November in Seoul is the last gasp of autumn before winter arrives in earnest. Early in the month, the city's mountains and palace grounds still hold onto their red and gold canopy — ginkgo trees lining Deoksugung Stonewall Road turn a deep, almost electric yellow, and the maples in Changdeokgung's Secret Garden tend to peak around the first week. By mid-November, though, the leaves are mostly on the ground and the air has a real bite to it. Daytime temperatures hover around 12°C (53°F), but mornings and evenings drop to about 2°C (36°F), and that wind coming off the Han River makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
That said, there's something appealing about Seoul in this transitional window. The summer monsoon is long gone, skies are typically clear and dry, and the tourist crowds that pack Gyeongbokgung in October have thinned noticeably. You can actually enjoy a palace walk without dodging selfie sticks every three steps. Hotel prices dip from the October foliage peak, and restaurant reservations that needed planning in high season become walk-in affairs. Mind you, if you arrive after mid-November expecting blazing autumn color, you'll likely be disappointed — the foliage window is narrow and weather-dependent. But if you're comfortable with brisk weather and shorter days, this is a surprisingly rewarding month to be here.
It's also kimjang season, when Korean families gather to prepare the year's supply of kimchi. You'll see mountains of napa cabbage outside markets in Mangwon-dong and Tongin, and some temple stay programs let visitors participate in the process. The energy around food shifts noticeably — summer's cold noodles give way to bubbling stews, roasted sweet potatoes from street vendors, and the smell of hotteok batter crisping on griddles. Seoul in November is quieter, colder, and more introspective than its peak-season self. For the right traveler, that's exactly the appeal.
Why visit in November
- Late autumn foliage in early November — ginkgo-lined streets and maple-filled palace grounds at their peak without October's crowd density
- Dry, clear weather with only about 56mm of rain across the month, making it reliable for outdoor sightseeing compared to the summer monsoon months
- Hotel and flight prices drop from October's foliage-season peak, with shoulder-season rates offering solid value
- Kimjang season brings a distinct cultural energy around food — markets overflow with pickling ingredients and the city's food scene shifts fully into hearty winter mode
- Air quality tends to be better than the yellow dust months of March-April, with crisp autumn air in the first half of the month
Worth knowing
- Temperatures drop sharply after mid-month — late November mornings near 0°C (32°F) require genuine winter clothing, not just a light jacket
- Daylight is limited, with sunset around 5:15 PM by month's end, cutting outdoor sightseeing time short
- If foliage is your primary draw, you're gambling — peak color depends on the year, and by the second week the best displays are often past their prime
- Some outdoor attractions and rooftop venues begin closing for winter or reducing hours in the second half of November
Best for
Think twice if
November marks Seoul's transition from autumn into early winter. The first week often still feels like proper fall — cool, dry, comfortable for walking. By the third week, it's unmistakably cold, after sunset. Mornings can hover just above freezing, and the wind coming through the gaps between Gangnam's high-rises or across open palace courtyards adds a sharp chill. Rainfall is low at 56mm across roughly 6 rainy days, usually as brief, light showers rather than anything sustained. Humidity sits at a comfortable 72%, a relief after summer's oppressive mugginess. The dry air and frequent clear skies make for sharp visibility — on good days you can see Bukhansan's ridgeline clearly from central Seoul.
Seasonal caution
- Late November nights can dip below 0°C (32°F), in elevated areas near Bukhansan and Namsan — dress for freezing temperatures if you're planning dawn hikes or late evening walks
- Wind chill along the Han River and in open areas like Gwanghwamun Plaza can make the perceived temperature feel 5-8°C colder than the actual reading
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2 | -7 | 19 |
| Feb | 5 | -5 | 17 |
| Mar | 12 | 1 | 58 |
| Apr | 18 | 7 | 74 |
| May | 22 | 12 | 126 |
| Jun | 27 | 18 | 169 |
| Jul | 30 | 23 | 305 |
| Aug | 29 | 23 | 289 |
| Sep | 26 | 18 | 215 |
| Oct | 19 | 10 | 104 |
| Nov | 12 | 2 | 56 |
| Dec | 3 | -5 | 30 |
Best things to do in November
Autumn foliage walk through Changdeokgung Secret Garden
natureThe rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace, closed for centuries to everyone except royalty, holds some of Seoul's oldest and most striking trees. In early November, the maples turn deep crimson against the traditional pavilions and lotus ponds. The guided tour format means the garden never feels overrun, and the combination of 600-year-old architecture with peak fall color is hard to match anywhere in the city.
