Fireworks Festival is Korea’s biggest and one of the largest fireworks festivals in Asia. It takes place annually at Gwangalli Beach, featuring a large-scale 60-minute fireworks show synchronized with music and lasers. While public viewing at Gwangalli Beach, Igidae Coastal Park, and Dongbaekseom Island is completely free, visitors can pay for reserved seating for better views.

Pohang International Fireworks Festival

• Date: November 20, 2026
• Location: Hyeongsangang Sports Park and throughout Pohang
• Admission: Free
• Getting There: Take the KTX train from Seoul Station to Pohang Station, switch to Bus #9000 to the Yeongildae Beach stop.

If you miss the Busan Fireworks Festival, attend the Pohang International Fireworks Festival happening in the latter half of November in Pohang. One of Korea’s top three fireworks festivals, the festival began in 2004 to commemorate Pohang Citizens Day with a fireworks show. At present, the event is set to be grand, featuring an international fireworks show & contest, a light drone show, a local market, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Cheongsong Apple Festival

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• Date: November 4-8, 2026
• Location: Area of Yongjeoncheon Stream and Hyeonbiam Cliff, Cheongsong
• Admission: Free
• Getting There: Take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Cheongsong, then switch to a local bus bound for Juwangsan Mountain. Get off at the Folk Museum.

The Cheongsong Apple Festival is the representative autumn festival of Cheongsong, which celebrates the joy of a bountiful harvest of the “Cheongsong apples.” It takes place annually for five days when the apples are at their peak. The 2026 edition will feature apple-themed events, including the Apple Nanta, Apple Selection Lotto Draw, Finding the Golden Apple, Cheongsong Apple Flower Leash National Competition, Cheongsong Apple Parade, and Apple Olympics.

Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival

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• Date: November 6-10, 2026
• Location: Lotte Garden Park (Lotte Outlet Gimhae)
• Admission: Free
• Getting There: Take the KTX from Jinyeong Station to Jinrye Nonghyup.

The Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival highlights the unique Buncheongsagi (a grayish-blue-powdered celadon) ceramics that were used during the 15th and 16th centuries. In addition to promoting Buncheong pottery from the Gimhae region, it offers ceramic artists and manufacturers an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. The event features a wide variety of ceramics and sells them with discounts of up to 30 to 40%. Various kinds of events, exhibitions, and hands-on activities will also take place over the festival period.

Gumi Ramyun Festival

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• Date: November 6-8, 2026
• Location: Gumi Station
• Admission: Free

As its name suggests, the Gumi Ramyun Festival highlights and promotes “ramen” and the ramyeon culture in Korea. It enters its fifth edition in 2026, offering three days of ramen and entertainment from November 6 to 8. The festival will take place at Gumi Station, where visitors can try a wide range of creative ramyeon dishes from local chefs. Various hands-on activities, ramen-themed exhibitions, stage performances, and special events are also on the schedule.

One more festival happening in November in South Korea is Pepero Day on the 11th. It is an annual unofficial holiday where people exchange pepero sticks to express affection for loved ones, friends, and family.

Korea November Itinerary Ideas

Wondering how to plan your November trip to Korea? Here are two Jeju itinerary samples created with our Korea Trip Planner (KTP), designed for early November. One is for slow travelers, while the other is focused on outdoor adventures. These are a good starting point if you want to visit Jeju without having to do endless research and starting everything from scratch. You can also edit and save these.

Korea Trip Planner is a free itinerary-creating tool offering personalized recommendations based on the data you input. It builds a day-by-day itinerary around your travel dates, only suggesting activities that are available on that particular date. Meaning KTP won’t place a museum that closes on Monday on your Monday itinerary. Foliage-focused itineraries like above are especially created for November; you can discover more Seoul and Busan itineraries on IVisitKorea.

Practical Travel Tips for A November Trip to South Korea

Here are things you need to know before your November trip to Korea:

• Plan Outdoor Activities Around Daylight

November has shorter days than September and October, so plan outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day. Visit palaces, parks, and scenic viewpoints during the day and keep markets, shopping, and cafes for the evening.

• Dress in Layers and Prepare for Cold Evenings

Mornings and evenings get chilly in November in Korea, so prepare extra layers, such as a light jacket. Bring a warmer coat if you’re visiting in late November.

• Keep Your Itinerary Flexible

November’s weather is unpredictable, particularly on Jeju Island and in mountainous areas. Avoid scheduling every outdoor activity back-to-back, and keep a few indoor alternatives in mind.

• Download the Essential Apps

Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea, so download Naver Map or KakaoMap. Korail Talk app is ideal if you are planning to take KTX trains. You can also download KakaoTalk for conversations and socializing. There are also apps for food delivery, transportation, and activities in Korea.

All in all, Korea in November is an excellent time to visit if you want fewer crowds, cool-to-cold weather, seasonal food, and late-autumn scenery. Pack warm layers, download essential apps, be open to flexible itineraries, and use KTP to create a free Korea itinerary.

FAQ About Korea in November

Also Read:

• Korea in October: Weather, Foliage, Things to Do & Travel Tips
• South Korea in July: Weather, Best Places & Summer Festivals