Autumn in Seoul | 19 Spectacular Places to Visit in Seoul during Autumn

During autumn in Seoul, the skies are brilliantly blue, the weather is perfect and the city is painted in a kaleidoscope of spectacular colours. It’s Korea’s peak travel season for good reason.

This is the time of year I personally look forward to most. After all, what could be better than wandering down streets bursting with every brilliant shade of orange, yellow and red imaginable.

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When is Autumn in Seoul?

Autumn in Seoul lasts for approximately 3 months. It starts in September, with the leaves slowly changing colour from mid-October to late November. By the end of November, autumn is well and truly over in Seoul.

Most, if not all of the leaves have fallen from their limbs and cold blasts of air demand warmer clothes, boots and scarves.

The good news is that the changing of leaves during autumn in Seoul, is a gradual process that happens over a few months. There’s a big window of time to catch this colourful show, but if you’re looking for the absolute peak, I recommend visiting sometime from late October to mid-November.

Seoul’s Autumn Weather Month by Month

After the heat and humidity of summer in Korea, autumn seems to hit Seoul overnight, but the changing of the leaves still takes a few months to reach completion. There’s plenty of time to see autumn foliage in Seoul at every stage of its colourful transition.

September

In the month of September in Korea, the grey skies, choking humidity and stifling temperatures of summer in Seoul finally surrender to cloudless, cobalt skies and crisp air. It’s wonderfully refreshing and like most Koreans, autumn in Seoul is, without a doubt, the season I look forward to most.

Average temperatures range between 17 to 26°C (63 to 79°F), so it’s a very, very comfortable time to be outside. If you want to make the most of these clear days, booking a seasonal autumn day trip out to early-turning mountains like Seoraksan is a fantastic way to enjoy the weather.

We take full advantage of the superb weather by spending as much time outdoors as possible. Days and nights are still warm and it’s easy to while away an entire afternoon simply basking in the glow of a perfect post-summer sun.

October

In Korea in October, the nights cool, and it’s time to cuddle up under the cozy comforters that have been stored away all summer. The days feel nostalgic and I start to crave the creamy richness of an expertly stewed seolleongtang. In the month of October, average temperatures in Seoul range between 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F).

During October in Seoul, hints of yellow peek shyly through the green growths, ginkgo trees begin dropping their foul-smelling fruits, a carpet of pink muhly covers Korea, and blue trucks loaded with persimmons ply the streets with their wares. The crisp, clear nights are also ideal for wrapping up in layers and heading to the Han River, especially if you’re trying to catch the wonderful Hangang drone light shows that happen this month.

November

In Korea in November, the days and nights get chillier, with average temperatures ranging between 3 to 11°C (38 to 53°F). This is definitely the month to pull out thicker sweaters, coats and warmer shoes.

The ingredients for kimjang appear in stores, and autumn in Seoul is in full swing and nearing the finish line. A wave of fall colour sweeps its way down the peninsula, dramatically transforming rocky mountains and monotone tree-lined streets into a prismatic orchestra of vivid crimsons, burnt oranges and mellow yellows.

What to Wear in Seoul in Autumn: Packing & Clothing Guide

Cold is a relative concept. I grew up in Canada and I find Seoul’s autumn to be incredibly comfortable. I can usually get by with just a sweater and scarf right up until winter hits Korea in December.

However, if you grew up in a hot climate, you would definitely find Seoul chilly, as it gets closer to winter. Pack accordingly, depending on which month of autumn you plan to visit Seoul. Layers are a good idea. T-shirts, sweaters, scarves, and coats can all be useful at different times of your trip.

When those late-season winds start biting and your legs are completely sore from walking 20,000 steps in search of Seoul’s autumn foliage, the best local trick to defrost is heading straight indoors to a traditional Korean bathhouse. It can be a little overwhelming culturally, so make sure to read my guide to jjimjilbang etiquette.

15 Spectacular Places to Visit in Seoul during Autumn

Where can you see fall foliage in Seoul? The simple answer is pretty much everywhere you turn. But there are undeniably pockets of the city that really wow the senses due to the concentration or combination of trees in the area.

