Welcome, welcome everyone! I don’t know about you, but I have been consuming copious amounts of pumpkin cream cold brew from Starbucks. I’m totally geeked and ready to bring you another awesome guide to fall in Korea. If you find yourself visiting Seoul in autumn, you’re in luck! The Land of the Morning Calm really comes alive during this time and here are some amazing autumn festivals in South Korea you can’t miss!
Table of Contents
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Autumn in Seoul & Korea Ebook
Autumn in Seoul Ebook
Skip wasting your time Googling because this guide has your two week Autumn in Korea itinerary completely done for you. Autumn in Seoul is one of my favorite times of year so this book is packed with rare insider knowledge on the best tips, day trips, eats, and where to see the best fall foliage in Korea. You even get an exclusive map with your purchase so you can see exactly where everything is and maximize your time.
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. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:
- Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
- Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
- Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
- Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
- Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.
If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.
How To Get Around
The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use with your purchase.
I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72 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.
What To Pack For Autumn in Korea
I highly recommend packing as light as possible so when you inevitably buy all your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis. I’m obsessed with their weekender bag, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.
Travel Essentials for what to pack to Korea in fall:
- Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs. You’re going to need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. If you forget, you can easily find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
- Unlocked phone – You can book a sim card here. Alternatively, if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can also use this portable wifi router.
- Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
- Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens.
- Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
- Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.
- Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.
How To Dress For Fall in Korea
I hate I even have to give this warning, but I feel as your internet big sister, I do need to address some important facts based on my experience. In Korea, the sense of modesty is different. This means you can wear your shorts, skirts, and dresses as short as you want. I promise no one will bat an eye. You will be stared at if you dare to expose your chest or shoulders.
Unfortunately, we still live in a world where many men are predators to women. I have been groped in public and grabbed by lecherous old men because I wore what made me feel confident and beautiful. As a foreigners we are considered “curvier” and our clothes make us appear “too sexy.” A general rule of thumb is if you do choose to wear anything with thin straps and cleavage, wear a t-shirt under.
Also, just because you come to Korea does not mean you have to give up dressing in what makes you feel comfortable. From what I’ve observed from the Korean autumn fashion trends consist of nude, black, or grey colors.
What To Wear In Fall In Korea
Below are some of my favorite staple pieces I wore during fall in South Korea. These are pieces that are versatile and will really bring that edge to your wardrobe.
- American Eagle Curvy Skinny Jeans – I basically live in high waisted skinny jeans all autumn. I especially love the Curvy Jeans from American Eagle. They stretch and fit in all the right places.
- Biker Jacket – This is an effortless and staple piece that should be in any wardrobe. You can dress it up or down and goes with most things in your wardrobe.
- Combat Boots – These are my all time favorite shoes during autumn. They can be layered with additional socks and look amazing with skinny jeans.
- Sweater Dress – If you plan on going out to dinner at night or you just like to be flirty or girly, then you should definitely have a few dresses like this in your wardrobe
- Trenchcoat Light Jacket – These are always super popular in Korea and I see people rocking them year after year. They dress up any outfit and are perfect when the temperature starts to drop in the evening.
- Sheertex Rip Resistant Tights – If you have a fur baby like I do, these are a godsend. Trust me, these are HARD to destroy and totally worth the investment.
- Warm Scarf – The weather gets a bit chilly in Korea at night in Autumn. I always keep my long scarf in my bag for when that happens.
- Fedora Hat – This hat automatically makes your outfit cuter and doubles in keeping you warm.
Wear A Mask!
Autumn means flu season and with the world’s most recent pandemic, it’s also a good idea to wear one. Do what you want, it’s your body. However, take it from someone who lived in Korea a long time and is very familiar with the people, I guarantee you will get sick if you don’t wear a mask. Many people don’t cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. That means all the germs floating around everywhere. The pollution in Korea tends to get pretty rank around this time so an air filter mask is a great choice.
South Korea Fall Foliage Forecast 2023
The official forecast has not been released yet. These are the dates for the Korea autumn foliage forecast 2022. Be sure to bookmark this page because as soon as I know, I’ll definitely be updating you! Autumn foliage in Korea starts around late-September in northern parts of Korea, peaks in mid to late-October. Fall foliage ends in southern Korea by mid-November with the arrival of colder winter weather.
- Seoraksan – September 29 – October 21
- Bukhansan – October 17 – October 30
- Seoul – October 18 – October 31
- Naejangsan – October 30 – November 5
- Busan – October 20 – October 30
- Hallsan – October 20 – October 31
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 2023, the Korea public holidays are:
- Harvest Festival Holiday (Chuseok) – September 28 – September 30, 2023
- National Foundation Day – October 3, 2023
- Hangul Day – October 9, 2023
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.
Klook.comFall Weather in Korea
Autumn weather in Korea honestly varies month by month. September starts out 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 in Korea still brings hot and humid temperatures. Honestly, I’m still wearing shorts until the end of the month. Monsoon season and rainy temperatures really do a number. However, you can enjoy less rainy days and more time outside. 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 significnatly and this is a great time to see fall foliage in Seoul. The temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) during the day. It gets chilly at night with October temperatures in Korea at night get as low as 7°C (45°F). You’ll also see a lot autumn fashion in Korea consists of dark and nude colors.
You’ll finally see the landscape become a myriad of warm colors. The fall leaves in Korea slowly start going from green to red, yellow, purple, and brown.
