Seoul's autumn is a season of spectacular beauty where fall foliage and night views blend together, with historic palaces and streets painted in red and golden hues, creating an atmosphere as if you've stepped into a scene from a drama. We introduce 6 autumn scenic spots in Seoul where you can enjoy foliage walks during the day and dramatic night views in the evening.
3 Selected Seoul Autumn Foliage Walking Routes
Seoul's autumn has a unique charm where history and modernity harmonize. Especially the autumn foliage at palaces and parks provides the perfect backdrop for lifetime photos. We've carefully selected routes that are directly accessible from subway stations.
Gyeongbokgung Stone Wall Road
The stone wall road that runs along the perimeter of Seoul's representative royal palace Gyeongbokgung is a scenic spot where ginkgo leaves shine golden during autumn foliage season. If you visit early in the morning, the soft light reflected on the stone walls makes the ginkgo leaves shine even brighter. There are many cafes overlooking the stone wall road, making it perfect for spending leisurely time. Also explore the nearby Seochon guide as well.
Transportation: 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3
Baekbeom Square Park
This is a special place where you can enjoy both autumn foliage and night views at once. You can enjoy autumn leaves and silver grass along with Namsan Tower, and if you visit in the evening, you can simultaneously appreciate the scenery of the entire mountain bathed in sunset and the night view of Seoul city.
Transportation: 7-minute walk from Exit 4 of Hoehyeon Station on Subway Line 4 (to cable car boarding area)
Yangjae Maeheon Citizen's Forest
Located in Seoul's Gangnam area, this is a hidden autumn foliage hotspot. With golden ginkgo trees and metasequoia-lined streets spread across vast grounds, it creates a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. We recommend sitting on a bench to enjoy a picnic or taking a forest bath with a cup of café coffee in hand.
Transportation: 3-minute walk from Yangjae Citizen's Forest Station on Subway Line 3
3 Selected Seoul Night View Spots
Seoul after sunset transforms into a sea of lights. Especially the night views seen through autumn's clear air are particularly special, offering a different kind of emotion from daytime autumn foliage.
Banpo Hangang Park
You can enjoy the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain registered in Guinness in 2008 show as the world's longest bridge fountain. At night, seven-colored lights and water burst out to create romantic night scenery. Try the Korean way of spending nighttime by laying out a mat on the wide Hangang riverside and enjoying chicken or ramen.
Transportation: About 15-minute walk from Exit 8-1 of Express Bus Terminal Station on Subway Lines 3, 7, 9
Maebongsan Palgakgol Park
This is a hidden night view spot beloved by locals. From the summit observatory, you can see the curves of Dongho Bridge over the Han River and the Gangnam high-rise buildings at a glance. The sight of bridge illumination reflecting on the Han River surface is romantic like scattered jewels.
Transportation: About 10-minute walk from Daemosan Entrance Station on Bundang Line
Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)
Seoul's symbol Namsan Tower is the classic choice for night views in all seasons, but in autumn the visibility is particularly good thanks to clear air. Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic night view of Seoul from the observatory, and hanging love locks makes for good memories too.
Transportation: Take Namsan cable car from Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4
Autumn Seoul Travel Tips
- Peak foliage season: Seoul is usually late October to early November
- Night photography tip: Bringing a tripod allows you to take better photos
- Light outerwear is essential as Seoul's autumn has large daily temperature differences
- Popular spots are crowded on weekends, so weekday morning visits are recommended
For efficient movement between foliage spots, NAMANE Card is convenient. Also check out Korean public transportation guide as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When is Seoul's peak foliage season?
Seoul's autumn foliage usually peaks from late October to early November, with ginkgo trees most beautiful in early November and maple trees in late October. The ginkgo trees on Gyeongbokgung stone wall road turn most golden during the first week of November.
Q. What's the recommended time for night photography?
The 30 minutes after sunset called 'blue hour' is the golden time for night photography. Seoul's autumn sunset is around 17:30-18:00, so shooting between 18:00-18:30 allows you to capture the best photos with the blue sky and city lights harmonizing.
Q. Which foliage spots are good to enjoy with children?
Yangjae Maeheon Citizen's Forest has spacious lawns and flat walking paths making stroller movement convenient, and is optimal for enjoying picnics with children. With cafes and convenient facilities nearby, it's recommended as a family outing course.
