I think I have said over and over again to visit South Korea in the fall because it’s honestly my favorite time to visit. The weather during Autumn in Korea is usually the best from cool crispy air, clear skies, not usually filled with air pollution and it just looks stunning. Most people think to visit South Korea during spring because of the beautiful spring cherry blossoms, but I honestly think visiting Korea in Autumn is better.
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Autumn in Korea – 20 Amazing places to visit during Autumn
The weather during autumn is comfortable, relaxing, and quite refreshing. The leaves have usually turned by the end of October and early November. There are a lot of things to considers and think of when visiting Korea during autumn. I have created the perfect Autumn in Korea guide to help you know what to expect and what to see during this beautiful season.
Fall Season in Korea
Weather in Korea in September
The weather in September is still unbearably hot and almost can’t be considered to be autumn, however, by the end of the month, the weather becomes crisp and cool. Average temperatures range between 60 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 – 26 degrees celsius. The weather is very comfortable outside but it still holds onto a bit of that humidity which cools down later in October.
Weather in Korea in October
Korea in October is quite ideal, the weather becomes a lot more cooler and comfortable outside. A light jacket is needed at night and wearing jeans and a t-shirt can be considered comfortable. Although, in the city during windy days, it can be a bit cooler than anticipated. The autumn leaves in Korea are just starting to change colors, seeing a lot of the yellow and some of the orange fall leaves. Average temperatures in Korea range between 48 – 68 degrees Fahrenheit or 9 – 20 degrees celsius.
Weather in Korea in November
I would say that the weather in November is now quite cool and cold outside. The colors of the leaves have completely changed over and a jacket will be needed. This will be the peak season to see autumn leaves. You will more than likely need some thicker sweaters and long sleeves to get around during the day. Some days the chill factor can be a lot colder than what the temperature outside says. Average temperatures are around 35 – 53 degrees Fahrenheit or 2 – 12 degrees celsius.
When is autumn in Korea?
Autumn in Korea is between the end of October and early November. Those will be considered the best months to see any Korean fall foliage and to be considered fall even though the weather can be quite cold. It can be considered to be almost winter in November when considering how cold it can be outside, but the leaves are just so beautifully yellow, orange, and red.
Korea National Park Foliage Forecast for 2021
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Hallasan National Park in Jeju Island (October 17
– November 1)
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Seoraksan National Park (September 26 – October 18)
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Jirisan National Park (October 10 – October 23)
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Gayasan National Park (October 16 – October 27)
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Odaesan National Park (October 1 – October 16)
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Woraksan National Park (October 12 – October 26)
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Bukhansan National Park (October 16 – October 30)
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Chiaksan National Park (October 7 – October 23)
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Songnisan National Park (October 16 – October 29)
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Naejangsan National Park (October 18 – November 8)
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Gyeryongsan National Park (October 19 – October 30)
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Mudeungsan National Park (October 22 – November 6)
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Palgongsan National Park (October 18 – October 30)
Best Places to Visit in Autumn
Asan Ginkgo Tree Road
Address: 아산시 염치읍 백암리 259-2
Probably one of the most beautiful places to see the yellow leaves falling from the sky. This is one of the most popular places to visit during Autumn in Korea. These tall and mature ginkgo trees are yellow in color and there is a long beautiful path that covered the sidewalks in yellow leaves. It’s a great place to get some beautiful photos and take a stroll in the brisk fall weather. I highly recommend visiting this if you get the chance, it’s absolutely stunning.
Anseong Farmland
Address: 경기 안성시 공도읍 대신두길 28
So fall or autumn in Korea isn’t just known for its beautiful autumn foliage, it’s also known for the popular pink Muhly. The pink Muhly is absolutely stunning and Anseong Farmland is one of the most popular places to see these beautiful plants. They bloom typically at the end of September and early October. It’s like seeing a giant field of pink cotton candy. At Anseong Farmland, they also have pink cosmos and other flowers as well.
