As said in our last article What to do in Korea in October, we want to make you discover the best places to see the autumn foliage. In October and November, Korea is getting the warm and vivid colors of autumn. Green, red, orange, yellow leaves form a perfect harmony! Make your trip in November amazing, beautiful travel that you will never forget. We let you enjoy our article about what to do in Korea in November and create the travel that you always wished for.
Find below some ideas of what to do in Korea in November :)
Autumnal Fairytale in Nami Island
By exploring Nami Island in Gapyeong, you will be marvelled by all the colorful trees. It sets a magical atmosphere like a fairytale, perfect to relax and take amazing pictures. Maybe you will be able to see cute rabbits and squirrels living freely in the nature of Nami Island. Have a walk through the infinite line of high pine trees of the Central Korean Pine Tree Lane and revitalize yourself. Take memorable pictures of this enchanting day trip!
Enjoy different activities like visiting the Garden of Morning Calm and its Chrysanthemum Festival, or Jade Garden or stopping by the old rail tracks. Nami Island becomes a real canvas of red, orange and gold colors! The place is the perfect place to take the best profile pics. You can also visit the village Petite France or Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park if you want to experience European atmosphere.
Evade in a fairytale in Nami Island!
Historical Tour in Gyeongju
This tour is one of our best historical tour of what to do in Korea in November. Gyeongju is in North Gyeongsang Province. It is a historical city, preserving treasures from the Silla dynasty. Gyeongju was the capital of the Shilla dynasty. We call the city an outdoor historical museum without a roof. You can see temples, palace, royal tombs, buddhist statues. The highlights of the town are the Bulguksa temple, Seokgoram cave and Anapji Pond. During autumn, the Bulguksa temple is surrounding by the red-orange foliage of trees, giving an authentic aspect to the monument. Its architecture is unique, and the relics it conserves make the monument a cultural asset of Korea. It was built around 528, during the Silla Kingdom but was destroyed during the Imjin War (1592 – 1598). In 1604, the temple was rebuilt and restored until 1805.
You can walk to discover the city and relax admiring the leaves falling.
Then, you can see the Seokgoram cave, located on Tohamsan Mountain. The temple has been shaped in the rock. It welcomes one of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world: the Bonjon statue. Looking at the rounded ceiling of the cave, you can compare it with a half-moon with lotus flowers covered on it. The cave rises 750 meters above the east sea. It offers a splendid view: contemplate the horizon!
Gyeongju palace and especially its artificial pond are also must-see places especially at night where the bright lights illuminate the pavilions, used for festivals and banquets for the King Munmu (first ruler of unified Korea) and his guests.
Furthermore, looking for more autumnal landscapes, you can go in the direction of the long Ginkgo Trees Road and the Gyeongbuk Forest. Cross the wooden bridge and explore the spacious forest preserving endangered plants and flowers.
Explore the historical city of Gyeongju in autumn!
Naejangsan Mountain Hiking Tour
Because we love hiking, here another mountain to see in autumn: the Naejangsan Mountain in Jeolla province. Its name, meaning “the mountain which holds many secrets”, proves the mysterious but comforting atmosphere the environment gives. This is the best mountain in South Korea for viewing the autumn’s crimson leaves. Besides red leaves that dominate the landscape, two waterfalls (Dodeok Falls and Geumseon Falls) are completing the fantastic view.
This wonder of nature is as much as beautiful in autumn, winter, spring, and summer! At any season, you won’t regret the scenery.
In the middle of this natural treasure, you can see the Baekyangsan Temple. Staying in the valley separating two mountains, the temple offers diverse sceneries, ideal for lovers of photography.
Baekyangsan in Korean means literally “the mountain of sheep” (yang means sheep and san implies mountain) due to a legend telling that a sheep came down from the mountain to the temple to listen to a sermon.
Do not miss to stop by the pond, it gives a stunning view.
What to do in Korea in November? Breathe the pure air of Naejangsan Mountain!