From street level, it’s often difficult to get a real sense of just how many trees are tucked into the capital, but once the season hits, the city transforms into a spectacular patchwork of colours.

To make your itinerary planning simple, I’ll share rugged mountain peaks that offer a perfect bird’s-eye view of the changing autumn landscape in Seoul, and historic palace grounds that serve as the ideal backdrop for renting a traditional Korean hanbok for a photoshoot.

I’ll also cover sprawling local parks where you can pack a picnic under a golden grove, alongside my favourite hidden neighbourhood spots. Read on for some of the most gorgeous places to see autumn foliage in Seoul.

N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain | 남산

From street level, it’s difficult to get a real sense of just how many trees there are in Seoul, but from the top of this mountain in the middle of the city, it’s easy to get a birds-eye view of Seoul’s glorious changing autumn landscape.

We took an easy stroll up Namsan in October and were rewarded with the startling sight of autumn leaves in Seoul as far as the eye could see. If the uphill walk isn’t your thing, you don’t have to miss out on the views. There are electric shuttle buses that loop up the mountain constantly, or you can ride the Namsan cable car straight up to the peak.

If you want to head all the way up to the top, your best bet is to grab an all-in-one N Seoul Tower and Namsan Cable Car combo ticket online before you go. Just keep in mind that you’ve got to swap your mobile voucher for physical tickets at a pickup counter down in Myeongdong before you head to the cable car station, as they won’t accept digital codes at the cable car entrance.

Changdeokgung Secret Garden | 창덕궁 후원

While wandering around Seoul to see the changing leaves, you quickly realize that the historic royal grounds offer some of the most striking backdrops on the peninsula. If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the best courtyards, secret photo spots, or entry times, check out my deep-dive look at the palaces in Seoul to help plan your itinerary.

Behind Joseon-era Changdeokgung Palace lies the Secret Garden. Originally used by the royal family and palace women, the garden has a lotus pond, pavilions, flowers and over 100 different species of trees, some of which are over 300 years old.

There are more than 26,000 trees in the Garden alone, and that means one thing – an awful lot of leaves changing colour during autumn in Seoul.

The mix of bright yellows and deep crimsons framing the old pavilions inside the Secret Garden is something you won’t forget, but it’s definitely challenging to get tickets during peak fall foliage in Seoul. Make sure to check out my detailed Secret Garden ticket guide for all the details of how to get tickets.

Bukhansan National Park | 북한산국립공원

Bukhansan is one of the best places to see magical fall foliage near Seoul. It’s full of gorgeous hiking paths, rocky peaks, serene temples, and a lot of ajeossi and ajumma joyfully drinking makgeolli and eating kimbap – and if you are lucky, you might even be invited to join their picnic.

Because of its easy access from the subway lines, the park holds the distinct honour of being the “Most Visited National Park per Unit Area” in the Guinness Book of World Records. Because it’s so accessible, the popular trails get remarkably busy during peak weeks, so you’ll want to brace yourself for some pretty intense trail traffic. If you want someone else to handle the route planning, you can join a guided hiking tour here to make things simple.

Don’t worry if you didn’t pack proper mountain gear in your suitcase, either. You can get excellent trail advice and rent everything from hiking boots to windbreakers at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre right near the base of Bukhansan National Park. It’s an amazing government service, so you can count on high-quality, sanitized equipment, and the best part is that it’s practically free.

Before you head back into the city center after your hike, make sure to stop into the lovely Eunpyeong Hanok Village, which sits right at the foot of the mountain valleys. It is a fantastic spot to grab a hot coffee and take photos of traditional tiled roofs against a backdrop of colorful autumn trees.

Seoul Forest | 서울숲

Seoul Forest consists of 5 separate parks, covering nearly 600,000m² of land in Seongsu-dong. Between the playgrounds, deer park, flower displays, skate park, and experiential learning park, you could easily spend days and days at Seoul Forest, in ANY season.