Nami Island
Address: 강원 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1
Probably one of my favorite places to visit during fall. Nami Island in autumn has some beautiful foliage that is perfect for every season, but it’s most well known for fall and spring. The colors are absolutely stunning and there are a lot of things to see. What I love about this place, is that it reminds me of traveling in the US and visiting pumpkin farms, and participating in traditional fall activities. Nearby you can do the Gangchon rail bike which has some stunning views of the fall foliage and a short train ride back. Book and save money by purchasing your day tour tickets here.
Jeonju Hanok Village
Address: 전북 전주시 완산구 기린대로 99
Jeonju is a great place to visit during the fall. They have some gorgeous views and honestly, I prefer wearing a hanbok during the fall. During the summer months, it is way too hot to wear and during the winter months, it’s just way too cold. So if you want to try on a hanbok and walk around in a traditional Korean village I suggest visiting Jeonju during the fall or spring months. A lot of the food is so delicious there and many of the root vegetables used for bibimbap (which Jeonju is known for) are perfect to eat around then. Rent a hanbok in Jeonju here.
Bulguksa Temple
Address: 경북 경주시 불국로 385 불국사
This is one of the most popular temples in Gyeongju and has a large open space to wander around. The temple is surrounded by nature and filled with these large mature trees. It makes for the perfect place to get photos of the beautiful fall leaves with the temple and lanterns in the background. It’s a great place to visit during the autumn months. Book a night tour in Gyeongju.
Seoraksan National Park
Address: 강원 인제군 북면 용대리
This is the park that has the tallest mountain in Gangwon-do province and is considered to be one of Korea’s most beautiful hikes, especially during the spring and fall months. It is one of 22 of Korea’s national parks. It is also considered Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Unfortunately, the hike can be quite steep and dangerous to new hikers, which takes about 800 steps to climb. However, the view is completely worth it and is absolutely beautiful. Book a tour to Seoraksan National Park today!
The park alone has a lot of great views during the fall months showing some of Korea’s best fall foliage.
Hwadam Forest
Address: 경기 광주시 도척면 도척윗로 278-1
If you haven’t had the chance to come here yet, I highly suggest you do. This forest is absolutely stunning and worth visiting. It is most popular during the spring and fall months because all of the foliage is magical during those months. This forest is not free and does require entrance, but the path is quite long. There is a monorail you can pay to ride to the top and walk down the beautifully paved paths. Avoid transportation problems by booking your tour here.
Naejangsan National Park
Address: 전북 정읍시 내장산로 1207
A beautiful National park located in Jeollabuk-do and quite famous for its beautiful fall foliage. You can easily find this on Korea’s tourism website and the first photos you will see of the park will be of the beautiful fall colors. It is considered to be the best mountain for autumn foliage in Korea. Inside the park, there are famous waterfalls, two of the most famous ones are Dodeokpokpo Falls and Geumseonpokpo Falls. Additionally, you will see a few temples as well.
Baekam San – 백암산
Address: 경북 울진군 온정면
This is another great mountain to hike in South Korea to get some beautiful fall foliage sky-high views. The weather during the fall allows for some beautiful hikes and the cool weather makes it easier to accomplish. Although, I would say this is far less visited compared to other hiking trails and autumn views in South Korea.
Pyeonggang Land
Address: 경기 포천시 영북면 우물목길 171-18
One amazing place you can go and test out is Peaceland. This is a beautiful open space where you see some gentle wooden giants within. They also have an adventure park where the kids can play and an awesome metal roller slide. It has a jungle gym and ninja warrior kind of area where the kids can test their hand-eye coordination skills. It’s great to visit during fall because they have a large open space filled with pink muhly and other fall flowers.
Jangtaesan Natural Forest
Address: 대전광역시 서구 장안동 장태산
A beautiful hiking trail and mountain to see some of Korea’s beautiful autumn colors and leaves. This hiking trail is paved pretty nicely with some wooden stairs to hike up to the top. There is a beautiful river that runs through the mountains as well.
