Things to Do in Jeju in November

November Weather in Jeju

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

28mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with comfortable 18-25°C (64-77°F) temperatures and low humidity (65%) - ideal for Hallasan summit attempts without summer's exhausting heat
November citrus harvest season brings fresh tangerines and unique citrus-themed experiences at local farms, plus significantly lower produce prices
Clear autumn skies provide exceptional visibility for sunrise viewing at Seongsan Ilchulbong - success rate for unobstructed sunrise views jumps to 75% compared to 45% in summer
Shoulder season pricing with accommodation costs 30-40% lower than peak summer months, plus shorter queues at popular attractions like Manjanggul Cave

Considerations

Swimming and water activities become uncomfortable as ocean temperature drops to 19°C (66°F) - too cold for most visitors without wetsuits
November winds can be strong and unpredictable, particularly on coastal areas and Hallasan upper slopes, with gusts reaching 60+ km/h (37+ mph)
Some outdoor seasonal attractions like certain beach clubs and water parks begin closing or reducing hours as tourist season winds down

Best Activities in November

Hallasan Summit Hiking

November offers the best hiking conditions of the year with mild temperatures and crisp air perfect for the challenging 9.6 km (6 mile) round trip to South Korea's highest peak. Clear autumn weather provides stunning 360-degree views impossible during humid summer months. The 1,950m (6,398 ft) summit requires 6-8 hours but November's comfortable conditions make this achievable for moderately fit hikers.

Booking Tip: Reserve hiking permits online exactly 1 week before your planned date (they open at 10am KST). Permits cost ₩1,000 ($0.75) and sell out within hours during peak weekends. Start by 6am to avoid afternoon winds and ensure summit access before 1pm cutoff.

Jeju Citrus Farm Experiences

November is peak harvest season for Jeju's famous tangerines and hallabong citrus fruits. Farm tours include picking your own fruit, learning traditional harvesting methods, and tasting varieties unavailable elsewhere. The cool weather makes orchard walking comfortable, and you'll pay harvest-season prices (₩8,000-12,000 per kg vs ₩15,000+ imported).

Booking Tip: Book directly with farms 3-5 days ahead through local tourism offices or guesthouses. Half-day experiences typically cost ₩25,000-35,000 ($19-26) including picking, tasting, and 3kg take-home fruit. Peak harvest runs November 10-30.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Viewing

November's clear skies and low humidity create optimal conditions for sunrise photography at this UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater. The 182m (597 ft) climb takes 30 minutes, and November's 7:00am sunrise timing allows for reasonable wake-up times. Post-sunrise, explore the crater rim in comfortable hiking weather impossible during summer's oppressive heat and humidity.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for the hike (entrance ₩5,000). Arrive by 6:15am for best photography positions. Combine with nearby Seopjikoji coastal walk (2.3 km/1.4 miles) which is perfect in November's mild temperatures. Parking fills by 6:30am on weekends.

Jeju Coastal Road Cycling

November's mild temperatures and reduced tourist traffic create ideal cycling conditions along Jeju's 234 km (145 mile) coastal road. The famous Jeju Island circuit becomes manageable in sections during comfortable autumn weather. Coastal winds that are brutal in winter are still moderate in November, and you'll avoid summer's dangerous heat and crowded roads.

Booking Tip: Rent quality bikes for ₩15,000-25,000/day ($11-19) from shops near major beaches. Book 2-3 days ahead during weekend periods. Focus on western coast sections (Hyeopjae to Geumneung Beach - 15 km/9 miles) for best November conditions. Avoid northern coastal sections due to stronger winds.

Manjanggul Lava Tube Exploration

November's cooler surface temperatures create perfect conditions for exploring this 8.9 km (5.5 mile) underground lava tube system. The constant 11-21°C (52-70°F) cave temperature feels refreshing rather than chilly, and the 1 km (0.6 mile) public section takes 45-60 minutes at a comfortable pace without summer's post-cave temperature shock.

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets on-site (₩4,000 adults). Arrive early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (3-5pm) to avoid midday tour groups. November sees 60% fewer visitors than summer months. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven lava rock surfaces and bring a light jacket for cave temperature.

Traditional Market Food Tours

November brings seasonal specialties like fresh citrus, sweet potatoes, and warming traditional soups to Jeju's markets. Cool weather makes outdoor market browsing comfortable, and autumn harvest means peak flavors for local ingredients. Try hotteok (sweet pancakes) and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries) that vendors start serving as temperatures drop.

Booking Tip: Visit Dongmun Traditional Market or Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market during morning hours (9am-12pm) for freshest selections. Street food prices range ₩2,000-8,000 ($1.50-6) per item. No advance booking needed, but bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards. Budget ₩30,000-50,000 for comprehensive food experience.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Jeju Citrus Festival

Annual celebration of Jeju's famous tangerine harvest featuring fruit picking, traditional games, and local food specialties. The festival showcases peak-season citrus varieties and offers cultural performances in comfortable November weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 18°C (64°F) but can reach 25°C (77°F) by afternoon, so pack removable layers rather than heavy jackets

Windbreaker or light shell jacket - November winds reach 60+ km/h (37+ mph) on coastal areas and mountain slopes, making wind protection essential

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots - essential for Hallasan and coastal walks, with good grip for potentially wet lava rock surfaces

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 plus reflection from volcanic rock and ocean can cause unexpected burns during long outdoor days

Warm hat and gloves - Hallasan summit temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) with windchill, even when base temperature is comfortable

Light rain jacket - November averages 5 rainy days with quick showers, mostly lasting 15-30 minutes

Portable umbrella - useful for sudden rain showers and as wind shield during coastal walks

Thermal base layer - for early morning sunrise viewing and high-altitude hiking when temperatures feel colder

Cash in ₩1,000 and ₩5,000 notes - many traditional markets, citrus farms, and small attractions don't accept cards

Portable phone charger - November's clear weather is perfect for photography, but camera use drains batteries quickly in cooler temperatures

Insider Knowledge

November winds are strongest 2-5pm daily - schedule outdoor activities for morning hours and save indoor attractions like museums and caves for windy afternoons

Local restaurants switch to winter menus around November 15th, introducing warming soups and stews unavailable in summer - try galchi-jorim (braised cutlassfish) and pheasant hot pot

Hotel rates drop significantly after November 20th when Korean domestic tourism slows - book late November dates for maximum savings of 40-50% off peak prices

Jeju's famous women divers (haenyeo) are most active in November before winter break - catch authentic diving demonstrations at Seongsan or Udo Island rather than tourist shows

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating November wind strength - tourists often bring only light jackets and struggle with coastal activities when winds exceed 50 km/h (31 mph)

Planning beach and water activities - November ocean temperature of 19°C (66°F) is too cold for comfortable swimming without wetsuits, and many beach facilities close

Assuming summer hiking advice applies - November requires different gear including warm layers for altitude and wind protection, plus earlier start times due to shorter daylight