Autumn always incites warm feelings of sweater weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and autumn leaves but it wasn't until my trip to Korea in the fall that I really got a taste of fall foliage. Autumn in Korea is an especially magical time. The leaves start to change color, filling the city with rich shades of vibrant red, orange, and gold hues. This short-lived season lasts from September to mid-November, marked by generally crisp, clear weather and sunny skies. The foliage changes color gradually - first in the north then heading down south as the temperature grows cooler. Within Seoul, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the colors. Here's a list of top places to mark on your map as you venture out in search for the best fall foliage!
When to Go:
The leaves are brightest the last week of October and first week of November. We arrived mid-November and the leaves were still stunning, but already starting to fall and dissipate.
What to Pack:
Fall temperatures in Seoul are pretty cold - highs in the 50s and lows down into the 30s F - and we definitely felt the cold! I wore nude tights under all my dresses, booties, and coats, and after dark we definitely needed scarves, and extra sweaters. Scroll to the bottom to shop my packing list!
Where to Go:
1. Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon
For those in search of golden leaves, head to the Changdeokgung Palace, one of the most significant Korean landmarks. Not only is the palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was also architecturally designed in harmony with nature. The palace was used by members of the Royal Family for entertainment and has been well-preserved and left untouched as much as possible.
Head behind Changdeokgung Palace to Huwon, the Secret Garden, for autumn color around wooded paths, ponds, and historic pavilions. Garden visits have limited timed sessions and require a separate ticket from palace admission, so book ahead through the official palace ticketing service. This was one of our favorite places in Seoul!
Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: From the Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3. Walk straight from the exit (towards east) for about 5-min to arrive at the palace entrance.
Where To Stay Nearby: Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong - Stay in Insadong near Jogyesa, with the historic palaces and Bukchon within reach.
What To Do Nearby: Seoul palaces and Bukchon heritage tour - Explore Seoul’s historic royal and residential districts with a guide, checking the day’s palace itinerary.
2. Namsan
Head up to Namsan for a bird's eye view of Seoul. The pathway from Namdaemun Market to Namsan Park is lined with beautiful foliage trees. Pop into the Namsan Botanical Garden or keep following the walking path from the Namsan Library and you will arrive at the Namsan Seoul Tower. The Seoul-N Tower is the perfect spot for a romantic date. Like the former love-lock displays in Paris, the railings and base of the tower are covered with locks of love from couples who are 'locking" their love forever. Once you get past the crowds of couples, take the Namsan Cable Car up the mountain, then buy separate admission if you want to visit the tower’s indoor observation deck. You will get a panoramic view of the city that is especially breathtaking at sunset.
Location: Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul-si
Directions: Check the current Namsan shuttle routes or use the cable car; bus routes and access arrangements can change.
Where To Stay Nearby: L7 Myeongdong by LOTTE - Stay beside Myeongdong Station, a convenient starting point for exploring Namsan and central Seoul.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village
One of the most iconic areas in Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village with a long history, on the hills between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. The village is preserved to show the city's environment from hundreds of years ago, and is composed of winding alleys, traditional Korean houses (hanok) and a good amount of tourists. It is amazing to visit all year round, but looks extra charming in the fall.
It is popular to rent a traditional Korean Hanbok here - something our local guides had us do and were very, very excited about! We had a ton of fun trying out the traditional dress and transporting ourselves into this old world (when you managed to wind your way past the rest of the tourists.) This is a residential neighborhood. Tourist access to its designated red zone is limited to 10am to 5pm; follow posted restrictions, keep voices low, and avoid photographing inside homes.
Location: Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions: Take the subway to the Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3). Take exit 3 and head to your right.
Where To Stay Nearby: Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong - Stay in Insadong near Jogyesa, with the historic palaces and Bukchon within reach.
What To Do Nearby: Hanbok rental near Gyeongbokgung - Choose traditional Korean clothing for your photos from a rental shop near Gyeongbokgung, a short trip from Bukchon.
4. Ttukseom Han River Park
Ttukseom Hangang Park is a spacious riverside park with lawns, paths, and views toward Cheongdam Bridge. In autumn, its tree-lined paths make a lovely contrast to Seoul’s dense skyline. Pack a snack and enjoy a picnic beside the Han River.
Location: Jayangdong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul-si
Directions: From the Jayang Station (formerly Ttukseom Resort Station) (Seoul Subway Line 7), Exit 2,3. It is a 2 minute-walk.
5. Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace is another beautiful place for autumn foliage, with wooded grounds, Chundangji Pond, and the historic Grand Greenhouse. Allow time to wander the palace grounds as well as the garden paths, and check the official palace website for admission and opening hours.
Location: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions: Hyehwa Station on Line 4 is a convenient starting point for the walk to Changgyeonggung’s main entrance.
Where To Stay Nearby: Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong - Stay in Insadong near Jogyesa, with the historic palaces and Bukchon within reach.
What To Do Nearby: Seoul evening palace and market tour - Visit Changgyeonggung after dark and continue to a food market on a guided evening outing.
6. Fortress Wall of Seoul
The Seoul City Wall route around Bugaksan offers wooded paths, historic fortifications, and views across the city. Different trail sections have their own access points and opening arrangements, so check the current route information and follow posted photography and access rules.
Location: Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul-si
Direction: From the Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2 take the Green Bus 02 and get off at Waryong Park. Walk for about 10 minutes to get to Waryong Park and walk along the fortress wall from there. After 20 minutes of walking, the trail starts near the Information Center.
7. Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa is an important temple in Korean Buddhism, with colorful traditional architecture and an active place of worship in central Seoul. The temple is located right in the center of busy, modern streets, and the courtyard area is decadently filled with intricate flower sculptures.
Location: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Direction: Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 2. Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6. Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2.
Walking up to Namsan Tower
Walking endless gardens of Changdeokgung Palace
Traditional Buildings of Seoul
Where To Stay Nearby: Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong - Stay in Insadong near Jogyesa, with the historic palaces and Bukchon within reach.
What To Do Nearby: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple tour - Combine Jogyesa with a guided introduction to Seoul’s palace district.
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