Cheongsan Arboretum
Address: 충남 태안군 남면 연꽃길 70
The location is not very large, but it is known for the popular KDrama “Crash Landing on you”. They have a lot of different plants like lotuses, lilies, pink muhly, and the Pampas grass which are taller than you. It makes you feel like you are small in these tall plants.
The Garden of the Morning Calm
Address: 경기 가평군 상면 수목원로 432
Most gardens in Korea will be absolutely stunning around this time. I think most people think of gardens to only be beautiful around the spring months due to the cherry blossoms blooming, but the garden of the morning calm is absolutely stunning during autumn. A lot of these gardens are filled with many different types of species which make them stunning to visit throughout the year. For example, during Christmas, the Garden of the Morning Calm will be completely lit up at night. I highly suggest visiting during every season of the year. Book a combo tour with Nami Island, Garden of the Morning Calm, Petite France, and Gangchon Rail Bike.
Yangju Nari Park
Address: 경기 양주시 광사로 131-66
This is a beautiful autumn spot just north of Seoul in Gyeonggi-do. There are different types of flowers that are perfect to see during autumn. You can see tons of beautiful pink muhly, Kochia Ccoparia flowers (꽃담싸리), Globe Amaranth (천일홍), Whirling Butterflies (나비바늘꽃), and more. It’s quite a beautiful spot filled with lots of pink colors.
Autumn in Seoul – Places to visit during Fall in Seoul
Samcheongdong
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 삼청로 107
This area is pretty much the area that is considered to be where the Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul is located. It’s a perfect location to wear a Korean traditional hanbok. Even if you don’t want to wear a hanbok, it will be a great location to see so many people dressed in hanboks taking photos during the fall months. The weather is cooler and perfect to wear these beautiful outfits. You will see gorgeous traditional Korean Hanoks in the background with some fall leaves.
Seoul Olympic Park
Address: 서울특별시 송파구 방이동 88-2
This is one of the most popular places to visit during the fall months not only to see fall foliage but the orange and pink cosmos bloom here during autumn in Korea. It’s a beautiful place to visit and there are flowers literally bloomed all over the area. The flowers are typically bloomed from September through October. They also have a rose garden and some pink muhly you can see there as well.
N. Seoul Tower – Namsan Tower
Address: 서울 용산구 남산공원길 105
Probably one of my favorite places to visit during autumn. I’ve been here several times and have hiked up this mountain quite a bit especially during the fall months. This is definitely worth seeing during autumn. It’s got a gorgeous view with the orange, yellow, and red leaves with the bright blue skies. Fall in this area is absolutely stunning and I find it just as beautiful during the spring months as well. You can choose to take the cable car up and walk down the path to see the beautiful fall foliage if you prefer.
Changdeokgung Palace
Address: 서울 종로구 율곡로 99
This is probably my favorite palace in Seoul, yet it’s less visited compared to its big brother Gyeongbokgung. I think this one is a better location because it is less visited and there aren’t as many people. There is also a secret garden in this palace that you can get access to and visit. The sunsets along the palaces can be quite beautiful here and it’s a perfect location to get hanbok photoshoots as well.
Seoul Grand Park
Address: 경기 과천시 대공원광장로 102
This is the perfect park for kids because nearby there is a zoo where you can easily take your kids and test out some animals. Seoul Grand Park is a great location to visit during the fall in Korea. They also have a botanical garden in the area as well as a forest which is great to walk through during this time of the season. Many of the forests in Korea are healing forests where you should take the time to relax and breathe in the fresh forest air. There is a lot to see and do there other than just see the autumn leaves which makes it a great location to test out.
