The Ultimate Guide To Autumn in Korea 2024

The autumn season is my favorite time in Korea. I truly come alive, explore my surroundings, and enjoy cooler weather.

It’s also when I show off my fashion because I’m not sweating through the humidity of the monsoon season in summer. In this comprehensive guide to Autumn in Korea, you’ll know what to eat, what to do during fall in Korea, and where to see the autumn foliage in Korea.

The best time to visit Korea in autumn is mid-October to the beginning of November depending on the weather that year. Wanna know how to say fall in Korean? It’s 가을 (ga-oul). 

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• Best Spots For Autumn Foliage in Korea

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I visit during Autumn in Korea? 

Autumn falls on the months September, October, and November. Through my experience in Korea, September is still quite hot having come out of August which is the most scorching month of the year.

2. When is fall in Korea?

It starts to really feel like fall in Seoul during mid-October. Autumn in Nami Island is especially stuning with the Gingko trees turning a vibrant shade of yellow. 

3. Where can I see autumn leaves in Seoul?

There are a lot of places to see Autumn leaves including Bukhansan Mountain, Haneul Park, and Olympic Park. The best time to visit Korea in fall is during October. 

4. How cold is Autumn in Korea? 

The temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) when the weather starts to cool down. The lowest temperatures go down to 10°C (50°F) toward the end of the season.

5. Is October a good time to visit Seoul? 

October is the perfect time to visit Seoul. The weather is cool and crisp making it very enjoyable to traverse during the day.

Korea’s average daytime temperatures are about 20°C (68°F) and 8°C (49°F) at night.

How To Get Around

I recommend the Discover Seoul Pass doubles as a T-Money card. You can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72/120 hours.

How To Stay Connected

Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.

Get Travel Insurance 

A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance.

Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance.

What To Pack For South Korea in Autumn

I’m obsessed with the Beís Weekender bag, carry-on, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account. 

What To Wear in Fall in Korea?

Autumn in South Korea is my favorite time of year. I love the fashion, the changing of the leaves, and most of all Halloween. If you have travel plans during this time, I have a guide on how Koreans celebrate Halloween in Seoul. 

Below are some of my favorite staple pieces I wore during fall in South Korea. These are versatile pieces and will bring an edge to your wardrobe.

For fall season fashion inspiration in South Korea, I also have an extensive guide on What To Wear During Autumn in Korea.

Fall Weather in Korea

Autumn weather in Korea honestly varies month by month. The months of September start hot and then it gets really cold by November. It is a gradual change, but the temperature variation can cause you to get sick. 

September Weather in Korea 

September still brings hot and humid temperatures. Honestly, I’m still wearing shorts until the end of the month.

Temperatures range from 25°C to 26°C (77°F to 80°F) during the day. September is a great month to visit Korea if you don’t like cold weather because the crowds get smaller and most people return to school and work. 

October Weather in Korea 

October is the best time to visit Korea in autumn. It cools down significantly and it’s a great time to see the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage in Seoul.

The temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) during the day. October brings cooler temperatures at night and they get as low as 7°C (45°F). The weather conditions toward the end of October start to get cold. 

November Weather in Korea

The temperature usually averages at about 10°C (50°F) during the day. Bring your warm jacket at night because the temperature gets down to -1°C (30°F). November is a great time to visit Korea because you’ll be able to catch the last of the fall foliage in Korea.

South Korea Fall Foliage Forecast 2024

These are the peak foliage times for South Korea last year. The Korea Autumn Foliage Forecast 2023 will help guide you on when to time your trip. 

Be sure to bookmark this page because as soon as I know, I’ll be updating you! Autumn foliage in Korea starts around late September in northern parts of Korea and peaks in mid to late October. Fall foliage ends in southern Korea by mid-November.

• Seoraksan – October 1 – October 23
• Bukhansan – October 19 – October 30 
• Seoul – October 18 – October 31
• Naejangsan – October 26 – November 6
• Busan – October 20 – October 27
• Hallsan – October 22 – October 29

Public Holidays in Korea During Autumn

There are lots of notable public holidays in Korea during fall. The most famous is Chuseok aka the Harvest Festival.

These holidays do affect business hours. Since many people have off during all these public holidays you’ll see many people traveling during this time.

It’s also a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2024, the Korea public holidays are: 

• Harvest Festival Holiday (Chuseok) – September 16 – September 18, 2024
• National Foundation Day – October 3, 2024
• Hangul Day – October 9, 2024

If you’re visiting during Chuseok, a lot of places will be shut down. The Harvest Festival is kind of like American Thanksgiving. Families opt to spend time together in their “hometown” or go on a trip somewhere in Asia.

