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In Korean, the word for autumn is 가을 (ga-eul). It is used in everyday language to describe the cool, transitional season between summer and winter.
- 가 (ga) is the first syllable of the word.
- 을 (eul) is the second syllable of the word.
Context and Usage
가을 can be used in various contexts to describe anything related to autumn.
For example:
- 가을 날씨 (ga-eul nal-ssi) – autumn weather
- 가을 옷 (ga-eul ot) – autumn clothes
- 가을 축제 (ga-eul chuk-je) – autumn festival
- 가을 여행 (ga-eul yeo-haeng) – autumn trip
Autumn Weather and Climate in South Korea
Autumn in South Korea starts in late September and runs through November. The temperatures drop from the hot summer highs, offering a pleasant, cool atmosphere. Rain is rare during autumn, which is a relief after the summer monsoon season. The leaves start turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, making the landscape incredibly picturesque. This makes it an ideal time to travel and enjoy outdoor activities.
Autumn Holidays in South Korea
Autumn in South Korea is marked by one of the most significant holidays of the year—추석 (Chuseok). Often referred to as the Korean Thanksgiving, Chuseok is a time when families come together to celebrate the autumn harvest, honor their ancestors, and share a feast. This holiday usually takes place in September or early October, following the lunar calendar.
During Chuseok, people make and eat 송편 (songpyeon), a special type of rice cake, and visit their ancestral graves for 성묘 (seongmyo), a traditional ritual to show respect to those who have passed. The holiday also features traditional games, folk dancing, and performances.
Another notable holiday during autumn is 한글날 (Hangeul Day) celebrated annually on October 9th. This day honors the creation of 한글 (Hangeul), the Korean writing system by King Sejong the Great, and it’s a time for Koreans to appreciate their unique language.
Autumn Festivals in South Korea
South Korea is known for its rich festival culture, and autumn brings some of the most popular ones:
안동국제탈춤페스티벌 (Andong Mask Dance Festival)
The Andong Mask Dance Festival is an annual cultural event in Andong, celebrating traditional Korean mask dances (탈춤). The festival showcases these traditional performances while also including contemporary mask dances from various countries, making it an international event.
국화축제 (Chrysanthemum Festivals)
Throughout October and November, various chrysanthemum festivals are held across South Korea, showcasing beautiful displays of the country’s favorite autumn flower. One of the most notable events is the 익산천만송이국화축제 (Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival), held annually in Iksan from late October to early November. This vibrant festival celebrates the beauty of chrysanthemums, showcasing over ten million of these flowers in various forms and arrangements.
태안가을꽃축제 (Taean Autumn Flower Festival)
Taean Autumn Flower Festival showcases stunning fall flowers, creating a colorful backdrop against the changing autumn landscape. Visitors can enjoy various flower displays and cultural activities.
김제지평선축제 (Gimje Horizon Festival)
Gimje Horizon Festival highlights the region’s agricultural heritage with activities such as rice harvesting, traditional games, and cultural performances, all surrounded by the scenic beauty of autumn.
수원화성문화제 (Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival)
Offering a blend of cultural performances, traditional music, and crafts, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival allows visitors to experience the stories of Hwaseong along with the cultural arts at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.
탐라문화제 (Tamna Culture Festival)
The Tamna Culture Festival is an annual festival held in Jeju, South Korea, celebrating the unique culture and heritage of the Tamna region, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional performances and local delicacies.
진주남강유등축제 (Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival)
The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival transforms the Jinju area into a breathtaking spectacle with floating lanterns on the Namgang River, commemorating the historical lantern lighting during the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjin War.
금산세계인삼축제 (Geumsan World Insam Festival)
Celebrating Korea’s ginseng heritage, the Geumsan World Insam Festival offers ginseng product displays, educational seminars, and various cultural events.
서울세계불꽃축제 (Seoul International Fireworks Festival)
The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is an annual event held in Seoul, typically in October, along the Han River. It features spectacular fireworks displays by teams from various countries, lighting up the night sky with vibrant colors and patterns. The event draws massive crowds who gather along the riverbanks to enjoy the show.
여주오곡나루축제 (Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival)
The Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival is an annual autumn event held in Yeoju, South Korea, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage. The festival focuses on showcasing the “five grains” (오곡) traditionally grown in the area and also highlights Yeoju’s historical significance as a key agricultural center along the Han River. The festival is a family-friendly celebration of Korea’s farming traditions and local produce.
