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Fall in South Korea is a magical time filled with colorful leaves, enjoyable weather, and many exciting activities unique to the season. From the breathtaking foliage that blankets the mountains and parks to the lively festivals celebrating Korean culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, Halloween events add some spine-chilling fun to the season. So no matter if you’re looking for stunning hikes, relaxing outdoor time, or spooky thrills, fall is a great time to visit Korea.
Visiting Korea in another season? Check out my local guides to spring in Korea, summer in Korea, and winter in Korea.
Fall in Korea: FAQs
When is the best time to visit Korea?
Typically, travelers consider spring or fall as the best time to visit Korea. During these seasons, there are mild temperatures and beautiful changes in nature including the famous cherry blossoms and colorful fall foliage. Specifically, April and October are the best months to visit because they have the mildest weather.
However, summer and winter shouldn’t be ruled out. Depending on the experience you’re looking for, each season can be appealing or unappealing for different reasons. If you’re wondering when to visit Korea, check out my seasonal guide to the best time to visit Korea, including pros and cons, weather, activities, festivals, and best destinations by season.
When is fall in Korea?
Fall in Korea typically spans from September to November. During this time, Korea experiences mild temperatures and a colorful change of seasons.
What is the weather like in fall in Korea?
Fall has some of the mildest temperatures of the year in Korea. However, with summer and winter often being long and harsh, the mild temperatures are sometimes short-lived. September is still warm from summer, while November gets cold for winter. While they are often still pleasant months to visit, October is usually the month with the most mild temperatures. Here is a chart of the average weather in fall in Korea:
| September | October | November | |
| Seoul | High: 77°F/25°C Low: 64°F/18°C Precipitation: 6.9 in/175 mm | High: 66°F/19°C Low: 52°F/11°C Precipitation: 2.8 in/71 mm | High: 52°F/11°C Low: 37°F/3°C Precipitation: 1.9 in/48 mm |
| Busan | High: 79°F/26°C Low: 68°F/20°C Precipitation: 7.3 in/185 mm | High: 68°F/20°C Low: 55°F/13°C Precipitation: 2.6 in/66 mm | High: 59°F/15°C Low: 45°F/7°C Precipitation: 2.1 in/53 mm |
Is fall a good time to visit Korea?
Fall is a great time to visit Korea, with its mild temperatures, colorful foliage, and unique fall activities. You can comfortably explore all of Korea’s outdoor activities while experiencing festivals and events that only happen in the fall. It’s also a beautiful time country-wide as fall foliage makes Korea’s stunning scenery even more special. Although cherry blossom season in the spring is the most popular time to visit Korea, I would argue that fall is even better! Cherry blossom season is short-lived and crowded, while fall foliage is around for a while with fewer crowds.
What should I pack for fall in Korea?
When packing for fall in Korea, you should be prepared for a range of temperatures. In the mornings and evenings, it can be chilly, while the daytime can be warm. Here’s a list of items to consider including in your packing list:
- Lightweight jacket
- Layers
- Sunglasses
- More summery clothes if you’re visiting in September, more wintery clothes if you’re visiting in November, and a mix of both if you’re visiting in October
For a full guide to what to pack for your Korea trip, including year-round and fall essentials, check out my South Korea packing list.
What are the best tours for fall in Korea?
These seasonal group tours are the perfect addition to your fall trip, making your fall adventures easy and convenient:
- Customizable Nami Island, Petite France, Gangchon Railbike, and the Garden of Morning Calm Day Tour from Seoul
- Gyeongju The Old Capital of Korea One Day Tour from Busan
- Mt. Seorak National Park Autumn Foliage One Day Tour from Seoul
- Mt. Seorak/Cable Car/Alpaca/Rail Bike/Morning Calm from Seoul
- Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage One Day Tour from Seoul
- Naejangsan National Park Autumn Foliage One Day Tour from Busan
- Jeonju Hanok Village & Jangtaesan Recreational Forest Day Tour from Seoul
- Alpaca World x Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest Golden Trails Tour from Seoul
- Jiri Mountain Autumn Foliage One Day Tour from Busan
- Dark History and Ghost Walk Through Old Seoul
The best activity and excursion booking platforms for Korea are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia, and these links are great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.
How to book the best hotels in Korea?