Autumn in Seoul & South Korea Ebook

Autumn in Seoul is one of the best times to visit South Korea. This is a completely done for you itinerary complete with a map!

What You Will Get In This E-Book:
🏩 Where to stay in Seoul?
🥘 Best restaurants in Seoul?
🇰🇷 Must-see sites & can’t-miss activities? 
🍁What to pack for Korea in autumn?
🚆 What transport do I use to get around the city?
🧧 Plus insider travel tips, photo spots, and deep dives you won’t see on my blog.

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Autumn Activities in Korea

​Your fall Korea itinerary needs to include these top spots and day trips. These are my favorite places in Korea for beautiful scenery and that fall feeling.

1. Apple Picking in Pocheon 

One of the best places for a day tour in Korea is Apple Picking in the Pocheon Art Valley. Two popular K-dramas have been filmed there so make sure you snap a few photos. After you explore, you’ll be taken to an apple farm where you can pick your own apples and take home 1kg of this delicious fruit.

2. Blood City At Everland 

In my not-so-humble opinion, the best time of year to visit Everland is when they put up Halloween decorations. You’ll see pumpkins, bats, and ghost decor everywhere.

Everland’s Spectacular Halloween spares no expense because you can also get on horror-themed rides like the Horror T-Express, the Horror Village, and most excitingly, the Horror Maze.

3. Dark Side of Seoul Tour

As you know, Korea has thousands of years of deep and vibrant history. Did you also know as a result of a lot of bloodshed during the Korean War, there are also super haunted places in Seoul?

This Dark Side of Seoul Tour will take you to places and tell you urban legends only the locals know about. If you’re trying to be scared silly, then I highly suggest this tour! 

4. Have a Picnic at Olympic Park 

Who doesn’t love cool picnic weather? I like getting a picnic basket out, finding a nice patch of grass, and sitting there with my Pomeranian, Honey Bear.

Olympic Park is a great place to rent a bike for 8,000 won per hour. The maple trees in Korea are honestly so pretty!

5. Go To An Escape Room

Rainy days in autumn mean an Escape Room in Seoul is a great way to spend the afternoon. Many of the rooms give a very spooky vibe and are very well put together. The escape experience is done in English and Korean so don’t worry about the language barrier.

6. Rent a Hanbok 

This is the best time to rent a beautiful Korean hanbok and visit the palaces. Hanboknam in Seoul is a great option because they are foreigner-friendly and offer different styles. You can even book a makeup and photoshoot session for priceless memories on your Korea trip. 

7. Korean Folk Village

Every year the Yongin Korean Folk Village puts on a really cool display for Halloween. The actors dress up as characters from scary urban legends and will pose for photos as well.

Autumn Festivals in Korea

The most popular times to visit Korea are during spring for cherry blossoms and fall for foliage. There’s so many amazing places to go during fall so check out my guide to the Best Fall Festivals in Korea. 

1. Oktoberfest

When: September 21, 2024 – October 6, 2024 

Believe it or not, there is an Oktoberfest in Korea. And yes, you read that right. Korea Oktoberfest. Say WHUT?

I love meself a good beer, and I hope you folks do too. There is imported German beer and bratwursts served at the Oktoberfest Festival on Namhae Island off the south coast of Korea.

2. Andong Mask Festival |안동국제탈춤페스티벌 

When: September 27, 2024 – October 6, 2024

If you’re ever up for making the trek into the countryside, I cannot recommend the Andong Mask Festival enough. The festival invites several provinces around Korea and around the world to perform.

Try Korean festival foods and take a walk around the historic and beautiful Hahoe Hanok Village. On weekends, you can experience fireworks.

3. Yangju Nari Park and Pink Muhly | 나리 공원 핑크 뮬리축제

When: TBA 2024

Korea in the fall also brings the pink muhly grass. Autumn is a great season to go to Yangju Nari Park for Pink Muhly. The Trazy Tour will take you to the pink muhly feels and then apple picking in Pocheon.

4. Goyang Autumn Flower Festival | 고양가을꽃축제

When: TBA 2024

Located at Ilsan Lake Park, visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibitions of beautiful flowers. This flower garden is so special because groups of flower producers in Goyang participate directly in planting, designing, and decorating the garden with a lake in the background.

