Weather of Korea in October: Seoul Forecast, Fall Foliage & South Korea in October 2025 Travel Tips

Korea weather in October at a glance

Korea in October 2025: a quick weather overview for Seoul and key regions

If you’re asking, “How’s the weather for an autumn escape?” the weather in Korea in October is usually calm, bright, and comfortable for long days on foot—one of the best months of the year and one of the best for an elegant itinerary. For many travellers, it’s among the best months and the best months of the year, and it’s often best to travel for markets, museums, and dining without mid-summer intensity.

In Seoul, the typical range is 10–20°C. Seoul weather in October often brings average high temperatures in the mid-teens to around 20°C, while average low temperatures dip enough to feel crisp after sunset; in other words, the average high stays pleasant and the average low rewards a jacket. Humidity fades compared with summer, so even on bright days, the air can feel clean under a clear sky.

October weather in Korea: rainfall outlook and changing weather patterns

October weather is usually drier than summer, with lighter rainfall and a lower risk of storms as typhoon season fades—though weather patterns can still surprise, especially at the beginning of October. That’s why South Korea in October works beautifully for city walks and scenic excursions: many days are comfortably dry or gently changeable rather than disruptive.

A brief shower rarely ruins the mood; it simply shifts the palette. If rain rolls in, lean into Korea’s indoor strengths—design-led galleries, contemporary museums, or a spa afternoon—then head back out once the streets brighten again.

Seoul skies in October – flexible plans that still feel effortless

Air quality in Seoul can fluctuate throughout the year, but October often feels clearer than peak summer. The best luxury pacing is built on options: if the air feels hazy, swap a long walking day for a private car loop, a guided museum visit, or a sauna-style jjimjilbang for quiet recovery.

• By the beginning of October, days can still feel warm enough, with cooler nights.
• Mid to late October is the sweet spot for mild comfort and colour.
• Late October brings a deeper chill in the evenings and a stronger autumn mood.
• The end of the month suits travellers who prefer brisk air and fewer crowds.

If you can choose a week of October, the stretch from mid-month onward is often when the weather is perfect for palace walks and unhurried day excursions.

Fall foliage near Seoul: Nami Island day trip ideas, national parks, and visiting Korea in October

October near Seoul: easy autumn colour escapes and national park scenery

When travellers picture visiting Korea in October, they’re usually imagining colour—and the good news is that autumn foliage close to the capital can be wonderfully accessible. With early starts and smooth transfers, you can enjoy peak scenery while keeping the day comfortable and unhurried.

Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm – a curated chance to experience fall foliage

Start with Nami Island, a classic day trip that still feels cinematic in October. Nami is small enough to wander slowly, yet photogenic from almost every angle—golden ginkgo, warm-toned maples, and soft light that flatters portraits. Pair it with the Garden of Morning Calm, where curated planting and gentle paths create some of Korea’s most camera-ready autumn scenes without demanding serious hiking boots.

For high-end pacing, arrive early, take a relaxed café pause, and keep the middle of the day free for a long lunch—this is how you experience the best places without feeling carried by the crowd.

Seoraksan National Park – peak foliage in one of South Korea’s most dramatic national parks

If you want bolder scenery, Seoraksan National Park delivers granite ridgelines, crisp air, and a sweeping sense of scale. Peak foliage can feel almost theatrical—burnt orange against stone—making it a standout among national parks in this region.

One visitor told me their favourite memory wasn’t only the viewpoint, but what came after: hands wrapped around hot roasted chestnuts from a street vendor, the warmth cutting through the chilly edge of late afternoon after hours among maple leaves. It’s a small moment—yet it’s often what stays with you.

Across South Korea, as the month progresses, colour tends to build: the beginning of the month can stay greener, while late October often leans more copper and deep red. For many travellers, mid-month is one of the best months to see rich colour without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re torn between Seoul and Busan, consider a simple rhythm: begin with Seoul’s culture, then visit Busan for a different October in Korea mood—coastal light, gentler evenings, and seafood dinners that feel like a soft exhale after the mountains.

