October is widely considered Korea’s single best month to visit. The summer heat and humidity are gone; the skies are clear and vivid blue; temperatures are warm by day and cool by night; and the country’s mountains turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
The Busan International Film Festival runs in early October, and the combination of autumn foliage, outdoor festivals, and perfect hiking conditions makes October a genuinely exceptional time across the country.
Quick Answer: Korea in October: Excellent conditions. Highs of 15 to 22 degrees across the country, lows of 8 to 14 degrees. Peak autumn foliage: upper mountain areas from early October, national park trails mid-October, lowland parks and city trees late October. BIFF in early October. The best month to visit Korea. See the autumn in Korea for the full autumn foliage guide.
Korea Weather in October
Early October (1 to 10)
Highs of 19 to 23 degrees. Lows of 11 to 15 degrees. Warm days, cool evenings. Clear blue skies. Upper mountain areas (Seoraksan, Hallasan)are already showing peak autumn colour.
Mid-October (11 to 20)
Highs of 17 to 21 degrees. Lows of 9 to 13 degrees. The main national park trails are at or near peak. Seoraksan’s Heundae Rock and Biseondae Rock areas are at their best—a light jacket is needed for evenings.
Late October (21 to 31)
Highs of 14 to 18 degrees. Lows of 6 to 10 degrees. The foliage colour is moving into lower elevations, city parks, and palace grounds. A proper jacket is needed. Some days are very clear and crisp.
Autumn Foliage in Korea in October
Seoraksan National Park
The finest autumn foliage destination in Korea. The red maples, golden ginkgos, and orange oaks of Seoraksan peak in the second week of October, earlier than anywhere else in the country due to the altitude. The Heundae Rock trail, the Biseondae Rock trail, and the Ulsanbawi Rock trail are all outstanding in October. See the Seoraksan guide and the Sokcho guide for the base town.
Naejangsan National Park
In North Jeolla Province, Naejangsan is known for its bowl-shaped valley that concentrates the autumn colour, with maple trees turning a vivid red in late October. Considered Korea’s most dramatic single autumn foliage scene. Accessible from Jeonju by bus.
Seoul Palaces and Parks
The Changdeokgung Secret Garden (see Changdeokgung Palace guide) in Seoul holds special autumn foliage exhibitions in late October. The palace grounds and the secret garden’s ancient trees are at their most beautiful. Seoul in October covers the full picture of the city.
Gyeongju
The ancient capital (see Gyeongju guide), surrounded by royal tumuli, has autumn colour in late October, with ginkgo trees lining the main roads and the temple grounds of Bulguksa—an excellent combination of historical and natural autumn scenery.
Events in Korea in October
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
One of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, held in Busan in early October, per the travel guide. The festival screens hundreds of films from across Asia and around the world at cinemas throughout Busan, with red-carpet events and outdoor screenings at BIFF Square (see the BIFF Square guide). Open to the public for ticket purchase.
Seoul Lantern Festival (Cheonggyecheon)
The Seoul Lantern Festival along the Cheonggyecheon Stream (see the Cheonggyecheon Stream guide) typically runs in late October to early November, with enormous themed lantern installations illuminating the stream at night.
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
An annual food festival in Jeonju celebrating the city’s most famous dish, held in late October. Market stalls, cooking demonstrations, and the opportunity to eat bibimbap (see bibimbap guide) in its home city.
Best Places to Visit in Korea in October
- Seoraksan guide: peak foliage, best hiking conditions
- Seoul: palace grounds, Cheonggyecheon, crisp city conditions
- Busan travel guide: BIFF, comfortable beach weather,r still, less crowded than summer
- Gyeongju guide: autumn temple grounds and the tumuli fields
- Jeonju: hanok village and bibimbap festival
Nearby Guides
- autumn in Korea
- Seoul in October
- Busan in October
- Korea in November
- Korea in September
- Seoraksanguide: Bestt places to visit in Korea
FAQ
Is October the best month to visit Korea?
Most travel writers and experienced Korean visitors say yes. The combination of perfect weather, autumn foliage, BIFF, and the full range of outdoor activities, all operating at their best, makes October exceptional. The main trade-off is that it is also the busiest month, particularly for domestic travel to national parks on weekends.
How crowded is Seoraksan in October?
Very crowded on weekends, particularly the second and third weekends of October when the foliage is at its peak. Weekday visits are significantly more manageable. Arrive at the park entrance before 8 am on weekends to beat the worst of the crowds and secure cable car tickets.
What should I pack for Korea in October?
Layers are the key: a warm jacket for evenings and mountain hikes, lighter clothes for warm midday periods. Comfortable walking shoes for the national park trails. See the Korea packing list.
