Seoul Weather in November

Cool days, colder evenings

November feels like late autumn in Seoul: afternoons are cool, but temperatures drop sharply after sunset. You'll get some rain, though many days are dry enough for palace visits and walks around Bukchon Hanok Village. Short daylight means there's less time for outdoor sightseeing, so save the warmer part of the day for Gyeongbokgung Palace or a stroll along the Cheonggyecheon stream.

Evenings suit a warm bowl of kalguksu, a noodle soup, in a busy market rather than a long outdoor wander. The weather can be chilly on Namsan, so don't expect a leisurely evening walk up to N Seoul Tower to feel cosy.

If you hate crowds, November is calmer than October's peak autumn-leaf season.

Festivals and local dates

The Seoul Lantern Festival often runs around November or December, with glowing displays along Cheonggyecheon. Its dates can shift, so check whether it falls during your visit. The stream is especially pleasant after dark, but the festival can draw crowds to the narrow paths.

November 11 is Pepero Day, when people exchange chocolate-coated biscuit sticks. You'll see themed displays in Seoul shops, though it's more of a local tradition than a major visitor event.

Quieter streets, useful tip

With autumn's busiest foliage weeks behind you and winter still ahead, November is generally less crowded than October. Hotels may cost less than during peak autumn, but prices vary by area and event dates. Seoul is still a working city, so popular sights and Myeongdong can feel busy at weekends.

For a handy indoor break, take the subway to Gwangjang Market and try bindaetteok, a savoury mung-bean pancake. It's a warming meal, and the market's covered food alleys make a welcome stop on a cold or rainy afternoon.