10 Things to Do in Seoul in November

If you are planning to visit Seoul in autumn and want to discover one of the best profiles of the South Korean capital, choosing to organize your travel itinerary in November could be a good option. During this month you will find the city bathed in autumn colors and with a wide range of activities that will allow you to get to know the spirit of one of the most visited destinations in Asia.

Among the best things to do in Seoul in November are discovering the Lantern Festival, walking along the paths of Asan Gingko Tree Road, visiting the Korean Demilitarized Zone during the ceasefire celebrations, visiting the popular jjimjilbangs, discovering the flowering of the cosmos and visiting the Bukchon Hanok neighborhood.

The Lantern Festival is one of the cultural events on Seoul's annual calendar and is an event that revolves around creativity and tradition. During this month, the streets of the South Korean capital are transformed into a spectacle of lights and colors thanks to the display of thousands of paper lanterns, a Chinese object of great penetration throughout the Asian continent.

The main attraction of the festival lies in the diversity of the lanterns on display. Each one represents a Korean history, tradition or cultural symbol, making the event an opportunity to learn about the country's rich heritage. Local artisans work hard to create these lanterns throughout the year, demonstrating the dedication and skill that goes into their making, so that in November these objects light up Seoul at night.

In addition to the lantern exhibition, the festival offers a variety of cultural and gastronomic activities. From traditional music performances to food stalls serving local dishes, you can soak up the Korean culture and enjoy an authentic experience.

During the celebration of this tradition, the best Seoul tours revolve around this event and some private tours even offer a tour of the city's lantern-lit trails.

Seeing the Korean Demilitarized Zone during the ceasefire commemorations in November is a unique experience that will allow you to capture the sense of simmering tension on the border. Although the Korean War came to an end in June 1953, it is critical to remember that actual hostilities ceased in November 1952, marking a turning point in the quest for peace on the Korean peninsula.

Full-day tours from Seoul are available to visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone. These tours usually include a tour of highlights such as the Dora Observation Post, where you can look out from the observation deck to discover the North Korean skyline through binoculars, and get a fascinating glimpse of life on the other side of the border.

In addition, this border site is home to the village of Panmunjom, where the high-level talks between the two Koreas took place. There you can cross the military demarcation line at the United Nations conference room and see the tunnels that were discovered in 1974 and presumably used by the northern armies to invade the peninsula.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a space that, beyond its historical significance, symbolizes hope for a future of peace and reconciliation on this hostile border, making a visit during the November ceasefire commemorations an even more meaningful experience.

Walking along the autumn trails of Asan Gingko Tree Road is a unique experience that is especially highlighted during the month of November. This road becomes a natural spectacle in autumn, when the ancient ginkgo trees are dressed in golden and yellow colors, creating a landscape that leaves no one indifferent and invites you to take some of the best pictures of the city.

November is undoubtedly the best time to explore this hidden gem on the outskirts of South Korea's capital. The trails, flanked by ginkgos, become a real visual feast in Asan, which is located about an hour's drive or train ride from Seoul. In this village, all its streets offer a natural tunnel of golden and yellow leaves, which creates in the visitor the enveloping atmosphere of an impressionist painting.

In addition to the beauty of the trees, the trails offer a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. It is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with the surrounding nature. In Asan you can stroll under the ginkgos, enjoy the crunching of leaves under your feet and breathe in the fresh autumn air. The best alternative to reach this destination is on an excursion from Seoul.

If you want to discover in depth one of the cultural beacons of South Korea, one of the best months to visit this destination is November, when the shows are held during the Korean Culture Month. During this event, the South Korean capital comes alive with a variety of activities and performances celebrating the diversity of Korean arts.

Shows during this month-long event held at different venues throughout the city include traditional dance performances, such as the famous Buchaechum, better known as fan dance, and Korean folk music performances with traditional instruments such as the gayageum and haegeum. In addition, you can visit the best museums in Seoul and visit the most outstanding palaces in the city.

Food enthusiasts will also find their place in this cultural month, as Korean street food festivals are organized with a variety of traditional and modern dishes. In addition, you can attend workshops and cooking classes where you will learn how to prepare Korean dishes and take part in traditional tastings.

Jjimjilbangs are public baths and saunas, and are an integral part of everyday life in South Korea. These relaxation sites offer different services, from hot water pools with healing properties to themed saunas with jade and cedar stones. The experience is usually accompanied by an overnight stay, culminating in a full-day experience.

Visiting Seoul's jjimjilbangs in November is a unique experience that allows you to soak up traditional Korean culture while avoiding the crowds of other seasons. These spaces are popular in the capital, and some of the best include the jjimjilbangs of Dragon Hill Spa and Siloam Sauna. During this month, the influx of tourists decreases, allowing you to enjoy an authentic and relaxing experience.

If you are looking for a genuine cultural immersion in Seoul and also want to relax during your trip, you can opt to visit the jjimjilbangs and explore one of the millennia-old sources of rejuvenation in the Korean capital.

Seoul is family-friendly, with activities for the whole family and a popular destination if you plan to travel with children, but if you visit the city in November you can celebrate Singles' Day. In the South Korean capital, bachelors and bachelorettes will find a variety of places to join the festivities and enjoy Seoul's nightlife and this special date that is commemorated every November 11 around the world.

The Hongdae and Itaewon districts are two of the most popular party destinations in Seoul. Hongdae is known for its arts and culture scene, and at night it is filled with bars, clubs and cafes with live music, where visitors can mingle with local youth. This is also one of the best places in Seoul to enjoy a bar tour.

