Korea In November: The Weather, Travel Tips, Flowers and Things To Do

Last Updated on December 8, 2025

November in Korea is the gateway to winter, but it still holds onto the last golden moments of autumn. That doesn’t mean it’s all chilly winds and bare trees. Not at all. November can be cozy and warm in its own way, especially if you’re prepared to embrace the changing season.

After years of experiencing November here, I’ve come to love its quiet charm. The crowds thin out, the foliage lingers in the south, and it’s the perfect time for a peaceful getaway. Layer up, grab a warm drink, and enjoy Korea’s scenic trails, historic sites, and the start of its festive winter lights.

Will you be traveling to Korea in November? Here’s everything you need to know from the weather to the festivals.

• The Weather In Korea In November
• What To Know About Visiting Korea In November
• What To Pack and What To Wear
• The Public Holidays In Korea In November
• The Best Festivals and Events In November
• Picturesque Korean Tree Species
• Ideas For Things To Do
• What To Eat In The Fall In Korea
• The November Flower Guide
• Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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The Weather In Korea In November

November in Korea hints at the arrival of winter, with temperatures cooling to a range of 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F). While the days grow shorter and the air turns brisk, there’s still plenty of sunshine and clear skies to enjoy before the chill sets in.

This is the month to cozy up with warm comfort foods, explore vibrant city streets, and catch the last golden hues of autumn in the south. November’s quieter charm and crisp atmosphere make it a wonderful time for peaceful getaways and memorable moments.

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What To Know About Visiting Korea In November

November is a quieter time for tourism in Korea, which makes it perfect for travelers who prefer crisp air, golden leaves, and fewer crowds. The autumn foliage lingers in the southern parts of the country, especially in places like Jeju and the southern coast, so it’s still a great time for scenic walks and outdoor adventures. You’ll find Koreans heading out to hike the numerous mountains.

Speaking of the season, November is when Korea starts to lean into winter mode. Holiday lights begin popping up in the cities, cafes get cozier, and the menus shift away from the cold noodle soups to heartier, warmer stews. It’s a peaceful and beautiful time to explore before the winter chill fully sets in.

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What To Pack and What To Wear

You will definitely want layers for November in Korea. If you plan on leaving Seoul, Korea, make sure to get good gear that is water-resistant and will keep you warm and safe. Remember that your shoes need to be easy to take off though as many places require you to remove your shoes to be seated.

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The Public Holidays In Korea In November

There are no major holidays in South Korea in November, 2025.

Pepero Day: Pepero Day is held on November 11th each year in Korea and while it is a holiday, it’s not a national holiday you get off of work for. Wondering why November 11th? It’s because Pepero resemble a “1” and November 11th is 11/11. It’ll be easy to remember, won’t it?

Did you know there are unofficial holidays in Korea? On November 14, it’s time to head to the movie theaters. If you want to go on this date make sure you book ahead because it’s Movie Day and the seats will book up.

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The Best Festivals and Events In November

November in Korea offers cozy and colorful experiences for those embracing the changing seasons. From autumn foliage festivals in the south to winter lights beginning to sparkle in the cities, it’s the perfect time to enjoy crisp air and scenic views before winter fully arrives.

Special Events In Seoul

• Seoul Autumn Festa: October 4, 2025 ~ November 12, 2025
  • Over 40 days, large and small festivals and individual performances will come together, turning all of Seoul into a stage filled with art. A total of 117 performances in theater, dance, music, and traditional arts will take place, offering everyone a special journey with performing arts in autumn.
  • Website: Seoul Autumn Festa
• Seoul Beauty Travel Week: October 30, 2025 ~ November 5, 20265
  • This year, the event will be centered around Namsangol Hanok Village and the Jung gu area, introducing themed spaces and experiences under Revive (Rest), Refresh (Taste), and Rejuvenate (Style).
  • Website: Seoul Beauty Travel Week
• Seoul Design Festival: November 12, 2025 ~ November 16, 2025
  • Seoul Design Spot is a special project that introduces spaces in Seoul where visitors can find inspiration, personally selected by designers participating in Seoul Design Week.
  • Website: Seoul Design Festival
• Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace: September 30, 2025 ~ December 31, 2025
  • Follow the luminous path of water that colors the deep night of Changgyeonggung Palace, leading to a profound conversation with the palace itself. In moments when all visible forms fade into the darkness, you can feel the complete harmony of light that transcends time and space at Changgyeonggung.
  • Full Screening: until November 8. Partial Screening: From Nov. 9 ~ Dec. 31. Partial screening excluses Daechundangji and Sochundangji.
  • Hours: 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm
  • Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 창경궁로 185)
  • Website: Korean Heritage Agency