Gorgeous autumn leaves in Seoul paint the entire park in a glorious array of colour, but a real highlight is the Ginkgo Tree Forest full of towering woods and golden leaves.

Once you’ve finished photographing the golden ginkgo trees, walk straight out of the park gates into Seongsu-dong. This area is packed with underground fashion labels, artisan bakeries, and some unique wellness centres in Seoul. If you’re interested in getting a facial asymmetry treatment at a foreigner-friendly clinic, check out my experience at Duna Clinic.

Olympic Park Seoul | 올림픽공원

Seoul’s Olympic Park was originally created in 1986, to host the Asian Games and then, the 1988 Summer Olympics. Today, it’s a popular place for visitors to spend the day, with biking trails, multiple museums, cafes and gardens on its grounds.

There’s a few extra-special places to visit in Olympic Park during autumn in Seoul though. Look out for a huge field of cosmos in the wildflower garden, the gourd tunnel, and beautiful roses in the Rose Garden.

Haneul (Sky) Park | 하늘공원

Haneul Park proves that silver can be just as stunning as orange, red, and yellow during autumn in Seoul. A former landfill, Haneul Park is now one of the most popular parks in Mapo-gu, with excellent views of the city from its perch at the top of World Cup Park (hence the name “sky”).

Every October, a breathtaking carpet of eulalia, or silver grass, draws crowds up the slopes of Haneul Park. It proves that shimmering silver and cream tones can be just as stunning as deep autumn reds. If you want to bundle your walk through these hilltop fields with other gorgeous autumn spaces, you can book a Seoul nature trails and city views day tour that takes you from Gamaksan to Haneul Park, with stops at Eunpyeong Hanok Village and Jingwansa too.

Seokchon Lake | 석촌호수

In springtime, delicate pink Yoshino cherry blossom petals romance those walking along the shores of Seokchon Lake in Seoul’s Songpa district. During autumn in Seoul however, a multitude of Yoshino Cherry and pine trees ring the water with a dramatic kaleidoscope of colour.

You can make a full day and night out of a visit to this area. Go thrill-seeking at Lotte World Adventure, gape at the views from the top of the Seoul Sky Observatory inside Korea’s tallest building, or wander inside to admire 55,000 sea creatures at the Lotte World Aquarium.

Once you’ve wrapped up your adventures, the flat walking track looping around Seokchon Lake is the perfect spot for a relaxing evening stroll under illuminated autumn leaves in Seoul.

Deoksugung Doldam-gil | 덕수궁 돌담길

Deoksugung is probably one of the least visited palaces, but when it’s autumn in Seoul, you should definitely head there to walk along the doldam-gil, or “stone-wall” road.

This 1100 metre pedestrian pathway winds next to a traditional stone wall and is lined with 130 trees. During autumn in Seoul, the street is romantically covered in a carpet of gorgeous yellow leaves.

Garosu-gil | 가로수길

Garosu-gil actually translates into “tree-lined street,” and the moniker is pretty accurate. This street in Seoul’s Sinsa district is lined with magnificent ginkgo trees, and it’s the place to enjoy autumn colour in Seoul if mountains aren’t your thing.

You just might end up sipping a latte in a Garosu-gil cafe and shopping for designer clothes, instead of watching the autumn leaves though. 😉

Gingko Tree Path along Wiryeseong Daero | 위례성대로

This a popular spot for locals to the area, but it’s not very well-known among tourists. You’re in luck though, because there are 1320 majestic gingko trees lining this stretch of road near Olympic Park, and it won’t be overrun with people.

Walking under a continuous golden canopy like this is a real treat, and if you’re hoping to add even more yellow-leaf avenues to your itinerary across the country, take a look at my round-up of ginkgo tree roads in Korea to map out your autumn travels.

Gwanaksan Mountain | 관악산

Gwanaksan, with its rocky peaks, deep valleys, and easy subway access, is one of the most popular mountains to visit in Seoul during autumn. On a hike in late September, all I could think about, was how beautiful it would be when it erupted in a rainbow of autumn colours, a month later.

