Do you ever feel envious seeing other people’s Facebook and Instagram check-ins of maple or ginkgo viewing? Or maybe you’re just too lazy to plan a trip, but you really want to go to South Korea to see the ginkgos, yet feel overwhelmed by how vast the country is and where exactly you should go? Don’t worry, travel expert朽 is here to help. We’ve rounded up must-visit ginkgo spots featured in Korean dramas and other unmissable locations. After checking out these introductions, plan your own romantic autumn journey. This time, standing on the Golden Road, the one shining bright won’t be someone else—it’ll be you.
Both ginkgos and maples are trees that change color in autumn, and their prime viewing periods are quite similar. Here we use the 2017 maple foliage season to give you an idea of when to see the ginkgos. Generally speaking, ginkgos start turning yellow around mid-October and continue until mid-November from north to south. By early November, ginkgo trees across South Korea will have turned a brilliant golden hue.
Ginkgo Spots in Seoul
First Choice for a Romantic Date: Namsan
You’re probably familiar with Namsan, a popular dating spot in Seoul often featured in Korean dramas. But did you know you can also enjoy ginkgos here? While it may not have as many ginkgos as other places, you can still experience the blend of maple and ginkgo colors in various ways. You can take the cable car for a full view—from afar to up close—and fully immerse yourself in the autumn scenery along with Seoul. You can stroll through Namsan, enjoying the mix of maple and ginkgo leaves. Or you can take the cable car straight up to N Seoul Tower and admire the mountains tinged with autumn hues. From the tower, take in the panoramic cityscape of Seoul or even attach a love lock with your partner. At night, you can enjoy Seoul’s gift—the night view. Doesn’t that sound exciting? Then pack your bags and go！
?Prime Ginkgo Season: Mid-October to Early November
?Transportation:
?Namsan Library (entrance from Namsan Park Street): Exit 2 of Jongno 3-ga/Myeongdong Station (Lines 3 & 4) → Take Seoul City Bus 02 (Yellow Loop) → Get off at Namsan Library
?N Seoul Tower: Exit 2 of Jongno 3-ga/Myeongdong Station (Lines 3 & 4) → Take Seoul City Bus 02 (Yellow Loop) → Get off at N Seoul Tower
★Recommended Attractions: Goblin’s Gangneung Jumunjin, Everland, Gwangjang Market, Hangang Park
Encounter the Goblin: Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
Seeing this photo, do you immediately think of the Goblin theme song? That’s right—this is the filming location where the Goblin and the Grim Reaper first met. Deoksugung Stone Wall Road is located in downtown Seoul and is widely regarded by Korean netizens as the most beautiful street. Already known as the most beautiful street, the stone wall pathway becomes even more stunning with the golden ginkgos adding their touch. A visit to a Korean drama location isn’t complete without seeing this spot！You can also visit Deoksugung Palace, another famous palace in Seoul. Without the crowds of Gyeongbokgung, you can still watch the changing of the guard！
?Prime Ginkgo Season: Mid-October to Early November
?Transportation: Exit 1 or 3 of City Hall Station (Seoul Subway)
★Recommended Attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bulguksa Temple, Changdeokgung Palace
Ginkgo Spots in Suburban Seoul & Gangwon Province
Korea’s “Moon Island”: Nami Island
Nami Island got its name because it is the burial site of General Nami from the Joseon Dynasty. Now, it’s famous for being a filming location of Winter Sonata and for its ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons, especially its famed Golden Road！When you visit Nami Island in autumn, you’ll be greeted by the Golden Road right at the entrance—it feels like it’s welcoming you！With such a warm invitation, you absolutely must check it out！If you come in early November, you can also see the fiery red maple leaves, letting you enjoy the two most beautiful autumn colors in one trip.
?Prime Ginkgo Season: Mid-October to Early November
?Transportation: Take the subway to Gapyeong Station, then transfer to a sightseeing bus to reach the Nami Island ferry dock
★Recommended Attractions: Petite France, Gogang Railway, Fairy Tale Village (Swiss-themed)
Korea’s Representative Arboretum: Chuncheon Morning Calm Arboretum
The Chuncheon Morning Calm Arboretum, which has something to offer year-round, was established under the guidance of Professor Han Sang-kyung, Emeritus Professor of the Department of Horticulture at Sahmyook University. His vision was to create a world-class arboretum representing Korea. With over 4,500 types of plants, you can find everything from garden landscapes and potted plants to lawns！In autumn, the arboretum is painted in a riot of colors, surrounded by golden ginkgos and red maples. Korean dramas such as You're Beautiful, Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, and She Was Pretty were filmed here.
? Golden Ginkgo Period: Mid-October to Early November
? Transportation: Take subway to Qingping Station, then transfer to a sightseeing bus
★ Recommended Attractions: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Lotte World Tower, Itaewon
Other Popular Ginkgo Spots in Korea
Travel Through Time – Jeonju Hyanggyo
Located in Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju Hyanggyo features 16 palace-style buildings, making it a large-scale historical site. Thanks to popular Korean dramas like “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” it has become a hot spot for both tourism and wedding photoshoots in Jeonju. When visiting the hyanggyo, be sure to first try on a hanbok. The 400-year-old palace buildings, paired with a golden carpet of ginkgo leaves and the serene atmosphere, feel like a journey back to the Joseon Dynasty. Jeonju is also famous for its food—don’t forget to enjoy some local delicacies after your photo walk. At night, consider staying in a hanok for the full Korean historical experience.
◆ Top Three Food Recommendations: Jeonju Bibimbap, Kongnamul Gukbap, Choco Pie
? Fun Fact: Established in 1392 and relocated here in 1603, Jeonju Hyanggyo was a national educational institution during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) where students came to study.
? Golden Ginkgo Period: Late October to Mid-November
? Transportation: Get to Jeonju Train Station, then take a taxi or bus to Hanok Village
★ Recommended Attractions: Hanok Village, Naejangsan Mountain, Jeondong Catholic Church
Golden Avenue at Gyungsung Tongiljeon
Along the path to Tongiljeon, each ginkgo tree stands tall and proud, offering endless enjoyment whether you're driving or strolling. There are no skyscrapers or bustling traffic here—just a golden ginkgo avenue waiting for you. After walking down the avenue, you can also climb to the highest point inside Tongiljeon for a breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque city of Gyeongju.
This year’s Busan Fireworks Festival also happens to take place on October 28th. While visiting Gyeongju to admire the ginkgos, why not consider attending this spectacular event as well?
? Golden Ginkgo Period: Late October to Mid-November
? Transportation: From Gyeongju Train Station, take Gyeongju Sightseeing Buses No. 10 or 11, and get off at the Golden Avenue in front of Tongiljeon
★ Recommended Attractions: Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Film Street
And that wraps up our series on ginkgo-themed attractions. After reading this, don’t you also feel like strolling down one of these golden avenues? Of course, aside from ginkgos, you can also go maple leaf viewing, enjoy delicious food, and more. With the weather turning cooler, Korea’s hearty grilled meats, tofu stew, and bibimbap are perfect for warming you up. So go ahead—book your flights, reserve your accommodations, and plan your own foliage-chasing adventure to follow the maples and ginkgos.
Written by Katrina.C | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team