Food Festivals

• Cheongsong Apple Festival (청송사과축제): October 29, 2025 ~ November 2, 2025
  • Autumn is the season to celebrate apples and Cheongsong has some of the best apples in the country. Visit the festival for performances, a market, and you can also head out to nearby farms to do your own apple picking.
  • Address: Wolmak-ri, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 청송군 청송읍 월막리)
• Gwangju Kimchi Festival (광주김치축제): October 31, 2025 ~ November 2, 2025
  • THE place to take in all that is delicious kimchi, head to Gwangju to visit the “Thousand People’s Table” to see all of the diverse kimchi cuisine, see the kimchi masters, and even make your own kimchi!
  • Address: 111 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju (광주광역시 서구 내방로 111)

Dongdaemun Design Plaza Architecture Tour: The DDP is a must stop for art exhibitions, SeoulLight, and so much more, and until the end of the year, you can also join special DDP Architecture tours. Available in English at 1:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Sign up in advance to attend!

Lighting Festivals

• E-World Illuminations (이월드 일루미네이션): From mid-November to mid-February.
  • E-World Illumination is a lighting festival that decorates E-World and 83 Tower with ten million lights. Visitors can also take memorable photos at romantic and attractive photo zones that light up the evening. 
  • Address: 200 Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 달서구 두류공원로 200)
• Yeosu Night Sea Fireworks Festival (여수밤바다 불꽃축제): November 8, 2025
  • A weekend away in Yeosu is guaranteed to be a good time and with fireworks to top it off? November is is the time to go. Head to Yi Sun Shin Square to take it all in.
  • Address: 383 Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 중앙동 383)
• Busan Fireworks Festival (부산불꽃축제): November 15, 2025
  • Busan Fireworks Festival takes place every autumn along Gwangalli Beach. There are performances, laser shows, and of course a gigantic fireworks display to enjoy.
  • Address: 219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219)

Cultural Festivals

• Gimhae Buncheon Ceramics Festival (김해분청도자기 축제): November 4, 2025 ~ November 9, 2025
  • An oft overlooked part of Korea, Gimhae has some fantastic museums to visit and a deep history with ceramics. Visit during the ceramics festival to learn more and gets hands on.
  • Address: 17 Buncheong-ro, jillye-myeon, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 김해시 진례면 분청로 17)
• Jinju Traditional Crafts Biennale (2025 진주전통공예비엔날레): October 1, 2025 ~ November 16, 2925
  • Explore the relationship between nature and humankind at this years crafts biennale. From tradition to the modern, there is a lot to enjoy about Korean craft.
  • Address: 18 Jinju-daero 879beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 진주시 진주대로879번길 18 )
  • Website: Craft Jinju Korea

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Picturesque Korean Tree Species

Fall foliage is beautiful wherever you look, but one of the most popular activities in the autumn is hiking. There are mountains all around Korea to explore and even if you don’t want to hike, a lot of them feature cable cars to get up to the top, too. Get ready for an adventure!

Ginkgo Trees (은행나무): Ginkgo trees are gorgeous in the autumn. Featuring a distinctive fan shaped leaf that goes from green to a vibrant yellow in the autumn, they typically start turning cold from late September and stay that way through the season.

Where to see them:

• Asan Gingko Tree Road (아산 은행나무길)
  • Address: 259-2 Baekam-ri, Yeomchi-eup, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 아산시 염치읍 백암리 259-2)
• Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest (홍천 은행나무숲)
  • Address: 686-4 Gwangwon-ri, Nae-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 홍천군 내면 광원리 686-4)
• Seaside Park (씨사이드파크)
  • Address: 1967-1 Jungsan-dong Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 중산동 1967-1)

Maple Trees (단풍나무): Maple trees become firy red in the autumn and make hiking fantastic. Spot these trees from mid-October until the end of autumn.

