Autumn in Korea: 10 Beautiful Fall Foliage Spots in Seoul and the Greater Seoul Area

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in South Korea.
As the summer heat fades, the mountains, parks, and streets gradually turn into wonderful shades of red, orange, and gold.

Seoul is particularly charming in autumn. You don't have to travel far from the city to enjoy the fall colors. Historic royal palaces, riverside walking paths, and large urban parks offer beautiful scenery.

If you have a little more time, you can also explore some wonderful autumn destinations in Gyeonggi Province, just outside Seoul.

Here are ten places I recommend for enjoying autumn in and around Seoul.

1. Deoksu Palace Stone-Wall Road – A Romantic Autumn Walk

Deoksugung Palace is one of the most charming places to visit in central Seoul.
Its famous stone-wall road, known as Deoksugung Doldam-gil, is lined with beautiful trees that turn golden yellow and orange in autumn.
The traditional stone walls, colorful leaves, and historic buildings create a uniquely Korean atmosphere.

If you visit Deoksugung Palace, don't miss the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony in front of Daehanmun Gate, the palace's main entrance.
The ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, except Mondays. 

Location: Jung-gu, central Seoul
Nearest subway station: City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2)
Walking difficulty: Easy

2. Changdeok Palace and the Secret Garden – Autumn in Royal Korea

Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea's most beautiful historical palaces.

Its Secret Garden, known as Huwon, is particularly beautiful in autumn. Traditional pavilions, small ponds, ancient trees, and winding paths blend naturally with the surrounding landscape.
Walking through this garden feels like stepping back into the days of the Joseon Dynasty.

Please note that access to the Secret Garden is generally through guided tours, and advance reservations are recommended.

Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest subway station: Anguk Station (Line 3)
Walking difficulty: Moderate, with some uneven paths

3. Seoul Forest – A Colorful Escape in the City

Seoul Forest is a large urban park where visitors can enjoy nature without leaving the city.

In autumn, the park becomes a beautiful landscape of golden ginkgo leaves, red foliage, and colorful trees. Its woodland paths are especially pleasant for a quiet afternoon walk.
It is also a wonderful place for families, couples, and visitors who want to take photographs surrounded by nature.

Location: Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Nearest subway station: Seoul Forest Station (Suin-Bundang Line)
Walking difficulty: Easy

4. Namsan Park – Autumn Colors with a View of Seoul

Namsan Mountain stands in the heart of Seoul and is famous for N Seoul Tower.
In autumn, its walking paths are surrounded by colorful trees. From various viewpoints, you can enjoy beautiful combinations of autumn foliage and the modern Seoul skyline.

You don't necessarily have to climb all the way to the top. You can use the cable car or a shuttle bus and enjoy a shorter walk.

Location: Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Access: Myeongdong Station or Chungmuro Station, followed by a bus or other transport
Walking difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the route

5. Yangjaecheon and Seoul Citizens' Forest – A Peaceful Autumn Retreat

If you prefer a quieter place away from crowded tourist attractions, I highly recommend Yangjae Stream and the nearby Seoul Citizens' Forest.

Although this place is better known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, it is a wonderful place for a walk at any time of the year, offering a chance to enjoy the beauty of each season.

In autumn, the trees gradually change color, while golden grasses and fallen leaves create a peaceful atmosphere.

Seoul Citizens' Forest, located nearby, offers another lovely place to enjoy nature. You can combine the two destinations for a relaxing autumn outing.

This two places are very close to my home, so I often come here for a walk and enjoy their beauty in all four seasons.

Location : Seocho-gu, Seoul
Subway station : Yangjae Citizens' Forest Station (Shinbundang Line), Exit 1. 
Walking difficulty : Easy, with several walking route options

6. Olympic Park – Beautiful Trees and Open Spaces

Olympic Park, originally developed for the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, is now one of the city's most popular green spaces.

The park is famous for its wide open lawns, walking trails, and beautiful seasonal scenery.

In autumn, colorful trees and golden grasses make it an excellent destination for photography and outdoor relaxation.

You can also see the famous Lone Tree, a popular photo spot surrounded by an open grassy landscape.

