What to Wear in South Korea in Autumn
Planning a trip to Korea this fall? You’ve picked the perfect season. The weather is cool, the scenery is stunning, and the fashion is even better. So the big question is what to wear in South Korea in autumn?
In this guide, I’ll share month-by-month fall outfit tips and style ideas that will help you blend right in with locals.
Let’s make sure your suitcase is ready for autumn in Korea.
Month-by-month outfit tips for Korea in autumn
September
September in Korea feels a lot like late summer, with daytime highs around 23–27°C and cooler evenings around 17–20°C.
I keep outfits light during the day and always carry a cardigan or thin jacket for nights, especially if I’m walking along the Han River.
What to wear in September:
- T-shirts or light blouses for daytime
- Cotton trousers or denim
- Cardigan or thin jacket for evenings
- Sneakers for city walking
- One nicer outfit (skirt + blouse) for cafés or dinners
October
October is the classic fall month in Korea. Expect daytime temperatures around 15–20°C, dropping closer to 10–12°C at night in Seoul.
Jeju and coastal cities stay a touch warmer, but you’ll still want a jacket once the sun goes down.
What to wear in October:
- Long-sleeve tops and knit sweaters
- Flannel shirt or knit vest for layering
- Denim jacket or light wool coat for evenings
- Wide trousers or jeans with sneakers
- Scarf for extra warmth at night
November
By November, autumn edges into early winter. Daytime highs in Seoul hover around 9–13°C, with nights dropping to 2–6°C.
Coastal Busan and Jeju are slightly milder but often breezier, and Jeju can see moderate rainfall. This is the time for heavier outerwear and warm accessories.
What to wear in November:
- Knit sweaters layered over thin thermals
- Warmer coat (wool or padded) by mid to late November
- Scarf, gloves, and a beanie if you get cold easily
- Ankle boots for warmth and style
- Dark trousers or jeans that go with everything
What to pack for 2-week Korea fall trip
When I pack for Korea in autumn, I keep it light. A capsule wardrobe of 10 to 12 pieces is plenty, and it saves me from dragging heavy luggage through subways in Seoul or on a flight to Jeju.
The trick is picking layers that mix easily and work in both cities and outdoors.
Here’s my go-to Korea packing list for autumn:
Tops
- 2 t-shirts for warm days or layering
- 2 long-sleeve shirts
- 2 light sweaters or knits
Outerwear
- 1 light jacket for September and October
- 1 warmer coat for November
Bottoms
- Dark denim that goes with everything
- A pair of trousers for a sharper look
- A skirt or dress for cafés or dinners out
Shoes
- Comfortable sneakers for all-day walking
- Ankle boots for chilly evenings or rain
Accessories
- A scarf for both style and warmth
- Thin gloves if you’re visiting in November
- A compact umbrella (because autumn showers are sneaky)
This little capsule has worked for me on two-week trips and never feels repetitive. You can mix and match everything to create easy Korea fall outfits that look good in photos and keep you comfortable wherever you go.
What to wear in Korea in autumn (by activity)
City exploring
When I spend a full day exploring Seoul or Busan, I know I’m going to walk thousands of steps. Between palaces, subway stations, and shopping streets, comfort is everything
Here’s what I usually wear:
- Knit sweater with wide-leg jeans
- Sneakers for walking comfort
- Scarf tucked in your bag for cooler evenings
- Optional: light cardigan or modest outfit if you’re visiting palaces or hanok villages
- Bonus: renting a hanbok is a fun way to take photos in the autumn leaves
Café hopping and photos
Cafés in Korea are half about the drinks and half about the vibes. I love planning a café day in Hongdae or Ikseon-dong and wearing something a little nicer.
My go-to café look is:
- Blouse or sweater with a midi skirt
- Tights once it gets chilly in October or November
- Loafers, Mary Janes, or ankle boots
- A small crossbody bag for a polished finish
This is one of my favourite Korea fall outfits: chic but easy to wear.
Evenings out
Korean nights are busy. I might start with barbecue, then head to a bar, and somehow end up wandering a night market with a hot snack in hand.