Maple and zelkova trees in the Secret Garden typically peak in the first week of November, and the guided-tour format means far fewer visitors than the open-access palaces during October's peakBooking tipThe English-language tours fill up fast — book online through the Cultural Heritage Administration site at least 3-4 days ahead, for weekend morning slots.
Hike Bukhansan National Park for ridgeline foliage views
outdoorBukhansan sits right at Seoul's northern edge, and its granite peaks offer panoramic views of the city below. In November the lower slopes are still threaded with autumn color while the higher ridges have already gone bare, creating a striking layered effect. The Bukhansanseong trail is demanding but rewards with views that extend to the Han River. The air is dry and visibility tends to be excellent on clear November mornings.
Cool temperatures make the steep climbs far more comfortable than summer, residual autumn color on the lower slopes adds visual interest, and clear November skies mean the best visibility of any seasonBooking tipBukhansan limits daily visitors on popular trails — enter before 9 AM on weekends to avoid hitting the cap.
Walk the ginkgo-lined streets near Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung
natureSeveral streets in central Seoul are canopied with ginkgo trees that turn a saturated yellow in November. The Deoksugung Stonewall Road is the most famous — a stone wall path alongside the palace that glows gold for about two weeks. The stretch along Samcheong-dong, leading up toward the National Folk Museum, is equally striking. The fallen leaves carpeting the sidewalks are beautiful, and in early November the effect is at its peak.
Ginkgo trees turn later than maples — they're often at their most intense yellow in the first two weeks of November, after October's maple color has already fadedTemple stay program with kimjang participation
culturalSeveral temples on Seoul's outskirts and in nearby Gyeonggi Province offer overnight temple stay programs that include communal kimchi-making during November. You'll wake before dawn for meditation, spend the morning helping prepare hundreds of heads of cabbage, and eat temple-style vegetarian meals. It's physically engaging and culturally immersive in a way that most tourist activities aren't.
Kimjang — the annual communal kimchi-making — happens primarily in November, and it's one of the few times temple programs incorporate this specific cultural practiceBooking tipBook through the official Templestay.com site at least two weeks in advance. Programs with kimjang components fill quickly in early November.
Evening stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream
urbanThis restored urban stream running through central Seoul takes on a different character in November. The Seoul Lantern Festival typically lights up a section of the stream with elaborate illuminated displays, and even outside the festival zone, the stream walk is pleasant — cool enough for a brisk walk, quiet enough to actually hear the water. The surrounding skyscrapers reflect off the surface, and the absence of summer humidity makes the whole experience more comfortable.
The Seoul Lantern Festival runs along Cheonggyecheon in November, adding dramatic illuminated installations to an already pleasant urban walk in the cool evening airExplore Ikseon-dong's hanok alley cafés
food and drinkThis tiny neighborhood of renovated traditional hanok houses has become Seoul's most atmospheric café district. In November, the cool air makes sitting inside these low-ceilinged, heated-floor spaces feel cozy. Many cafés serve seasonal drinks — citron tea, roasted grain lattes, sweet potato desserts. The narrow alleys, stripped of summer's dense foot traffic, are more pleasant to wander.
Cool weather makes the traditional ondol-heated hanok interiors feel inviting, and reduced autumn crowds mean you can actually get a seat without a long waitKorean BBQ crawl through Mapo-gu
food and drinkSeoul's meat-grilling culture hits different when the weather is cold. The Mapo-gu district, the streets around Mangwon and Hapjeong stations, is packed with no-frills Korean BBQ joints where the focus is on quality pork belly and beef. In November, the contrast between the cold street air and the warm, smoky interior of a packed BBQ restaurant is part of the experience. Soju and grilled meat pair well when you can see your breath outside.
