Gyeongju in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Gyeongju
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn temperatures (21°C/70°F highs, 9°C/48°F lows) ideal for walking the 23 km (14.3 miles) of historic sites without summer's oppressive heat
- Peak autumn foliage transforms temple grounds and royal tombs into spectacular red and gold landscapes - especially impressive at Bulguksa Temple and Tumuli Park
- Chrysanthemum Festival season brings busy flower displays throughout the city and locals celebrate with traditional performances and seasonal foods like persimmons
- Lower humidity (70% vs summer's 85%) makes outdoor activities comfortable, and you can easily spend full days cycling between archaeological sites
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings - you might experience 21°C (70°F) sunshine and 9°C (48°F) rain on the Easttimor day, requiring layered clothing strategy
- October rain (109mm/4.3 inches over 10 days) often arrives without warning and can disrupt outdoor tomb explorations and cycling plans
- Popular Korean holiday season means domestic tourist crowds at major sites like Bulguksa Temple, especially during weekend autumn leaf viewing
Best Activities in October
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto Tours
October's cool temperatures (21°C/70°F) make the steep 3 km (1.9 mile) climb to Seokguram comfortable, while autumn foliage creates impressive backdrops for temple photography. The lower humidity means clearer mountain views from the grotto. Morning visits (8-10am) avoid tour groups and capture golden light filtering through maple leaves.
Tumuli Park Royal Tomb Cycling
October's comfortable cycling weather lets you cover all 23 royal tombs in Daereungwon without overheating. Autumn leaves create dramatic contrasts against ancient burial mounds. The 70% humidity is perfect for 2-3 hour cycling sessions, and you can rent bikes for the entire historic area exploration.
Anapji Pond Night Illumination Experiences
October evenings (temperatures dropping to 9°C/48°F) create mirror-perfect reflections of illuminated Donggung Palace ruins. The crisp air enhances the contrast between warm golden lights and dark water. Autumn atmosphere makes this ancient royal garden especially atmospheric after sunset.
Traditional Hanbok Photography Sessions
October's stable weather and autumn foliage provide ideal conditions for hanbok photoshoots at historic sites. Cool temperatures mean comfortable wearing of traditional layers, while golden maple leaves complement hanbok colors beautifully. Perfect lighting conditions last longer due to October's moderate sun angle.
Namsan Mountain Archaeological Hiking
October's moderate temperatures make the challenging 8 km (5 miles) trek to discover hidden Buddhist carvings and stone pagodas manageable. Clear autumn air provides excellent visibility for spotting ancient rock reliefs scattered across the mountainside. The 70% humidity prevents overheating during steep climbs to 494m (1,621 ft) elevation.
Traditional Market Food Tours
October brings seasonal specialties like roasted chestnuts, sweet persimmons, and pine mushrooms to Gyeongju's traditional markets. Cool weather makes market walking comfortable while autumn harvests provide unique tasting opportunities not available other seasons. Local vendors offer seasonal banchan varieties perfect for October's weather.
October Events & Festivals
Gyeongju Chrysanthemum Festival
Massive chrysanthemum displays transform city parks with thousands of colorful blooms, traditional performances, and seasonal food stalls. Local artisans demonstrate flower arranging and visitors can participate in tea ceremonies featuring chrysanthemum tea.
Silla Cultural Festival
Historical reenactments, traditional music performances, and archaeological exhibitions celebrate Gyeongju's ancient Silla kingdom heritage. Features royal processions through historic areas and hands-on cultural workshops.