For those considering a trip to Seoul, you’ve found one of the best times to visit. Seoul in October avoids the summer’s stifling heat and the winter’s biting cold. With clear skies and a crisp, comfortable climate, October makes outdoor sightseeing exceptionally easy.
Even better, October seamlessly blends autumn hues with a rich array of cultural festivals, making your journey truly special. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking the perfect vacation photo, you’ll find that visiting Seoul in October is an experience you’ll cherish. So let’s dive into all the reasons why this is the ideal time for your South Korean adventure.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Seoul in October
Festivals in Seoul in October
Weather in October, Seoul
Is October a Good Time to Visit Seoul?
Yes, October is an excellent time to visit Seoul. During this period, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for extended outdoor activities. You can take your time exploring the city’s many attractions without discomfort from extreme temperatures. And the natural scenery transforms into the unique colors of autumn, adding charm to the city. Most importantly, cultural festivals provide an opportunity to experience traditional South Korean culture.
Things to Do in Seoul in October
Now for the fun part! With such beautiful weather, Seoul in October offers no shortage of activities. The city is bursting with energy and color, perfect for travelers of all kinds.
Chasing Autumn Foliage🍁
Every October, the treetops in Seoul turn golden yellow. This is because ginkgo trees are commonly planted as street trees in Korea, and it’s common to see avenues lined with ginkgo trees on both sides. In many parks, clusters of maple trees also await your visit.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s most historic palaces, featuring a Ginkgo Avenue composed of several massive ginkgo trees that create a spectacular sight. Along the outer stone walls of the palace, as you head toward the Cheongwadae Presidential Office, the trees lining both sides of the path are also ginkgo trees.
Samcheong-dong
Home to numerous preserved traditional Korean houses, these hanoks have been transformed into unique boutique shops. The main streets of Samcheong-dong are also lined with ginkgo trees, which turn the area into a golden maze every autumn.
Hwadamsup
This ecological arboretum features over 4,300 species of domestic and international wild plants. In autumn, the grounds transform into a sea of red and orange maple leaves. Located in Gyeonggi Province near Seoul, it’s approximately a two-hour journey from the city center. Visitors can choose between riding the monorail or exploring on foot. Admission is 11,000 KRW.
Nami Island
Known as one of Korea’s most beautiful spots for viewing fall foliage, its Ginkgo Avenue and maple groves are the main attractions, with golden and fiery red leaves illuminating the entire island. The direct shuttle bus from Seoul to Nami Island typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Night Tour 🌃
Seoul’s nightscape is utterly captivating, and exploring the city after dark offers a unique perspective, especially with some attractions operating only during specific hours.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Night Tour: Night tours are held annually during spring and autumn, typically from April to May and September to October. Visitors can explore the palace illuminated by lights and enjoy performances of royal court music. This autumn’s night tour runs from September 3 to 28, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour: Explore every corner of Changdeokgung Palace with a guide and enjoy traditional performances under the moonlight. This year’s tours will run from September 4 to October 26. Tours are available Thursday through Sunday, each lasting approximately 100 minutes.
Hangang River Cruise: In October, the skies become clearer, allowing visitors to see the Seoul skyline along with the 63 Building, Namsan Tower, and Banpo Bridge.
Savoring Seasonal Foods 🍲
Seoul’s cuisine evolves with the seasons, and October is one of the best months to savor fresh ingredients and warm, comforting dishes. The crisp weather makes outdoor food markets, traditional restaurants, and street food stalls especially inviting.
Autumn Seasonal Foods
October is harvest season, when fruits like persimmons, pears, and apples are most abundant. You’ll often find street vendors selling ripe orange persimmons or dried persimmon snacks. Chestnuts and matsutake mushrooms are also in season, frequently roasted or added to rice dishes and stews.
Traditional Korean Hot Dishes
As temperatures drop, hearty meals become increasingly popular. Samgyetang, a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and nourishing ingredients like ginseng, pairs perfectly with various Korean hot pots and other dishes ideal for this season. Street food stalls serve steaming hot stir-fried rice cakes and fish cake skewers, accompanied by hot soup, offering comfort on cool evenings.