Cold weather elevates the entire Korean BBQ experience — the warmth of the grill, the steam rising from soup sides, and the ritual of wrapping meat in lettuce all feel more satisfying when the air outside is near freezingBooking tipPopular spots like the area around Yeomni-dong fill up by 7 PM on weekends. Arrive by 6 PM or go on a weekday.
Day trip to Nami Island
day tripNami Island's tree-lined paths are one of Korea's most photographed autumn scenes. While October is peak, early November still catches the tail end of the display, the metasequoia lane. The island is small enough to explore in half a day, and the ferry ride across adds to the atmosphere. The crowds in early November are substantially lighter than the October peak.
Early November catches the final days of Nami Island's famous tree-lined foliage with significantly fewer tourists than the October peak — by mid-November the leaves are mostly gone, so timing mattersBooking tipTake the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan to Gapyeong rather than a tour bus — it's faster, cheaper, and you control your own schedule.
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Bae (Korean Pear)
Korean pears reach their peak sweetness in late October through November. They're larger and rounder than Western pears, with a crisp, almost apple-like texture and a clean sweetness that's less cloying than you'd expect. You'll see them stacked in markets everywhere, often individually wrapped in foam nets. They're also commonly served as a palate cleanser after Korean BBQ.
On menus now
Kimjang Kimchi
November is kimjang season — the annual communal kimchi-making tradition that UNESCO recognized as cultural heritage. Markets like Gwangjang and Mangwon overflow with enormous heads of napa cabbage, dried red pepper flakes, and salted seafood. Some restaurants serve freshly made kimchi that hasn't fermented yet, which has a bright, almost salad-like crunch that's completely different from the aged stuff.
Tteokguk and Mandu-guk
Warming rice cake and dumpling soups start appearing on restaurant specials as the weather turns. While technically a New Year's dish, many restaurants begin featuring heartier versions of tteokguk in November. The broth is typically beef-based, clear, and savory. Pair it with a side of kimchi that's been fermenting since last year's kimjang for the full experience.
Street food peaks
Hotteok
These crispy-on-the-outside, molten-on-the-inside sweet pancakes become a staple street food as temperatures drop. Vendors press the dough flat on a griddle until it's golden, and the filling — brown sugar, cinnamon, crushed peanuts — oozes when you bite in. The Hotteok stands near Namdaemun Market tend to draw the longest lines, and for good reason. The warmth in your hands is half the appeal on a cold November afternoon.
Gukhwappang (Chrysanthemum Bread)
A seasonal street snack shaped like chrysanthemum flowers, filled with sweet red bean paste. Vendors set up seasonal carts near popular walking areas like Insadong and Myeongdong starting in November. The exterior is crisp and light, the filling dense and earthy. They're sold warm and best eaten immediately.
Roasted Chestnuts and Sweet Potatoes
Street vendors with their charcoal drums appear like clockwork once November hits. The smell of roasting goguma (sweet potatoes) is one of those distinctly Korean autumn scents — smoky, caramelized, sweet. Chestnuts are sold in paper bags, still hot enough to warm your pockets. You'll find vendors near university districts like Sinchon and Daehangno.
Regular events in November
Seoul Lantern FestivalFree
Elaborate illuminated lantern installations line a stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream, depicting Korean cultural scenes, folk tales, and seasonal themes. The displays are impressive after dark, and the stream walk takes on a festival atmosphere with food stalls and performances along the route.
Early to mid-November, running roughly two weeksPepero DayFree
November 11 (11/11, resembling Pepero sticks) is Korea's unofficial chocolate-stick holiday. It's not a public holiday, but convenience stores and bakeries go all out with elaborate Pepero displays and limited editions. Couples exchange boxes, and the commercialism is so cheerfully over-the-top that it's entertaining even as a visitor.
November 11BIFF and independent film screenings
While the Busan International Film Festival wraps in October, November sees independent and art-house screenings pick up in Seoul's Hongdae and Jongno neighborhoods. The Seoul Independent Film Festival typically runs in late November, showing Korean indie productions in small venues.
