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

Last Updated on September 18, 2025

September in Korea marks the start of autumn, where the summer heat begins to fade, and the air turns crisp and refreshing. Well the summer heat is supposed to fad. Last year, it was the hottest September on record. September is usually a delightful mix of warm days and cooler nights, perfect for enjoying both outdoor and indoor activities.

After almost two decades here, I’ve learned that September is the month where Korea’s nature really begins to transform. The first hints of autumn colors appear in the mountains, and festivals celebrating the harvest season are in full swing. Pack layers to stay comfortable, and get ready for beautiful hikes, cultural festivals, and the quiet magic of Korea’s transition into fall.

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

• The Weather In Korea In September
• What To Know About Visiting Korea In September
• What To Pack and What To Wear
• The Public Holidays In Korea In September
• The Best Festivals and Events In September
• Folk Villages To Visit In Korea
• Ideas For Things To Do
• What To Eat In The Fall In Korea
• The September Flower Guide
• Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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The Weather In Korea In September

September in Korea is the perfect blend of summer’s warmth and fall’s crispness, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F). The scorching heat has faded, leaving behind mild days and cool evenings, ideal for outdoor adventures.

While the occasional light shower might pass through, the comfortable weather and smaller crowds make September a fantastic time to explore Korea’s parks, mountains, and cultural sites. Whether you’re strolling under blue skies or enjoying a breezy evening, September is all about embracing the transition into autumn, though you won’t quite find the fall foliage views yet.

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What To Know About Visiting Korea In September

September is a sweet spot for travel in Korea as the summer crowds thin out and the weather begins to cool. It’s a shoulder season, which means popular tourist spots are easier to enjoy without the long lines or packed buses.

Speaking of seasonal shifts, September also brings the first hints of fall, think breezy mornings, golden light, and the earliest changing leaves in the mountains. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, festivals, and catching Korea just as it begins to wind down from the summer buzz.

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What To Pack and What To Wear

Autumn in Korea is very pleasant. September can still be very warm, much warmer than you might expect so be prepared for summer heat with light breezes in the evenings to cool off by late September. You won’t need anything overly heavy though.

The hot temperatures seem to be lingering even longer than before. You can even still be swimming in Jeju Island through October!

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The Public Holidays In Korea In September

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

Did you know there are unofficial holidays in Korea? On September 14, it’s Photo Day. Friends and couples visit nearby photo booths to take pictures together. Whether you’re in a happy couple or just with friends, photo booths are always a fun time.

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The Best Festivals and Events In September

September is the start of the autumn festival period which focuses more on culture, food, and the last flowers of the year.

Culture Festivals

Rather than ringing in the New Year at midnight, a lot of Koreans head to the tallest mountains near them or to the east coast of Korea to watch the first sunrise. Koreans believe that wishes made while watching that first sunrise of the year are the most powerful so if you need some good juju in the coming year, maybe this is the best way for you to celebrate.

• Andong Mask Dance Festival (안동국제탈춤페스티벌): September 26, 2025 ~ October 5, 2025
  • Traditional Korean mask dances are performed as well as mask dances by international troupes too. From folk culture to dance lessons, exhibits and more, this is a great event to plan a weekend away around. The Andong Hahoe Village is a must-visit.
  • Address: 200 Chukjejang-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 안동시 육사로 239)
• Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival (수원화성문화제): September 27, 2025 ~ October 4, 2025
  • Hwaseong Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts this fantastic festival each autumn. The main event is “King Jeongjo’s Royal Parade”. There are over 4,000 participants. It’s spectacular!
  • Address: 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구 신풍동)
  • Book a tour: Join a tour to Suwon through Klook for special experiences and to see it all!
  • Website: https://shfestival.com/
• Geumsan World K-Insam Festival (금산세계인삼축제): September 19, 2025 ~ September 28, 2025
  • One of the most popular autumn festivals, get ready to celebrate all things ginseng. This healthy root is celebrated through foods, performances, and more.
  • Address: 30 Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 금산군 금산읍 인삼광장로 30)
• Myeongnyang Battle Festival (명량대첩축제): September 19, 2025 ~ September 21, 2025
  • Fought in 1597, under the command of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a mere 13 Korean ships faced off against a formidable fleet of 133 Japanese vessels led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Head south to see an on-the-water reenactment in Jeollanam-do this month!
  • Address: 12-36 Gwangwang Leisure-ro, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 해남군 관광레저로 12)
• Jeongseon Arirang Festival (정선아리랑제): September 25, 2025 ~ September 28, 2025
  • If you’ve been in Korea for even a bit of time, you’ve probably heard the song Arirang. Registered as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it is an iconic Korean folk song.
  • Address: Bongyang-ri, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 정선군 정선읍 봉양리)

