November is one of Korea’s finest months. The summer heat and humidity are long gone, the autumn foliage sweeps the country from the mountain peaks to the city parks, and the temperature is crisp and clear. It is the Korean equivalent of Japan’s most-visited autumn season, but with significantly fewer international tourists. Here is the complete guide.
Quick Answer: Korea in November: Cool to cold temperatures (3 to 12 degrees in Seoul across the month). Peak autumn foliage in the second and third weeks nationwide. Lower international tourist crowds than in spring. One of Korea’s two best months to visit, alongside April. See the autumn in Korea for the full foliage guide.
Korea Weather in November
Seoul
Highs of 10 to 15 degrees in early November, dropping to 3 to 8 degrees by late November. The month ends with lows approaching 0 degrees. Dry and clear conditions are the norm. See the full Seoul in November guide for Seoul-specific November information.
Busan
Milder than Seoul throughout November. Highs of 13 to 18 degrees early in the month, 8 to 13 degrees by late November. Busan’s coastal location moderates the drop in autumn temperatures. See Busan in October for nearby conditions, and the Busan travel guide for general planning.
Jeju
Warmest in Korea. Highs of 15 to 19 degrees in November. The island’s azalea and camellia trees begin to change. See the Jeju guide.
Gyeongju and North Gyeongsang Province
Gyeongju’s historic temple and tumuli grounds are particularly beautiful in autumn. Bulguksa Temple, with its surrounding maple and ginkgo trees, is one of the finest foliage spots in Korea. See the Gyeongju travel guide.
Autumn Foliage in Korea in November
Korea’s autumn foliage moves from the north and high altitude to the south and low altitude, similar to Japan. See the autumn in Korea for the full national timing breakdown.
Seoul (First to Third Week)
The palace grounds (see Gyeongbokgung Palace guide and Changdeokgung Palace guide), Namsan Mountain, Seoul Forest (see Seoul Forest guide), and Bukhansan National Park all peak between November 5 and 20 in most years.
Gyeongju (First to Second Week)
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto area, the Tumuli Park grounds, and the Gyeongju Historic Area overall peak in early to mid-November. One of the most photogenic autumn destinations in Korea. See the Gyeongju travel guide and Busan to Gyeongju guide for how to get there from Busan.
Naejangsan National Park
Korea’s most famous autumn foliage park is in North Jeolla Province. The maple-lined valley trails peak in late October to early November. Often cited as the single finest foliage destination in Korea.
Seoraksan National Park
The high peaks of Seoraksan (near Sokcho) guide in mid to late October, making the early November window the final phase of colour in the mountains. See the Seoraksan guide.
What to Do in Korea in November
November is excellent for the full range of Korean travel. Hiking in the national parks for foliage. Palace visits in Seoul. Food-focused travel (Korean BBQ guide, Korean food guide), as the cold makes warming Korean dishes particularly satisfying. See Seoul in 5 days or Seoul in 3 days for Seoul itinerary planning.
Is Korea Crowded in November?
Less crowded than the spring cherry blossom season. Domestic tourism in Korea is active in November, but international visitor volume remains moderate. Famous foliage parks like Naejangsan can be very crowded on weekend afternoons during peak, but Seoul’s palace grounds are far more accessible than Japan’s equivalent Kyoto temple gardens in November.
Nearby Guides
- autumn in Korea
- Seoul in November
- Busan in October
- Gyeongju travel guide
- Seoraksan guide
- Seoul travel guide
- Seoul in 3 days
FAQ
When does autumn foliage peak in Korea in November?
The typical peak window for most of Korea is November 5 to 20, with Jeju and Busan continuing a week or two later. See the autumn in Korea for the region-by-region timing guide.
Is November better in Seoul or Busan?
Both are excellent, but for different reasons. Seoul has more dramatic palace foliage and a denser concentration of autumn viewing spots. Busan is milder,, and the combination of thethe Haeundae Beach guide, thethe Gwangalli Beach guide, and the city parksofferss a different autumn experience. See the Busan vs Jeju guide for a more detailed comparison of the destinations.
What should I wear in Korea in November?
A warm jacket throughout the month. Gloves and a scarf by mid-November in Seoul. Busan requires lighter layering. See the Korea travel essentials for the full packing guide.