The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Korea is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Korea is no exception. Book your South Korea accommodation on Agoda today:
Fall in Korea: Things to do in Seoul
Bukhansan National Park
Did you know that Seoul is home to Korea’s most popular hiking destination with stunning mountain and city views? Bukhansan National Park is located in northern Seoul, outside the city center. There are multiple hiking trails of varying levels, but the most popular trail is the one leading to Baegundae Peak, the park’s highest peak at 2750 feet. It’s a 4km/2.5 mile one-way trail that takes about 3 hours. It’s especially enjoyable in the fall when the mountain is covered in colorful leaves and the weather is pleasant.
Seoul Forest
Although the name is misleading as it’s more of a park than a forest, Seoul Forest is the perfect place to take a walk or a bike ride in the fall. While colorful foliage can be seen all over the park, the bright yellow ginkgo tree forest is the star of the season. There’s also lots of open space to relax or have a picnic while enjoying the nice weather.
See pink muhly grass
Pink muhly grass is known for its plumes of feathery pink and purple flowers that bloom every September to November. Wandering through a field of pink muhly is a dreamy fall experience that every visitor to Korea should have. Luckily, there are great pink muhly spots all over the country. Some of the best in Seoul include:
- Haneul Park
- Jamwon Hangang Park
- Olympic Park
Olympic Park
Olympic Park is not only home to one of the best pink muhly fields in Seoul but it’s also covered in colorful fall foliage. There are walking paths, a lake, sculptures, Olympic buildings, and a golden ginkgo tree road that turns bright yellow in the fall. It’s the perfect place to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Seoul Silver Grass Festival
Held every October at Haneul Park near World Cup Stadium, the Seoul Silver Grass Festival celebrates the largest field of silver grass in Seoul. Haneul Park used to be a garbage dump but has been revitalized into a vibrant park covered in silver grass. The park has a great view of the sunset over the city, so I recommend timing your visit accordingly.
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace sometimes flies under the radar because of the larger main palace Gyeongbokgung next door. However, Changdeokgung is just as worthy of a visit as Gyeongbokgung, especially in the fall! Changdeokgung is home to the Secret Garden, which served as a rest area for the royal family members and was touched by human hands only when necessary. It’s beautiful in the fall with the changing colors. Book the Secret Garden in advance here as it often sells out! Tickets go on sale 6 days in advance.
Deoksugung Stone Wall Path
Running against the wall of Deoksugung Palace, the Deoksugung Stone Wall Path is a 900 m/0.55 mi walkway known for its beautiful fall foliage. It’s even been featured on the list of 100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea and has over 130 trees! It’s also a popular destination at night when the wall is lit up.
Visit temples or do a temple stay
Exploring temples is one of the best things you can do when traveling to Korea, regardless of the season. Temples are a unique look into Korean culture and religion and offer a perspective on a simpler way of life. There are stunning temples all over Korea, but some of the best in Seoul include:
- Bongeunsa
- Jogyesa
- Bongwonsa
- Hwagyesa
- Geumsunsa
Fall in Korea is also the perfect time to do a temple stay while the weather is nice. A temple stay allows visitors to stay overnight (or sometimes a one-day program) to experience meditation and the Buddhist way of life. It offers an escape from the city and an opportunity to reflect and learn. There are seven temples in Seoul currently offering temple stay programs, which you can check out on the official website.
N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower is my favorite place to see cherry blossoms in the spring, but it’s often overlooked as somewhere to see fall foliage. Not only are there walking trails where you can walk underneath colorful trees, but you can also see amazing panoramic views of the city covered in reds, oranges, yellows, and browns.
Get a discounted ticket for the N Seoul Tower observatory here.
The Han River
The Han River divides Seoul into north and south and provides some of the best parks and walking, running, and biking trails in the city. No matter if you want to exercise, sit back and take in the views, or have a picnic, the Han River is the perfect place. There are eleven Han River Parks, meaning you’ll never be far from enjoying the outdoors.
Eunpyeong
Eunpyeong is a district in northwestern Seoul on the outskirts of the city. Not many tourists are aware of Eunpyeong because it isn’t in the city center, but it’s a peaceful, quaint, less touristy area that’s worth a half-day trip. The main sights are Eunpyeong Hanok Village and Jingwansa Temple, which have beautiful views of Bukhansan Mountain in the background. The famous 1in1jan (1인1잔) is one of the most beautiful cafes in Seoul, with panoramic hanok village and mountain views.