Seoul in October: palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong tea houses

October in Seoul: palaces, hanok streets, and tea-house pauses

In October, Seoul is perfect for exploring: cooler lanes, softer shadows, and a calmer pace that makes even famous sites feel more intimate. In October in Seoul, walking-heavy days feel easier, with open views between neighbourhoods and plenty of time to linger.

Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung – royal Seoul in crisp autumn weather

Gyeongbokgung is especially striking with an autumn backdrop—gold and russet leaves framing tiled roofs, and fewer crowds than peak summer. Nearby, Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a quiet masterpiece, best enjoyed slowly, with time to notice the geometry of courtyards and the hush that settles in the gardens.

A couple once described their serene hanbok photoshoot near Changdeokgung: they expected it to be fun, but didn’t anticipate how personal it would feel—standing together in silk, feeling history settle around them as the leaves glowed behind the stone walls. With an expert photographer and a calm morning slot, it becomes timeless rather than performative.

Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong tea houses – a cosy pause in cities like Seoul

Bukchon Hanok Village rewards an early visit. A traveller shared how the crisp October air made every detail feel more vivid: timber beams, curved rooflines, the quiet dignity of traditional architecture. This is the kind of sensory detail that makes cities like Seoul feel deeply memorable.

From there, slip into Insadong’s traditional tea houses for a soft landing. Order warming yuja (citron) tea, or a seasonal sweet pumpkin drink if you spot it—October is the month of the year when cosy flavours feel especially right. Look for places where locals linger: softer lighting, fewer photo props, and a gentle soundtrack rather than loud playlists.

• Crafted half-day route: Palace early → Bukchon lanes → a small gallery stop → Insadong tea and dessert.
• Style note: afternoons suit light layers, but evenings cool quickly.

With the right pacing, Seoul city feels like it’s meeting you halfway—inviting, manageable, and full of quiet beauty.

Seoul night lights: lantern art, holidays in Korea in October, and public holidays in Korea

October evenings in Seoul: riverside light displays and seasonal events

For many travellers, one of the highlights of October is what happens after dark. The Cheonggyecheon Stream becomes a luminous corridor—light installations reflected in water, and a city that feels cinematic yet surprisingly serene.

Cheonggyecheon evenings – when the festival takes place and the city after dark

When the festival takes place, the atmosphere is less about rushing and more about drifting—stopping for details, stepping back for the full view, then continuing together. For a quieter angle, arrive early and pair the walk with a gentle riverside detour near Ttukseom Hangang Park, where the night air can feel calmer.

October holidays – what to know for reservations and travel planning

Holidays in Korea in October can subtly shape your experience. Key dates include National Foundation Day and Hangul Day; these public holidays in Korea may affect museum hours, dinner reservations, and road traffic. Koreans take advantage of long-weekend energy, so popular places to see can feel busier—especially mid-day.

If your schedule is flexible, place palace visits on non-holiday weekdays and save evening strolls for the holiday buzz. It’s a small routing move that keeps the experience polished and unhurried.

If you want festivals beyond Seoul, consider the Andong Mask Dance Festival for spirited tradition, or the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival for historical pageantry and cultural performances that are easy to weave into a refined itinerary.

Further south, Jinju offers a softer romance. The Jinju Lantern Festival fills the riverfront with lanterns along the Namgang River, turning the evening into one of Korea’s most storybook scenes; you’ll also see intricate lantern art glowing over the water.

To keep festival nights seamless, arrange private transfers where possible, pre-book dining nearby, and choose a meeting point that avoids post-event bottlenecks—an easy comfort upgrade in South Korea.

Travel tips for the weather of Korea in October: luxury ease, routes, and travel planning

October travel planning: comfort-first logistics for Seoul and beyond

The difference between a good trip and a great one is often the quiet support behind the scenes. These travel tips are for travellers who want confidence and comfort—without sacrificing spontaneity—when travelling to South Korea, especially when planning for shifting temperatures.

