What to eat in Seoul in November: Seasonal delicacies
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Kimchi (김치)
Kimchi is Korea’s signature fermented side dish, usually napa cabbage seasoned with chili, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. It appears at almost every meal and reflects regional and family recipes. In Seoul you can taste many styles, from mild to very pungent. For a broad introduction, visit Gwangjang Market to sample kimchi alongside other banchan while learning how it underpins Korean dining.
Budae jjigae is a spicy stew combining sausage, ham, tofu, kimchi, and noodles in a chili-based broth. It emerged after the Korean War and remains a communal comfort dish. It is commonly eaten year-round but especially appreciated during cooler weather.
Jajangmyeon consists of wheat noodles topped with black bean sauce, pork, and diced vegetables. It is commonly ordered for casual meals and celebratory occasions and is available throughout the year.
Ganjang gejang is raw crab marinated in soy sauce, creating a briny and umami-rich flavor profile. Often referred to as “rice thief,” it is particularly enjoyed when crab is in season during cooler months.
November brings cooler, late-autumn vibes. Early in the month, fall colors linger, but nights dip near freezing by month’s end. It’s shoulder season, with fewer tourists and potential deals on hotels and flights.
Pro tips for visiting Seoul in November
Early November still offers fall foliage—visit parks and palaces for lingering colors.
Performing arts season is in full swing—check for concerts and theater shows.
The city begins installing winter lights by late November, creating festive evening walks.
Korea’s high school exam day in mid-November brings quiet mornings and possible flight rescheduling.
Seoul in November at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 15°C
Minimum temperature: 3°C
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Daylight
Around 10 hours 19 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 7:05am
Sunset: 5:24pm
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Key events
Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival, Seoul Kimchi Festival, Seoul Music Festival (K-pop & youth music), JTBC Seoul Marathon (fall edition)
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
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What to pack
Warm layers, scarf, gloves, umbrella for late autumn rain.
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Seasonal treats
Kimchi tasting at Seoul Kimchi Festival, roasted sweet potatoes at Namdaemun Market
At the Garden of Morning Calm near Seoul, over a million LED lights cover trees, paths, and themed gardens through winter. Many visitors join evening tours from Seoul for a few hours of illuminated landscapes. Weekends and holidays are busiest, so weekday visits are calmer. Dress for subzero temperatures and possible snow on garden paths.
This early November festival continues the kimjang theme with large-scale kimchi-making, tastings, and exhibitions at Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun. Thousands of participants prepare kimchi for community distribution, while visitors can sample and learn about regional variations. It is an engaging way to understand everyday Korean food culture beyond restaurants.
This relatively new festival showcases K-pop, hip-hop, and indie artists, often with hybrid online and offline formats. Live concerts on Nodeul Island draw young audiences near Halloween weekend, sometimes via free but lottery-allocated tickets. It is a good chance to see rising acts without stadium prices, though lineups focus on mid-tier rather than top-tier idols.
The fall JTBC Seoul Marathon, centered on Jamsil Sports Complex, offers full, half, and shorter distances. Cool November temperatures provide good racing conditions. Road closures in eastern Seoul affect morning traffic, but impacts fade by midday. Spectators can watch from along the Han River sections or near the stadium finish.
This LGBTQ-focused international film festival screens feature and short films at Cinecube Gwanghwamun and online. Many titles have English subtitles and are followed by Q&As. Tickets per screening are modestly priced, creating an accessible way to engage with queer cinema. It offers a quieter alternative to summer pride parades while still connecting visitors with local communities.
On the fourth Thursday of November, some Itaewon restaurants and community centers offer American-style Thanksgiving meals. These dinners often require reservations and may support charity initiatives. For US travelers, it can provide a familiar holiday meal abroad; for others, it is a cultural curiosity. Availability is limited, so booking early is recommended.
Asia’s largest coffee and cafe industry expo fills COEX with hundreds of booths offering beans, brewing gear, desserts, and tastings. Public visitors can sample specialty coffees and watch latte art or barista competitions. Entry tickets are moderately priced and mornings are less crowded than afternoons. Caffeine intake can add up quickly, so pacing tastings is wise.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Seoul in November
