South Korea is a truly beautiful country that I’ve had the fortune of visiting multiple times. With incredible cuisine, stunning architecture, abundant natural beauty, and a rich history, Korea has so much to offer year round. However, if I had to choose my favorite time to explore this lovely country, there is just something special about the Fall season. Here are four reasons why I think Fall is the best time of year to visit Korea.

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Great Weather

South Korea has four distinct seasons from its frigidly cold winters to its hot and humid summers. The end of summer also brings the intense monsoon season which can cause dangerous flooding.

The Fall season is pleasantly mild, cool, and drier. While layers are always a good idea in Korea to accommodate fluctuating temperatures, I loved only needing a light jacket for most of the season. Abundant sunny days and wholesomely crisp breezes made for a wonderful atmosphere to explore. Aside from clothing, you can read my packing list for South Korea for some helpful items to bring during any season.

Beautiful Fall Colors

Perhaps one of the most obvious draws of Fall in Korea: the beautiful fall colors! By October, deep shades of red and gold leaves start to envelope the country. The numerous mountains which make up at least 70% of the Korea’s terrain are some of the best places to see the beautiful foliage.

I frequently enjoy one of the nations favorite free pastimes of hiking and the scenic trails are simply beautiful during this time of year. Though you don’t have to venture into the wilderness to see these spectacular colors. The autumn leaves abundantly lace the urban centers like Seoul as well.

Good Air Quality

Now, there’s no doubt that the cherry blossoms of Spring are also stunning seasonal colors. Spring too has the mild, comfortable temperatures. However, there’s a rather significant difference from Spring that makes Fall a little more pleasant: The good air quality. South Korea can unfortunately suffer from sporadic bad air quality due to factors such as its own industrial pollution and also its proximity to China’s notorious “Yellow Dust”.

Face masks are a common sight in convenience stores (long before the pandemic) to protect your lungs against the tiny pollution particles. It’s even advisable to have a phone app to check the current air quality. For whatever reason, Spring seems to have some particularly smoggy days which I experienced firsthand while visiting in late March through mid April. By contrast, when I visited in the Fall, there were only a handful of hazy days during a long two month visit. The blue skies and fresh air were not only more pleasant to see the spectacular scenery but better for my health!

The Start of the Christmas Season

It may surprise some travelers the extent to which South Korea celebrates Christmas. Towards the end of the Fall season, in early to mid November, the colorful leaves may be disappearing but some new seasonal decorations pop up. Glittering lights and ornament studded trees welcome the coming winter holidays, particularly in the heart of Seoul.

As temperatures drop, some seasonal warm street foods also become easier to find. My favorite is Hotteok: delicious fried pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts.I could enjoy the festive atmosphere and the belly warming treats before the brutally cold depths of winter.

These were just a few reasons why I think Fall is the best time of year to visit Korea. While this country is undoubtedly beautiful to visit any time of year: from its snowy Winter wonderland to its gorgeous Spring cherry blossoms, to its Summer festivals. I find the refreshing, gold-touched Fall season to be particularly magical.