There are multiple hiking trails, ranging from 1 – 4.5 kilometres long, so it’s easy to find one that suits your athletic ability. If you’d feel more comfortable with a local guide, join a hiking tour here.

Ginkgo Tree of Munmyo Confucian Shrine | 명륜당

Find the Myeongnyundang Confucian Lecture Hall at Sungkyunkwan University Seoul campus, and you’ll be treated to the sight of 2 ancient gingko trees, more than 500 years old. These are known as the Ginkgo Trees of Munmyo Confucian Shrine.

Myeongnyundang itself is so historically significant that it’s depicted on Korea’s 1,000 won bill. And the magnificent ginkgo trees in front of it? Designated as Natural Monument No. 59 in 1962.

It can be a little complicated to find the lecture hall, but it’s so worth it. During autumn in Seoul, you’ll see many others in search of these glorious golden ginkgo trees, so just follow the crowd.

Standing under something that ancient is pretty magical, and once you see it, you’ll probably be completely hooked on finding more of these yellow leaf tunnels. I know I am.

For an even bigger experience, look into the Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest and Alpaca World autumn day tour straight out of Seoul. It’s the easiest way to wander through thousands of trees planted in perfect geometric rows on a private farm that only opens for a few weeks in October, and it completely saves you from trying to figure out rural buses on your own.

The well-known autumn spots in Seoul can be absolutely rammed with people oohing and ahhing over the changing leaves. It’s completely understandable, but it can definitely get a bit tiring for the introverts among us. If you’re looking for a little solitude, it IS actually possible to find it in the capital.

These final 3 locations are the perfect places to enjoy Seoul’s fall foliage in relative peace.

Seonjeongneung Tombs | 성종과 정현왕후

Seonjeongneung is one of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, but it’s rarely visited by tourists, who gravitate towards marquee attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace instead.

But if you should find yourself in Gangnam during autumn in Seoul, definitely make the trip over to Seonjeongneung Tomb. You’ll be richly rewarded.

You’ll find the royal tombs of King Seongjong, Queen Jeonghyeon and their son, King Jungjong here, along with a huge green space, soaring trees and almost total serenity. Look out for the 500 year old gingko tree that sits next to the tomb keeper’s house!

We visited Seonjeongneung near the end of November, and most of the leaves had already fallen, but it was still incredibly beautiful (and deserted). Get there a few weeks earlier to enjoy the best of autumn.

Gilsangsa Temple | 길상사

Tucked into the quiet mountain slopes of Seongbuk-dong, this peaceful forest temple is a world away from the busy downtown tourist areas. Gilsangsa has a fascinating history, having been converted from a high-end restaurant into a Buddhist sanctuary in the late 1990s.

In autumn, the traditional wooden halls, stone lanterns, and small flowing streams are framed by deep crimson maple trees. It’s a deeply serene place where you can listen to temple bells and wind chimes rustling through the changing autumn leaves in Seoul without any tour groups blocking your path.

Songjeong Embankment Walkway | 송정제방길

While tourists pack the famous downtown stone-wall paths, this hidden local walking avenue is still pretty much a neighbourhood secret. Stretching for nearly 5 kilometres along the edge of Jungnangcheon Stream, this elevated embankment walkway is completely lined with mature ginkgo and maple trees.

During late autumn in Seoul, it transforms into an incredibly long, continuous tunnel of solid gold and fiery red leaves. It’s the absolute perfect place to pack a hot coffee, listen to your favourite music, and experience an authentic local side of the city in total peace.

Best Autumn Day Trips from Seoul

Don’t limit your autumn explorations to just Seoul – because there are several absolutely stunning places to see fall foliage just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the capital.

If you want to break up your urban sightseeing with vast countryside flower gardens, winding mountain monorails, or forest paths, these nearby regional escapes are incredibly easy (and so worth) visiting on an autumn day trip from Seoul.

These autumn foliage spots are close to Seoul, and totally reasonable to tackle on a day trip. Honestly – it’s probably easiest to visit these places on a day tour with transportation included to save time, but it’s totally possible to do it DIY too if that’s your preference. I encourage you to really compare prices though, and the amount of time you’ll spend in transit. You’d be surprised how little the difference in cost is.

