The Ultimate Guide To Autumn in Korea

Autumn is my favorite season in Korea. It’s a time I truly come alive, explore my surroundings and enjoy cooler weather. It’s also a time I show off my fashion because I’m not sweating through the humidity. In this Ultimate 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? Its 가을 (ga-oul).

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Autumn in Seoul & Korea Ebook

Autumn in Seoul Ebook

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I visit 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 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) when the weather starts to cool down going down to 10 Celsius (50 Fahrenheit) 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. Fall in Korea average temperatures during the day are about 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) during the day and 8 Celsius (49 Fahrenheit) at night.

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 Wear in Autumn in Korea

I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way when you buy all of 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.

Autumn in South Korea is my favorite time of year. I love the fashion, the changing of the leaves, and most of all Halloween. Even though Halloween in Korea isn’t as widely celebrated as in the states, you’ll definitely see cafes put up some cute decor.

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. For an extensive guide on what to wear in fall in Korea and what to pack for autumn in Korea, click here.

• 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.

Fall 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 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 coold 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 Octoer 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.

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.

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.

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

Autumn Activities in Korea

If you’re wondering what to do in autumn in Korea, I have compiled a list of very fun fall activities in Korea. I find myself doing them every year. Seoul in autumn truly is magnificent.

1. Apple Picking in Pocheon

One of the most scenic places in Korea is the Pocheon Art Valley. Two popular K-dramas have been filmed there so make sure you definitely 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. You can book your Pocheon Apple Picking tour here.

2. Blood City At Everland

During this time at Everland, it will be completely decked out in Halloween decorations. You’ll see pumpkins, bats, and ghost decor everywhere. Everland 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. Book your tickets to Everland’s Spectacular Halloween here.

3. Dark Side of Seoul Tour

As you know, Korea has thousands of years of deep and vibrant history. Did you also know that as a result of a lot of bloodshed during the Korean War there are also super haunted places in Seoul? This tour will take you to places and tell you urban legends only the locals know about. Book your Dark Side of Seoul Tour here.

4. Have a Picnic at Olympic Park

Who doesn’t love cool picnic weather? I for one really like getting a picnic basket out, finding a nice patch of grass and sitting there with my dog. You can even rent a bike for 8,000 won per hour for two people to take a diy autumn leaves tour through the park. The leaves in Korea are honestly so pretty! If you want the chance to experience your own Seoul picnic, try out this Hangang Picnic Tour here done all for you.

5. Go To An Escape Room

This is one of the funnest activities in Korea during this time. Many of the rooms give a very spooky vibe and are very well put together. The escape experience is given in English and Korean so don’t worry about the language barrier. Book your Seoul Escape Room experience here.

6. Rent a Hanbok

This is the best time to rent a beautiful Korean hanbok and visit the palaces. I highly recommend going to Flowery Hanbok as if you’re a bigger gal or guy they carry US sizes up to 18-20. They have a stunning selection there and you can even book a makeup session and photoshoot session. You’ll really get the autumn in Seoul vibe at Gyeongbokgung.

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. Book your tickets to the Korean Folk Village here.

Autumn Festivals in Korea

1. Andong Mask Festival |안동국제탈춤페스티벌 (mid-September)

If you’re ever up for making the trek into the countryside, I cannot recommend the Andong Mask festival Enough. Taking place mid-September, the festival invites several provinces around Korea and around the world to perform. The festival offers several Korean festival foods and you can take a walk around the historic and beautiful Hahoe Hanok Village. On the weekends, you can experience fireworks. For more information, check out the official website here.

2. Yangju Nari Park and Pink Muhly | 나리 공원 핑크 뮬리축제 (mid-September)

One of the fun parts of autumn in Korea is all the fun festivals that happen. Apples are in season during this time (just in time for Chuseok) and there are also several apple picking tours available. Korea in the fall becomes really stunning with pink muhly. I love everything pink and eating so I really recommend taking an autumn tour in Korea. The Trazy Tour will take you to the pink muhly feels and then apple picking in Pocheon. Book your Yangju Nari Park and Pink Muhly tour here.

3. Goyang Autumn Flower Festival | 고양가을꽃축제 (late September)

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 lake in the background. It truly is a work of art. For more information about the festival, check out the official website here.

4. Jinju Lantern Festival |진주 남강유등축제 (early October)

This stunning festival is dedicated to light, lanterns, and well-wishes. The customs of this festival date back to the early 1500s in Korean history. At the festival, you can experience Jinju’s regional snacks, super sized lanterns, and performances. You can easily book a tour to the Jinju Lantern Festival here.

5. DMZ & Haneul Park Silver Grass | 하늘 공원은 초 축제 (mid-October)

In my opinion, there’s nothing more beautiful than the silver grass in Autumn. It springs up around my house, but there’s nothing quite like wandering around a large park in nature.

I also really recommend going up to the DMZ as well so why not kill two birds with one stone? You can book a DMZ and Haneul Park Silver Grass Festival tour here.

6. Jogyesa Temple Chrysanthemum Festival |조계사 국화 축제 (mid-October)

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.

7. Icheon Rice Festival |이천 쌀 축제 (late October)

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.

8. Jarasum Jazz Festival | 자라섬 국제 재즈 페스티벌 (mid-October)

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.

9. Seoul Lantern Festival | 서울빛초롱축제 (early November)

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 completely free, but if you’d like, you can pay 5,000 won to place a make a wish lantern on the river.

10. Busan Fireworks Festival | (early November)

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! You can book your Busan Fireworks Festival tickets here.

11. Oktoberfest

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. You can book a tour with Adventure Korea here.

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. If you’d like 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 definitely 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 See Autumn Foliage in Korea

1. Garden of the 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 is located about an hour and half outside of Seoul, so it’s easier to go there by car. Book your Garden of the Morning Calm tour here.

2. 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.

Book your day trip from Seoul Autumn Gyeongju tour here.

3. Jeonju

Jeonju is famous for a lot of things—in particular it’s delicious bibimbap, street food, and makgeolli. The old Catholic church there is also where Taeyang filmed his music video Wedding Dress. You can rent hanbok and walk around the historic downtown area. Book your fall foliage Naejangsan and Jeonju tour here.

4. 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.

5. 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. Book your tour to Nami Island Autumn and Garden of the Morning Calm Here.

6. Naejangan National Park

Located down south, this mountain literally becomes red in fall. There’s so many picturesque places. You can book a tour to see Naejangsan National Park in autumn here.

7. Seoraksan National Park

Another popular destination, it’s 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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