Best Day Trips from Seoul in Autumn

Seoul is packed with great fall colors, but if you have a little more time, it’s worth heading out on a day trip. Just outside the city, you’ll find some of the most stunning spots in Korea for autumn foliage.

The best part is you don’t have to go far. Most of these places are only one to three hours from Seoul. Whether you want to hike, wander through gardens, or just take it slow under the autumn leaves, you’ll find the perfect spot.

Here are my top picks for day trips from Seoul in autumn that are simple to plan and absolutely worth it.

1. Nami Island (남이섬)

Nami Island is probably the most famous autumn day trip from Seoul. It’s small and easy to walk around, but the tree tunnels here are legendary.

In November, the gingko leaves turn bright gold, while maples add shades of red and orange.

I always think the ferry ride over sets the tone. Just five minutes across the water and you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

There’s plenty to do once you’re on the island. You can walk, rent a bike (tandems are fun if you’re traveling with a friend), or even try the duck boats on the lake if the season allows.

You’ll also find cafés and snack stalls! Hotteok is especially good on a chilly day.

If you love taking photos, don’t just stop at the main tree lane. Wander off the busy paths and you’ll find quieter corners where the colors are just as striking.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 1.5 hours total
• Route: ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station → Gapyeong Station → 5–10 min taxi or shuttle bus to Gapyeong Wharf → 5 min ferry to the island
• Cost: Train ₩5,900 (~$4.30) one way, ferry + admission ~₩16,000 (~$11.50)

2. Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)

The Garden of Morning Calm feels completely different from Nami. Instead of being wild and open, it’s carefully designed, with themed gardens, bridges, and pavilions laid out like a painting.

In autumn, the reflections in the ponds are incredible, with red, orange, and yellow trees mirrored in the still water.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan. You can just stroll slowly, pause to take photos, and enjoy the fresh air.

The garden opens around 8:30 in the morning and closes at 7:00 in autumn, so you have plenty of time.

I think late afternoon is the most beautiful, when the light gets softer and makes the leaves glow. It’s also a nice choice if you don’t want to hike but still want those stunning autumn views.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: Around 1.5–2 hours
• Route: ITX-Cheongchun train to Cheongpyeong Station → local bus (20–25 mins) or taxi (~20,000 won / $14)
• Cost: Train ₩5,900 (~$4.30) one way, entrance ₩11,000 (~$8)

3. Seoraksan National Park (설악산 국립공원)

Seoraksan is the dramatic one. If you’re looking for panoramic mountain views, jagged peaks, waterfalls, and valleys covered in fiery leaves, this is the park to visit.

Even if you’re not up for a full-day hike, the cable car takes you to Gwongeumseong Fortress where the views are jaw-dropping in autumn. It’s busy during peak foliage, but the scenery makes it worth it.

Inside the park, you can hike short trails like the one to Biryong Falls, visit Sinheungsa Temple, or just wander near the entrance where the colors are already impressive.

The park usually opens early (around 6:00am), so if you can, go in the morning before the crowds. The cable car runs from about 8:30am to 5:30pm in autumn, but it depends on the weather, so always check before you go.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 3 hours each way
• Route: Express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal → Sokcho → local bus (No. 7 or 7-1) to park entrance
• Cost: Express bus ~₩17,000 (~$12.50) one way, park entry ₩3,500 (~$2.50), cable car ₩15,000 (~$11)

4. Naejangsan National Park (내장산국립공원)

If you ask locals where to see the most spectacular autumn colors in Korea, many will tell you to head straight to Naejangsan.

This park is packed with beautiful red maples, golden gingko trees, and some of the most intense colors I’ve ever seen. The walking paths take you past temples like Naejangsa, pavilions by reflective ponds, and trails that climb up to sweeping views.

Even if you don’t want to hike far, the easy walks around the entrance already give you that postcard-perfect autumn scenery.

