Thinking about visiting Korea in November? It’s a cool month with fireworks in Busan, Pepero Day, kimchi-making season and possibly the first ski runs by the end. This guide covers the real average temperatures, what to wear, the festivals and events in November 2026, and where to go.
The temperature table below shows what to expect. If you arrive early in November, check my autumn leaves guide to see where any colours remain.
November isn’t exactly peak season for snow or autumn leaves, but places are noticeably less crowded, which is nice if you enjoy easier travelling.
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Is November A Good Time To Visit Korea?
It depends on what you’re after. Here’s what’s on in November:
- Early November: check my autumn leaves in Korea guide for where the colours last longest. The Busan Fireworks Festival is on 7 November 2026.
- Mid-November: Pepero Day on 11 November, and the Suneung exam on 19 November 2026.
- Late November: possibly the first ski runs in Gangwon-do.
Korea Weather In November
These are the official November averages from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), for 1991–2020:
| Location | Average | Average high | Average low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 7.5°C | 11.9°C | 3.5°C | 51.1mm |
| Busan | 11.9°C | 16.6°C | 8.3°C | 50.4mm |
| Jeju | 13.3°C | 16.4°C | 10.4°C | 69.5mm |
| Sokcho (east coast, near Seoraksan) | 8.8°C | 13.1°C | 4.7°C | 92.0mm |
| Daegwallyeong (Pyeongchang mountains) | 2.3°C | 7.5°C | -2.6°C | 69.4mm |
Of the places in the table, Busan and Jeju are the mildest in November, while Daegwallyeong, in the Pyeongchang mountains, has an average low below freezing. If you’re planning a hike, my seasonal hiking guide explains what to expect on the trails.
Looking for snow? My guide to where it snows in Korea lists the best places to find it.
What To Wear In Korea In November
The table above shows a big gap between average highs and lows, so pack layers:
- A warm jacket for early November, and a padded coat for late November
- Jumpers or fleeces to layer underneath
- Long trousers and thermal underlayers if you’re heading to the mountains
- A hat, scarf and gloves for late November
- Comfortable walking shoes, or proper hiking boots if you plan to hike
It can get chilly at night, but days are fairly warm. However, the weather can change quickly, so always be ready with a jacket.
Festivals & Events In November 2026
Busan Fireworks Festival (7 November 2026)
The Busan Fireworks Festival takes place on Saturday 7 November 2026 around Gwangalli Beach, Igidae and Dongbaekseom. Tickets for reserved seats are sold through NOL Ticket until 6 November; the official site links to them.
Pepero Day (11 November)
On 11 November (11/11), Koreans exchange Pepero, Lotte Wellfood’s stick-shaped snack. For 2026, Lotte released 10 special Pepero Day packages, including collaborations with Stray Kids and Sanrio Characters. Read my Pepero Day guide for the full story.
Suneung Exam Day (19 November 2026)
The Suneung, Korea’s university entrance exam, is on Thursday 19 November 2026. It’s not a holiday, but it affects travellers: the Ministry of Education asks public offices and companies to start work after 10am to keep roads clear, and flights are adjusted during the English listening test.
Kimjang Season
Late autumn is kimjang season, when families and communities make and share large amounts of kimchi for the winter. Find out what happens and how to join in with my guide to kimjang, Korea’s kimchi-making day.
Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.
Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa, but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Until the end of 2026, citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and many European countries, don’t need either one.
How To Stay Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.
Where To Stay: For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).
Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.
Korean Tour Operators: Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.
Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.
How To Get Around: For public transport, grab a T-Money Card. Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass. To see more of Korea, there are many rental car options from Klook, EconomyBookings, and RentalCars.
Travel Money: Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.
Flights To Korea: I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.
Travel Insurance: It is important to insure your trips to protect yourself against the unexpected. World Nomad is a specialized travel insurance provider with options for different coverage for travellers from around the world. You can also purchase cover when you are already travelling.
How To Learn Korean: The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.
Things To Do In Korea In November
Catch The Last Autumn Leaves
If you’re in Korea in early November, my autumn leaves guide and my Naejangsan National Park guide explain where and when to catch the last of the colours.
Go Hiking In Cool Weather
Planning a November hike? In Seoul, see my guide to Bukhansan’s Baegundae Peak, or read my Korean hiking tips first.
Start The Ski Season
The first ski resorts can open in late November. For the 2025–26 season, Mona Yongpyong and Phoenix Snow Park in Pyeongchang were set to open first, on 21 November, and High1 opened on 28 November, with a beginner slope first. See my guide to the best ski resorts in Korea.
Warm Up With Winter Foods
When the cold sets in, my list of Korean winter foods tells you what to warm up with.
Best Places To Go In Korea In November
- Busan: milder than Seoul, with a November average of 11.9°C, and the fireworks festival on 7 November 2026.
- Jeju Island: the highest November average in the weather table above, at 13.3°C.
- Seoul: home to the Bukhansan hike above.
- Gangwon-do: mountains and, possibly by the end of the month, the first ski slopes.
Public Holidays In November
None of Korea’s regular public holidays fall in November. Korea’s official list of public holidays has none in this month, unlike October, which has two national holidays (National Foundation Day on 3 October and Hangeul Day on 9 October).
My Tips For Visiting Korea In November
Always be ready with a jacket. Days are fairly warm, but it can get chilly at night and the weather can change quickly. And enjoy the quieter crowds: November isn’t exactly peak season for snow or autumn leaves, so places are noticeably less crowded.
Planning more of your trip? Read my Korea in October guide if you’re arriving earlier, or my winter in Korea guide if you’re staying into December.
Visiting Korea In November FAQs
Is November a good time to visit Korea?
That depends on what you’re after. If you arrive early in the month, check my autumn leaves guide to see where any colour is left, and by late November the first ski resorts can open in Gangwon-do.
Is Korea cold in November?
Seoul’s November average is 7.5°C, with an average high of 11.9°C and an average low of 3.5°C (KMA 1991–2020 averages). Busan and Jeju are milder, while Daegwallyeong in the Pyeongchang mountains has an average low of -2.6°C.
What should I wear in Korea in November?
Pack layers: a warm jacket or padded coat, jumpers, long trousers and comfortable shoes. By late November you’ll want a hat, scarf and gloves in Seoul, and proper winter clothes in the mountains.
Does it snow in Korea in November?
The coldest place in my weather table is Daegwallyeong, in the Pyeongchang mountains, with an average November low of -2.6°C. See my guide to where it snows in Korea for the best places to find snow.
Can you ski in Korea in November?
Sometimes, late in the month. For the 2025–26 season, Mona Yongpyong and Phoenix Snow Park in Pyeongchang were set to open first, on 21 November, and High1 opened on 28 November. Mona Yongpyong planned to open only one slope at first, and High1 opened with a beginner slope.
Are there public holidays in Korea in November?
No. None of Korea’s regular public holidays fall in November. The Suneung exam, on Thursday 19 November in 2026, isn’t a holiday, but it does affect travellers.
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