On the other hand, Itaewon offers a multicultural space with a mix of bars, nightclubs and international restaurants. It is an ideal place for expats and visitors who want to experience the cultural and social diversity of Seoul while celebrating Singles' Day. There you can find some of the best nightlife in the city.

In addition, the Gangnam area is famous for its upscale nightlife, with exclusive clubs and trendy bars. There you will not only find luxurious and sophisticated options, but also some of the best panoramic views of the city, such as those offered by the N Seoul Tower observation deck on the other side of the Han River.

If you decide to visit Seoul in November, you will be able to experience one of the most striking natural events in South Korea, as you can discover the cosmos bloom. This flower, which blooms twice a year, once in March during the early spring and again in November during the autumn, is a real gem of the local flora . In Seoul, the cosmos is the equivalent of what the cherry tree is in Tokyo and Japan, a source of beauty and admiration that marks the change of seasons.

During autumn, when most of the leaves on the trees fall, the cosmos emerges in its fullness, creating a vibrant color palette that contrasts with the autumn landscape. Seoul's parks and gardens are filled with fields of blooming cosmos, offering visitors a unique opportunity to stroll among these flowers in a serene and enchanting environment.

Cosmos are appreciated not only for their visual beauty, but also for their cultural significance in Korea. These flowers represent prosperity and harmony, and their blooming in autumn symbolizes the transition to a new cycle of life.

Contemplating the flowering of the cosmos in Seoul is therefore an experience that combines natural beauty with a deep connection to the local culture and essence, which you can discover if you visit Seoul in March, but also in November.

Do you plan to enjoy the outdoors during the last month of the year with mild weather in Seoul? Then you can combine this activity with open-air movie screenings, which in November is a custom that intertwines the seventh art with the charm of autumn in the South Korean capital.

One of the most popular places to enjoy movies under the stars in Seoul is Yeouido Hangang Park, on the banks of the Han River. During weekends in November, the park turns into an open-air cinema, where locals and tourists converge with their blankets and folding chairs to enjoy classic and contemporary films under the starry sky.

Another highlight is the Seoul Botanical Garden, which hosts film screenings in its natural setting. Surrounded by gardens and greenery, this place offers a unique experience in a peaceful and relaxing environment.

In addition, Namsan Mountain Park is known for its open-air cinema with a view of the city as a backdrop. There you can enjoy evening screenings and watch the Seoul skyline illuminated at night.

Bukchon Hanok is one of the ideal neighborhoods to discover traditional Korean architecture and culture. This suburb is known for its well-preserved cobblestone streets, where historic hanok houses, a typical Korean construction, can be found. During autumn, Bukchon Hanok is tinged with warm colors and golden leaves, creating an enchanting scene for you to discover during your November trip.

As you stroll through Bukchon Hanok, you can visit several of the city's iconic sites, such as the Hanok Architecture Museum, which offers a detailed look at the history of these traditional structures and their cultural significance. In addition, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace are located nearby, allowing you to make the most of your tour while visiting historical sites.

This neighborhood is also an ideal place for a gastronomic excursion in Seoul. Here you can find restaurants offering traditional Korean dishes in restored hanok houses, providing an authentic experience.

There is no way to fully experience the beauty of Seoul without taking in the panoramic views of the city. In November, during autumn, the 63 Sky Art Building's observation deck offers an experience that reveals the magnitude of the South Korean capital, especially since from its observation deck you can discover not only the skyline of the buildings but also the scope of the mountains surrounding the city.

November is an ideal time for these observations, as the weather is dry and the sky is usually clear, offering optimal conditions to enjoy the view. From the 240-meter high vantage point, you can explore a landscape that extends far beyond the city limits and includes the mountain peaks that outline the horizon.

In addition to the mountains, from the 63 Sky Art Building 's observation deck, you can view Seoul's modern skyscrapers, meandering rivers and the urban parks that dot the city. This is an opportunity to appreciate the combination of traditional and contemporary that defines South Korea's capital city.

Temperatures in Seoul in November are usually mild, marking the transition from autumn to winter. The average temperature ranges from 10° to 15°, although nights tend to be cooler. After sunset the wind chill can drop as low as 5°.

However, November weather in Seoul is generally dry, with clear skies and a significant decrease in humidity compared to the summer months, allowing you to be active outdoors and also enjoy the scenic views from the highest points in the city.

The city experiences a significant tourist influx in November. This month marks the transition from autumn to winter in Seoul, making it an attractive period to visit the city. The combination of moderate temperatures and clear skies attracts travelers who want to explore the rich culture, history and natural beauty of the South Korean capital without dealing with summer crowds.

One of the main attractions of Seoul in November is the transformation of the trees into autumn hues, which creates a cozy atmosphere throughout the city. However, due to the popularity of this season, I advise you to plan and book accommodations in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.

Prices in Seoul in November tend to be reasonable and attractive to visitors. As the city prepares for winter, many establishments offer special deals and promotions on hotels, restaurants and stores. This makes November an ideal time to visit Seoul, as you can enjoy the experience on a budget.

Keep in mind that while it is a month of affordable rates, prices may vary depending on demand and location of accommodations and activities, and prices tend to increase around Christmas in Seoul.

November offers mild and dry weather in Seoul, although at night temperatures can drop below 10°, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Woolen hat
• Woolen scarves
• Thermal socks
• Fleece pants
• Wool sweaters
• Mountain footwear
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Sunglasses
• Light coat