One thing I love is how the temples blend into the landscape. There’re wooden buildings surrounded by trees glowing in red and yellow. If you do feel like venturing higher, the cable car takes you up quickly for incredible views across the valley.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 2.5–3 hours
• Route: KTX from Seoul Station → Jeongeup Station (~1.5 hrs) → local bus 171 (30 mins) or taxi to the park entrance
• Cost: KTX ~₩34,000 (~$25) one way, park entry ₩3,000 (~$2)

5. Hwadam Botanic Garden (화담숲)

Hwadam Botanic Garden is a different kind of autumn escape. Instead of rugged mountains, you get carefully designed trails, reflection ponds, and themed gardens.

In November, the maple trees here turn an incredible mix of scarlet and orange, and the monorail gives you an easy way to glide above the trees and see the colors from a new angle.

It’s a great choice if you prefer something calm and easygoing. You can wander slowly, stop at the cafés inside the garden, and take in views without needing hiking boots.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 1.5–2 hours
• Route: Take the subway (Shinbundang Line) to Pangyo → Gyeonggang Line to Konjiam Station → taxi or local bus (20 mins) to the garden
• Cost: Entrance ₩11,000 (~$8). Monorail ticket extra (~₩7,000 / $5). Subway + train ~₩4,500 (~$3.50) one way

6. Yongmunsa Temple (용문사)

Yongmunsa Temple might not be as famous as Naejangsan, but it’s one of the most peaceful places to see autumn leaves near Seoul.

The temple sits on the slopes of Yongmun Mountain, and it’s home to one of Korea’s largest and oldest gingko trees (more than 1,000 years old). When its leaves turn golden, the whole courtyard feels out-of-the-world.

The temple grounds are small enough to explore in an hour or two, which makes it a perfect half-day trip. You can walk around the temple, take in the autumn scenery, and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 1–1.5 hours
• Route: Central Line train to Yongmun Station → short taxi or local bus up to the temple
• Cost: Train ₩2,500 (~$2) one way, small entry donation for the temple grounds (~₩2,000 / $1.50)

7. Daedunsan Provincial Park (대둔산도립공원)

Daedunsan is one of the most dramatic places to see autumn foliage in Korea. You’ll see rugged cliffs, a suspension bridge dangling between peaks, and trails that take you high above the valleys. 

In late October and early November, the trees covering the slopes explode into a mix of red and orange. Even if you don’t hike all the way up, just crossing the famous “cloud bridge” with the colors all around you feels unforgettable.

There’s also a cable car if you want the views without too much climbing, and temples like Taegosa tucked in the mountains. 

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 3–4 hours depending on traffic
• Route: Express bus or KTX to Daejeon → local bus or taxi to Daedunsan Provincial Park entrance
• Cost: Express bus ~₩15,000 ($11) one way, cable car ~₩8,000 ($6) round trip
• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes — trails can be rocky. If you want the bridge and cable car less crowded, arrive in the morning.

8. Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest (홍천 은행나무숲)

Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest is something special. It’s a private forest that only opens to the public in October, just for the autumn season.

Imagine walking through more than 2,000 ginkgo trees planted in neat rows, all glowing golden under the sun. The whole place feels peaceful, like you’ve stepped into a secret autumn wonderland.

It’s perfect if you want to avoid the big mountain crowds and instead just enjoy a calm walk among the trees. Early morning is the best time to visit. You’ll have fewer people around and the light through the leaves is beautiful.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 2 hours by bus or car
• Route: Bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal → Hongcheon Bus Terminal → taxi to the forest (20–30 minutes)
• Cost: Forest entry ₩5,000 ($3.70), bus ₩11,000 ($8) one way
• Tip: Since it’s only open in October, plan your timing carefully. Facilities are basic, so bring water and snacks.

9. Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성)

If you want autumn leaves without straying too far from Seoul, Namhansanseong is a fantastic option.

This historic fortress sits on a mountain ridge just outside the city, with stone walls, old gates, and temples framed by colorful trees. From the trails along the fortress walls, you can look out over Seoul surrounded by autumn colors.

