Myeongdong life
Seoul in November: what to wear so a 10°C swing does not give you a cold
Below freezing at breakfast, close to 10°C by the afternoon. How to dress and what to pack for a comfortable day out in Seoul as winter begins.
In November, Seoul mornings and evenings can be around 10°C colder than the afternoon. Wear a warm, windproof outer layer for early mornings and after dark, with thin layers underneath that you can take off at midday. Pack a scarf and gloves, a water bottle and lip balm, and avoid letting sweat cool on you as you move between heated shops and the cold street.
Seoul weather this week
On 7 November, Ipdong, the traditional first day of winter, Seoul's morning temperature fell to −1°C, the first sub-zero reading of the autumn. Wind pushed the feels-like temperature to around −5°C, while the afternoon high reached 9°C, a swing of almost 10°C in one day. Sunday 8 November is forecast at 1°C in the morning and 9°C in the afternoon, with rain from late afternoon, and cooler-than-usual weather is expected into early next week.
Check the Korea Meteorological Administration forecast again just before you travel.
Why big temperature swings make it easy to catch a cold
Colds are caused by viruses, not by cold air itself. But a typical sightseeing day goes like this: you leave the hotel shivering, walk for hours and start to sweat, then the sun sets and that sweat cools on your skin. Add dry air on the plane and in heated rooms, a packed itinerary and short nights, and it is easy to feel run down mid-trip.
What to wear: layers you can take off easily
- Outer layer: from 7 to 9 am and after dark it feels close to winter. Bring something warm that blocks the wind, such as a light down jacket or a wool coat.
- Thin layers underneath: a thermal base layer, then a shirt or knit, then your coat. Peel off one layer at a time at midday or indoors.
- Neck, hands and head: a scarf, gloves and a beanie take up little space but make a big difference, especially on windy days.
- Shoes: if you will walk 20,000 steps a day, wear thick socks and comfortable trainers. On rainy days like Sunday 8 November, shoes that keep water out help a lot.
Worth keeping in your bag
- Water bottle: indoor heating dries the air. Sipping often keeps your throat and mouth from drying out.
- Lip balm: cold wind chaps lips quickly.
- Hand warmers: every Korean convenience store sells them, in pocket and stick-on versions.
- Folding umbrella: late-autumn rain is often brief, but getting soaked drops your body temperature fast.
- Hand sanitiser: useful on the subway, in markets and in queues for popular restaurants.
A few tips from your dentist
- A dry mouth raises the risk of decay. Saliva rinses your teeth, and dry heated air plus drinking less in winter can reduce it. Drink water often, and try not to sip sweet hot drinks slowly over hours.
- If cold wind makes your teeth sting, it can be a sign of sensitivity or receding gums. A quick check-up can usually find the cause.
- Breathing through your mouth with a blocked nose dries it further. A glass of water and a careful brush before bed help.
Warming up in Myeongdong
Myeongdong is linked to underground shopping arcades and department stores, so on cold days you can move around mostly indoors. Guardians Dental Myeongdong is a one-minute walk from Myeongdong Station, Exit 9, which makes a check-up or cleaning easy to fit between shops.
iTranslated from Korean. General information for travellers. It does not replace an in-person exam.