Autumn in Seoul | What to Wear and Pack for Korea in Fall

Autumn in Seoul is my favorite time of year. This means cooler weather is approaching and walks with Honey get longer because her royal fluffiness won’t get overheated. Every year, I get so many questions about what to wear and what to pack for Korea in fall. This blog post will tell you what you should bring and how to dress for every month during fall in Korea.

For those of you who love my fashion, thank you so much! It means a lot to me that it inspires you. I love unique pieces and accessories. My wardrobe in fall also consists of my favorite Kate Spade purses and basics I layer and style in different ways. At the end of the day, I always get asked about where I get my clothes, where I shop, and how I manage to stay trendy in Korea.

Honestly, I always look forward to Autumn in South Korea. I love the fashion, cooler weather, changing of the leaves, and most of all Halloween. Nowadays Halloween in Korea is being celebrated with special events and decorations all over Seoul.

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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
• 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.

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 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. 

What To Wear in September in Korea

This post is going to have various outfit inspiration for what to wear in autumn in Korea. These are outfits I have actually worn and are socially acceptable. I abide by the rule of dressing for my body type and not for a Korean woman’s body type. For reference, my weight has fluctuated a lot over the years and I have worn everything from a US size 12-16.

Since September in Korea is still very warm I’m still wearing shorts and t-shirts or tank tops during the day. When it gets a little cooler at night or on the subway, I like to throw on a light shacket over my outfits.

September Fall Fashion Korea Outfit 1

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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.

October in Korea Outfit 1

Wondering what to wear in October in Korea? This is by all means my favorite outfit I have ever worn. The orange dress was one I found at H&M. It’s a bit sheer so I wear nude biker shorts underneath. I paired it with a light white long sleeved turtleneck. In addition, I have my wide brim fedora hat and brown jacket.

The reason I did this is because the sun really makes it warm during the day. However, during early morning hours and when the sun starts to set, it does get chilly and the layers serve for keeping me warm instead of sweat wicking.

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Fall in Korea Outfit 2

This next look is a classic look models wear. It’s staple and looks great on everyone. Plus, it never goes out of style. It’s easy to put together and super comfortable. Here I’m wearing basics like sheertex tights (those things are hard to destroy), a white t-shirt, cuffed shorts, and my favorite Levi’s motorcycle jacket. I paired it with edgier makeup and voila! Put together in less than 30 minutes.

I’ve been super into ponytail hair extensions for easy and quick hairstyling. In this photo, I’m rocking the Ariana Grande inspired Miya Pony in black brown by Insert Name Here. Use my code, GINABEAR10 to get 10% off your order!

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Fall in Korea Outfit 3

Sweater dresses are a fall fashion staple. Here I’m rocking The limited edition H&M Empire Strikes Back hoodie. I’ve scoured the internet for something similar and I haven’t been able to find something similar. You could always go for this oversized Star Wars hoodie, pair it with your favorite buttery soft biker shorts, and a pair of your comfiest combat boots.

In the carousel below, you’ll find bodycon sweater dresses which would also make a killer autumn outfit of the day!

In this photo, I’m rocking the Ariana Grande inspired Brit Pony in black brown by Insert Name Here. Use my code, GINABEAR10 to get 10% off your order!

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Fall in Korea Outfit 4

For me, fall means wearing dark colors like blacks and reds. This is the best time of year to be edgy with your fashion and go really bold as well. This outfit consists of very basic pieces like a black long sleeved top, a red mini skirt, black sheer tights, and high heeled lace up booties.

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Fall in Korea Outfit 5

Since I’m not sweating profusely by the end of October, I love to wear long sleeved dresses. You’ll see a lot of deep reds are really great to accentuate the fall colors in South Korea. I love this dress because it is so effortlessly beautiful. I also paired it with a fedora wide brim wool hat to keep my head warm when the sun sets.

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Fall in Korea Outfit 6

Animal prints for fall fashion in 2023 are still in. Well, technically they never went out of style. See how I’m using basics to really make my leopard print skirt pop? As you can see my favorite staples are making an appearance such as my black booties, black turtleneck and my wide brim fedora hat. Seriously, they go with anything.

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Fall in Korea Outfit 7

Since it was hard for me to buy clothes in Korea, I was using whatever I had in my closet to put together outfits to stay on top of the trends. The best way I dressed for fall was light layers and a warmer light jacket on top. I hate carrying around heavy things so my outfits had to be versatile.

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.

November Fall Fashion Korea Outfit 1

It does start to get colder during the day so at this time I’m mostly wearing black and jackets over my clothes. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear black and nude colors in Korea. Most Koreans are dressed that way too.

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November Fall Fashion Korea Outfit 2

Korean women dress very feminine and that rubbed off on me too. I started to really love wearing skirts and tights where I didn’t before. Just a reminder for modesty in Korea that it is okay to wear super short skirts. No one cares. Although because I have a larger bum, I always bought longer skirts that would look shorter on me. There’s a tip for all you big booty ladies. 😉

The best advice I can give for what to pack to Korea in fall is to carry your basics and have bold statement pieces that don’t take a lot of room in your luggage.

n this photo, I’m rocking the Ariana Grande inspired Brit Pony in black brown by Insert Name Here. Use my code, GINABEAR10 to get 10% off your order!

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November Fall Fashion Korea Outfit 3

Skinny jeans will always be a fall staple of mine. You can dress them up or down and they make for a myriad of different outfits. I’m usually pretty cold in November in Korea so I make sure I have all my warm scarfs and hats. This outfit is a simple one consisting of my black skinny jeans, red turtleneck, scarf, and warm hat.

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Be sure to bookmark this post so you can get inspired with awesome autumn in Korea outfits. I update this post every year so you know exactly what to wear for Korea in fall.

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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