I think Namhansanseong is great if you want a balance of history, hiking, and foliage in one trip. You don’t need a whole day either. You can do a shorter walk, enjoy the views, then stop at one of the cafés near the entrance.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: Around 1–1.5 hours
• Route: Seoul Subway Line 8 to Namhansanseong Station → local bus or taxi up to the fortress entrance
• Cost: Mostly free, with small fees for certain facilities
• Tip: Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends get busy with locals. Bring layers since it can be cooler at the higher points.

10. Odaesan National Park (오대산국립공원)

If you want to see autumn leaves in Korea without pushing yourself on steep hikes, Odaesan is a great pick. 

The park is known for its gentle valleys, endless forests, and the beautiful Woljeongsa Temple.

In autumn, the Seonjaegil Trail becomes one of the prettiest walks in Korea, lined with maples glowing red and yellow. You don’t need to climb high here, just a peaceful stroll surrounded by color and mountain air.

The temple itself is worth a stop. The contrast of its wooden halls and stone pagodas with fiery autumn leaves makes it one of the most photogenic spots in the park. If you want that mix of culture and nature, Odaesan delivers without being overwhelming.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: Around 2–3 hours
• Route: Bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Jinbu or nearby → taxi or local bus to Odaesan entrance. Or book a direct day tour from Seoul that includes Woljeongsa Temple.
• Cost: Bus ₩15,000 ($11) one way. Park entry ₩3,000 ($2).
• Tip: Foliage peaks a bit earlier here because of the higher elevation, usually late October. Weekdays are calmer if you want quiet photos on the temple grounds.

11. Juwangsan National Park (주왕산국립공원)

Juwangsan feels a little different from other national parks. Instead of endless ridgelines, it has rocky cliffs, narrow valleys, and waterfalls framed by autumn colors.

In October and early November, the contrast of bright foliage against the pale granite rocks is incredible. The trails aren’t too tough either, so you can enjoy the views without feeling like you’re on a marathon hike.

The park is further out from Seoul, which means fewer crowds compared to hotspots like Seoraksan or Naejangsan. I think it’s perfect if you want to slow down, take in a quieter side of Korea’s autumn scenery, and maybe stay overnight nearby.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: About 4–5 hours, so it works best as an overnight trip
• Route: Express bus or KTX to Andong or Cheongsong → local bus or taxi to Juwangsan entrance
• Cost: Express bus ₩25,000 ($18) one way. Park entry ₩3,000 ($2).
• Tip: Go prepared with snacks and water, since facilities inside the park are limited. Aim for mid to late October for the brightest colors.

12. Jeongdongjin (정동진)

Jeongdongjin is famous across Korea for its sunrise views, but in autumn it has something extra. The hills just behind the beach turn golden and red, making it one of the rare spots where you can see fall foliage and the ocean together.

Watching the sun rise over the East Sea while the trees around you glow with autumn color is a memory that sticks.

You don’t have to hike far here. You can walk along the beach, take short trails up into the hills, and then relax in one of the seaside cafés. It’s a more laid-back option compared to mountain parks, but it still gives you that autumn feel.

Pair it with some local seafood in Gangneung, and you’ve got yourself a perfect autumn day trip.

How to Get There from Seoul

• Travel time: Around 3 hours by train or bus
• Route: KTX from Seoul to Gangneung (~2 hours) → local train or taxi to Jeongdongjin (20 mins)
• Cost: KTX ₩30,000 ($22) one way. Local transfer ₩5,000 (~$4).
• Tip: Plan to arrive early if you want the sunrise. Coastal weather can be windy, so bring a light jacket.

Before You Go

Day trips in autumn are so worth it, but a little prep will make things smoother.

I always check the fall foliage forecast in Korea because the colors don’t peak at the same time every year. In Seoul it’s usually late October into early November, while the mountains change a bit earlier.

Trains and buses can book up fast once the leaves hit their peak, so it’s smart to grab tickets ahead of time. If you have never used the system before, my KTX guide and Korea train travel tips explain exactly how to book online without the stress.

And don’t forget the basics. Layers are your best friend in autumn since mornings can be chilly and afternoons surprisingly warm. Comfy shoes are a must, and I always keep my phone ready with a few apps. If you’re not sure which ones to download, my list of the best Korea travel apps will help.