October is one of the best months to visit Seoul, with comfortable temperatures, low humidity, clear blue skies, and some of the city’s most pleasant walking weather. It is ideal for exploring palaces, markets, neighbourhoods, Han River parks, and mountain viewpoints without the heat of summer or the deep cold of winter.
Autumn foliage usually begins in the final week of the month, adding colour to places like Namsan, Changdeokgung, Seoul Forest, and Bukhansan. Here is everything you need to know to plan a visit to Seoul in October, including weather, what to wear, foliage timing, events, crowds, and practical travel tips.
October Weather in Seoul
Temperatures: Early October averages 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) during the day. By late October, temperatures drop to 12 to 16°C (54 to 61°F) in the day and 6 to 10°C (43 to 50°F) at night. The temperature change between early and late October is significant. Pack layers.
Rain: October is one of Seoul’s driest months. Average of 3 to 5 rain days across the month, mostly brief showers. The monsoon season is fully over. Clear blue skies are the norm.
Humidity: Low. After the oppressive humidity of July and August, the October air in Seoul is dry and crisp. This is what makes the month so pleasant for walking.
Autumn Foliage in October
Seoul’s autumn foliage typically begins in the final week of October and peaks in early to mid-November. The timing varies slightly year to year, depending on temperature. Ginkgo trees (the yellow ones lining major boulevards like Gyeongbokgung Road and Changdeokgung) often turn before the maples.
Best early foliage spots in late October: Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, Bukhansan National Park, and Namsan Park all show the first colours in the final days of October. For full foliage, returning in November or extending into early November gives the most colour.
October Events in Seoul
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF): Technically in Busan rather than Seoul, BIFF runs in early October and is worth a day trip or overnight from Seoul—Korea’s most significant cultural event of the autumn. See the BIFF Square guide for visiting details.
Seoul Lantern Festival: The Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival typically begins in late October and runs into November. The stream through central Seoul fills with illuminated lanterns. Free and one of the city’s most photographed events.
Hangang Park activities: The Han River parks are at their most pleasant in October. Cycling, picnicking, and the Yeouido Hangang Park area are all significantly more enjoyable in the October temperatures than in summer.
What to Wear in Seoul in October
Early October (1st to 15th): light layers are sufficient during the day. A light jacket for evenings. T-shirt weather in the early afternoon on warm days.
Late October (16th to 31st): a midweight jacket or coat is needed for mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes—a light scarf for the cooler nights toward mthe end of the month
Rain gear: a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is worth carrying. October showers are brief but can come without warning.
Is October Crowded in Seoul?
October is a popular month, and prices for flights and accommodation reflect that. Korean domestic tourism increases in October due to the Chuseok holiday (which falls in September or October depending on the lunar calendar). International visitor numbers are high. Book accommodation early, particularly around the BIFF period and during Korean public holidays.
