Korea in November: Weather, Foliage and What to Pack
Seoul averages about 11.9°C by day and 3.5°C at night in November, so pack layers and a warm coat. Autumn colour peaks on Bukhansan around November 4 and Naejangsan around November 11 in the 2026 forecast. Gyeongbokgung closes at 17:00 that month.
- Seoul in November
- Average high 11.9°C, low 3.5°C
- Foliage peak (2026 forecast)
- Bukhansan Nov 4, Naejangsan Nov 11, Hallasan Nov 13
- Pack
- Layers, a warm coat, scarf and gloves
- Official site
- VisitKorea
What should I know before I arrive?
Figures checked October 12, 2026
November is the bridge between autumn and winter: cool days, cold nights and leaves that colour later in the south than in the north. VisitKorea puts the autumn average near 15°C and advises "lightweight layers" or "a jacket or coat" because temperatures can fluctuate greatly.
- Worth knowing: Official monthly figures fall fast through the season. Seoul's average high is 20.2°C in October, 11.9°C in November and 4.2°C in December, so early and late November feel like different months.
- A common mistake: Packing for the autumn photos rather than the evenings. Seoul's November lows average 3.5°C, and the cold is felt most after sunset and on mountains.
- Local tip: Foliage dates move with the weather. Recheck the VisitKorea foliage forecast close to your trip.
What is the weather like in Korea in November?
Cool in the day and near freezing at night: Seoul averages 11.9°C at its highest and 3.5°C at its lowest, while Busan is milder at 16.6°C and 8.3°C. These are monthly averages from VisitKorea, so expect warmer afternoons early in the month and colder ones by the end.
| City | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul, high / low | 20.2°C / 10.6°C | 11.9°C / 3.5°C | 4.2°C / -3.4°C |
| Busan, high / low | 22.5°C / 14.5°C | 16.6°C / 8.3°C | 10.4°C / 2°C |
The VisitKorea page does not give November rainfall, so use the forecast on the Korea Meteorological Administration site or app a few days before you fly. Visit Seoul notes that winter brings cold northwesterly winds and that temperatures can drop to about -15°C, which is a reminder that the cold deepens quickly after November.
Practical example: a traveller landing in Seoul in the first week of November can expect roughly October-like afternoons easing toward the 11.9°C November average, while someone arriving in the last week should dress closer to the December figures.
When does autumn foliage peak in November?
In the 2026 forecast, Bukhansan near Seoul peaks around November 4, Jirisan on November 5, Naejangsan on November 11 and Hallasan on Jeju on November 13. Seoraksan in the northeast peaks earlier, around October 25, so November is the month for Seoul's surroundings and the south.
| Mountain | Region | Colour begins | Forecast peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukhansan | Seoul | October 23 | November 4 |
| Jirisan | Southern inland | October 28 | November 5 |
| Naejangsan | Jeollabuk-do | Not listed | November 11 |
| Hallasan | Jeju Island | October 31 | November 13 |
VisitKorea states that "the actual fall foliage dates may change depending on weather conditions," and credits the forecast data to Weatheri Inc. For Seoul itself, Visit Seoul points to palace gardens with maple, ginkgo and zelkova trees as especially colourful autumn outings. Korea.net says Naejangsan has 13 maple species, the most of any domestic national park, and that visitors can enjoy the leaves without climbing. See our full autumn foliage guide for more places.
What should I pack for Korea in November?
Pack lightweight layers and a jacket or coat, which is VisitKorea's own autumn advice, then add a scarf and gloves if you arrive in late November. The scarf and gloves are a practical suggestion based on the low-single-digit night averages above, not an official requirement.
- Base layers: Long-sleeve tops that work alone on a 15°C afternoon and under a coat at night.
- Warm layer: A fleece or knit, since Seoul's average low is 3.5°C and Busan's is 8.3°C.
- Outer layer: A jacket or coat; choose a heavier one for Seoul and the mountains, a lighter one for Busan.
- Accessories: A scarf, gloves and a hat for late-month evenings and for any mountain visit.
- Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes with grip; fallen leaves and park paths can be slippery.
Mountains are colder than the cities. The VisitKorea climate page lists yearly averages from 7°C at Daegwallyeong to 15°C in Busan, so treat any highland trip as a layer colder than the Seoul figures.
What is open and worth doing in November?
Palaces, mountain foliage and a few regional festivals are the main draws, but check shorter palace hours first. Gyeongbokgung, for example, switches to shorter hours in November.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Visit Seoul lists 09:00 to 17:00 for November and December, last entry one hour before closing, closed Tuesdays, and foreign adult admission of 3,000 won (as of 2026). Entry is free if you wear a complete hanbok.
- Naejangsan National Park: Korea.net describes a 2.6 km Nature Observation Trail that takes about 40 minutes, with a shuttle bus and cable car as alternatives.
- Gumi Ramyun Festival: VisitKorea's 2026 autumn festival list gives November 6 to 8, 2026, in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and notes that details may change.
For more events across the year, see the Korea festival calendar, and for a city route that uses the palaces, see Seoul in 3 days.
How do I plan a November trip?
Pick your dates around the foliage forecast, book mountain and palace visits for weekdays, and pack for the coldest evening you expect.
- Choose your region. Seoul and the north peak earlier in the month; Naejangsan and Jeju peak around November 11 to 13 in the 2026 forecast.
- Check the forecast. Review the VisitKorea foliage forecast and the KMA weather pages in the week before you fly.
- Check opening hours. Confirm palace closing days and the 17:00 closing time on the official pages.
- Pack in layers. Use the list above, and keep a scarf and gloves in your day bag.
- Allow flexibility. Weekends and public holidays are busy at famous foliage sites, so keep one spare day for weather changes.
For the other months of the year, see our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Korea.
FAQ
Is November a good month to visit Korea?
Yes, if you like cool, clear days and late autumn colour. Seoul averages about 11.9°C by day and 3.5°C at night, and foliage on southern mountains peaks in early to mid-November.
Does it snow in Korea in November?
Visit Seoul describes heavy snow falling periodically in winter (December to February) and gives no November snow figures, so check the Korea Meteorological Administration forecast near your travel dates.
What should I wear in Korea in November?
Layers plus a jacket or coat. VisitKorea recommends lightweight layers or a jacket or coat for autumn, and late November nights near freezing call for a warmer coat.
Is Seoul or Busan warmer in November?
Busan is milder. VisitKorea lists November averages of 16.6°C high and 8.3°C low for Busan, against 11.9°C and 3.5°C for Seoul.
Official sources and useful links
Links open in a new tab. Temperatures, dates and hours above are approximate; verify on these pages.
- VisitKorea: Climate and seasons monthly temperature averages and autumn clothing advice
- VisitKorea: 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast colour-start and peak dates for major mountains
- Visit Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace opening hours, closed days and admission
- Visit Seoul: Seasons what Seoul looks like in autumn and winter
- VisitKorea: Korea's TOP 14 Autumn Festivals in 2026 festival dates and locations
- Korea Meteorological Administration official forecasts and weather services
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