Month guide · Seoul · South Korea
Seoul in October
What October is really like in Seoul: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 서울특별시 소방재난본부 (Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters), Public domain
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Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Seoul. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 10°C (50°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 11.1 hours of daylight. Crisp, sunny and colourful as autumn foliage spreads from the mountains into the palaces late in the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 10°C (50°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in October
October is the 6th-warmest month in Seoul: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 10°C (50°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with September (26°C (79°F)), October is cooler; by November highs drop to around 12°C (54°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:40
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 17:55
- Daylight
- About 11.1 hours
Autumn (September–November). Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and fiery foliage on the mountains and in the palaces; the Chuseok holiday brings closures.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 5 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in October). Book accommodation early: October is one of the pricier months.
Events in October
- Seoul International Fireworks Festival over the Han River at Yeouido (usually early October)
- Autumn foliage at the palaces and Bukhansan (late October to early November)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Street · Insadong
Insadong and Ssamziegil
Insadong-gil is lined with galleries, tea houses and shops selling hanji paper, celadon and calligraphy brushes.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Art
- History
Street · Myeongdong
Myeongdong
Compare cosmetics prices between shops and ask about tax refunds at the till for purchases over the threshold.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- After dark
Architecture · Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Zaha Hadid's curving, aluminium-clad DDP hosts design exhibitions and fashion events, with a rooftop garden and the excavated remains of the old city wall and Dongdaemun Stadium beside it.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- After dark
- Photo spot
- Shopping
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Museum · Yongsan
National Museum of Korea
Don't miss the dimly lit Room of Quiet Contemplation, which displays two gilt-bronze pensive bodhisattva statues side by side.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Art
- Rainy day
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 10°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Seoul?
One of the best months to visit Seoul, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April–May, September and November. Compare every month.
Seoul in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Seoul?
It is one of the best months to visit Seoul. Crisp, sunny and colourful as autumn foliage spreads from the mountains into the palaces late in the month.
+How warm is Seoul in October?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Seoul in October?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.