It truly is a work of art. For more information about the Goyang Autumn Flower Festival, check out the official website. 

5. Jinju Lantern Festival |진주 남강유등축제

When: October 5, 2024 – October 20, 2024

The Jinju Lantern Festival takes place in early October and is dedicated to hope, lanterns, and well-wishes. This festival dates back to the early 1500s in Korean history.

At the festival, you can experience Jinju’s regional snacks, super-sized lanterns, and traditional performances. 

6. DMZ & Haneul Park Silver Grass | 하늘 공원은 초 축제

When: TBA 2024

One part of autumn Koreans celebrate is the Silver Grass. One of the most popular places to see it is at Hanuel Park in Seoul. 

If you’re visiting Korea for the first time or a seasoned traveler, I recommend taking in history and culture with this DMZ and Hanuel Park Silver Grass Festival tour.

7. Jogyesa Temple Chrysanthemum Festival |조계사 국화 축제

When: TBA 2024

Most Buddhist temples around Korea have an exhibition of chrysanthemum flowers, but Jogyesa has a really famous festival each year. At the festival, you can expect music performances, a bazaar, and a children’s art contest.

8. Icheon Rice Festival |이천 쌀 축제

When: TBA 2024

The rice in Icheon was said to be so delicious and high quality, it was fed to the king of Korea. To this day, Icheon is known for producing the best rice in Korea and I can attest that it is pretty darn good having eaten it in sweet and bibimbap. You can find more information about the Icheon Rice Festival here. 

9. Jarasum Jazz Festival | 자라섬 국제 재즈 페스티벌 

When: October 18, 2024 – October 20, 2024

This annual festival is held in Gapyeong and a variety of Korean jazz musicians come to perform for 3 days. You can book a ticket and see more information about the festival on the official website here. 

10. Seoul Lantern Festival | 서울빛초롱축제

When: TBA 2024

This beautiful festival often takes place at the Cheonggycheon Stream from early November to mid-November. Several lantern displays are placed on the river for people to enjoy. It’s free, but if you’d like, you can pay 5,000 won to place a make a wish lantern on the river.

11. Busan Fireworks Festival

When: November 9, 2024

In response to Seoul’s enormous fireworks festival, Busan also put on a spectacular Busan Fireworks Festival. I personally love nothing more than watching the sky light up with pretty colors and lights. I hear this is an event you don’t want to miss!

Where to See Autumn Foliage in Seoul

Here are my top picks for the best fall foliage in Seoul. Every year the city warms up with great cool tones of red, yellow, orange, and purple.

You’ll definitely enjoy the city views especially at the N Seoul Tower. For a complete guide with locations and tips on where to see fall foliage in Seoul check out my blog post here.

1. Seoul City Wall 

The Seoul City Wall was originally built in 1396, surrounding Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The wall stretches for 18.6km along the ranges of Bugaksan Mountain, Naksan Mountain, Namsan Mountain, and Inwangsan Mountain.

Address: 283 Yulgok-ro, Jongno 5(o).6(yuk)ga-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

2. Bukhansan National Park

This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Korea. You’ll run into a bunch of older Korean folk dressed head to toe in hiking gear, carrying packs of food, snacks, and of course makgeolli! For more information on how to get to Bukhansan National Park, click here.

Address: 262 Bogukmun-ro, Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

3. Olympic Park

This is another one of my personal favorite destinations in fall because of the beautiful rose garden that comes to life, the fields of poppies, and the ever changing trees.

Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Oryun-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul

4. Haneul Park

Koreans absolutely love the silver grass festival and come flocking each year to Haneul Park to take pictures in the tall grass. The fields make for fantastic photo zones so be sure to bring your camera and tripod!

Address: 487-48 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

5. Cheonggyecheon Stream

There are long stretches of trees along the stream and with the lighting festival, it’ll be a super romantic Autumn setting.

Address: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

6. Deoksugung

Another of Seoul’s beautiful grand palaces, this one is so underrated. The grounds are decorated spectacularly and make for a great late afternoon stroll. It only costs 2,000 won to enter.

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

7. Changdeokgung

I personally love going to the secret garden because there’s nothing better than frolicking in nature. Note you have to pay 5,000 won to enter and it’s usually with a tour, but they give you time to take photos.

Address: Myeongdong 3(sam)ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

8. Namsan Tower

There’s nothing quite like a hike up the mountain to be enveloped in the beautiful autumn foliage. This is a hike I still have to do and I’m definitely looking forward to it this autumn!

