Autumn in Seoul: 15 Best Seoul Fall Foliage Spots
I love autumn in Seoul. The skies are clearer, and the colors are unreal. One walk down a ginkgo street and you’ll know what I mean.
What I really love is how close everything is. You don’t need to leave the city to find jaw-dropping fall views. Palaces, hidden alleys, and city parks all transform when the leaves change.
In this guide, I’ll show you my favorite spots for fall foliage in Seoul so you can make the most of your trip.
When to Visit Seoul for Autumn Foliage
So, when is the best time to visit Seoul for fall colors?
In Seoul, fall foliage usually starts to appear in mid-October. The real peak is from the last week of October until the first week of November. That’s when you’ll find the brightest and most colorful leaves across Seoul’s parks and palaces.
If you’re planning your trip, I’d suggest early November as the safest time. Of course, it depends a little on the year’s weather, but I’ve found that window almost always gives you the best views.
Here’s a tip: aim for weekday mornings. Spots like Namsan Park and the palaces can get really busy on weekends, and it’s so much nicer when you can take your time and enjoy the views without the crowds.
Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Seoul
The best part about fall in Seoul is how easy it is to enjoy the colors. From palaces and parks to mountains right on the edge of town, there are plenty of places where the fall leaves look incredible.
Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower
I always end up back at Namsan in the fall. It’s easy to reach, right in the middle of Seoul, and the trails are lined with ginkgo and maple trees. Walking here never feels the same twice.
One of my favorite parts is the stretch of the old Seoul City Wall that runs across the park. In autumn, the stone walls look amazing with colorful trees draped around them, and it adds a historic vibe to the walk.
You can hike if you’re up for it, or just take the cable car and enjoy the view. Once you’re at N Seoul Tower, you’ll get a full panorama of the city with autumn colors below. It does get busy, especially on weekends, but if you go early or right before sunset, it’s a lot more relaxed.
Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden
The palaces in Seoul are beautiful any time of year, but autumn makes them even better.
My top pick is Changdeokgung Palace, especially with the Secret Garden.
The garden area is tucked behind the palace and feels quieter than the main grounds. There are small pavilions, stone bridges, and ponds that reflect the fall colors, especially in early November.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Ginkgo Street
If you’re already visiting Gyeongbokgung, don’t skip the ginkgo-lined street just outside the walls.
I always walk that stretch. The trees turn this crazy bright yellow, and the contrast with the palace stone makes it one of my favorite photo spots in Seoul.
You’ll see people renting hanbok and taking photos all day. If that’s not your thing, go early in the morning. It’s way calmer, and the light’s better too.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon is a mix of residential hanok homes and art shops, and it becomes extra photogenic in autumn. You won’t see large clusters of trees here, but the small bursts of fall color make a big difference between the rooftops.
Some of the narrow alleyways give you a clear shot of Seoul Tower or downtown buildings in the distance, which adds a nice balance of old and new. It’s worth going in the late afternoon when the light hits the roofs just right.
Bongeunsa Temple and COEX
This one always surprises people. You’re in the middle of Gangnam, surrounded by tall buildings and traffic, and then suddenly you’re standing in front of a quiet temple filled with trees.
Bongeunsa feels peaceful in autumn, especially when the trees around the temple turn red and yellow.
What makes it even cooler is that COEX Mall is right across the street. I usually go over after a visit, grab a bite, or browse the bookstore. If you’re staying in Gangnam, it’s a great combo of calm and convenience.
Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway
This walkway outside Deoksugung Palace is one of the prettiest autumn photo spots in Seoul.
The ginkgo trees turn the whole walkway gold, and it almost feels like stepping into a storybook. Plus, it’s right by City Hall, so it’s easy to add to your day.
Haneul Park (Sky Park)
This one takes a little effort. You’ll need to climb a long staircase or take a shuttle to get to the top, but once you’re there, the views are totally worth it.
In autumn, the whole hill is covered in tall silver grass that turns golden with the light. I went around sunset once and it was one of the best views I’ve had in Seoul.
Bring water, wear comfy shoes, and maybe avoid weekends if you don’t love crowds.
Ewha Womans University
I didn’t expect this campus to be such a good fall spot, but it really is.
There are long walkways with rows of ginkgo trees, and the buildings are covered in ivy that changes color too. It has this quiet, almost European feel in some areas.
If you’re visiting earlier in the season, like early to mid-October, the leaves here usually change a bit sooner than in central Seoul. It’s not a tourist-heavy area, so it’s nice for a slower, more relaxed walk.
Namsangol Hanok Village
This spot is right near Myeongdong, but it feels totally different once you step inside. The traditional hanok houses are well preserved, and in autumn, the leaves around the village add just the right amount of color.
It’s not huge, so you won’t need a full hour here, but I always enjoy stopping by after shopping or grabbing lunch nearby.
If you’re staying central and don’t want to go far, this is a nice way to get a little culture and nature in one place.
Bukhansan National Park
If you don’t mind a little walking, head up to Bukhansan National Park. The trails range from easy strolls to tougher hikes, so you can pick what works for you.
The views from the top are worth it. You’ll see a sea of autumn leaves spreading across the mountains, with the city skyline peeking out in the distance.
I think it’s the best way to enjoy both sides of Seoul at once.
Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest is perfect if you want something calm and easy. I like going here when I don’t feel like squeezing through big palace crowds.
The ginkgo-lined paths are wide and quiet, and you can sit with a coffee or walk around the little deer enclosure. It’s also a nice place for photos if you want trees in the background without tons of people.
Seokchon Lake
For a lakeside walk, Seokchon Lake is hard to beat in autumn. The trees turn fiery shades of orange and red, and their reflections on the water make it even more dramatic.
It’s a simple loop, but with the leaves changing and the skyline around you, it feels like one of the best fall foliage spots in Seoul for photos.
Tips for Planning Your Seoul Autumn Trip
To make the most of your time in Seoul in autumn, here are a few things I’d keep in mind:
- Pack layers: Autumn weather in Seoul can change quickly. Mornings and evenings feel cool, afternoons are warmer, and the wind can pick up. A light jacket or sweater is perfect.
- Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, especially around palaces, parks, and mountain trails. Sneakers or walking shoes make it much easier.
- Check the foliage forecast: Leaves peak at slightly different times each year. Late October to early November is usually best, but I’d still check an online forecast before your trip.
- Plan for weekdays: Popular places like Namsan, Gyeongbokgung, or Nami Island get crowded on weekends. Weekdays are calmer and better for photos.
- Go early in the day: Sunrise or morning light makes autumn leaves glow, and you’ll avoid the big groups. Afternoons are fine too, but you’ll have more people in your shots.
- Bring a T-money card: It works on buses, subways, and even some taxis, which makes getting to foliage spots around the city much simpler.
- Have a backup plan for rain: Autumn is usually clear, but rainy days happen. Palaces and indoor cafés in Bukchon or Samcheong-dong are great backups.
- Stay central: Areas like Jongno, Insadong, or Myeongdong keep you close to most of the best fall foliage spots in Seoul.
Before You Go
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to be in Seoul. Whether you’re here for a few days or planning a longer trip, I think you’ll find the fall foliage in Seoul worth the hype.
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