Where to see them:

• Naejangsan National Park (내장산)
  • Address: 328 Naejanghoban-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 정읍시 내장호반로 328)
  • Join a tour: Sign up to go on the Naejangsan Park Autumn Foliage One Day Tour from Seoul or Busan on Klook.
• Hwadam Botanic Garden (화담숲)
  • Address: 278-1 Docheogwit-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 광주시 도척면 도척윗로 278-1)
  • Join a tour: Sign up to go on a Hwadam Botanical Garden Cultura Tour on Klook.
• Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원)
  • Address: Hwagae-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 하동군 화개면 화개로)
  • Join a tour: Sign up to go on a Jirisan National Park One Day Tour on Klook.

Persimmon Trees (감나무): Persimmon trees don’t have the beautiful foliage per se, but they do have a fruitful display. The leaves turn brown and fall leaving the sight of orange persimmons hanging from November into December.

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Ideas For Things To Do

Don’t let winter get you down. I think the best way to enjoy the season is to have equal parts indoor fun and outdoor fun. Take advantage of the outdoor ice rinks and ice fishing festivals, but make sure to have some places to warm up and sights to take in like museums and a Korean sauna.

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What To Eat In The Fall In Korea

In the autumn, fruits and vegetables are being harvested meaning there is a ton of fresh produce to eat and warm and cozy soups.

Persimmons (감) hang from the trees in the autumn and after getting picked, are hung even longer to be dried. Typically, harvested persimmons are dried outdoors for two to three weeks, then dried indoors for a few more days and eaten as dried persimmons. They’re also used in one of my favorite drinks, sujeonggwa (수정과), a persimmon and cinnamon drink.

Marinated raw crab, or ganjang gejang (간장게장), might take some time to grow on you, but if you’re an adventurous eater, the autumn is the best time to enjoy this delectable treat. Fresh raw crabs are marinated in soy sauce and sweet and spicy chili peppers. It’s delicious!

Dotorimuk (도토리묵) is acorn jelly salad, a refreshing and earthy dish often enjoyed in autumn for its unique texture and light taste.

November is the start of the oyster (굴) season in Korea. They are best enjoyed when it’s cold outside and can be found cooked and prepped in a variety of ways. If you really love oysters like I do, then take a trip down south to Tongyeong or Geoje for the best oysters in the country.

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The November In Korea Flower Guide

November starts to chill, the pink muhly starts to brown, but there are still some flowers that hold on vibrantly as we shift into the colder weather of winter.

Chrysanthemums (국화꽃): Native to Korea, camellia flowers bloom from November to March in the southern regions of South Korea. If you plan to travel in Korea in January and are headed south, be sure to look for these beautiful magenta blooms.

Chrysanthemum Festivals in Korea

• Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival (익산천만송이국화축제): October 24, 2025 ~ November 2, 2025
  • Chrystanthemums here, there, and everywhere from outdoor exhibitions to cultural performances, this festival kicks off the chrysanthemum fun each year.
  • Address: 322 Hana-ro, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do (전북특별자치도 익산시 하나로 322)
• Masan Chrysanthemum Festival (마산국화축제): November 1, 2025 ~ November 9, 2025
  • Celebrate the beauty of chrysanthemums in Masan, the biggest producer of chrysanthemums in the country. There is an exhibition of over 120,000 flowers on display as well as hands on fun.
  • Address: 180 Haean-daero, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창원시 마산합포구 해안대로 180)
• Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival (서산국화축제): November 7, 2025 ~ November 16, 2025
  • Chrysanthemums are the vibrant flower of November. Spot them along with other wildflowers at Hannogwon Garden and then take a seat for some chrysanthemum tea.
  • Address: 31-1 Buknamgol-gil, Gobuk-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 서산시 고북면 북남골길 31-1)

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Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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There is so much to enjoy in every month of the year in Korea. November has everything from flowers to foliage, delicious seasonal food, and festivals galore. What will you get into when you come?

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