Music Festivals

• Busan Rock Festival: September 26, 2025 ~ September 28, 2025
  • The rock fest has gotten bigger and bigger each year and showcases Busan’s own homegrown musicians as well as other rock and metal acts from across the country and abroad. 
  • Places To Stay In The Area: Sasang Brown Dot Hotel, HI Design Hotel, JJak Boutique Hotel
  • Website: Busan Rock Festival
• Seoul Silent Disco: September 13, 2025 & September 28, 2025
  • You need a ticket, but this fun event in the Han River Parks will have you dancing, spinning, and enjoying the atmosphere. Tickets are available exclusively through Creatrip as well as 200 on-site available for last minute purchase.

Nature Festivals

• Muju Firefly Festival (무주 반딧불축제): September 6, 2025 ~ September 14, 2025
  • Held in the natural surroundings of Muju, this is a unique festival is in the natural habitat for fireflies and the marsh snails the fireflies feed on. It’s fun. It’s different. It’s worth it!
  • Address: 326-14 Hanpungnu-ro, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 무주군 무주읍 한풍루로 326-17)
• Taean Autumn Flower Expo: September 19, 2025 ~ November 4, 2025
  • Taean is beautiful in the autumn, and if you head to the Korea Flower Park, you can see fields of chrysanthemums, globe amaranth, and more. Book a daytrip to Taean on Klook.
  • Address: 400 Kkotjihaean-ro, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 태안군 안면읍 꽃지해안로 400)
• Goyang Autumn Flower Festival: September 19, 2025 ~ September 20, 2025
  • Hosted in Goyang’s Ilsan Lake Park which is accessible via the Seoul Subway Line, this festival has gorgeous flower installations lakeside. It makes for a great daytrip from Seoul. Find out more about what to do at the Goyang Flower Festival and nearby.
  • Address: 595 Hosu-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 고양시 일산동구 호수로 595)

More Events To Check Out

• Seoul Fireworks Festival (서울세계불꽃축제): September 27, 2025
  • This massive event usually takes place the first weekend of October, but has been shifted this year. Don’t miss one of the few times fireworks are lit in the capital of Korea. For tips on where to stand and where to go for the best views, check out this guide to the Seoul Fireworks Festival.
• Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)  (부산국제영화제): September 17, 2025 ~ September 26, 2025
  • BIFF is an internationally recognized film festival and is one of the most famous in Asia. The films are from all around the world in various forms and styles.
  • Address: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 수영강변대로 120)
• Namsangol Hanok Village Wedding Ceremony (남산골 회혼례): September 6, 2025 at 1:00pm
  • Ever wanted to see a traditional Korean wedding ceremony? Namsangol Hanok Village with host a free event to see a beautiful traditional ceremony in person.
  • Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울시 중구 퇴계로34길 28)
• Gyeongbokgung Palace Starlight Tours (경복궁 별빛야행): September 3, 2025 ~ September 28, 2025
  • Twice a year, Gyeongbokgung Palace is lit up for a beautiful nighttime viewing and autumn is one of those times. Walk around the grounds, take in beautiful performances, and see the largest palace in downtown Seoul in the light of the night.
  • Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)
• Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour (창덕궁 달빛기행): September 28, 2025
  • Gyeongbokgung’s nighttime festival became so popular, the government decided to open up more palaces and Changdeokgung is just as stunning, but you need to sign up for the English tours to partake.
  • Address: 2-71 Waryong-dong Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 와룡동 2-71)
  • Advanced Tickets Required: Tickets are available exclusively through Creatrip. Get them ASAP.
• Seoul Fashion Week: September 1, 2025 ~ September 7, 2025
  • Hosted at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, even if you’re not attending a show, you can head to the venue to see very stylish people of all ages.
  • Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 281)
• Seoul Drone Show (드론 라이트 쇼): September 6, 13, 20, and 26
  • This FREE event is quite the showcase. 1000 drones take to the sky for a rhythmic showcase. It’s definitely something you won’t see in many other places. Take the time to enjoy the show from the Han River.
  • Address: 139 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 강변북로 139)

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Folk Villages To Visit In Korea

The autumn is a beautiful season to escape to the folk villages of Korea. Whether you’re a tourist in Korea or a resident, you need to visit one, or maybe six, folk villages while you’re here. They’re a completely different vibe and really show more of Korean history than you might realize. 

Naganeubseong Folk Village (순천낙안읍성): Naganeubseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011, is Korea’s best-preserved fortress town, still home to over 200 residents living in traditional thatched-roof houses. Dating back to the early Goryeo Dynasty, this historic village offers visitors a chance to walk atop its fortress walls, enjoy unique experiences, and explore its rich history.

