Compare the climate averages
These are 1991–2020 climate averages, not a forecast for your visit. The daily high and low columns average many days over that period; they are not limits on how hot or cold a particular day can become. Precipitation is the average monthly total.
| City | Monthly mean (°C) | Average daily high (°C) | Average daily low (°C) | Average high–low difference (°C) | Monthly precipitation (mm) | Relative humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Busan (부산) | 11.9 | 16.6 | 8.3 | 8.3° | 50.4 | 56.3% |
| Daegu (대구) | 9.4 | 14.9 | 4.8 | 10.1° | Not available in this dataset | Not available in this dataset |
| Gangneung (강릉) | 9.5 | 14.0 | 5.6 | 8.4° | 81.1 | 52.7% |
| Gyeongju (경주) | 8.7 | 15.3 | 3.0 | 12.3° | 37.8 | 67.5% |
| Incheon (인천) | 7.9 | 12.0 | 4.3 | 7.7° | 50.8 | 64.3% |
| Jeju (제주) | 13.3 | 16.4 | 10.4 | 6.0° | 69.5 | 65.0% |
| Seoul (서울) | 7.5 | 11.9 | 3.5 | 8.4° | 51.1 | 60.4% |
| Sokcho (속초) | 8.8 | 13.1 | 4.7 | 8.4° | 92.0 | 56.0% |
Source: Korea Meteorological Administration, 1991–2020 climate normals. A missing value means it is unavailable in the dataset used here, not that the city has no rain or that no other climate record exists. The selected table does not cover every Korean city.
Prepare for the approach of winter
November is cooler than October, with frost and occasional wintry conditions possible. Coastal Busan and Jeju are generally milder than Seoul, but exposed areas and higher elevations can be much colder than their city averages.
Bring warm layers and check the forecast for your route. Gloves and a hat may be useful, especially later in the month or for early starts.
Shorter daylight matters for hikes and longer outdoor visits. Check sunset, last entry and the time needed to return rather than assuming a summer-length day.
Look up current foliage conditions
Autumn colour can remain in cities and southern destinations during November, while some higher areas have already lost their leaves. The timing varies with species and weather.
Use the seasonal foliage observations and recent local information. A historical estimate for Namsan or Naejangsan does not guarantee the same peak date this year.
Choose an outing for the whole experience rather than relying on a single photographed tree being at its best. Parks, temples and museums can still make a worthwhile day if the colour has moved on.
Do not assume the absence of a holiday means empty attractions
November normally has no nationwide fixed public holiday. That can avoid some holiday-driven travel peaks, but popular foliage weekends, festivals and other events still draw visitors.
Check transport and accommodation availability for the actual destination. Trains and rooms are not guaranteed to remain available simply because the month lacks a fixed holiday.
Check examination-day notices
The Suneung, formally the College Scholastic Ability Test, is Korea's national university entrance examination. The published date for the examination held in 2026 is 19 November.
Authorities may adjust morning office hours, traffic near examination sites and aircraft operations during the listening section. The exact arrangements are announced for that year; do not apply an earlier year's flight restriction window automatically.
If you have a flight or an appointment that day, check the airline or organisation's current notice. Keep noise down near examination sites and follow local traffic instructions.
Understand kimjang season
Kimjang is the tradition of preparing and sharing kimchi in quantity, often for winter. Some families, communities and organised visitor programmes take part during the cooler months.
Timing varies by region, weather and the organiser. If you want a hands-on experience, book an actual programme and check its language, food and participation arrangements rather than assuming every market offers one.
Balance warmth with indoor comfort
A coat and adjustable layers are useful when moving between cold streets and heated rooms. Wear shoes suitable for wet leaves, uneven paths and possible ice.
For mountain plans, check trail closures and winter conditions separately. November may still look like autumn at your hotel while the route above it requires a very different level of preparation.
