The 2019 Korean autumn foliage forecast has not yet been released, but based on past years, the best time to view fall foliage in central Seoul typically begins around mid-October and ends around mid-November, with peak season occurring early November. Reporters from the Travel Channel of Hong Kong 01 have compiled a list of six famous fall foliage spots in central Seoul. If you want to admire the vibrant reds and yellows of maple leaves, it is recommended to visit Korea in late October.
[1] Gyeongbokgung Palace
With over 600 years of history, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most famous and oldest palace in Seoul, a must-visit attraction for first-time visitors. In autumn, wearing a hanbok and exploring the various palaces while taking photos creates a unique experience. The palace looks even more elegant against the backdrop of blooming maple and ginkgo trees.
After enjoying the autumn scenery at Gyeongbokgung, consider strolling through nearby Bukchon Hanok Village. This area has become one of Seoul’s popular neighborhoods in recent years, with many alleys featuring cafes and cultural shops converted from traditional Korean houses, offering a rich artistic vibe and a tranquil, leisurely atmosphere.
? Address: 161 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (????? ??? ??? 161)
? Transportation: Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Seoul Subway Line 3, about a 5-minute walk
[2] Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
Deoksugung Stone Wall Road is widely recognized as the most beautiful walking street in Korea. Even with the urban legend that couples who walk down it together will break up, it hasn’t affected its status in the hearts of Koreans. Especially in autumn, the atmosphere becomes incredibly romantic with rows of maple and ginkgo trees lining the path.
After walking along the stone wall road, it’s recommended to visit the nearby Jeongdong Observatory to enjoy a panoramic view of Deoksugung Palace adorned in autumn colors—for free.
? Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (????? ?? ???? 99)
? Transportation: About a 1-minute walk from Exit 2 of City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Line 1
[3] Namsan Park
Namsan Park is the largest park in Seoul, home to the city’s iconic N Seoul Tower. When visiting Namsan Park for autumn foliage, many choose to take the subway to Myeongdong Station and walk up the Namsan Trail near the cable car station. However, taking an alternative route offers even more stunning views.
Starting from the Namsangol Hanok Village near the exit of Chungmuro Station, walk about 10 minutes toward Dreamers Guesthouse until you find signs pointing to the cable car station, then enter the Namsan Trail. Along the way, you’ll see signs for the National Theater. Keep going and you’ll come across a gently sloped, wide hiking path lined with a vast expanse of red leaves and ginkgos—absolutely spectacular. There are also bilingual (Korean/English) signs directing you to N Seoul Tower, so you won’t get lost.
? Address: 231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (????? ?? ???? 231)
? Transportation: Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station on Seoul Subway Line 4; or Exit 3 of Chungmuro Station on Lines 3 or 4
[4] Changdeokgung Secret Garden
Aside from Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, Changdeokgung is another essential palace for viewing autumn foliage in Seoul. The Secret Garden (Huwon), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is hailed by many Koreans as the most beautiful hidden spot for fall leaves. Whether it’s the alternating hues of red and yellow or the fiery red landscape during peak season, the scenery is even more picturesque against the backdrop of ancient Korean architecture—like something out of a postcard.
As Changdeokgung limits the number of daily visitors, those wishing to tour the palace and view the autumn leaves mustbook tickets via theEnglish version of the official website
and join a guided tour.
? Address: 99 Rueok-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (????? ??? ??? 99)
? Transportation: Exit 3 of Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line 3, about a 5-minute walk
? Cost: Adults (ages 25–64) approx. HK$53 / Children (ages 7–18) approx. HK$17 / Youth (ages 19–24) approx. HK$33
? The adult back garden admission ticket includes the cost of the general admission ticket
? Free admission: Children under 6 years old / People with disabilities
【5】Nami Island
When it comes to the most famous maple leaf viewing spots in the Seoul suburbs, Nami Island is definitely a must. Located about an hour’s drive from Seoul, Nami Island boasts beautiful scenery all year round, especially in autumn when the vast maple and ginkgo leaves create a breathtaking view. To avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to enter the island in the afternoon, where you can capture warm sunlight filtering through the maple and ginkgo trees. For those wanting to admire the red and yellow foliage, plan your visit from late October to early November.
? Address: 1 Nami Island-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (??? ??? ??? ???? 1)
? Transportation: Take the ITX-Saemaeul train from Yongsan Station / Cheongnyangni Station; or take the Gyeongui–Jungang Line or Line 7 to Dongincheon Station, then transfer to the Gyeongchun Line subway bound for Chuncheon, get off at Gapyeong Station, and transfer to the Gapyeong Tourist Site Loop Bus at the bus stop in front of Exit 2 to reach Nami Island Ferry Terminal, then take a ferry or access via the high ropes course
? Fees:
Gapyeong Tourist Site Loop Bus: approx. HK$40 for adults, approx. HK$27 for children, youth, people with disabilities, and seniors (unlimited rides within one day)
Nami Island admission ticket and round-trip ferry ticket: approx. HK$87 for adults, approx. HK$67 for middle school students and seniors, approx. HK$47 for children
? Ferry frequency: every 10 to 30 minutes
Nami Island Zip Wire
? Ticket price: approx. HK$294 (includes Nami Island admission ticket and ferry ticket)
? Operating hours: 09:00 – 19:00 (Apr–Oct), 09:00 – 18:00 (Nov–Mar)
? The zip wire can only be experienced when entering Nami Island; you must take the ferry when leaving
? The zip wire may be closed depending on weather conditions
【6】Morning Calm Garden
The garden is home to over 5,000 species of flowers and hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. In autumn, Morning Calm Garden holds a Maple Leaf Festival that attracts many visitors. The garden space is very expansive, and visiting from late October to early November allows you to see a beautiful blend of red, yellow, and green hues. Since Morning Calm Garden and Nami Island are on the same bus route, it’s recommended to plan a one-day trip to enjoy both maple leaf attractions.
? Address: 432 Sangmyeon Trees Garden-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (??? ??? ?? ???? 432)
? Transportation: Take the ITX-Saemaeul train from Yongsan Station / Cheongnyangni Station; or take the Gyeongui–Jungang Line or Line 7 to Dongincheon Station, then transfer to the Gyeongchun Line subway bound for Chuncheon, get off at Gapyeong Station, and transfer to the Gapyeong Tourist Site Loop Bus Route A at the bus stop in front of Exit 2 to reach Morning Calm Garden
? Opening hours: 08:30 – 19:30 (closing time adjusted flexibly according to sunset)
? Fees:
Gapyeong Tourist Site Loop Bus: approx. HK$40 for adults, approx. HK$27 for children, youth, people with disabilities, and seniors (unlimited rides within one day)
Morning Calm Garden admission fee: approx. HK$63 for adults, approx. HK$47 for youth, approx. HK$40 for children
With maple leaf season just around the corner, are you ready this year? Maple leaves across Korea will gradually bloom in October. The six major maple viewing spots in Korea we’ve compiled for you are all located in the suburbs near Seoul. In addition to satisfying your shopping desires, bring home the beauty of being surrounded by maple leaves as well.
Article reprinted with permission fromHong Kong 01, originally published on01 Travel / 01 Food.