• Address: 30 Chungmin-gil, Nagan-myeon, Suncheon, Jeollanam-do (전남 순천시 낙안면 충민길 30)
• Join a tour: From Seoul, Busan, or Suncheon Station, you can book a day tour on Viator.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village (안동하회마을): Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a sprawling traditional village dating back to the Goryeo period (918–1392) and surrounded by the Nakdong River. Visit during the Andong Mask Festival in autumn to enjoy its unique thatched-roof homes, rich history, and vibrant culture—perfect for a day trip.

• Address: 2-1 Hahoejongga-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 안동시 풍천면 하회종가길 2-1)

Yongin Korean Folk Village (용인한옥민속촌): The Korean Folk Village, a living museum, recreates a late Joseon Dynasty village with over 260 restored traditional houses from various social classes. Offering experiences like horseback riding, traditional crafts, and performances, it’s an ideal spot for culture, history, and entertainment all in one.

• Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90)
• Admission: Adults: W18,000; Teenagers: W15,000; Children: W13,000
  • Buy discounted ticket: You can get discounted admission on Klook.

Jeju Folk Village (제주민속촌): This Jeju Island Folk Village recreates life in the 1890s with over 100 original houses, showcasing diverse living styles from mountain, hill, fishing, and shamanism villages. Featuring life-like displays, performances, folk games, and traditional experiences, it’s a beautifully researched destination perfect for exploring Jeju’s unique history and culture.

• Address: 631-34 Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 표선면 민속해안로 631-34)

Seongju Hangae Folk Village (성주한개마을): Seongju Hanok Village is a living village with 600-year-old cottages, home to 60 traditional houses, and rich with history, including stories of notable residents like independence activist Lee Seung Hui. Stroll through Hanok-lined lanes, explore the bamboo forest at the back, and discover fascinating tales of this historic community.

• Address: Gyeongsangbuk-do Seongju-gun Wulhang-myeon Hangae 2-gil 8-5 (경상북도 성주군 월항면 한개2길 8-5)

Goseong Wanggok Village (고성왕곡마을): Goseong’s Wanggok Village, located in Korea’s northeast corner, features 21 traditional northern-style Hanoks from the 19th century, still inhabited today. Surrounded by protective peaks, the village offers a folk festival from July to October and unique overnight stays for an immersive cultural experience.

• Address: 36-13 Wanggongmaeul-gil, Jugwang-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 고성군 죽왕면 왕곡마을길 36-13)

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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. Need something more approachable though? Pumpkin porridge (호박죽) is always a clear winner. It’s cozy, warming, and healthy!

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The September In Korea Flower Guide

When September comes and the breezes begin to cool, it is prime time to see some of the most amazing flower fields in Korea. From the small buckwheat to the wispy pink muhly, the flowers are beautiful and you’ll want to plan your calendar around their blooms.

Buckwheat (메밀): Buckwheat fields make for a beautiful scene in September when they burst into bloom.

Where to see them:

• Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do hosts the Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival (평창효석문화제) each year when the buckwheat bloom in celebration of writer Lee Hyo-Seok (이효석) who published the book “When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom” in 1936.
  • Address: 157 Ihyoseok-Gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 이효석길 157)
  • Pyeongchang Hyoseok Cultural Festival (평창효석문화제): September 5, 2025 ~ September 14, 2025
• Gwangpyeong-ri & Waheul Village, Jeju see blooming buckwheat flower fields from early autumn in September through October.

Cosmos (코스모스): Cosmos are one of the most popular autumn flowers in Korea and create some dreamy fields of oranges and pinks.

Where to see them in Seoul (usually):

• Ichon Hangang Park (이촌한강공원): 62 Ichon-ro 72-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 이촌로72길 62)
• Guri Hangang Park (구리시민한강공원): 249 Cosmos-gil 14-beon-gil, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 구리시 코스모스길14번길 249)
• Olympic Park (서울 올림픽 공원): 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 424)
• Haneul Park (하늘공원): 481-72 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (상암동 481-72)

Pink Muhly (뮬리): Blooming from mid-September until early November, this invasive species was first planted in Jeju and now you can find fields of the fluffy pink clouds all over the country. Find the guide to pink muhly in Korea for 23 places for this wispy wonder.

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Day Trips & Adventures To Take From Seoul

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I bet you didn’t guess that you could visit Korea in January and spot flowers, go ice fishing, and see a festival if lights! You can indeed! Get ready for an epic adventure in South Korea this January. Get ready for the fun.

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