November is one of Seoul’s best months. The summer heat and humidity are long gone, the air is clean and crisp, and the ginkgo and maple trees across the city’s parks and palace gardens turn yellow and red in the second and third weeks of the month. It is one of the two best months to visit Seoul, alongside April.
Quick Answer: Seoul in November: Cool temperatures of 8 to 15 degrees in early November, dropping to 3 to 8 degrees by late November. Autumn foliage peaks in the second and third weeks. Low crowds compared to spring. One of the best months to visit. See the autumn in Korea for nationwide foliage timing.
Seoul Weather in November
Early November (1 to 14)
Highs of 12 to 15 degrees. Lows of 5 to 8 degrees. A warm jacket is needed throughout the day. Sunny conditions are typical.
Mid-November (15 to 22)
Highs of 8 to 12 degrees. Evenings drop to 2-5 degrees. The peak foliage window. Gloves and a scarf are needed for evenings.
Late November (23 to 30)
Highs of 5 to 8 degrees. Lows approaching 0 degrees by the month’s end. A proper winter coat is needed. The foliage begins to fall, but the last colour lingers. See Korea in November for the nationwide Korea November guide.
What to Wear
A warm jacket or light down coat throughout November. Add a scarf and gloves for the second half of the month. Comfortable walking shoes are important as most Seoul sightseeing involves significant time on foot. See the Korea travel essentials for what to bring.
Autumn Foliage in Seoul in November
Seoul’s autumn foliage season overlaps with Korea’s national foliage calendar. Key spots and their typical peak windows:
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The maple and ginkgo trees within the palace grounds and the approach to Gwanghwamun Gate peak from around November 8 to 18. The combination of the historic palace architecture and autumn colour makes Seoul’s foliage scene one of its finest. See the Gyeongbokgung Palace guide for the full palace guide.
Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
The Huwon (Secret Garden) behind Changdeokgung Palace has some of the most beautiful private foliage in Korea. Special autumn foliage tours of the garden are offered with limited capacity. Book well in advance. See the Changdeokgung Palace guide.
Seoul Forest
The large riverside park in Seongsu-dong peaks in early to mid-November. Easy to reach by subway. See the Seoul Forest guide and the Seongsu-dong guide for the surrounding neighbourhood.
Namsan Seoul Tower
The Namsan hillside has excellent autumn colour from mid to late November. The combination of foliage and city views from the Seoul Tower deck makes it a particularly good November visit. See the Namsan Seoul Tower guide.
Bukhansan National Park
The mountain park north of Seoul peaks in late October to early November at higher elevations. Good for hikers looking for dramatic mountain foliage. See the Seoul day trips for how to reach Bukhansan.
What to Do in Seoul in November
Beyond foliage, November is excellent for the Seoul shopping guide (outdoor markets are pleasant without the summer heat), the Seoul nightlife guide (cool evenings suit bars and rooftops), and the Korean BBQ guide, which is particularly satisfying in cold weather. The Seoul in 5 days and Seoul in 3 days itineraries work well for planning in November.
Is November Crowded in Seoul?
Less crowded than Japan in November. Korean domestic tourism to Seoul remains active, but international visitor volume is significantly lower than during the spring cherry blossom season. The palace gardens can be busy on clear weekend afternoons during peak foliage,e but remain far more accessible than equivalent spots in Kyoto.
Nearby Guides
- autumn in Korea
- Korea in November
- Seoul in October
- Gyeongbokgung Palace guide
- Changdeokgung Palace guide
- Seoul Forest guide
- Seoul travel guide
- Seoul in 3 days
FAQ
When does autumn foliage peak in Seoul?
The main foliage window in Seoul is from November 8 to 22, with the exact peak varying by 3 to 5 days each year based on summer temperatures. See the autumn in Korea for the nationwide foliage timing guide.
Is Seoul better in October or November for foliage?
November. Seoul’s foliage peaks in mid-November. October in Seoul has comfortable temperatures and lower crowds, but the colour has not yet arrived in the city. See Seoul in October for what October is like in Seoul.
How cold does Seoul get in November?
Late November evenings can drop to 0-3 degrees. A proper warm jacket, scarf, and gloves are needed from mid-November onward. It is not as cold as December or January, but noticeably colder than most visitors expect.
