November Korea Travel Guide — The Romance of Late Foliage and Vibrant Festivals Preparing for Winter

November in Korea is a 'season of contemplation,' where the splendor of autumn quietly wraps up and the country prepares to welcome the white winter. As the crowds of October thin out, you can explore major tourist attractions with more leisure, and it is also a 'value-for-money' period for travel as hotel prices become relatively more affordable.

Walking on a carpet of fallen yellow ginkgo leaves, colorful lantern festivals illuminating the cold night air, and warm seasonal foods enjoyed before the onset of true winter—here is a practical guide for those planning a trip to Korea in November.

What you will learn in this post:

Information on 'late foliage' spots in the southern provinces and downtown Seoul
Unique situations travelers might face during the 'Suneung' (College Entrance Exam) period in mid-November
Tips for enjoying the Seoul Lantern Festival that lights up Cheonggyecheon and Gwanghwamun
Korea's winter preparation culture, 'Kimjang,' and a tour of seasonal November delicacies

Can I still see autumn foliage in Korea in November? (Foliage season in the southern provinces)

Many think autumn foliage ends after October, but early November is still beautiful.

Southern Provinces: The foliage in Naejangsan (Jeollabuk-do) or Gyeongju (Gyeongsangnam-do) reaches its peak in early November. In particular, the 'baby maple leaves' of Naejangsan shine brightest in early November.
Downtown Seoul: Ginkgo trees in the royal palaces retain their golden hue until the first week of November. Enjoy the leisure of late-arriving autumn leaves.

Korea's weather in November: When should you take out your winter coat?

November sees a steep drop in temperature.

Early November: Daytime temperatures are around 10–15°C, making for chilly autumn weather. A trench coat or a thick jacket is appropriate.
After mid-November: Temperatures drop suddenly, often referred to as the 'Suneung cold snap.' Since temperatures near freezing in the morning and evening, you must prepare a wool coat or a lightweight down jacket.

Mid-November, when the College Entrance Exam (Suneung) takes place: Points for travelers to note

Every year, the third Thursday of November (expected to be November 19, 2026) is the day of 'Suneung', Korea's biggest exam.

Adjusted Commute Times: To facilitate smooth transit for students, the starting times for government offices and companies are delayed until 10:00 AM. For travelers, this means the 9:00 AM subway may be less crowded than usual.
Noise Awareness: During the English listening test (around 1:00 PM), the entire country becomes quiet, even banning airplane take-offs and landings. It is etiquette to maintain silence when passing near exam centers.

Tips for enjoying the Seoul Lantern Festival in November

It is the best festival to enjoy the romance of an autumn night.

Location: Held at Gwanghwamun Square and the Cheonggyecheon area.
Viewing Tips: It is best to visit when the lights are turned on at 6:00 PM. The path along Cheonggyecheon sometimes operates as a one-way street, so follow the instructions of on-site staff. As the November night breeze is very cold, it is wise to bring gloves or hand warmers.

Recommended large shopping malls in Seoul to avoid the cold weather

If the wind outside is too cold, retreat indoors.

Yeongdeungpo Times Square/Yeouido IFC Mall: You can take care of shopping, movies, and dining all in one place in a massive indoor space. From late November, large Christmas trees are installed, allowing you to feel the year-end atmosphere early.

Seasonal November foods: Experience Korea's unique winter flavors like Gwamegi and Sandfish

November is a favorite season for true gourmets.

Gwamegi: A dish of dried saury or herring that is at its best starting in November. Try the unique flavor by wrapping it in seaweed and kelp.
Sandfish (Dorumuk)/Sailfin Sandfish: Fish caught in large quantities on the East Coast in November; spicy sandfish stew filled with roe is a taste that announces the beginning of winter.
Hotteok/Bungeoppang: A happy season where you can encounter the 'Big 3' winter street snacks popping up everywhere.

Places to wait for the first snow in Seoul in late November

If you are lucky, you might see Korea's first snow in late November.

Bukchon Hanok Village: The scenery of white snow settling on the tiled roofs is like a scene from a movie.
Namsan Seoul Tower: The most romantic place to get a panoramic view of snowy Seoul.

Information on indoor exhibitions and performances to visit in November

Musical Tour: From November, major musical performances open in places like Seoul Daehangno or Blue Square. Check if there are performances that provide subtitle services.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA): A great place to lose yourself in contemplation while appreciating the essence of Korean contemporary art in a warm indoor space.

Kimjang season in November: Watching kimchi-making at traditional markets

November is the season for 'Kimjang,' the act of making a whole year's supply of kimchi at once.

Experience: If you go to Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Market, you can see the spectacular sight of massive piles of cabbage and red pepper seasoning being prepared. Some local governments hold Kimjang experience events for foreigners, so try participating. The taste of freshly made kimchi paired with boiled pork (bossam) is the best.

Moisture-retaining items and health management for the dry weather in November

The air in Korea in November is very dry.

Moisturizing is essential: Your skin may feel stung, so keep high-moisture lotion and lip balm handy.
Vitamin intake: This is a time when immunity can easily drop. Eating plenty of Korea's delicious seasonal persimmons (sweet persimmons, soft persimmons) helps with vitamin supplementation.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do ski resorts open in November?
A: They usually open in the last week of November or early December. If the weather gets cold early, some ski resorts in the Pyeongchang area may open in late November, so check in advance.

Q2: How should I dress for a trip in November?
A: 'Dressing like an onion' is the answer. Since it is warm during the day and cold at night, it is best to layer thin clothes and wear one sturdy outer layer on top.

💡 Traveler Tip

On the day of the Suneung exam in mid-November, there is a period (about 30 minutes) when airplane take-offs and landings are prohibited. If you have departure plans or domestic flights on this day, keep the possibility of flight delays in mind and schedule with flexibility.