South Korea in October 2026: Start of Fall Foliage Season

October marks the middle of autumn in South Korea as well as the start of the fall foliage season for your perfect outdoors, from mountain hikes to city strolls, all bathed in crispy, sunny weather. Continue reading more about the October weather in South Korea, travel tips, as well as the autumn colors highlights to plan your October trip to South Korea.

South Korea Weather in October

October brings some of the most pleasant weather of the year to South Korea, as the summer heat fades and the colder winter weather has yet to arrive.

You can expect crisp, dry air, clearer skies, and comfortable daytime temperatures, generally ranging from the high teens to low 20s°C (mid-60s to low 70s°F). Mornings and evenings can feel noticeably cooler, particularly in Seoul and northern Korea, so bringing layers is a good idea.

Rainfall generally decreases after the summer monsoon season, making October a good month for sightseeing, walking tours, hiking, and other outdoor activities. However, rain is still possible, so a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is worth packing.

	Average High	Average Low	Rainy Days
Seoul	19℃ (66℉)	11℃ (51℉)	about 5 days
Gyeongju	21℃ (70℉)	11℃ (52℉)	about 5 days
Busan	22℃ (71℉)	15℃ (59℉)	about 5 days
Jeju Island	21℃ (69℉)	16℃ (60℉)	about 6 days

October in Seoul brings crisp autumn weather, making it a comfortable time for exploring palaces, traditional neighborhoods, parks, and nearby mountain trails.

Gyeongju enjoys mild autumn weather, with comfortable daytime temperatures for exploring its historic temples, royal tombs, and ancient sites surrounded by seasonal colors.

Busan stays slightly warmer, with mild daytime temperatures that are well suited to exploring its coastal scenery, markets, temples, and neighborhoods.

Jeju Island remains relatively mild in October, making it a good time for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring the island's coastal landscapes.

Where to Go in South Korea in October

October is a great time to explore different sides of South Korea. The comfortable weather makes it easy to enjoy city sightseeing, cultural experiences, coastal scenery, and outdoor activities without the heat of summer or the chill of winter. Autumn colors are another seasonal highlight, adding shades of red, orange, and gold to parks, mountains, and historic sites across the country. Depending on your interests, you can combine vibrant cities with historic towns, mountain landscapes, or the coast for a well-rounded October trip.

Seoul

For a well-rounded experience, Seoul, a perfect mix of modern energy and traditional charm, is one of the best places to go in South Korea in October.

You can explore historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung Palace, stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village neighborhoods with hanbok, and shift to trendy districts filled with cafés and shopping.

With the mild autumn weather, it's also a great time for a Bukhansan hike, and take those colorful foliage and clear views as rewards. From this ideal base, an easy day trip to Hwaseong Fortress in nearby Suwon is also a good try.

Seoraksan

Seoraksan National Park is perfect for nature lovers to visit in October.

Supported by cool, comfortable weather, you can enjoy scenic hiking trails with vibrant red and orange leaves. Or take a cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress to see the panoramic mountain views with minimal effort: an accessible choice for all types of travelers.

If possible, stop by Sinheungsa Temple for a peaceful break beneath the giant Buddha. Or just focus on those perfect angles to capture crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and rocky valleys in their stunning autumn outfits.

Gyeongju

Known as "the museum without walls," Gyeongju is an unmissable destination if you are looking for a deeper dive into Korea's history.

The Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae Observatory are perfect for leisurely walks, especially under crisp autumn skies. For a more relaxing pace, you can also rent a bike to explore those heritage sites at your own pace.

A one-night stay here is also recommended, when the illuminated reflections of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond become especially magical.

Jeju Island

Jeju in October combines seasonal beauty and a laid-back island outdoor adventure for your slow-down vacation.

Beyond the mild weather and coastal views, one of the seasonal highlights in Jeju Island is the pink muhly grass fields. Make your way to Hueree Natural Park and Jeju Herb Dongsan, where soft pink cotton candy fields create dreamy photo spots across the coast.

You can continue hiking here with locals to climb South Korea's highest peak, Hallasan; go underground with lava tubes scattered across the island, and end your day with local cafés, sunset, and fresh seafood by the sea.

Travel Cost & Crowd in October in Korea

October is a popular travel season in South Korea, and you may encounter moderate to high travel costs, especially for flights and accommodations.

A key factor is Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving, usually in late September or early October), which creates a peak domestic travel period when transportation tickets sell out quickly, prices rise, and popular destinations can feel crowded.

Crowds are still present outside the Chuseok holiday window, particularly in foliage hotspots, but generally more manageable than the peak season in November, with better availability and slightly lower prices.

• Early October: high costs & heavy crowds if it meets Chuseok, and good news is that the Chuseok holiday falls in September 2026 & 2027
• Mid to late October: busy for fall foliage, but more balanced and easier to plan than November

Booking early is highly recommended for the best prices and availability. Feel free to contact us for your carefree autumn Korean trip planning.

Top Korean Festivals in October

• Dongnaeeupseong History Festival: A lively local festival where history comes to life through live-action musical performances, including traditional tug-of-war games, and you can enjoy an interactive, community-style atmosphere with plenty of cultural charm through its bustling street markets.
• Gimje Horizon Festival: One of Korea's best agricultural festivals, offering hands-on experiences like rice harvesting, threshing, and making traditional rice cakes (tteok). The day ends with fireworks and festive celebrations, giving a true taste of rural Korean life.
• K-Royal Culture Festival: Held across Seoul's royal palaces and a great way to immerse yourself in Korean history and culture. Experience Korea's heritage through royal ceremonies, traditional music and dance, hanbok experiences, and special night palace tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is Better, September, October & November

Simply speaking, you can benefit from September's prices, October's outdoor weather, and November's peak fall foliage scenery. Check the detailed table below for your reference:

	September	October	November
Temperature Comfort	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Outdoors	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Crowd	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Cost	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Foliage Views	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★

Is the Fall Foliage Season Peak in October in Korea

Partly, many of the northern and higher-altitude areas reach their fall foliage peak in late October, and other regions also see the changing colors from mid-October onward.

The overall fall foliage season in South Korea spans from late September into late November (and late October to early November is usually the best time to see), with November often considered the broader peak nationwide.

However, timing varies by region, and mountainous regions such as Seoraksan National Park and areas around Seoul typically see their most vibrant colors from mid to late October. In contrast, southern destinations like Busan and Jeju Island usually peak slightly later, around early November.

In short, if your goal is to catch vivid and widespread autumn colors, traveling to Korea in mid-to-late October would be a better choice.

What Clothes to Wear in South Korea in October

Heavy winter clothing is usually unnecessary in October, but layering is the key.

Light layers and shirts are still pleasant during the day; however, temperatures in October can shift quickly between warm afternoons and cool evenings.

Make your outfits include a (easy to put on and take off) long-sleeve coat or light sweater paired with breathable pants or jeans for your outdoors and night.

Plan Your October Trip to South Korea

From a first visit focused on Seoul and Busan to a longer journey that includes historic Gyeongju or the mountains of Seoraksan, there are many ways to experience South Korea in October. Your travel dates, interests, and preferred pace can all shape the route.

At Odynovo, we can design a private South Korea itinerary around what you want to see and do, with the flexibility to adjust the trip to your travel style.