Late NovemberKimjang cultural events and workshopsFree
Various cultural centers and community organizations in Seoul host public kimjang events where visitors can learn about and participate in traditional kimchi preparation. Seoul Plaza near City Hall sometimes hosts large-scale public kimjang events.
Throughout November, concentrated mid-monthGangnam Festival night marketsFree
Late-season night markets pop up along Gangnam's main boulevard, featuring street food, live performances, and local vendor stalls. The cooler weather actually makes these more comfortable than their summer counterparts.
Weekends throughout NovemberBest places this November
Changdeokgung Secret Garden
palaceThe walled rear garden holds some of Seoul's finest autumn trees. In early November, maples and other deciduous species create a layered color display around traditional pavilions and lotus ponds. The mandatory guided tour keeps crowds manageable.
Jongno-guNamsan Tower and Namsan Park trails
viewpointThe forested slopes of Namsan still hold autumn color in early November, and the cable car ride up offers aerial views of the canopy. The observation deck provides clear views across Seoul on the dry, low-humidity November days that are common this month.
Jung-guBukchon Hanok Village
neighborhoodThe traditional hanok-lined streets of Bukchon are atmospheric in November. Fallen ginkgo leaves line the narrow alleyways, foot traffic is lighter than peak season, and the contrast of traditional rooftops against clear autumn skies makes for strong photographs.
Jongno-guOlympic Park
parkThe large grounds of the 1988 Olympic complex hold one of Seoul's best free autumn foliage displays. The walking paths through wooded sections peak in the first week of November, and the open spaces mean you're not competing for elbow room.
Songpa-guMangwon Market
marketThis local market in the Mangwon-dong neighborhood shifts into winter mode in November. Stalls pile up with kimjang supplies — enormous cabbages, dried chili flakes, salted shrimp — and seasonal street food vendors fire up their griddles. It's less touristy than Gwangjang Market and gives a better sense of how locals actually shop.
Mapo-guSeongsu-dong
neighborhoodSeoul's converted-warehouse district is worth a wander in November. The industrial spaces turned cafés and galleries feel appropriately moody in autumn light, and the neighborhood's tree-lined streets pick up golden tones. Weekend pop-up markets appear regularly.
Seongdong-guHaneul Park (Sky Park)
parkBuilt on a former landfill in the World Cup Park complex, Haneul Park sits on an elevated plateau with sweeping views of the Han River and surrounding mountains. In early November, the silver grass (eulalia) fields are still in their late-season display — tall plumes catching the low autumn light. The park is most dramatic at sunset.
Mapo-gu
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Insider tips
The heated floors in traditional hanok guesthouses are the coziest way to sleep in November Seoul. Book a hanok stay in Bukchon or Seochon and you'll understand why Koreans invented ondol heating. Sleeping on a warm floor while cold air sits outside the paper doors is a distinct sensory experience.
Convenience stores like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven sell surprisingly good hot meals from their warmers — steamed buns, odeng skewers, and hotteok that rival dedicated street vendors. When you're cold and tired at 10 PM, a convenience store hot snack and a warm can of corn tea is a legitimate dinner option that locals rely on without any embarrassment.
For autumn foliage without the palace crowds, head to Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu or the trails around Inwangsan. Inwangsan in particular has a ridgeline walk above the old city wall with views across Seoul's northern quarters, and sees a fraction of the foot traffic that Bukhansan gets. The hike takes about two hours round trip.
If you're shopping in Myeongdong, avoid the ground-level tourist shops and go underground — the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center has better prices on Korean skincare and cosmetics than the branded flagship stores above. The selection is enormous and haggling is sometimes possible on multi-item purchases.
Download KakaoMap before you arrive — Google Maps works poorly in South Korea due to national security mapping restrictions. KakaoMap has accurate transit directions, walking routes, and restaurant reviews. The interface is partially in English and the transit information is significantly more reliable than any other mapping app in Korea.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only a light autumn jacket and assuming November Seoul is mild. The first week might fool you, but by mid-month you'll be underdressed and miserable during evening outings. Check the forecast for your specific dates and pack for the coldest day, not the warmest.