Nami Island | 남이섬

With a stunning forest full of crimson maple leaves, majestic metasequoia pathway, and golden ginkgo tree lane, Nami Island has one of the most beautiful autumn landscapes near Seoul. It gets incredibly busy, but the crisp autumn air and the solid carpets of fallen leaves make it worth the crowds and the trek.

Because it sits out in more rural areas, navigating the trains, local buses, and ferries on your own can eat up a big chunk of your morning. If you want to skip the logistics, look into Nami Island tours that also go to other popular autumn attractions in the area, like the Gangchon Rail Bike, Garden of Morning Calm, and Alpaca World.

It’s a great, stress-free alternative that takes care of your round-trip transport and secures your entry tickets, so you can focus solely on the fall foliage scenery.

This is the option I recommend to make the best use of your time (since these places aren’t that close to each other), but if you still want to do it independently, check out this guide to the Gapyeong City Tour Bus.

Hwadam Botanic Garden | 화담숲

Hwadam Botanic Garden is one of the hottest tickets in Seoul in late October, and early November, due to its spectacular autumn leaves, adorable monorail, and gorgeous gardens. The ticket process is a little complicated – so make sure to check out all the details in my complete guide to visiting Hwadamsup.

It takes 2 to 3 hours to reach Hwadam Forest from Seoul using a combination of public transit and taxi. If you’d like to skip all the hassle, and see a few other sites along the way, it’s a good idea to join one of the many day tours to Hwadam Botanic Garden instead. I recommend this one, because it’s truly all-inclusive, with a guaranteed admission ticket.

Yangju Nari Park | 양주나리공원

It’s getting harder and harder to see pink muhly in Seoul, but fortunately there are some great spots just on the outskirts of the city.

If your fall itinerary in Seoul just HAS to include fields of cotton candy pink, check out Nari Park in Yangju. Yes, there’s pink muhly, but you’ll also be able to enjoy autumn flowers like globe amaranth, kochia scoparia, and more. I loved my visit there last year!

It’s totally possible to get to Nari Park using public transit in about 90 minutes.

Visiting Yangju Nari Pari and Goseokjeong Flower Garden is 100% worth the effort, but trying to organize it on your own is a logistical nightmare. Goseokjeong in particular, is way up north near the border, where public transit hardly goes.

For an easier route, I definitely recommend looking into a combo tour straight out of Seoul to cross both off your bucket list on the same day. You won’t regret it… these are 2 of the best gardens I’ve seen in Korea!

Goseokjeong Pavilion Flower Garden | 고석정꽃밭

I visited Gosekjeong Flower Garden last year, and wow. If you’re looking for literal carpets of autumn flowers near Seoul, this is the place to go. It is spectacular – and yes, there’s pink muhly, kochia scoparia, and so much more.

It’s located in Cheorwon, about 90 minutes drive north of Seoul.

One word of advice – bring some warmer layers with you. I was stunned by how cold it got in the evening!

Final Thoughts about Autumn in Seoul

Navigating Seoul during peak fall foliage season takes a little bit of strategy, mostly because you’ll be sharing these beautiful views with thousands of local residents and international travellers. To get those clean photos without a wall of people blocking your angles, try heading out to spots like the Secret Garden or Seoul Forest right when they open. It makes a world of difference for your peace of mind.

You should also keep a close eye on the weekly weather updates as you travel around. A sudden autumn rainstorm or windy afternoon can strip the golden leaves off the ginkgo branches overnight, completely shifting your priorities for the weekend. If you see a clear, sunny forecast on your app, do not wait on it. Pack your camera, charge your phone, and head straight to the nearest park to catch the autumn leaves in Seoul at their absolute brightest. Enjoy!

Autumn in Seoul: FAQs

I originally researched, wrote & published this guide on September 9, 2024. I review & update my content for accuracy regularly. Watch out for copycats.This post was last updated on August 18, 2026. Copyright © 2024–2026 Travel-Stained. All rights reserved.