Things to Do in Incheon in November

November Weather in Incheon

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather with comfortable 8-18°C (46-64°F) temperatures ideal for exploring Chinatown and Songdo Central Park without overheating
Clear autumn skies provide stunning views from Wolmido Tower and excellent visibility for spotting planes at Incheon International Airport observation deck
Peak crab season means fresh Ganghwa blue crabs at traditional markets cost 30-40% less than summer peak prices
Autumn foliage transforms Incheon Grand Park into a photographer's paradise, with peak colors typically occurring November 10-25

Considerations

Strong northwest winds from the Yellow Sea average 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph), making waterfront areas like Eulwangri Beach feel significantly colder than inland temperatures
Many outdoor food vendors in Bupyeong Kkangtong Market close early (6pm instead of 9pm) due to shorter daylight hours
Occasional yellow dust storms from Mongolia can reduce air quality for 2-3 days, particularly affecting those with respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in November

Ganghwa Island Cultural Heritage Tours

November's cool, dry weather makes it ideal for exploring Ganghwa's dolmen sites and Goryeo Palace ruins without summer's oppressive heat. The 13°C (55°F) average temperature is perfect for the 2-3 hours of walking required. Autumn colors frame the historic Chondung-sa Temple beautifully, and local persimmon harvest season means you can sample fresh gam (Korean persimmons) from roadside stands.

Booking Tip: Book day tours 5-7 days ahead as November weekends fill up with Seoul residents seeking autumn foliage. Tours typically cost ₩45,000-65,000 ($35-50) including transport from Incheon. Look for operators offering English-speaking guides and temple entrance fees included. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Songdo Central Park Autumn Walking Tours

The 40-hectare park showcases Korea's best urban autumn display in November, with temperatures perfect for the 3km (1.9-mile) walking circuit. Morning mist over the man-made canal creates Instagram-worthy shots between 7-9am. Cool weather means you can comfortably spend 4-5 hours exploring without fatigue, including the adjacent Songdo Convensia area and Tri-Bowl cultural complex.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, but audio guide rentals cost ₩5,000 ($4) at the visitor center. Photography tours run ₩25,000-40,000 ($19-31) for 2-3 hour sessions. Book weekend photography workshops 10-14 days ahead as they're limited to 12 participants. Morning tours (8am start) offer the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Traditional Market Food Crawls

November's cool weather makes indoor/outdoor market hopping comfortable, and it's peak season for Korean winter comfort foods. Bupyeong Kkangtong Market and Sinpo International Market feature hot bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries) and fresh kimchi made with November cabbage harvest. The 15°C (59°F) temperatures mean you can sample hot street food without overheating.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ₩35,000-55,000 ($27-42) for 3-4 hours including 8-10 tastings. Book through local operators 3-5 days ahead, especially for weekend evening tours. Look for tours that include both Bupyeong and Sinpo markets for variety. Evening tours (5-8pm) capture the best market atmosphere.

Wolmido Island Coastal Walking

November's crisp air and lower humidity create ideal conditions for the 4km (2.5-mile) coastal walking trail. Strong sea breezes that feel harsh in winter are refreshing in November's mild temperatures. The month offers the clearest views across Incheon Harbor to downtown Seoul's skyline. Migratory birds stop at Wolmi Park, making it excellent for casual bird watching.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, but guided nature walks cost ₩15,000-25,000 ($12-19) for 2-hour tours. The Wolmido Monorail operates in November weather (closed only during heavy rain). Combined walking + monorail packages available for ₩12,000-18,000 ($9-14). Sunset tours (4-6pm) are most popular - book 2-3 days ahead.

Incheon Chinatown Heritage Walks

Cool November weather makes the steep streets of Korea's only official Chinatown comfortable to navigate. The 2km (1.2-mile) walking route through Jajangmyeon Museum and historic buildings is perfect in 13°C (55°F) temperatures. November marks the start of winter festival preparations, so you'll see traditional decorations being installed and taste seasonal mooncakes at century-old bakeries.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free with multilingual signage throughout. Guided cultural tours cost ₩20,000-30,000 ($15-23) for 90-minute walks including museum entries. Food-focused tours run ₩40,000-60,000 ($31-46) with restaurant tastings. Weekend tours book up 7-10 days ahead due to limited group sizes of 8-12 people.

Yeongjong Island Beach and Aviation Spotting

November's clear skies and reduced summer crowds make Eulwangri Beach perfect for plane spotting while enjoying ocean views. The cool 10-16°C (50-61°F) temperatures are ideal for walking the 2km (1.2-mile) beach while watching aircraft approach Incheon International Airport just 3km (1.9 miles) away. Low season means beachfront cafes offer 20-30% discounts on coffee and snacks.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs ₩2,000-3,000 ($1.50-2.30) for full day. Aviation photography tours run ₩30,000-45,000 ($23-35) including equipment and prime spotting locations. Book photography sessions 5-7 days ahead for weekend slots. Combine with airport transit hotel tours for ₩25,000-35,000 ($19-27) if you're flying through ICN.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival (if scheduled)

Korea's premier international music festival occasionally runs special autumn editions in November, featuring indie and alternative acts in the cooler weather. The outdoor venue becomes much more comfortable without summer's heat and humidity.

Early to Mid November

Ganghwa Ginseng Festival

Celebrates the island's famous 6-year Korean ginseng harvest with tastings, traditional health food preparations, and cultural performances. Local farmers offer direct sales at 40-50% below Seoul retail prices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 8°C (46°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (64°F), so pack light sweater + jacket combination

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - autumn leaves on sidewalks become slippery when wet from morning dew

Light waterproof jacket - November's 7 rainy days typically bring light drizzle for 1-2 hours rather than heavy downpours

Warm hat and light gloves - strong Yellow Sea winds make waterfront areas feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder than actual temperature

Sunglasses despite autumn season - low winter sun creates strong glare, especially near water and modern glass buildings in Songdo

Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries 20-30% faster, and you'll use camera/maps extensively

Cash in small bills - traditional markets and street food vendors prefer ₩1,000-5,000 notes over cards or large bills

Reusable water bottle - cool weather means less sweating but heated indoor spaces cause dehydration

Light scarf - protects against wind and dust, plus essential for respectful temple visits

Hand lotion - combination of cool air and heated indoor spaces causes dry skin within 2-3 days

Insider Knowledge

Local commuters use heated seats on subway Line 1 and AREX starting November 1st - always check the seat before sitting as some reach uncomfortable temperatures

Incheon International Airport's outdoor Sky Garden on Terminal 2 rooftop closes at 6pm in November (vs 9pm in summer) due to early sunset and wind conditions

Traditional markets offer the best currency exchange rates in November as vendors prefer cash for winter inventory purchases - rates often beat airport exchanges by 2-3%

Koreans begin winter shopping in November, so department stores in Bupyeong offer significant discounts on autumn clothing - look for 30-50% off signs starting mid-month

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind chill factor near the water - Eulwangri Beach and Wolmido feel 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder than inland Incheon due to Yellow Sea winds

Assuming all outdoor attractions stay open until sunset - many parks and outdoor sites close at 5pm in November due to early darkness and maintenance schedules

Not carrying cash for traditional markets and street food - card acceptance drops significantly in older areas of Chinatown and local markets during cooler months when tourist volume decreases