Korea in autumn is a dream. I know I’ve said it in every blog post from my Korea autumn collection, but it truly is a feast for the eyes. Since The Land of the Morning Calm is an old country with lots of history, the changing of the seasons really highlights its beauty. I lived in South Korea for five and a half years and had the opportunity to see amazing scenery in South Korea. This blog post is dedicated best places to visit Korea in Autumn so you can plan your most epic trip.
If you find yourself in Korea in October, you’re in for a treat. There’s so many amazing fall festivals in Korea and the list of the most beautiful places to visit in Korea grows ever longer. If you’re only interested in enjoying fall in Seoul, then check out my blog post on the best places to see autumn foliage in Seoul.
Table of Contents
Blog Posts You Might Like
- Autumn Festivals in South Korea You Can’t Miss
- Where To See Fall Foliage in Seoul
- What To Wear in Korea in Autumn
- The Ultimate Guide to Autumn in Korea
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.
Tips For Autumn in Korea Travel
Fall in Korea is the absolute best time to travel. I absolutely love the season as much as Koreans do. While Seoul in autumn is also fantastic, there are so many places to visit in Korea in autumn.
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.
Rent a Car
Many of these places on my list are very difficult to get to without a car. While you can travel Seoul in autumn without a car and just use public transport, that’s not necessarily the same case for the rest of Korea. If you do choose to DIY the trips I mentioned then great! I highly recommend you rent a car in Seoul.
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.
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
- Hangul Day – October 9
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
Korea in September 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 in Korea is a great month to visit 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 during November in Korea 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). Korea in November is a great time to visit because you’ll be able to catch the last of the fall foliage in Korea.
1. Namhansanseong
1 hour from Seoul
Recently added to the UNESCO list, this beautiful historic town lets you hike around the surrounding mountains while visiting mountainside temples. In my not so humble opinion, Namhansanseong has some of the best fall foliage around Seoul. I think its one of the best places in South Korea to visit especially because of its proximity to Seoul.
The town is cute and quaint and really gives those autumn vibes. Honey and I had the best time walking around, checking out the sites, and the cafes. 10/10 this is my favorite place to see fall foliage in Korea and recommend it to everyone. To easily get here, book your Namhansanseong Fall Foliage Tour Day Trip.
2. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
1 hour from Seoul
Another great location for autumn foliage around Seoul is the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The Hwaseong Fortress should definitely be on your list of must visit places in Korea. The history dates back to the Joseon Dynasty where it was commissioned to surround the center of Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province. Book your Suwon Fortress Fall foliage tour here.
2. Nami Island
1.5 hours from Seoul
When you think fall foliage in Korea, Nami Island in autumn definitely comes to mind. It’s one of the most famous spots in Korea due to being features in a lot of Korea’s popular culture. I recommend you book a tour to experience autumn in Nami Island because public transport from Seoul takes forever. Also, fair warning. No matter when you go, it will always be crowded.
3. Paju
1.5 hours from Seoul
One of my favorite Korea autumn trips was one I took in 2020 to Paju with my girls. A great place to see fall foliage in South Korea is Cafe 1인1잔 at Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Make sure to wear a cute autumn in Korea outfit so you can get stunning pictures like mine. For all the top attractions during fall in Korea book this one day tour to easily get to Eunpyeong Hanok Village here.
4. Jeonju
3 hours from Seoul
Another great place for your Korea fall trips is Jeonju. It is the 16th largest city in Korea and the capitol of North Jeolla Province. Popular foods there include Jeonju bibimbap and chocopies. The province is also home to the Jeonju Hanok Village which displays 800 traditional hanok style homes.
Jeonju is one of the best places to visit in Korea if you’re looking to experience Korean culture. In addition, if you’re a Big Bang fan, The Jeongdong Catholic Church wis Taeyang filmed his music video, Wedding Dress. To easily book your one day Korea autumn foliage Jeonju tour, click here.
5. Gyeongju
3.5 hours from Seoul
A fantastic city to spend autumn in Korea is Gyeongju. It was the old capitol of Silla which ruled much of the Korean peninsula between the 7th and 9th centuries. There is so much rich history and you can rent a bike to see many of Korea’s national treasures. You can also do your own Autumn DIY Gyeongju Itinerary like I did here. It’s kind of hard to get to Gyeongju without a car, so I recommend this Korea in autumn Gyeongju fall foliage one day tour.
Korean National Parks in Autumn
Another great way to see fall foliage in Korea is by going to Korea’s numerous national parks. The two best places to visit in Korea in autumn for national parks re Seoraksan and Naejangsan.
6. Seoraksan
2.5 hours from Seoul
Seoraksan is one of the most popular mountains for autumn leaves viewing. Since its near the East Sea, it provides stunning views of the land and ocean. One of the best things to do is take the cable car up and admire the foliage from above.
7. Naejangsan
4 hours from Seoul
At Naejangsan National Park, you can view the best place in Korea to see Korea’s crimson autumn leaves. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite Korean national parks in fall. I think it’s stunning and I would go back in a heartbeat just to go off the grid for a day and hike the mountains. The fall foliage in Korea is honestly worth the trip anywhere and is great for fall photos.
Inside the park, there are famous waterfalls, such as Dodeokpokpo Falls and Geumseonpokpo Falls, and temples such as Baekyangsa Temple and Naejangsa Temple. Personally, I think going to Naejangsan is one of the best fall road trip ideas. You can rent a car to get here and DIY the trip yourself or you can easily book a Naejangsan Autumn Foliage tour here and have it done for you.
There are so many beautiful places in South Korea for fall foliage. It will truly take your breath away and really make you fall in love with the country. Take it from me. I was an expat in South Korea for almost six years. I got to experience the country like no one else and am proud to share my knowledge with you.
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