If you are planning to visit South Korea this November, and not sure what to pack or what the climate will be like, then not to worry, we've got you covered! We'll make sure that your stay in the Land of the Morning Calm is an unforgettable and comfortable experience!
Autumn is finally over for another year, and the temperature has dropped, with brighter drier days in the horizon. With this of course, means there is a dramatic change in the landscape in Korea.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What the November weather in South Korea is like.
The Seoul weather in November and other major cities and tourist hotspots, including Busan, Jeju, Pyeongchang and Gangwondo.
What to wear and the best things to pack for a successful trip to Korea in November.
Why should I visit Korea in November?
Aside from the first few weeks of November when fall foliage is at it's peak, towards the end of November will be much quieter travel wise and in my opinion a much better time to visit this sensational country.
This time of year means that ques are much quieter at airports, hotels are cheaper and better value in popular neighborhoods such as Hongdae or Myeongdong. This means that attractions will also become much quieter and crowded.
As it starts to cool down, the weather is still decent enough to explore without totally freezing, especially in the first week of the month. Overall, it’s a very pleasant time to see places in relative comfort and peace, before travel picks up again for winter vacations and Christmas in Korea.
Korea in November | Seoul Weather
At the beginning of November in Seoul, average highs still sit at a pleasant 20°C/ 68°F. However, by the end of the month, average daytime highs have cooled down a full 8°C/ 46°F to 12°C/ 53°F.
Expect it to feel much colder in the evenings and at night, and if it’s a windy day, with little sunshine, you’ll definitely want to be prepared with a warm jacket and layers of clothing.
It rains a little bit in November, but it’s not really anything to worry about. There’s a tiny, tiny chance of snow in Seoul at the end of the month, but it’s definitely not something to count on.
Snow in Seoul tends to be of the blink and you’ll miss it variety. You’ll have to head into Gangwon-do or Pocheon for a better chance of seeing snow. I do highly recommends packing extra layers as the weather can be deceiving, having said that you can easily pick up hand warmers which are a god send from Diaso or any Korean convenience store, and these have been a life saver for me over the years.
Tips for what to wear in Korea in November
It feels a lot colder at the end of November in Korea, so prepare accordingly. If you're visiting in the last few weeks of November, you definitely need to be prepared with winter gear.
Koreans generally dress quite well. You'll stand out quite a bit if you're wearing a `"typical backpacker" look.
If you don't want to draw unwelcome attention to yourself, it's best to dress on the conservative side. For women, a low neckline will attract eyes, but a super short skirt won't (go figure). Shorts with thick tights underneath are a common sight in Korea in November.
What to bring from Home
Travel documents: passport, itineraries, hotel reservations, plane tickets, travel visas, insurance
International driver’s license if you plan to rent a car
Adaptor / plug
Long sleeved t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, cardigans
Jeans, trousers, leggings, thick tights
Skirts or dresses
Jacket, or thin puffer style coat for the beginning of the month
Winter coat, gloves, scarf by the end of the month
Sunglasses, eyeglasses, contact lenses
Deodorant, feminine hygiene items
Comfortable shoes or boots for lots of walking
Any special medications you need.
What to buy in Korea
Umbrella if it rains
Hot packs (at the convenience store or DAISO)
Gloves and scarves are cheap and easy to buy everywhere
HEATTECH inner layers for warmth (Uniqlo)
Disposable air pollution / medical masks
Batteries / charging cables (super cheap at Daiso)
Skincare products like sunscreen (high quality and cheap in Korea!)
Eyeglasses and contact lenses can be purchased just by walking into a store (a free eye test will be provided)
Birth control can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription (but all brands may not be available)
Korea in November: Essential Info and FAQs
Is November a good time to visit Korea? If you don't mind it a bit cooler, November is a great time to visit Korea. There's bright sunshine, autumn foliage, and blue skies for the first few weeks before the transition to winter begins.
Is November cold in Korea? Average daily temperatures in Korea in November range from 3°C | 38°F to 12°C | 53°F. It can feel especially chilly at night, or if the wind is blowing, so it's best to be prepared with layers and warm clothes.
Is there autumn foliage in South Korea in November? Autumn foliage is at its peak in southern parts of Korea for the first 2 weeks of November. There's still plenty of fall colour to enjoy in Seoul too!
What is there to do in Korea in November? There are a number of flower, light, and cultural festivals to go to all over Korea in November. It's still a good time for outdoor activities like hiking and biking if you wear the right gear.
Regardless of your budget, November is the perfect time to visit Korea and experience the start of the winter season and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed!
Let us know your thoughts on this article in the comments below!
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