- Planning a trip around autumn foliage in late November. By the third week, most deciduous trees are bare. If fall color is your primary motivation, you need to arrive in the first week — and even then, the peak may have already passed depending on the year. October is the safer bet.
- Relying on Google Maps for navigation. It gives wildly inaccurate transit directions and sometimes routes you to the wrong side of the river. Download KakaoMap or Naver Map before landing, and use those exclusively.
- Scheduling outdoor sightseeing after 4:30 PM without accounting for early sunset. Daylight fades fast in late November — Changdeokgung's last garden tour might finish near dusk, and Bukhansan becomes dark on the trails by 5 PM. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and save indoor options like markets, museums, and restaurants for evenings.
Practical tips for November
Book palace visits and temple stay programs at least a week ahead — November is past peak season but popular enough that English-language tours and weekend programs fill up. The T-money transit card works on all buses and subways and can be purchased at any convenience store; load it with about 30,000 won to start. Many restaurants in tourist areas close their kitchens by 9 PM in the colder months, so eat dinner earlier than you might at home. Heated indoor seating at traditional restaurants often means floor seating — wear socks without holes, because you'll be removing your shoes frequently. If you're visiting multiple palaces, the integrated ticket at Gyeongbokgung covers four palaces and Jongmyo Shrine for 10,000 won, which is solid value. Dress codes are not strict in Seoul, but you'll stand out less and stay warmer in dark, layered clothing that most locals favor this time of year. The airport railroad (AREX) express train from Incheon to Seoul Station takes 43 minutes and avoids traffic entirely — it's reliably the fastest option unless your hotel is directly on the airport bus route.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Seoul?
November is a good month for Seoul, though it's a step below the ideal windows of October and April-May. Early November still catches autumn foliage, ginkgo trees that peak later than maples. The weather is dry and clear, crowds are thinner than peak season, and prices soften. The tradeoff is cold temperatures — expect highs around 12°C (53°F) and lows near 2°C (36°F) — and short daylight hours. If you're comfortable bundling up and don't mind sunset before 5:30 PM, it's a rewarding time to visit. If cold weather puts a damper on your enjoyment, you might prefer September or May instead.
What is the weather like in Seoul in November?
Cool to cold, dry, and mostly clear. Average highs sit around 11.9°C (53°F) and lows around 2.4°C (36°F), with roughly 56mm of rainfall across about 6 rainy days. Humidity is a comfortable 72%. Early November feels like proper autumn — jacket weather during the day, cold at night. Late November edges into early winter territory, with morning frost possible and wind chill making it feel colder than the numbers suggest. The good news is that it's one of the drier months, and overcast days are relatively uncommon compared to summer.
Is Seoul crowded in November?
Moderately. November sits in a comfortable middle ground — the October foliage-chasers have largely moved on, and the December holiday travelers haven't arrived yet. Popular palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are still busy but manageable, on weekdays. You won't find the kind of sardine-can crowds that hit during cherry blossom season in April or peak foliage in mid-October. Restaurants and cafés in popular neighborhoods like Hongdae and Ikseon-dong still draw lines on weekends, but nothing that requires advance planning for most places.
What should I wear in Seoul in November?
Dress in warm layers. A proper winter coat is necessary for evenings, and thermal base layers become increasingly important as the month progresses. During midday, a lighter jacket over a sweater might suffice when the sun is out, but you'll want to add layers quickly once it sets. Closed-toe, warm shoes are essential — you'll be walking extensively, often on hilly terrain. Pack gloves, a scarf, and a beanie. Koreans tend to dress in dark, muted tones during winter, so you'll blend in better with a similar palette. Most, do not underestimate how cold the wind makes it feel.
Can I still see autumn leaves in Seoul in November?
It depends entirely on when in November you arrive. The first week typically still has good color, from ginkgo trees which turn later than maples. Deoksugung Stonewall Road, Changdeokgung's Secret Garden, and the streets of Samcheong-dong are your best bets for lingering foliage. By mid-November, most trees are bare or nearly so. If autumn foliage is the main reason for your trip, aim for the first five days of the month and have backup plans in case an early cold snap stripped the trees before you arrived. October remains the more reliable foliage month.
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