Korea in November 2026: Weather, What to Wear & Things to Do

Korea in November is one of the most underrated times to visit. The summer crowds are gone, the air is crisp and clear, and you get the last of the autumn leaves in early November followed by the first Christmas lights later in the month.

It’s also a month of quick change. Early November can feel like mild autumn, while the end of the month brings the first real cold of winter. Packing for both makes a big difference to how comfortable your trip feels.

This guide covers Seoul’s November weather, what to wear, things to do from the first week to the last, and a few local tips most visitors don’t hear about.

🌡️ Seoul November Weather

Period	Daytime	Morning & night	What it feels like
Early November	About 13–17°C (55–63°F)	About 3–7°C (37–45°F)	Crisp autumn, sunny days
Late November	About 7–10°C (45–50°F)	Around 0°C (32°F)	Early winter, windy

Rain is relatively low, but the temperature gap between noon and night is large.

🧥 What to Wear in Korea in November

Layers are key: A knit sweater plus a light coat for early November, and a padded jacket by late November
Comfortable walking shoes: Palaces, parks and Seongsu streets mean lots of walking
Scarf and gloves for evenings in late November
Moisturizer and lip balm: The air gets dry quickly, so it’s a good time to stock up at Olive Young

🍂 Early November: The Last of the Fall Foliage

Seoul’s autumn leaves usually peak from late October to early November. If you miss Seoul, the color moves south: Naejangsan is expected to peak around November 4 and Hallasan on Jeju around November 6 this year.

Easy spots in the city include Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, Seoul Forest’s ginkgo paths and Namsan Park. Wearing hanbok gets you free entry to Seoul’s main palaces.

seoul christmas lights in november — Christmas lights arrive in Seoul before December

🎄 Mid to Late November: Christmas Comes Early

Seoul starts celebrating Christmas well before December.

Department store facades: Large media displays usually light up in early to mid-November, especially in Myeongdong
Seoul Plaza & Deoksugung area: A Christmas town and media facade festival are planned from mid-November
Lotte World Tower Christmas market: Usually opens around the third week of November in Jamsil
Seokchon Lake light display: Lights around the lake typically start in late October and run through winter

Dates for 2026 are announced by each venue, so check before you go.

🛍️ Shopping and Pop-ups

Seongsu pop-ups: Seoul’s pop-up capital always has something new. In November 2026, you can find brand pop-ups across beauty, fashion and food, including a long-running skincare brand space on Seongsu-iro.
Olive Young holiday sets: Gift sets and limited holiday packaging usually appear in November. See our Olive Young N Seongsu guide.
Souvenirs: For cute stationery and small gifts, check out Artbox’s trending souvenirs.

💡 Local Tips for November

The college entrance exam day (suneung): Held on a Thursday in mid-November. Offices open late, and flights are briefly held during the English listening test, so expect small schedule changes that morning.
Kimjang season: Late November is when Korean families make kimchi for winter. Some cultural centers run kimchi-making classes for visitors.
Skin care in dry weather: The cold, dry air can make skin feel tight. Many visitors also use November trips for skin treatments since UV is lower.

❓ FAQ

Q1. Is November a good time to visit Korea?
- Yes. It’s less crowded than October, with clear skies, late foliage in early November and Christmas lights from mid-month.
Q2. Is it cold in Seoul in November?
- Early November is mild, but late November can drop to around 0°C at night. Bring layers and a warm jacket.
Q3. Can I still see fall foliage in Korea in November?
- In early November, yes. Seoul and the southern regions, including Naejangsan and Jeju, are often still colorful.
Q4. When do Christmas lights start in Seoul?
- Many department stores and city displays light up from early to mid-November.

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