Walking along Asan Gogkyo River
Let’s go to Asan to admire amazing autumnal views! Asan is in Chungnam province, about 1 hour from Seoul by car. The city is famous for its spas and its serene atmosphere. It is a beautiful place to see in autumn especially for its Gyokgo River and Gingko Tree Road. During the change of season, the green leaves change their colors into a golden yellow color, and it is just beautiful.
Then to know more about the city and Korea history, you can spend time in Oeam Folk Village. It is a countryside village composing by endless rice fields, straw houses, and tile-roofed noble houses. Its rustic charm will captivate you. In spring, flowers bloom and give a touch of pink and purple to the land. There are about 86 traditional houses: three-quarters of them are residential houses and the rest was used for farming. It is also famous for its Yusil wine.
Then, to complete this serene day tour, let’s pass by Hyeonchungsa Shrine built in 1706. It is dedicated to General Lee Sun-Shin. Lee Sun Shin was a naval commander who became famous for his victories against Japanese during the Imjin War. From then, he is an exemplar of conduct and a well-known figure in the Korean history. After the Japanese occupation, the shrine has been restored and even a pond in the shrine has been created. You can see the portrait of General Lee Sun Shin after passing Hongsal Gate.
Admire wonderful autumnal views in Asan.
Autumnal Seoul – Joseon Dynasty Walking Tour
Here the second historical tour of our article What to do in Korea in November.
Autumn is the perfect time to visit historical Korean monuments. With warm colors of autumn, it gives a nostalgic atmosphere and makes the places more charming. Our group tour will lead you to the best historical places of Seoul to see during autumn.
The first place you will see is the Jogyesa temple, the main buddhist temple of Seoul. From mid-October to early November, it holds the Chrysanthemum festival welcoming many colorful chrysanthemum flowers into its midst.
Then, you will go in the direction of the Cheonggyecheon stream, peaceful area in the middle of the liveliest part of Seoul. Just by going down the stairs, you will enter a serene area reflecting moments of past Korea during the Joseon dynasty. Festivals and exhibitions are held regularly as well. Among the 22 bridges that pass over the stream, the Narae Bridge and the Gwanggyo Bridge are considered as the most beautiful bridges of the stream.
The two Seoul Palaces to see in Autumn
At around 10 am it is time to go to see the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Just at the main entrance, the Gwanghwamun gate, you will see the courtyard surrounded by temporary barriers to delimitate the place of the ceremony. For about 15 minutes, the ceremony takes place with the new guards walking straight to the sound of traditional Korean orchestra. By watching it, you will go back in the time of the Joseon dynasty. After the ceremony, you can enjoy your visit to Gyeongbokgung palace and know more about its history. The Gyeonghoeru and Hyanwonjeong pavilions floating on lakes with the mountain as a background offer a magnificent view in any season.
Besides, you will see Changdeokgung palace. It is the most charming of the five palaces with its unique garden. Especially in autumn and spring, the secret garden, rest place for former kings, offers a stunning view. In autumn, the garden is full of red and yellow colors with the trees. Changdeokgung Palace is UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1997.
It is possible for you to wear a hanbok while visiting the palaces. Dressed up as a traditional Korean, the pictures with the colors of autumn will make you leave with authentic memories.
Finally, you can have walk in the traditional district of Insa-dong, and meander along the golden Gingko trees.
Discover the past of Seoul in autumn!
Seoul Lantern Festival
Every year, Seoul Lantern Festival takes place from the first Friday of November to the third week of November. From 5 pm to 11 pm, lanterns light up along the Cheonggyecheon Stream until Cheonggye Plaza and Supyogyo Bridge. Furthermore, it always promotes a specific theme every year. In 2017, it was dedicated to Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Games! In addition to the spectacle of lanterns, the festival offers several activities to enjoy. You can put up a wish lantern, write a new year’s wish note or even make your own lantern. Likewise, you can enjoy Korean street food and see fantastic parades illuminating the night of Seoul!
Did these ideas of what to do in Korea in November catch your interest? Now you know what to do in Korea in November, you just need to make it come true by elaborating with us the best itinerary for your travel in Korea.
Read next: What to do in Korea in December