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

9. Seoul Forest

Another one of my favorite locations, Seoul Forest is legit magical. There are several autumn flowers in bloom and the lake is super dreamy.

Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Where to go for Korea’s Fall Foliage?

Autumn is the best season to see spectacular fall foliage in Korea. The most popular attractions include visiting national parks like Seoraksan Mountain to see the natural beauty. 

It’s also a good idea to take the Namsan Cable Car so you can get a bird’s eye view of Seoul’s fall colors. 

I also have a Korea Autumn Bucket List complete with a checklist of all the best fall foliage destinations, my favorite places, and what to do during fall in Korea.

Hwadam Botanical Garden

Recent years have seen the Hwadam Forest become a top destination for fall foliage in Korea. It’s located about a 40-minute drive from Seoul within Konjiam Resort in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do.

The closest bus stop is Gonjiam Terminal. It’s a bit of a hassle to go yourself from Seoul, so the easiest way is to book a Hwadam Botanic Garden tour.

Halla Eco-Forest

Located on Jeju Island, nature lovers are going to LOVE it here. It used to be a neglected patch of land before it was restored as a forest.

It is a popular place to go trekking and serves as a research ground. 

Asan Gingko Tree Road

This is one of the most famous fall foliage destinations in Korea and for good reason! It’s off the beaten path because it’s located in Chungcheongnam-do Province, which runs through the middle of Korea. 

Garden of Morning Calm

What better way to explore the fall foliage in Korea than go to one of the most beautiful gardens in the country? With so many species of plants to gaze upon, you’ll enjoy a crisp day walking along the flowers and changing trees.

The Garden of the Morning Calm has events year-round. It is located about an hour and a half outside of Seoul, so it’s easier to go there by car.

Gyeongju

One of the old historical capitols of the old Korean Kingdom of Silla, this place is just exploding with history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re interested in taking a day trip to Gyeongju check out the Perfect Autumn Itinerary in Gyeongju here. 

One of the best places to take pictures is Bulguksa Temple. If you don’t want to DIY your Gyeongju trip you can book a hassle-free tour from Seoul instead.

Jeonju

Jeonju is famous for delicious bibimbap, street food, and makgeolli. The old Catholic church is also where Taeyang filmed his music video Wedding Dress.

You can rent hanbok and walk around the historic downtown area. This beautiful traditional city is gorgeous so if you also don’t want to DIY your trip, book a fall foliage Naejangsan and Jeonju tour. 

Namhansanseong Park and Fortress

Recently added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful fortress truly is a site to behold in fall. The town is super cute and the mountain scenery around it makes for a great day trip out of Seoul.

One of the top attractions is when you climb the mountain and can see a spectacular view of Lotte Tower. Since it’s such a popular autumn place, you can now book a Namhansanseong Fortress tour. 

Nami Island

Made famous by the Korean drama, Winter Sonata, Nami Island is one of the most popular destinations in Korea for Koreans and tourists alike. The best color to describe Nami Island in autumn is yellow.

You’ll find so many Gingko trees literally turning the color of gold. It’s a very random island with a lot of cafes, restaurants, and even an ostrich viewing area.

Naejangan National Park

Located down south, Naejangsan National Park becomes an autumn wonderland. There’s so many picturesque places.

If you’re a book girly like me, it will remind you of the Autumn Court from Sarah J. Maas’s series A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Seoraksan National Park

Mount Seorak is another popular destination famous for the cable car that takes you to the top where you get a bird’s eye view of the mountains. You can book a tour to see Seoraksan National Park in autumn here.

What To Eat in Autumn in Korea

Korea in autumn is amazing because it brings all the seasonal fruits and veggies. Koreans value freshness above all else so be sure to eat these foods when you’re in Korea during fall.

• Apples, Pears, Persimmons
• Blue Crab – this is a great time to eat the female crabs filled with roe!
• Jumbo Prawns – If you’re a fish lover, you can’t miss out on eating shrimp when they’re most delicious.
• Gizzard Shad – This is a type of fish that tastes more delicious in fall because fish tend to store more nutrients during the long winter season.
• Starbucks – Believe it or not, Starbucks has awesome seasonal menu items and merchandise. The best way to get exclusive details is to check the official Starbucks Korea Instagram.

I hope you enjoyed the ultimate guide to Autumn in Korea. Be sure to bookmark this post because every fall, I go out to explore new places and see different things. Fall in Korea truly is a magical time and one of the best times of year to visit Seoul!

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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