Gyeongju in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Gyeongju

15°C (59°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

38mm (1.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with comfortable temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) during peak hours, ideal for exploring Namsan Mountain's 40+ temple sites without summer's oppressive heat
Peak autumn foliage season - maple and ginkgo trees create impressive golden backdrops at Bulguksa Temple and Anapji Pond, with leaves typically peaking in mid-November
Minimal crowds compared to spring cherry blossom season - major sites like Seokguram Grotto have 60% fewer visitors, allowing peaceful contemplation
Clear, crisp air provides exceptional visibility for photography - ancient pagodas and burial mounds appear sharp against autumn skies, perfect for capturing Gyeongju's 1,000+ year old architecture

Considerations

Early morning temperatures drop to 3°C (37°F) - sunrise temple visits require warm layers and many outdoor cafes don't open until 9am
Daylight hours are shorter with sunset around 5:30pm, limiting afternoon sightseeing time and requiring careful itinerary planning
Occasional light rain on 10 days throughout the month can make outdoor tomb exploration muddy, particularly at Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex

Best Activities in November

Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto Cultural Tours

November's cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures make the uphill walk to Seokguram comfortable, while autumn foliage frames the UNESCO World Heritage sites beautifully. Morning visits avoid afternoon shadows and offer the best lighting for the stone Buddha. The 30-minute hike between sites is pleasant in crisp weather.

Booking Tip: Book cultural heritage tours 1-2 weeks ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost ₩45,000-65,000 and include transportation between sites. Look for guides certified by Korea Tourism Organization for historical accuracy.

Namsan Mountain Sacred Trail Hiking

Cool November weather transforms Namsan's 150+ Buddhist relics trail into a comfortable day hike. Autumn leaves provide natural camouflage for discovering hidden stone carvings, and the 10°C (50°F) temperature prevents overheating on steep sections. Morning fog often lifts by 10am, revealing panoramic views of ancient Silla kingdom ruins.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is popular, but guided archaeological walks cost ₩30,000-50,000 per person. Book through local cultural centers for expert commentary on Silla-era artifacts. Trails typically take 3-5 hours depending on route.

Ancient Tomb Complex Evening Photography Tours

November's early 5:30pm sunset creates golden hour lighting perfect for photographing the 23 royal tombs at Daereungwon. Cool weather allows comfortable evening walks through the illuminated complex, and autumn's clear air enhances night photography opportunities. The contrast between ancient mounds and modern Gyeongju city lights is spectacular.

Booking Tip: Photography tours run ₩25,000-40,000 per person and include equipment guidance. Book 3-5 days ahead as groups are small (6-8 people maximum). Evening tours start at 4pm to capture both daylight and illuminated scenes.

Traditional Hanok Cooking Classes

Cool November weather makes indoor cultural activities particularly appealing. Learn to prepare seasonal Korean dishes using autumn ingredients like persimmons and chestnuts. Classes often include making traditional teas perfect for the cooler weather, and historic hanok buildings provide authentic atmosphere without summer's stifling heat.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes cost ₩60,000-85,000 including ingredients and meals. Book 1 week ahead as class sizes are limited to 8 people. Look for classes in restored Silla-era buildings for added historical context.

Anapji Pond Night Illumination Tours

November's longer nights showcase Anapji Pond's reflection illuminations at their best. Cool temperatures make evening strolls comfortable, and autumn foliage around the reconstructed Silla palace creates layered colors in the water reflections. The 7pm-9pm prime viewing window offers spectacular photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Evening tours cost ₩20,000-35,000 and often include traditional tea service. Book Easttimor-day or 1-2 days ahead. Tours typically last 90 minutes and provide historical context about Silla royal entertainment practices.

Bicycle Heritage Trail Tours

Comfortable November temperatures of 10-15°C (50-59°F) make cycling between scattered historical sites ideal. The 40km (25-mile) heritage trail connects major temples, tombs, and museums without summer's exhausting heat. Autumn foliage along rural sections provides scenic breaks between cultural sites.

Booking Tip: Full-day bike rentals cost ₩15,000-25,000 with guided heritage tours at ₩55,000-75,000 per person. Book through certified operators who provide helmets and route maps. E-bikes available for hilly sections at additional ₩10,000.

November Events & Festivals

Early to mid November

Silla Cultural Festival

Annual celebration of ancient Silla kingdom heritage featuring traditional performances, historical reenactments, and craft demonstrations. The festival transforms downtown Gyeongju into a living museum with period costumes, ancient music, and royal court ceremonies performed at actual historical sites.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - base layer plus fleece or light wool sweater for 3-15°C (37-59°F) temperature range throughout the day

Waterproof hiking boots - temple and tomb sites involve walking on uneven stone paths that can be slippery when wet

Compact umbrella - light rain occurs on 10 days but showers are brief and gentle, not heavy downpours

Warm hat and gloves - early morning temple visits at 6am can feel like 0°C (32°F) with wind chill

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on GPS and translation apps for navigation

Cash in small bills - many temple sites and traditional markets prefer ₩1,000 and ₩5,000 notes for entrance fees and snacks

Comfortable walking socks - prevent blisters during long days exploring archaeological sites on foot

Light backpack - carry water and layers comfortably during 3-5 hour outdoor exploration sessions

Sunglasses - autumn sun is bright despite cooler temperatures, especially when reflecting off ancient stone structures

Hand warmers - useful for early morning photography sessions when handling camera equipment in cold conditions

Insider Knowledge

Visit major temples between 8-10am when morning light illuminates Buddha statues perfectly and before tour buses arrive - locals call this 'golden temple time'

November is persimmon harvest season - try fresh gotgam (dried persimmons) at Gyeongju Traditional Market for ₩3,000-5,000, a autumn specialty unavailable other months

Many locals hike Namsan Mountain on weekends starting at 7am to avoid crowds and catch sunrise views - join them for real feel and trail recommendations

The new KTX-Eum train service to Gyeongju (opened 2024) reduces South Korea travel time to 2 hours 10 minutes, but book early as November weekend trains fill quickly with domestic autumn foliage tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating walking distances between sites - Bulguksa to Seokguram is 4km (2.5 miles) uphill, not the quick walk many assume from maps

Wearing only light layers for morning activities - 3°C (37°F) dawn temperatures at sunrise temple visits require proper winter clothing despite mild afternoon weather

Planning too many outdoor sites after 4pm - November sunset at 5:30pm leaves insufficient daylight for meaningful exploration of large complexes like Namsan Mountain trails