I usually go for:
- Knit dress or blouse with tailored trousers
- Blazer or light coat on top
- Low heels or sleek ankle boots
- Crossbody bag so your hands are free for food or late-night strolls
It’s a look that works everywhere: smart enough for dinner, but practical for a night of wandering.
Day trips
Autumn is the best time for little getaways like Nami Island or Jeju’s oreum hills. You’ll be outdoors most of the day, so layers make all the difference.
- Long-sleeve top or base layer
- Comfortable trousers or leggings
- Sneakers for walking or biking
- Light fleece or jacket in October and November
- Cap or beanie if it’s windy
Hiking in Korea
If you’re heading up Hallasan in Jeju, Seoraksan National Park, or Bukhansan near Seoul, you’ll need proper hiking gear. Mornings can be 5–8°C in November, but you’ll warm up fast once you’re moving.
Here’s my hiking setup:
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Fleece or packable puffer in October and November
- Hiking trousers or leggings that dry quickly
- Trail shoes or sturdy sneakers with grip
- Windbreaker or light rain jacket for sudden changes
Temples and cultural sites
I really enjoy visiting temples in autumn, as the leaves make the whole place feel extra peaceful. Modest outfits are appreciated, and you’ll often remove your shoes indoors.
What works best:
- Simple tops with long trousers or skirts
- Light cardigan or scarf to cover shoulders
- Clean socks
- Slip-on shoes for easy changes
Autumn fashion trends you’ll notice
One of my favourite things about Korea is the everyday style. Even running errands, people look put together. In autumn, layering is everywhere. You’ll see:
- Knit vests layered over button-downs
- Leather or suede jackets
- Wide trousers with sneakers
- Neutral colours mixed with plaid or flannel
I usually end up buying at least one piece while I’m there!
What not to wear in Korea in autumn
After a few trips to Korea in the fall, I’ve figured out which items just don’t earn a spot in my suitcase. Here’s what I leave behind:
- Chunky sweaters – They feel cozy, but indoor heating is strong in Korea. You’ll end up overheating. Thin layers are much more practical.
- Heavy coats – Unless you’re visiting in late November, a big parka is overkill. It just eats up space in your luggage. I stick to a light jacket or a packable puffer.
- Oversized umbrellas – Lugging one around on the subway is a pain. I always carry a compact umbrella instead.
- Shoes with no grip – Slippery soles and wet palace stones don’t mix. Stick to sneakers or boots with traction.
- Too many outfits – I used to pack like I needed a new look every day, but I ended up hauling around way too much. A small capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match pieces is honestly all you need for Korea fall outfits.
FAQs about South Korea fall outfits
Is November too cold for dresses?
Not if you layer. I wear dresses in November with tights, a coat, and a scarf. It works perfectly for cafés or palace walks, though I’d skip it for windy days in Jeju.
Do people wear sneakers at night in Korea?
Yes, all the time. Sneakers are a staple of Korean autumn fashion. If you want to look dressier, pair them with trousers or a knit dress instead of casual jeans.
Do I need a heavy coat in October?
No. October is light-layer season. A knit sweater with a denim jacket or wool coat is usually enough. Save the heavy parka for late November or winter.
What do men usually wear in autumn?
I normally see button-down shirts with knits layered on top, straight-leg trousers, and sneakers. In November, coats and scarves appear.
Is a trench coat practical in Korea in autumn?
Yes. A trench coat is one of the most versatile pieces you can pack. It’s perfect in September and October, and in November you can layer sweaters underneath for extra warmth.
Before you go
Packing your outfits is just one piece of planning for autumn in Korea.
I always like to pair my wardrobe planning with a little itinerary inspiration, because fall is such a special season here.
If you’re in Seoul, don’t miss my guide to the best fall foliage spots in Seoul. And if you want to see more, my list of the best day trips from Seoul in autumn is packed with ideas that pair perfectly with fall weather.
If you’re still figuring out when to visit, my best time to visit Korea post breaks down every season so you can compare. And because no trip is complete without food, check out my list of must-try Korean desserts!
