Seoul in autumn is nothing like the famous K-beauty, glitzy Gangnam, or the futuristic Dongdaemun. The city dresses up into a surrealist scenery, shedding its metropolitan demeanor. This is a time to savor the moment, and also savor delicious Korean food, street stalls, and authentic Korean BBQ. You can visit the many temples in Seoul, step inside Korean palaces, and stroll through tropical parks bursting in autumn colors. The Koreans travel from all corners of the country to come to Seoul and see what the city is like when she soaks up the sunset and blushes a romantic orange. Take your time to see Seoul’s autumn because there’s nothing else in the world like it.
Where else will you find envy-inducing flaming red autumn foliage like in Seoul’s Namsan Park, a mystical landscape of dolmens, Emperor’s tombs in the North, or the last palace of the Chosun dynasty in the South of the city. The weather averages 14°C in November, and if you come in October you’re likely to get 20°C – it’s the perfect time to go exploring the backstreets for authentic Korean cuisine. During your stay in Seoul, hop on any official red City Sightseeing Bus and explore till 4 pm. After that, in the late evenings, it’s often recommended that you let loose and party, slow-roast in Korean BBQ, or simply curl up indoors with a hot drink.
Weather and Climate
The temperature can often fluctuate in autumn in Seoul. On average, the weather is usually warm and it’s a great time to explore the city. However, in the middle of the season, it’s evident that the weather can get pretty chilly sometimes. From September to November, autumn in Seoul stays around 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F), rising up to a maximum of 23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F). However, it’s worth noting that temperatures can drop to around 4°C (39°F) in November, and that would be just the beginning of the cold snap.
Rainfall averages at about 59mm in the season, and humidity ranges from 59% to 78%. Autumn is classified as a season just after the monsoon seasons and right before the typhoon turns into the cold-killing winters. With that said, it’s good to know that the typhoon season may extend to Seoul from September to early October, so keep that in mind. Pack accordingly, and prepare for the unexpected changes in weather. It’s advised that you bring something light for the warm period and thicker, insulating clothing for the evenings and the potential cold snap. Also, be ready for a few days that may be rather wet and rainy.
Average Temperatures
You’re thinking of visiting Seoul this autumn? This guide has you covered! This section of the guide covers a crucial factor for your visit: the weather.
Average Temperatures One of the first things you should research when you’re visiting a place is the weather. Though the older generation might say ‘Expect all four seasons in a day in Korea’, the temperature varies throughout your stay in autumn. Generally, in the entire autumn season, Seoul’s temperatures range anywhere between 12°C to 24°C. In the early weeks of autumn, temperatures range between 20°C to 25°C. Then, in the middle weeks of autumn, temperatures drop to around 15°C to 21°C. Finally, autumn ends with temperatures of 7°C to 13°C.
You may wonder how many clothes to bring along or what activities are best at the time. Since the temperatures will still be quite warm in the early weeks of autumn, you can expect quite a number of hot sunny days and hardly any rains. Also, the foliage will be greener than later in the season. Therefore, autumn’s weather is still perfect for outdoor activities. It is possible that the temperatures may increase past 24°C, but the weather will generally be good. However, in the middle weeks of autumn, temperatures will drop and the leaves will start turning yellow and eventually deep red. The chances of rain are quite high as well during this period. Therefore, it would be best to bring a mid-heavy jacket and a sturdy umbrella if you plan to visit around this time. The latter part of autumn is signaled by temperatures dropping to 7°C at the lowest. Most days will be cloudy, however, the rain would have lessened. Similar to the late weeks of September, you should bring along a mid-heavy jacket and a sturdy umbrella.