Street Markets
As the weather cools, visiting markets to savor local snacks becomes even more enjoyable. At markets like Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market, try classic pairings like mung bean pancakes and rice wine.
Festivals in Seoul in October
Of course, Seoul in October offers not only beautiful autumn scenery but also a vibrant array of festivals and events. There are several noteworthy celebrations and activities to explore, spanning traditional culture, contemporary art, and culinary experiences.
K-Royal Palace Festival
Held from October 8 to October 12. The festival will take place across multiple palaces and the Jongmyo Shrine area in Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. Events feature royal court ceremonies, traditional art performances, and interactive cultural experiences.
Seoul BBQ Festival
October 25–26 at Noeul Park. This annual barbecue festival brings together leading K-BBQ restaurants and stalls, featuring self-grilling stations and snack stands. Tickets start at $7.25.
Hangang River Light Drone Light Show
Held at Ttukseom Hangang Park on September 7, September 13, September 20, September 26, and October 18. Cultural performances run from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the light show from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM. A special drone performance will also take place at Seoul Noeul Park on October 25.
Weather in October, Seoul
The temperature in Seoul in October is quite pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15–20°C (59–68°F) and nighttime temperatures between 7–12°C (45–54°F). October is already mid-autumn in Seoul, featuring crisp air and good visibility. In terms of precipitation, rainfall is light, drier than summer, with occasional light showers.
What to Wear
For this temperature, what to wear in Seoul in October requires some strategy to adapt to the weather.
During the day, you’ll be comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt, lightweight sweater, or cardigan. Jeans or comfortable pants are perfect for walking around the city. In the evening, a light jacket or windbreaker becomes essential. Bringing a scarf is also a good idea as an accessory that doubles as warmth. Comfortable sneakers are a must, as Seoul is a walkable city where you’ll be doing plenty of walking.
Please note that some restaurants and hanok accommodations in Seoul require you to remove your shoes upon entry, so wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off is advisable.
Tips for Visiting Seoul
Besides what to do and what to wear, there are a few other things to keep in mind here.
How to Get Around
Buses are divided into city and suburban routes, connecting different areas of Seoul. A single trip costs approximately 1,200–2,400 KRW. Taxis are also common in Seoul, with a starting fare of about 4,800 KRW for the first 2 kilometers. We recommend using the Kakao Taxi app.
For public transportation, we suggest purchasing a T-money card, which can be topped up and used at convenience stores.
Accommodation
Depending on your travel purpose, many areas in Seoul offer excellent accommodation options.
- Myeongdong: Ideal for first-time visitors to Seoul, this is one of the city’s most popular shopping districts. It features numerous shops and restaurants and offers convenient access to various attractions.
- Hongdae: Ideal for nightlife enthusiasts, this area is packed with bars and cafes.
- Gangnam: Perfect for business travelers, this upscale district is home to many shopping malls and luxury hotels. It also offers convenient access to the airport.
- Near Gyeongbokgung Palace: Suitable for history buffs, this location is close to various cultural heritage sites and offers a quieter atmosphere compared to commercial districts.
South Korea e-Arrival Card
This is South Korea’s online arrival declaration system, effective February 24, 2025. All foreign travelers planning to enter South Korea must submit an electronic arrival declaration online within 72 hours prior to departure. This eliminates the need to fill out paper forms on the plane or upon arrival at the airport. You must complete the declaration on the Korea e-Arrival Card official website.
FAQ
Is October typhoon season in Korea?
No, October is not typhoon season in South Korea. The main typhoon season typically occurs during the summer months, specifically from late July to September. By the time October arrives, the weather is generally stable and pleasant, with clear skies and low humidity.
Is South Korea expensive to visit?
Travel costs to South Korea vary depending on the destination. Like any major city, Seoul can be pricier, especially for lodging and dining. However, there are many affordable options for food, transportation, and activities. Street food is a great way to eat well on a budget, and public transit is very reasonably priced. Overall, travel expenses are quite manageable compared to many Western countries.
What are South Korea’s peak tourist seasons?
South Korea’s peak tourist seasons are spring from April to May and autumn from September to October. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage are the main attractions drawing visitors.
There are no comments.