Location: Songpa-gu, Seoul
Nearest subway station: Olympic Park Station (Line 5 or 9)
Walking difficulty: Easy, although the park is quite large

7. Hwadam Forest – A Beautiful Garden in Gyeonggi Province

If you want to experience a more spectacular autumn landscape, Hwadam Forest is worth considering.

Located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, this beautiful botanical garden is surrounded by mountains and offers carefully maintained forest trails.

It is particularly famous for its colorful maple trees, peaceful walking paths, and scenic monorail.

The autumn scenery here is wonderful, with layers of red, orange, and yellow leaves covering the mountainsides.

Because it is a popular seasonal destination, check the official website for opening dates and advance reservations before visiting.

Location: Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province
Access: Public transportation and connecting local transport, or car
Walking difficulty: Depends on the selected route; the monorail can reduce walking

8. Namhansanseong Fortress – History and Autumn Scenery

Namhansanseong is another wonderful destination in Gyeonggi Province.

This historic mountain fortress is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It played an important role in Korean history, particularly during the Joseon Dynasty.

Today, visitors can enjoy its old fortress walls, traditional gates, forest paths, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Autumn brings colorful leaves to the surrounding forests, making the area especially attractive for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Some walking routes are steep, so visitors who prefer gentle walks should choose their paths carefully.

Location: Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province
Access: Bus connections from Seoul and nearby subway stations
Walking difficulty: Easy to challenging, depending on the route

9. Nami Island – A Famous Autumn Destination

Nami Island, located in Chuncheon near the border of Gyeonggi Province, is one of Korea's best-known seasonal travel destinations.

Its long tree-lined roads, especially the famous Metasequoia Lane, become spectacular in autumn.

Golden ginkgo trees and colorful maple leaves create beautiful scenery throughout the island.

The island is also well known among international visitors because of its appearance in Korean television dramas.

You can reach the island by ferry from the nearby landing area. Weekends during peak foliage season can be very crowded.

Location: Chuncheon, Gangwon Province
Access: Train or bus to the area, followed by a short transfer and ferry
Walking difficulty: Mostly easy, with relatively flat paths

10. The Garden of Morning Calm – A Garden Full of Autumn Colors

Located in Gapyeong, the Garden of Morning Calm is a beautiful botanical garden surrounded by mountains.

Although it is famous for its winter lighting festival, autumn is also a wonderful time to visit.

The garden features carefully designed landscapes, colorful trees, seasonal flowers, and peaceful walking paths.

It is an excellent destination for anyone who enjoys gardens, photography, and a relaxing day in nature.

Location: Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province
Access: Public transportation with local connecting transport, or car
Walking difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on how much of the garden you explore

When Is the Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Korea?

Autumn foliage usually begins in the northern mountains and gradually spreads southward.

For 2026, the Korea Tourism Organization's autumn forecast places the peak foliage season across much of the country from mid-October to early November.

Bukhansan Mountain near Seoul was forecast to reach its peak around November 4.

However, the actual timing can change depending on temperature, rainfall, and other weather conditions.

For the best experience, check the latest local foliage conditions before planning your trip.

A Few Tips for Enjoying Autumn in Korea

• Choose weekdays : Popular destinations can become very crowded on weekends.

• Wear comfortable shoes : Even beautiful garden paths may include slopes or uneven ground.

• Check transportation : Some destinations outside Seoul require additional bus or train connections.

• Make reservations : Certain popular attractions, including Hwadam Forest and the Secret Garden, may require advance booking.

• Take your time : You don't need to visit many places in one day. Enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Final Thoughts : Autumn Is a Season to Slow Down

Autumn in Korea is more than just beautiful leaves.

It is the sound of fallen leaves beneath your feet, the warm sunlight filtering through golden trees, and the quiet pleasure of walking beside a stream or through an old palace garden.

Whether you are visiting Seoul for the first time or have lived here for many years, there is always another beautiful autumn scene waiting to be discovered.

I hope these recommendations help you enjoy a memorable autumn in Korea.

Have you ever visited Korea in autumn? Which place would you most like to see?

I would love to hear about your experiences!

Written by K-Granny, sharing Korean history, culture, travel, food, and everyday life through the eyes of a Korean grandmother.

Visit my blog: www.k-granny.com