Rainfall and Typhoon Season
Rain is not too common during Seoul’s autumn, with most days being sunny. On average, the city receives a total of 104mm over 14 rainy days throughout the fall, so be sure to have your umbrella with you, just in case. This semester also overlaps with the tail of the typhoon season that occurs in neighboring Japan or China. Typhoons in Korea, as with their Japanese counterparts in Okinawa, very rarely result in the kind of destruction portrayed in movies like “The Day After Tomorrow,” although they can sometimes bring heavy rainfall, and in very rare cases result in dangerous flooding for the Jeolla Province further south. If a typhoon is predicted for the time you plan to visit either country, you should expect some flight and even transportation disruptions. The sea off Korea generally calms down by this season.
While it’s okay to visit, do be aware that late afternoons and nights cool down much faster, and temperatures here will begin to sneak back towards winter, so nights are a lot chillier than September. Plant life also begins to revert to shower shades in the park and on the mountains. The rainfall pattern is sporadic and the humidity is reduced to 63% on average. On average, the first two weeks will see slightly cooler temperatures at 14°C in the day and 6°C at night. The later two weeks will warm up slightly with recovered night-time temperatures, on average at about 8°C, just a few degrees cooler than September. Overall, with daylight hours still at 12 hours, most people find this the most comfortable month in Korea more suitable for city breaks than summer resorts.
Packing Tips for Autumn Travel
Although the weather in Seoul in autumn is not as cold as during its peak winter season, visitors should note that it is vastly different than spring and summer weather. Lists for what to pack are always subjective, but you should consider the weather during your visit when deciding what to wear and pack. The temperature during autumn can also vary from day to day (and day to night), ranging from a high of 23 degrees Celsius to a low of 10 degrees. A sweater or a warm upper garment is also essential for those who plan to be outside at night.
In September, you may still be able to see women wearing shorts and T-shirts and flip-flops; but overall, autumn in Korea is a time to bring more than just a T-shirt, shorts, and slippers, especially if you plan to walk around the city until late at night. On the streets of Seoul during the third week of October, you’re bound to see a lot of Koreans wearing down jackets, boots, and carrying long umbrellas to shield against the rain. To avoid the raucous noises of plastic raincoats while in a downpour, we would recommend you prepare yourself with a durable compact foldable travel umbrella. Travelers to Seoul in the autumn should also note that in addition to rain, there’s another phenomenon that visitors should be wary of – yellow sands blowing over from China. Locally known as 해안사, some areas of the country can expect to see clear yellow-orange dust hazes throughout the autumn months of October and November.
Clothing Recommendations
Packing Advice
The temperature in Seoul can be fickle in autumn and can change within minutes. Before your travels, it is suggested that you check the weather forecasts to gain a better understanding of the temperatures to prepare for. It is recommended that travelers wear several layers, which are easy to add or take off, based upon the temperature, during the day and evening. Fashion advice for dressing in autumn in Seoul is as follows:
For the early autumn: T-shirts, long sleeve thin shirts, thin knitwear, or light shirts are recommended to wear during the day. When the sun goes down, it is advisable to bring a warm pullover or sweater.
For the mid-autumn: Light sweater or cardigan, long sleeve shirt or blouse, jeans, leggings or warm pants are recommended to bring during the day. In the evening, a cardigan or jacket is recommended to bring for the cooler temperatures.
For the late autumn: Thick sweaters or cardigans, warm pants, hoodies, jackets, or coats are suitable to wear during the day. When the active sunlight diminishes, a scarf, jacket, or cap may be needed in the evenings.
Natural Attractions Clothing Guide
Autumn is the ideal time to travel to and around Seoul to explore the region’s nature. When traveling, remember to wear comfortable and suitable clothing and shoes for hiking, cycling, and walking. The fashion do’s below are for vintage activities such as bike tours.
DO wear layers and pack a light jacket. Breathable walking shoes are also recommended. If you want to give Korean BBQ a go in Seoul, wear dark clothes you don’t mind splashing in all of that Gochujang sauce and rich marinades.
