[K-TRAVEL] 2025, week 4 of 11 - Seoul's Autumn Finale and Winter Preludes!
📌 Table of Contents
Hey K-Travelers! BonoHyung here, your go-to guide for everything hot and happening in Seoul. Can you feel it? The crisp autumn air is slowly giving way to a cool winter breeze. This week is a fantastic time to experience the magical transition of seasons in Seoul. Let's dive into the best of what this city has to offer for the fourth week of November!
🔥 This Week's Hot Places: Embracing Late Autumn
While the peak of autumn foliage might be just behind us, there are still plenty of spots to catch the last of the season's vibrant colors. The weather in Seoul during late November sees temperatures dropping, with chilly mornings and evenings, so be sure to dress in layers.
🍂 Last Chance for Autumn Leaves
- Deoksugung Palace Stone Wall Road (덕수궁 돌담길): This is arguably one of the most romantic spots in Seoul. The combination of the historic palace wall and the remaining colorful leaves creates a picturesque scene, perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's especially beautiful in the evening when the lights cast a gentle glow.
- Seoul Forest (서울숲): A sprawling park with various themed areas. Head to the Ginkgo Tree Forest for a magical yellow canopy. It's a great place for families, with deer and other animals to see.
- Namsan Park (남산공원): Take a walk along the northern trail, which is a pedestrian-only path, offering a peaceful experience amidst the trees. You can also visit the N Seoul Tower for a panoramic view of the city's autumn coat.
🏙️ Cozy Indoor Escapes
As the weather gets cooler, sometimes you just want to be indoors. Seoul has you covered with a plethora of amazing indoor attractions.
- Starfield COEX Mall & Byeolmadang Library (별마당 도서관): Get lost in this gigantic underground mall and be sure to visit the iconic Byeolmadang Library. Its towering bookshelves make for a stunning photo opportunity.
- National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관): Immerse yourself in Korean history and art. It's a vast museum, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon here.
- Lotte World Tower & Seoul Sky (롯데월드타워 & 서울스카이): For breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire city, head up to the Seoul Sky observatory. Being indoors, you can enjoy the view no matter the weather.
🎉 Unmissable Festivals & Events
November in Seoul is buzzing with festivals that celebrate everything from traditional culture to dazzling lights.
✨ Seoul Lantern Festival (서울 빛초롱축제)
Cheonggyecheon Stream comes alive with magnificent light displays. It's a fantastic event for an evening walk, offering a magical atmosphere in the heart of the city.
🎄 Early Christmas Markets
Get into the holiday spirit a little early! Some Christmas markets start opening their doors in late November.
- Lotte World Mall Christmas Market: Kicking off around November 20th, this market at the World Park grass square next to Lotte World Tower is a festive wonderland. Expect charming stalls, delicious winter treats, and plenty of photo opportunities.
- Gwanghwamun Market: This market transforms Gwanghwamun Square into a Santa village, creating a festive atmosphere with beautiful lights and craft stalls.
☕ Seoul Café Show
For all the coffee lovers out there, the Seoul Café Show is a massive event held at COEX. Discover new beans, see the latest coffee trends, and enjoy samples from hundreds of vendors. It typically runs until November 22nd.
🌟 An Influencer's Seoul Diary
This week, I've been following the journey of @gonnyday, a Korean influencer who beautifully captures the "vibe" of Seoul for a global audience. His recent posts showcase the serene beauty of walking through Bukchon Hanok Village, with its traditional Korean houses framed by the last of the autumn leaves. He highlights how the quiet, narrow alleyways offer a peaceful escape right in the middle of the bustling city. He also shared a tip about visiting local tea houses in the area to warm up and experience traditional Korean refreshments. It’s a great reminder that even in a megacity like Seoul, moments of tranquility are just around the corner.
🧭 Travel Suggestions for Every Style
Seoul caters to every type of traveler. Here are some ideas based on your travel style:
🛍️ The Shopaholic
Myeongdong is your paradise. From countless beauty stores offering the latest K-beauty trends to fashion boutiques and department stores, you can shop till you drop. It's also a street food haven, so you can refuel as you go.
🏛️ The History Buff
Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the grandest of the Five Grand Palaces. Consider renting a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for free entry and amazing photos. Then, wander through the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong to experience traditional Korean culture.
🕺 The Trendsetter
Head to Hongdae, the neighborhood surrounding Hongik University. It's the epicenter of youth culture, with indie fashion shops, quirky cafes, street art, and live music performances. For a slightly more upscale and chic vibe, explore the tree-lined streets of Garosu-gil.
💡 BonoHyung's Insider Tips
T-Money Card is Your Best Friend: This rechargeable card is essential for getting around. You can use it on subways, buses, and even in taxis and convenience stores. Pick one up as soon as you arrive!
Naver Maps is a Must: Google Maps has its limitations in Korea. For the most accurate directions for walking, public transit, and driving, download the Naver Maps app. It's a lifesaver!
Stay Connected: Rent a portable Wi-Fi egg or get a Korean SIM card at the airport. Staying connected makes navigating the city and sharing your amazing experiences so much easier.
Embrace the "Jjimjilbang" (찜질방): On a cold day, there's nothing better than visiting a traditional Korean spa. You can soak in hot tubs, relax in various saunas, and even get a body scrub. It's a unique and rejuvenating cultural experience.
That's a wrap for this week's K-TRAVEL update! Seoul is a city that's constantly evolving, offering a perfect blend of the traditional and the modern. Whether you're chasing the last autumn leaves or getting a head start on the festive season, you're bound to create unforgettable memories. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and I'll see you next week with more Seoul secrets!
- BonoHyung
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