Korean Dictionary
How to say "Autumn / Fall" in Korean
“Autumn / Fall” in Korean is 가을 (pronounced "Gaeul").
가을
Gaeul
Usage & Context
Autumn (September-November) is considered one of Korea's most beautiful seasons. Foliage (단풍, danpung) turns mountains into vibrant reds and oranges. 등산 (hiking) is most popular in autumn. The Chuseok harvest festival occurs in autumn. Cool, clear weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
Example Sentence
가을에는 단풍 구경하러 산에 가는 게 좋아요.
In autumn, it's good to go to the mountains to see the fall foliage.
How to use 가을 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Autumn / Fall” is 가을, romanized as Gaeul.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 가을.
Pronunciation Guide
Two syllables: 'ga-eul.' 'Ga' sounds like 'gah,' and 'eul' is a subtle 'uhl' — almost a single glide. Together it sounds like 'GAH-ool' said quickly.
More Example Sentences
Posting a sky photo on Instagram
가을 하늘이 정말 파래요.
The autumn sky is really blue.
Planning a weekend trip with friends
가을엔 단풍 구경이 최고예요.
In autumn, leaf-viewing is the best.
Reflecting on seasonal weather
가을이 제일 짧게 느껴져요.
Autumn feels like the shortest season.
Cultural Context
Autumn is widely considered Korea's most beautiful season: skies are crystal clear (청명한 하늘), temperatures are hiking-perfect, and 단풍 (fall foliage) sweeps down from 설악산 in early October to southern provinces by early November. Koreans call it 천고마비의 계절 — 'the season when skies are high and horses grow fat' — a classical saying meaning the weather is so good that everyone, even the livestock, thrives. Chuseok falls in autumn too, making it the harvest-celebration season.
Editorial note
We review entries like 가을 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
가을이 제일 좋아요.
Autumn is my favorite.
날씨가 선선해요.
The weather is cool and crisp.
단풍 보러 갈래요?
Want to go see the fall foliage?
Related Expressions
단풍
danpung
Fall foliage / red leaves
낙엽
nakyeop
Fallen leaves
가을바람
gaeulbaram
Autumn breeze
추수
chusu
Harvest
More Nature Words
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