Autumn Outdoor Activities in South Korea
Autumn is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore South Korea’s natural beauty.
Here are a few fun activities:
- Hiking: The autumn foliage in South Korea is breathtaking, and hiking is one of the most popular ways to enjoy it. Popular hiking spots like Seoraksan National Park and Namsan Mountain are filled with locals and tourists soaking in the vibrant scenery.
- Temple Stays: Many temples offer temple stays during the fall, giving you the chance to experience the peacefulness of Korean Buddhist culture, set against the stunning backdrop of autumn colors.
- Picnics in Parks: Urban parks, such as Seoul’s Han River Park (한강공원), become popular spots for picnics during autumn. You’ll find families, couples, and friends gathered with their packed lunches, enjoying the mild weather and golden leaves.
South Korean Autumn Food and Drink
Autumn is harvest season in Korea, and it brings a bounty of delicious seasonal foods. Some popular dishes and drinks include:
감 (Persimmons) are a quintessential autumn fruit in Korea, symbolizing the harvest season. During autumn, they are enjoyed in various forms—fresh, dried (곶감), or as ingredients in traditional dishes.
송편 (Songpyeon) are half moon shaped rice cakes filled with sweet fillings like sesame seeds or red bean, usually eaten during Chuseok, Korea’s harvest festival.
전 (Jeon) are savory Korean pancakes made from a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, seafood, or meat, coated in a light batter and pan-fried. In autumn, jeon becomes especially popular during holidays like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), where families prepare and enjoy a variety of jeon as part of the traditional feast.
배 (Korean pears) are a beloved autumn fruit in Korea, known for their crisp texture, juiciness, and mild sweetness. They are commonly offered as gifts during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and are a symbol of abundance and good fortune.
모과차 (Mogwa-cha) is a traditional Korean tea made from Chinese quince (모과), a fragrant fruit harvested in autumn. The tea is typically prepared by slicing the quince and either steeping it in hot water or preserving it in honey or sugar to make a sweet, aromatic syrup. Its warm, comforting taste perfectly complements the changing season.
호박죽 (Hobakjuk) is a warm, sweet pumpkin porridge that’s comforting as the temperatures start to cool.
Korean Autumn Vocabulary
Below are essential Korean vocabulary related to autumn in South Korea:
| Hangeul | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 가을 | Ga-eul | Autumn |
| 가을 날씨 | Ga-eul Nal-ssi | Autumn Weather |
| 가을 옷 | Ga-eul Ot | Autumn Clothes |
| 가을 축제 | Ga-eul Chuk-je | Autumn Festival |
| 가을 여행 | Ga-eul Yeo-haeng | Autumn Trip |
| 추석 | Chuseok | Korean Autumn Harvest Festival |
| 한글날 | Hangeulnal | Hangeul Day |
| 할로윈 | Hallowin | Halloween |
| 송편 | Songpyeon | Korean Rice Cake |
| 감 | Gam | Persimmons |
| 전 | Jeon | Savory Pancakes |
| 배 | Bae | Korean Pears |
| 모과차 | Mogwa-cha | Quince Tea |
| 호박죽 | Hobakjuk | Pumpkin Porridge |
| 안동국제탈춤페스티벌 | Andong Gukje Talchum Festival | Andong Mask Dance Festival |
| 국화축제 | Gukhwa Chukje | Chrysanthemum Festival |
| 익산천만송이국화축제 | Iksan Cheonman Songi Gukhwa Chukje | Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival |
| 태안가을꽃축제 | Taean Gaeulkkot Chukje | Taean Autumn Flower Festival |
| 김제지평선축제 | Gimje Jipyeongseon Chukje | Gimje Horizon Festival |
| 수원화성문화제 | Suwon Hwaseong Munhwa-je | Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival |
| 탐라문화제 | Tamna Munhwa-je | Tamna Culture Festival |
| 진주남강유등축제 | Jinju Namgang Yudeung Chukje | Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival |
| 금산세계인삼축제 | Geumsan Segye Insam Chukje | Geumsan World Insam Festival |
| 서울세계불꽃축제 | Seoul Segye Bulkkot Chukje | Seoul International Fireworks Festival |
| 여주오곡나루축제 | Yeoju Ogoknaru Chukje | Yeoju Ogoknaru Festival |
| 성묘 | Seongmyo | Ancestral Grave Visit |
| 하이킹 | Haiking | Hiking |
