10 Things to Do in Seoul in November

If you are planning to visit Seoul in autumn and want to discover one of the South Korean capital's best profiles, organising your travel itinerary in November could be a good option. During this month you can find the city bathed in autumn colours 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.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul in November include discovering the Lantern Festival, walking the trails of Asan Gingko Tree Road, visiting the Korean Demilitarised Zone during the ceasefire celebrations, visiting the popular jjimjilbangs, discovering the flowering of the cosmos and visiting the Bukchon Hanok neighbourhood.

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 light and colour with the display of thousands of paper lanterns, a Chinese object that is widely used throughout Asia.

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 Korea'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 display, the festival offers a variety of cultural and gastronomic activities. From traditional music performances to food stalls serving local dishes, these experiences allow you to soak up Korean culture and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Seeing the Korean Demilitarised 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 essential to remember that actual hostilities ceased in November 1952, marking a turning point in the search for peace on the Korean peninsula.

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

Also, 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 in the UN conference room and see the tunnels that were discovered in 1974 and presumably used by the North's armies to invade the peninsula.

The Korean Demilitarised Zone is a space that, beyond its historical significance, symbolises 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 outstanding during the month of November. This road becomes a natural spectacle in autumn, when the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees are dressed in golden and yellow colours, creating a landscape that leaves no one indifferent and invites you to take some of the best photographs of the city.

November is undoubtedly the best time to explore this hidden gem on the outskirts of South Korea's capital. The ginkgo-lined trails are a visual feast in Asan, which is located about an hour's drive or train ride from Seoul. In this village, every street offers a natural tunnel of golden and yellow leaves, creating the enveloping atmosphere of an impressionist painting.

In addition to the beauty of the trees, the trails offer a peaceful 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 way to reach this destination is on an excursion from Seoul.

If you want to discover in depth one of South Korea's cultural beacons, one of the best months to visit this destination is November, when performances are held during 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 the fan dance, and Korean folk music performances on traditional instruments such as the gayageum and haegeum. In addition, you can visit Seoul's best museums and visit the city's most prominent palaces.

Food enthusiasts will also find their place in this cultural month, with Korean street food festivals featuring a variety of traditional and modern dishes. In addition, you can attend workshops and cooking classes where you can 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 places of relaxation offer a range of services, from hot water pools with healing properties to themed saunas with jade and cedar stones. The experience is often 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 ancient sources of rejuvenation in the Korean capital.

Seoul is a family-friendly place, 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 in 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 the local youth. This is also one of the best places in Seoul to enjoy a bar tour.

Itaewon, on the other hand, offers a multicultural space with a mix of international bars, clubs and restaurants. It is an ideal place for expats and visitors who want to experience Seoul's cultural and social diversity while celebrating Singles' Day. Here 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 in the city, such as the N Seoul Tower observation deck on the other side of the Han River.

If you decide to visit Seoul in November, you can experience one of the most striking natural events in South Korea as you discover the cosmos blossom. This flower, which blooms twice a year, once in March at the beginning of spring and again in November in 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 wonder that marks the change of seasons.

During autumn, when most of the leaves fall from the trees, the cosmos emerges in full bloom, creating a palette of vibrant colours that contrasts with the autumnal 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 atmosphere.

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 autumn bloom symbolises the transition to a new cycle of life.

Watching the cosmos bloom 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.

Planning 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 film 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. On 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 venue 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 neighbourhoods 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 colours 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 neighbourhood is also a great place for a foodie excursion in Seoul. Here you can find restaurants serving 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 observation deck of the 63 Sky Art Building 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 for enjoying the view. From the 240-metre-high viewpoint, you can explore a landscape that extends far beyond the city limits and includes the mountain peaks that outline the skyline.

In addition to the mountains, from the 63 Sky Art Building 's observation deck you can see 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.

Temperatures in Seoul in November tend to be mild, marking the transition from autumn to winter. The average temperature ranges from 10° to 15°, although nights are usually 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 drop in humidity compared to the summer months, allowing you to be active outdoors and also enjoy the scenic views from the city's highest points.

The city experiences a significant influx of tourists 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 travellers who wish 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 autumnal hues, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the city. However, due to the popularity of this season, I advise you to plan and book accommodation 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 shops. 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 an affordable month, prices can 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 temperatures can drop below 10°C at night , so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Woollen hat
• Woollen scarves
• Warm socks
• Fleece trousers
• Woollen jumpers
• Mountain footwear
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight coat