Deoksugung Dodam-gil (덕수궁 돌담길)
Address: 서울 중구 세종대로 99 덕수궁
This is typically a gorgeous spot to see during Autumn in Korea. It includes a palace and traditional Korean architecture surrounded by autumn leaves and colorful plants. You can see a beautiful pond surrounded by lots of trees and shrubbery. You can easily access the beautiful road with the walls surrounding the palaces with large mature trees hovering above. It’s a beautiful place to visit and pretty popular to visit during the fall. Don’t forget to visit the Museum of modern and contemporary art as well as the History Museum.
Seonjeongneung Tomb
Address: 서울 강남구 선릉로100길 1 선릉정릉
Similar to the beautiful tombs in Gyeongju, these tombs are traditional to Korean culture. They were popular during the Joseon Dynasty. This tomb belongs to King Seongjong. They are often built under these mounds or hills in a wooden casket. In Gyeongju, many different mounds were made to prevent robbers from stealing from these royal tombs. These are beautiful to see during autumn in Korea.
Seokchon Lake (석촌호수)
Address: 서울특별시 송파구 잠실동
This is probably one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms each year in Seoul, however, have you checked out the autumn leaves here? It’s just as beautiful during the fall as it is during the spring. The trees in this area are absolutely stunning. You can get a great view of Lotte Tower and Lotte World when you visit this lake.
Fall Korean Foods – What to eat in Korea during Autumn
I absolutely love Korean food and wrote an entire post on things to eat in Korea. There is some food that is only available to eat during the fall months though. These are some of the Korean dishes I suggest you eat during autumn in Korea.
Hotteok
One of my favorite things to eat during fall and winter is hotteok! It’s absolutely delicious especially if you have a big sweet tooth like me. It’s pretty much a pancake filled with melted brown sugar, honey, and depending on the region it’s from nuts and seeds. It’s a typical street food in Korea and is very popular to eat. Although these days they are available throughout the year, they are most popular to eat during the fall and winter months.
Blue Crab
This type of crab is rampant during the autumn seasons. They are quite popular to eat raw in South Korea and they are absolutely delicious. The weather provides them to stay colder longer and also they are just more flavorful during these months. If you haven’t had raw crab, you should definitely try it out. They are so soft, refreshing, and tender if marinated well. They usually provide 2 different flavors, a spicy one with a gochujang base and a soy-marinated one with some pickled peppers.
Jumbo Prawns
These prawns are quite popular during the fall months. You can find them in a lot of restaurants but Cheonan is a popular location to get them. They are often boiled, steamed, or fried. The best recommendation is to eat them by sprinkling them with coarse sea salt and steaming them in a large pan. Korean food usually is served with a ton of banchan or side dishes and oftentimes you should dip them in gochujang – a spicy red paste.
Pine Mushrooms
These are absolutely my favorite to have when I eat samgyupsal. They are pretty big in size and are absolutely delicious to be pan-fried with some salt. You can easily find these all year long, but they are pretty popular during the autumn season.
Persimmons
I always know it’s fall when persimmons are available to eat. Koreans like to eat them fresh and crunchy, soft, and also dried. They are quite sweet especially when they are dried. They are my favorite and remind me of Chuseok and American Thanksgiving. My mom used to get them a lot when I was a kid and we would eat them during Thanksgiving.
Korean Autumn Fashion – What to wear in Korea during Fall
I’ve written an entire post on what to pack and wear for Korea, you can test out the ultimate Korea packing list for all seasons in Korea. There are a few things to consider when packing and what to wear in Korea. These are a few necessities I would say are needed for autumn in Korea.
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T-shirts
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Long sleeve tops
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Light Jacket
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Dresses
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Cardigans
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Sweaters
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Jeans
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Leggings
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Boots or sneakers
I would also like to mention that Korea is somewhat conservative when it comes to clothing. I would say they aren’t shocked when foreigners wear things, but there are differences in what they considered promiscuous. For example, it’s quite common to see women in Korea wearing short skirts, so short that we as foreigners may find it shocking. However, they are covered up on top when it comes to the shoulders, chest area, etc. It’s something to considered prior to you packing for your trip or move to South Korea.
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