Arrivals and getting around in Incheon with seamless support

Fly into Incheon International Airport and choose how you want to enter the city: the AREX train is efficient, while premium airport buses offer a relaxed, luggage-friendly ride. For the most seamless start, pre-arrange a VIP meet-and-greet so you’re guided through arrivals with calm, expert care.

In Seoul, buy T-money cards for simple tap-and-go travel, and consider the Discover Seoul Pass for curated value at major attractions. If you’re heading further afield, book KTX train tickets early—traveling around korea by rail is comfortable, fast, and easy when it’s planned well.

Packing for October weather and choosing the right route

October calls for layers: light knits, a smarter jacket for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes for stone paths and palace grounds. Days can be bright, while nights turn brisk—especially by the water or at higher elevations—so pack for smooth transitions and crisp autumn weather.

• Pack: a thin scarf, a water-resistant layer for light rainfall, and one polished outfit for rooftop cocktails.
• Etiquette: shoes off indoors, and a few polite phrases go a long way in building trust.

If you’re planning a trip to Korea beyond the capital, build in breathing space: add a night in Gyeongju for cultural heritage, consider Jeju Island for coastal scenery, and keep one flex day in case conditions shift. For many, Jeju Island is the ideal counterpoint—windy shores, slower mornings, and a softer pace not far from the mainland.

For inspiration as you shape your own Korea travel route, browse our Trip gallery. And if you want a more personal approach, a private guide can turn neighbourhood walks into a tailored narrative—less information overload, more insight.

Ultimately, accommodation matters: choose a hotel with a strong concierge, a spa, and an easy base so your days feel crafted rather than complicated.

F.A.Qs

Is October a good time to visit Korea?

Yes—October is widely considered a favourite month to visit and, for many, the best time to visit. The weather is comfortable for walking; humidity is lower than in summer, and autumn in Korea brings beautiful foliage and generally lighter rainfall. It’s also an ideal time for palace visits near Seoul, seasonal food, and evening events.

What to wear in Korea in October?

Pack layers. Days are often mild, but mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially toward the end of the month. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light knit, and a jacket you can dress up for dinner. A small umbrella or water-resistant layer is useful for occasional showers.

Does Korea get cold in October?

It can feel cool, particularly at night and in the mountains. In Seoul, daytime temperatures are usually pleasant, but evenings can turn brisk, and national parks can feel distinctly cool after sunset. If you’re travelling at the end of October, plan for warmer layers for outdoor nights.

Is October the typhoon season in Korea?

Typhoons are far less common in October than in late summer, and the risk usually drops at the start of the season. However, the weather can still be changeable, especially at the start of October. Build flexibility into your plans so a rainy day becomes a museum, spa, or tea-house day instead—an easy way to visit South Korea in comfort.

What stayed with me after October in South Korea

South Korea’s autumn has a way of lingering—not as a checklist of landmarks, but as texture and atmosphere. I remember the chestnut warmth in my hands, and the way the air sharpened the edges of the day; I remember palace gardens holding their hush as the light tilted gold, and how the city sounded softer when the evening cooled.

What returns most vividly are the human moments. A few words exchanged with a local vendor, offered with quiet kindness. The unexpected confidence of wearing hanbok—not to perform, but to participate—standing with history close enough to feel. And the sense of moving through Seoul together, unhurried, as if the city had made room for us.

October in South Korea is not loud. It doesn’t require you to do more, faster. It invites you to notice: light on water, tea steam in a small wooden room, the clean line of a roof against a clear sky. It’s a journey that feels designed—city and nature in balance, indulgence held gently by care.

And as the season turns, you may find your mind wandering forward—towards winter’s quiet, or spring in Korea’s first blossoms—curious, reassured, and ready to imagine the story continuing.