November 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.
1. Bongpyeong Buckwheat Flower Festival
When: September 4, 2023 – September 15, 2023
If you’re looking for stunning and picturesque scenery you have to check out the Bongpyeong Buckwheat Flower Festival in Pyeonchang. You’ll be able to feast your eyes on endless fields of stunning white blooms along mountains. If you’re familiar with the Korean drama, Goblin, these blooms had particularly strong symbolism because they are meant to be given by a lover.
2. Andong Mask Festival
When: October 2, 2023 – October 9, 2023
One of my favorite South Korea October festivals is the Andong Mask Festival. This amazing festival is held yearly in the Andong Hahoe Village in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Here, visitors can enjoy watching various mask dances from around Korea and the world. Foreign artists also join and there are marionette performances as well. Ancient rituals such as the Lotus Lantern and Bonpae are performed. Check out the official website for more on the events and line up.
3. Busan Film Festival
When: October 4, 2023 – October 14, 2023
This year, the 28th Busan Film Festival is coming at you full swing! As one of the biggest film festivals in Asia you can expect countless films in different genres to be screened. There are 30 screens in seven different theaters who will be featuring these films. A total of 242 movies from 71 different countries will be shown at this event. If you’re a movie buff, you can’t miss this fall festival in Korea.
4. Busan Rock Festival
When: October 7, 2023 – October 8, 2023
The lineup for the Busan Rock Festival 2023 has yet to be announced, but be sure to bookmark this post to see the updates. The lineup for the 2022 Busan Rock Festival featured Bosudong Cooler, LUCY, WOODZ, ADOY, The Volunteers, New Boy, Jannabi, and Oh Wonder. I’m a huge fan of rock music and am always down to rock on. I just know this year is gonna be just as epic.
5. Seoul International Fireworks Festival
When: October 7, 2023
This grand festival usually takes place in the beginning of October in Korea. It’s one of the most spectacular events during fall in Korea. This festival attracts over one million visitors per year and you’ll see spectators lining up from early in the day at Yeouido Hangang River Park to catch this glorious show. I went once and even though it was shoulder to shoulder crowded, it was #worthit.
6. Jarasum Jazz Festival
When: October 7, 2023 – October 9, 2023
Korean fall festivals are absolutely the bomb and you definitely can’t miss out of the Jarasum Jazz Festival. Located in Gapyeong, you’ll feel like you’re jamming out on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. I love some soulful music, you feel me, fam? Renowned jazz artists from all over the world perform and it makes for a great festival in amazing foliage. One day tickets start at 50,000 won. You can check the official website for more tickets and details.
7. Jinju Lantern Festival
When: October 8, 2023 – October 22, 2023
Held in a small town in Jinju, the Jinju Lantern Festival attracts thousands of guests each year. You’ll encounter super sized lanterns made with Buddhist influences, famous scenery, and much more. This festival was born from the practices in the 1500s. You’ll even get to to see the river come alive with hundreds of floating lanterns.
8. Icheon Rice Festival
When: October 18, 2023 – October 22, 2023
I’ve been to this amazing festival twice with my students because of school field trips and I can tell you, it’s one of my favorites. The land in Icheon is said to be very fertile and the rice there was grown with such care that it is said to have been fit for a king. They have all sorts of rice dishes, cakes, and even ice cream. Honestly, I think I enjoy myself more than my students do.
Check out the Icheon Rice Festival official tourism page for more information and updates.
9. Busan Fireworks Festival
When: November 4, 2023
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!
10. Haneul Park Silver Grass Autumn Festival in Seoul
When: Mid-October 2023
I don’t feel like its fall in Seoul unless I have a photo or five with the silver grass. I feel like it really shows off fall in Korea and its calming to walk around. If you love a good photo opportunity, check out this Haneul Park and Eunpyeong Hanok Village Tour. At this silver grass festival, you’ll get all those beautiful and warm Autumn tones in your picture with the leaves. It’s lovely to see.
11. Nari Park and Pink Muhly Festival
When: TBA 2023
When I tell you the pink muhly makes for amazing photos… I had a chance to see the pink muhly in full bloom and it was fabulous frolicking around. I recommend checking out the Nari Park and Pink Muly Festival during the middle of the week so you can skip the enormous large crowds and really enjoy a fall festival in South Korea.
12. Oktoberfest
When: TBA 2023
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 festival on Namhae Island off the south coast of Korea.
Fun Fact. Back in the 60s and 70s a bunch of Koreans skipped town to look for work in Germany. To coax the Koreans who settle in Germany back, the government offered super cheap land in Namhae and they began building a very German village.
And if you’re wondering… Yes, you do get enormous mugs to drink your lovely beer in.
13. Cheonggyechon Lantern Festival
When: Usually in November. This year it will be held from December 19, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Every year, nearly 3 million visitors check out this insanely beautiful display of lanterns. You’re in luck because it’s free and it’s got some of the coolest lights around. It looks like this year’s theme is fairy tales from abroad and South Korea. For more information, check out the official festival page here.
An autumn festival in South Korea is something you definitely cannot miss. I feel like The Land of the Morning Calm really comes alive during this time. People seem to be more chill and relaxed because the weather doesn’t make you want to throw your hand fan blowing hot hair through the wall. I personally love this time of year because my skin clears up and I no longer have acne because of the humidity.
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