South Korea Weather in October: Travel Tips for First-Timers

October exemplifies autumn perfection in South Korea. Not only will you be greeted to stunning fall landscapes during the month, but also be accompanied with endless hours of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. October temperatures in South Korea range from highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F).

The stunning weather and breathtaking fall views do, however, attract tourists from all over the country (and the world!). So, be ready to run into plenty of crowds if you're traveling to South Korea in October. This is especially true in popular hotspots like Nami Island. The increase in tourism also results in accommodation and airfare prices going up.

It'll be important to plan for both warm and cool weather conditions for October in South Korea. Although the afternoons, especially during the first part of the month, can be warm, the early hours of the mornings and the late hours of the evenings will certainly be chilly. The second half of October will be cool throughout. Remember to pack plenty of sweaters and cardigans, a windbreaker, some hoodies and fleece jackets, warm socks, scarves, warm dresses, boots, dress shoes, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

To get an in-depth understanding of what to expect insofar as weather conditions are concerned during October, keep reading below.

South Korea Weather in October: Overview

• Average temperature range: 7°C – 22°C (45°F – 72°F)
• Rainfall: 54 mm (2 inches) in Seoul; 70 mm (3 inches) in Busan; 80 mm (3 inches) in Jeju.
• Rainy days: 4 in Seoul; 5 in Busan; 5 in Jeju.

October is, arguably, the most beautiful month to visit South Korea. The weather ranges from comfortable to cold, the latter certainly being true towards the early mornings and evenings once the sun goes down.

Weather reports collected over the last 30 years show that the average maximum temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) in Seoul, 22°C (72°F) in Busan, and 21°C (70°F) in Jeju Island. The average minimum temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) in Seoul, 13°C (55°F) in Busan, and 14°C (57°F) in Jeju Island.

If you visit South Korea in October, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking autumn landscapes of anywhere in the world.

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Weather of South Korea's Major Cities in October

Best Places to Visit in South Korea in October

1. Sokcho

One of the top-rated destinations to view peak fall foliage is Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park, located on the eastern coast of the country. You can spend your time in Sokcho city taking in the spectacular autumn views, hiking, or visiting the nearby Nakansa temple.

It's easy to get to Sokho from Seoul: you can take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 2 hours to complete. From Sokcho, you can take a local bus or taxi to Seoraksan National Park.

2. Nami Island

Nami Island is a must-visit during October. You might recognize the half-moon shaped island from the popular Korean film, Winter Sonata. This island greets visitors with fall landscapes that are aesthetically astounding and visually spectacular. The period from September to November is known as 'Golden Autumn' and the varieties of maple and chrysanthemum come alive at their colorful best at this time.

3. Busan

October is a great time to visit the coastal city of Busan. You'll be accompanied with endless hours of sunshine, beautiful weather, and perfect temperatures as you make your way around the city, visiting sites like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple and Gamcheon Culture Village.

October Crowds and Costs

The spectacular autumn views attract a lot of tourists, both local and foreign, to South Korea during October. This is especially true during the second half of the month when the fall landscape is at its absolute peak. Expect it to be particularly crowded in popular destinations like Nami Island.

Although it's not as expensive as it is during the summer months, October, due to the large crowds it attracts, does result in higher accommodation and flight prices when compared to September.

October Events in South Korea

National Foundation Day: Gaecheonjeol, or National Foundation Day, is a national holiday held on October 3rd every year. The day celebrates the formation of the first Korean state in 2333 B.C. Translated as "the day the heavens opened", present-day celebrations include fireworks and parades – but you don't have to worry about businesses being closed on this day.

National Hangul Day: October 9th is Hangul Day, a public holiday, honoring the institution that is the Korean alphabet. You won't have any issues finding things to do in South Korean this day but Koreans themselves take the day to relax and spend time with family and loved ones.

Gangneung Coffee Festival: Although the official dates for 2024 are yet to be announced, the Coffee Festival takes place every October in the City of Coffee, Gangneung. The best coffee shops from around the country come together to set up stalls and provide visitors with varieties of coffee and coffee beans, whilst also sharing the knowledge in trade and craft possessed by some of the finest coffee masters in South Korea.

Jinju Lantern Festival: Held at the beginning of October, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, or the Jinju Lantern Festival, showcases a parade of lanterns floating on the Namgang River in Jinju city. The lanterns are made by local students and the illuminated river is a sight to behold, complemented with fireworks shows and cultural performances.

What to Wear in South Korea in October

You need to plan for both warm and cold weather conditions if you're traveling to South Korea in October. It can be especially chilly in the morning and at night, once the sun has set. You may be able to get by with shorts and linen shirts in the afternoons when the sun is strong during the first part of the month, but it is still a good idea to carry a jacket with you. The second half of October will be chilly throughout.

Remember to dress in layers at all times and ensure your packing list includes the following items: long-sleeved tops, jeans, sweaters and cardigans, fleece jackets or hoodies, windbreakers, warm dresses, scarves, comfortable walking shoes, dress shoes, boots, and warm socks.

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