1in1jan made it onto my list of the top 22 cafes in Seoul, so I consider it the best of the best.
Want a fall Korea itinerary tailor-made for you?
Fall is one of the most breathtaking times to visit Korea, but timing it right for peak foliage, fewer crowds, and local festivals can be tricky. I lived in Korea for 3 years and can help you build a custom itinerary filled with the best fall views, cozy stays, and unforgettable seasonal experiences.
Let’s start planning your perfect autumn trip to Korea today!
Fall in Korea: Things to do outside of Seoul
Gyeongju
When someone asks me where my favorite place in Korea is, I don’t hesitate to say Gyeongju. It’s often referred to as a “museum without walls” and the entire city is UNESCO-designated because of its large number of historical sites and cultural art, including temples, tombs, and palaces. I recommend visiting Gyeongju on any Korea itinerary no matter the season, but fall is an especially great time to go. The weather is nice for exploring and the fall foliage is stunning at Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, and Bomunho Lake.
Check out my guide to the best things to do in Gyeongju, including a one and two-day itinerary.
Chuncheon
Chuncheon is just outside of Seoul to the east and is home to some stunning natural scenery. Its top attractions include Nami Island, Garden of the Morning Calm, Alpaca World, and the Rail Bike. Fall is a great time to take a trip to Chuncheon to enjoy these outdoor activities, set against a colorful backdrop of fall foliage.
This customizable tour from Seoul is a great option for building your own perfect fall day trip.
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan is one of Korea’s most beautiful mountains, and the national park has some of the best hiking trails in the country. The most famous hike is the Ulsanbawi Rock Trail, a 7.6 km/4.7 mi return trail that takes 3-4 hours and is considered challenging. I’ve done it myself as someone who doesn’t hike regularly and it was killer, but the views were stunning. If it doesn’t sound up your alley, don’t worry. There are easier hikes and even a cable car to get the views without the sweat.
This Seoraksan autumn foliage tour takes you to see the magnificent colors of the national park in just one day from Seoul!
Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan is known as the best mountain in Korea for fall foliage. It’s famous for its vivid red leaves, 600-year-old nutmeg trees, and waterfalls. It’s also home to Naejangsa Temple, which you can walk to on a path covered by colorful trees. Don’t miss Uhwajeong Pavilion, a fall photo spot where a reflecting lake and colorful leaves surround the pavilion. Don’t worry if hiking isn’t your thing, as there is a cable car as well.
This Naejangsan autumn foliage tour from Seoul will take you to some of the best fall foliage spots in the country in just one day!
Asan Ginkgo Tree Road
Asan is a small city about 2 hours from Seoul, mostly known for its hot springs. However, in the fall, the Asan Ginkgo Tree Road attracts visitors from all over the country. Ginkgo trees are one of the oldest living tree species in the world, even older than dinosaurs! They’re beautiful, huge trees with unique fan-shaped leaves that turn bright yellow in the fall. The road in Asan is 2 km/1.2 mi long and lined with 350 towering ginkgo trees.
Hwadam Botanic Garden
This eco-friendly arboretum in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do is only a 40-minute drive from Seoul. The botanic garden is surrounded by a forest and has many peaceful paths where you can stroll and take in the fall colors away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
Jeonju is one of the best day trips from Seoul or Busan year-round, but fall is a great time to visit. With over 700 Hanok houses, it’s an interesting place to stroll around and learn about Korean history and culture. Not only is the weather nice for its many outdoor attractions, but fall foliage will enhance the already beautiful scenery. Jeonju is also home to the famous Korean rice dish bibimbap, and every October there’s a festival to celebrate it. If you’re lucky enough to be there for the festival, you can take part in bibimbap cooking, a night market, entertainment, and even a gigantic bibimbap made for 400 people!
Check out my Jeonju travel guide, including the 11 best things to do.
This Jeonju autumn tour from Seoul will conveniently take you to all of Jeonju’s highlights, plus nearby Jangtaesan Recreational Forest which is known in the fall for its bright yellow ginkgo trees.
