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What to pack for Seoul in late October and November
- October
- ~20°C high · ~11°C low (Seoul average)
- November
- ~12°C high · ~4°C low (Seoul average)
- Key idea
- Layers you can take off indoors
- Shoes
- Sneakers with grip, warm socks
Seoul swings about 10°C between noon and night in late fall. Average temperatures, how to layer, which shoes to bring, what to buy at the convenience store, and how to stay warm at the Han River at night.
Gyeongbokgung, Oct 2012 · Photo: Korea.net / KOCIS, Jeon Han (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Seoul temperatures in late fall
- OCTOBERAbout 20°C in the afternoon, about 11°C at night
Seoul station averages, Korea Meteorological Administration 1991–2020 normals (high 20.2°C, low 10.6°C). Late October runs cooler than early October.
- NOVEMBERAbout 12°C in the afternoon, about 4°C at night
KMA 1991–2020 normals for Seoul: high 11.9°C, low 3.5°C. Cold snaps can push nights near freezing, so check the forecast the week you fly.
- SWINGRoughly 8–10°C between noon and night
That's why one outfit rarely works from morning to evening.
Packing checklist
- BASEThin long-sleeve or heat-tech layer
Easy to take off in shops, cafes and subway cars, which are heated.
- MIDA knit or fleece
The layer you'll add and remove most.
- OUTERLight jacket or trench (late Oct) · padded jacket or wool coat (Nov)
Our tip: a packable padded jacket covers both months.
- EXTRAScarf, warm socks, a small foldable bag
A scarf is the quickest way to warm up after sunset.
- SHOESComfortable sneakers with grip
Palace courtyards have gravel and uneven stone, and Bukchon and Namsan are steep.
- SKINLip balm and hand cream
Our tip: indoor heating dries skin and lips quickly.
Forgot something? Buy it in Seoul
- LAYERSUniqlo Myeongdong
Korea's largest Uniqlo, opened in Myeongdong in May 2026 (floors 1–3).
- LAYERSMusinsa Standard (Myeongdong)
Korean basics brand with stores in the Myeongdong area.
- WARMERSHot packs (핫팩, hat-paek)
Shake-to-heat hand warmers at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, emart24) and Daiso.
- DRINKSThe heated shelf near the counter
Convenience stores keep warm cans and bottles of coffee and tea in a small heated cabinet.
- MASKSKF94 masks for fine-dust days
Our tip: check the air quality in your weather app before a long day outside.
Han River at night
- WINDIt feels colder by the water
Our tip: wear one more layer than you would downtown.
- BRINGA blanket or picnic mat
The grass gets damp and cold after dark.
- WARM UPRiverside convenience stores
Many have instant ramyeon machines: buy a ramyeon pack and cook it in the store.
- GET HOMECheck your last train
Most Seoul subway lines stop running around midnight. Check the last train in Naver Map or Kakao Map.
Say it in Korean (show this screen)
- SAYDo you have hot packs?
hat-paek i-sseo-yo?
핫팩 있어요? - SAYWhere are the warm drinks?
tta-tteu-tan eum-nyo eo-di i-sseo-yo?
따뜻한 음료 어디 있어요? - SAYDo I take my shoes off here?
yeo-gi-seo sin-bal beo-seo-ya dwae-yo?
여기서 신발 벗어야 돼요?
Local tips
- Our tip: dress for the evening and peel layers off at noon, not the other way around.
- Our tip: some restaurants and hanok stays have floor seating, so easy slip-on shoes and socks without holes save you a moment of embarrassment.
FAQ
How cold is Seoul in November?
On average about 12°C in the afternoon and about 4°C at night (KMA 1991–2020 normals for Seoul), so bring a padded jacket or wool coat.
What is the weather like in Seoul in late October?
Mild days around 20°C and cool nights around 11°C on average for October, so layers and a light jacket work best.
What shoes should I bring to Seoul in fall?
Comfortable sneakers with grip: palace courtyards have gravel and uneven stone, and areas like Bukchon and Namsan are steep.
Where can I buy hand warmers in Seoul?
Hot packs (핫팩) are sold at convenience stores like CU and GS25 and at Daiso.
Sources: Wikipedia: Climate of Seoul (KMA 1991–2020 normals) · Climats et Voyages: Seoul climate (1991–2020) · Hankyung: Uniqlo returns to Myeongdong (May 2026) · Herald Business: Uniqlo vs Musinsa Standard in Myeongdong (Jun 2026)