Essential Items
– Medicines: if there are any specific ones that you usually take. – Insect repellent: if you are highly attractive to some biting insects and you want to avoid getting bitten too much. – Mobile power banks and your phone charger. – A Korean phrasebook if you do not have a Korea SIM card, just in case if you want to say more. – Copy of your passport and/or a photocopy of your original passport and/or a copy of passport with self-certification (especially when you leave your passport in your hostel in a secured locker, it is important that the passport xerox copy should be done in the front-desk of the hostel in front of the hostel staff and with his signature and hostel logo).
Seasonable Clothing: During your trip to Korea in autumn, it would be advisable to pack effortless and comfortable clothing. Layering would also be a smart move to combat the unpredictable weather changes. To adapt to the fluctuating temperature, bring a light coat or a thick sweater will also be useful in counteracting a sudden temperature dive. Take a waterproof outerwear to avoid getting drenched when it randomly rains from time to time. Even though outstanding properties of ultraviolet light protection are no longer necessary in the cool weather of autumn, yet, the cool autumn air can be very dry. So, you will need an additional enriched cream or moisturizer that is mild without volatile components as well. Shin and do not forget a highlight for behavior absorption and germination within.
Top Attractions to Visit in Seoul in Autumn
If you are asked, “What is Seoul’s most well-known tourist destination?” the answer would probably be “N Seoul Tower.” And that is for good reason! During autumn, Changgyeonggung and Namsan Mountain provide the best natural surroundings when sightseeing. The view at N Seoul Tower’s observatory, which soars 400 meters into the air, provides an amazing panoramic view of Seoul. However, if you are willing to go a little more, you may visit Inwangsan Mountain and Bugaksan Mountain in order to fully appreciate the splendid sights of autumn. Inwangsan Mountain is so close to Seoul that it offers a scenic view of the city. At the same time, Bugaksan is a touch different in that it is viewed from outside the fortress, overlapped with a glimpse of Naeseong, fitting together perfectly.
The grandest lotus festival in Korea is the Lotus Lantern Festival and is one of the most important Buddhist events each year. Thousands of individuals march the streets of Jongno-gu toward the supreme location, holding colorful lanterns high. Join others in admiring the beauty of the lanterns. Many things have occurred in Gyeongbok Palace’s 600-year history: it has experienced its splendor and fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair, only to be restored and celebrated by tourists from all around the world. Scenic spots surround the palace, which is especially beautiful in the fall. From here, reach Samcheongdong-gil Road in Central Seoul. This region is well recognized for its cozy surroundings, where domestic and global visitors alike can eat, drink, and even dance at vibrant and trendy restaurants, brands, and festivals.
Cultural Events and Festivals
During autumn, lots of colorful cultural events, performances, and festivals take place in Seoul. Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival features adorned lantern displays and beautiful floating lanterns as a part of Jinju’s Chrysanthemum Festival. Seoul Lantern Festival takes place on the river every autumn during November. Boasting the title of Asia’s biggest culture and arts festival, the JIMFF showcases the diversity and abundance of music and film. Beginning from 2006, a time when the meaning of the word “festival” started to fade, JIMFF has contributed a great deal to the uplift of Jecheon’s status as a city of film and culture. JIMFF not only integrates film and music—an unusual partnership between the image and sound—but also combines nature and environment.
Inje Institute of Real Life Culture once again offers up a special present to Seoul citizens in Gwanghwamun Square during puberty of autumn with Opera in Palace. Opera in Palace, sponsored by Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Korea Tourism Organization, and Seoul city, is designed to provide an opportunity for the birth of the nation’s new opera to citizens at Gwanghwamun Square and transmit traditional culture to tourists. On a stage that recreates the palace courtyard, visitors can see a variety of music and performances, such as Sopyonje, two days of special performances. Throughout the period, a variety of commemorative events and experimental events are being prepared. So we recommend that you check the program through the Opera in Palace homepage. After tending to your eyes and ears, enjoy a night view of autumn in Gyeongbokgung.