Andong Mask Dance Festival
Andong is a hidden cultural gem in Gyeongsangbuk-do where you can experience a living museum of cultural treasures, ancient architecture, and age-old traditions. It’s most famous for its Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the most well-preserved and iconic examples of a traditional Korean village. Andong is also famous for its mask dance performances, which happen every weekend throughout the year. Every fall the Mask Dance Festival offers a unique chance for cultural performances and hands-on experiences.
If you’re headed to Andong, check out my list of the best things to do there.
Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. It’s held every year in the fall in Haeundae, Busan. The festival has been important in promoting Busan as a city of culture and art, along with boosting the Korean film industry. It’s so important that there’s an entire square (BIFF Square) in Nampo-dong dedicated to it. For tickets, head to the official BIFF ticketing website.
Jinju Lantern Festival
Jinju is a small city in South Gyeongsang Province near Busan. Every October, the Jinju Lantern Festival celebrates the floating lanterns used in the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjin War (1592-1598) to prevent Japanese troops from crossing the Namgang River. The highlights of the festival are the floating lanterns in the Namgang River and the parade of lanterns. There are also other events such as fireworks, cultural performances, and hands-on experiences.
Fall in Korea: Things to do for Halloween
Halloween at Everland
Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, is a close day trip from Seoul for thrill seekers and amusement park-goers. Every fall, Everland hosts a Halloween festival with haunted rides, attractions, decorations, performances, and more. Horror lovers won’t want to miss this chance to immerse themselves in the thrill of spooky season.
The fastest and easiest way to get to Everland is to take the shuttle bus, which picks up from popular stations in Seoul and takes about 1 hour.
Halloween at Lotte World
Lotte World is a small amusement park in Jamsil, Seoul famous for visitors dressing up in school uniforms. Every October, the amusement park comes to life when many attractions turn into spooky Halloween-themed areas. Beyond the decor, there’s a Halloween Parade featuring ghosts, ghouls, zombies, and more. You can also try Halloween-themed treats and take photos in all of the Halloween photo zones.
Get a discounted ticket to Lotte World here!
Seoul Ghost Walk
While the Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walk is available year-round, it’s the perfect addition to your fall trip if you want to get in the Halloween spirit. The walking tour takes you through haunted alleys and landmarks while telling stories of a side of Korean history you don’t usually hear about. You’ll learn all about the forgotten 600-year history of bloody massacres, seedy hideaways, and mourning ghosts.
Book your affordable ghost tour with a top-rated operator here!
Pumpkin Family Farm Days at Bear Foot Gardens
Expat-run farm Bear Foot Gardens in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do offers annual pumpkin family farm days if you want a classic American-style fall experience. You can choose your pumpkins and use the provided tools to carve them on the spot. There are also other Halloween activities, such as a haunted house, corn maze, photo zone, and American fall food favorites. Check the Bear Foot Gardens Facebook page for event information.
Haunted Korean Folk Village
Located in Yongin close to Everland and Seoul, the Korean Folk Village allows visitors to immerse themselves in the traditional culture of a Joseon-dynasty village. It’s set against mountains and a river, making it scenic and peaceful. Around Halloween, the village operates at night when you can see its beauty lit up, explore a horror exhibition of Korean ghosts, and watch a performance of Korean urban legends.
As the leaves turn and the temperature drops, fall in Korea comes alive with colorful landscapes, unique festivals, and thrilling Halloween events. Whether you explore the great outdoors or join in the festive celebrations, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in Korea this fall.
Keep reading:
- Best time to visit Korea: A seasonal guide to weather & activities
- 31 unmissable things to do in spring in Korea
- 22 best things to do in summer in Korea
- 25 unmissable things to do in Korea in winter
- 2 week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- 20 best things to do in Seoul, South Korea
- Seoul itinerary: Local’s guide to 1 week or less
- 15 unique things to do in Seoul: An unreplicable bucket list
- Where to stay in Seoul, South Korea: A local’s guide
- 15 BEST day trips from Seoul
- 16 best things to do in Busan, South Korea
- Busan itinerary: 2, 3, or 4 days in South Korea’s coastal gem
- 10 best day trips from Busan
- Top 9 things to do in Gyeongju, South Korea & 2-day itinerary
- Best things to do in Jeonju, South Korea
- Jeju Island itinerary & travel guide
- Vegetarian in Korea: The ultimate survival guide
- South Korea packing list: A local’s guide to what to pack
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