Autumn in Korea: A Lazy Guide to Seoul’s Maple Scenery

Text / Compiled and reported by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network
 
Every autumn, maple viewing becomes one of the hottest travel topics. Aside from Japan, Korea also boasts incredibly beautiful fall foliage, with many renowned maple-viewing spots. If you find traveling to other cities or regions for maple leaves a bit inconvenient, you can actually enjoy the beautiful red foliage of autumn right in downtown Seoul.

● Samcheong-dong Road

A must-visit in Korea, Samcheong-dong Road allows visitors to stroll along the stone walls of ancient palaces. The road is lined with quaint, elegant galleries and shops selling beautiful clothing, decorations, paintings, and more. It is also accompanied by vibrant golden ginkgo trees on both sides, where you can fully immerse yourself in the cozy charm of autumn.

● Seoul Grand Park Forest Bathing Area

The Seoul Grand Park Forest Bathing Area features trails made up of uphill and downhill paths, accessible via two entrances: behind the Children’s Zoo and Forest Exhibition Hall at Seoul Grand Park, and near the Australia Pavilion. Both entrances connect to the main zoo entrance. Centered around the zoo, the area is divided into five zones including acacia forests, chestnut forests, and pine forests. The rich variety of trees immerses you in breathtaking natural scenery.

● Deoksugung Stone Wall Road

Also known as Jeongdong Road, Deoksugung Stone Wall Road is a famous spot that Korean couples often visit for dates. Visitors can walk along the stone wall path next to Deoksugung Palace, starting from across Seoul City Hall, all the way to Jeongdong Theater. This over 900-meter-long trail is lined with golden ginkgo trees in autumn, creating a stunning view. Along the way, inside the courtyard of the Seoul Museum of Art, there is a maple tree over 500 years old, offering a magnificent display of autumn red foliage. The courtyard is perfect for sitting and soaking up the warm sunlight—quiet and serene.

● Namsan Circular Trail

Starting from the Namsan Library, you can walk up along the hiking trail to reach N Seoul Tower, one of Seoul’s most famous attractions. The observation deck, made entirely of glass, offers different views of Seoul depending on the direction you face. Additionally, the night view here is also very famous. Consider visiting the observation deck café in the evening for a cup of coffee while leisurely enjoying the Seoul night skyline.