Autumn in Seoul 2025: 7 Best Spots for Stunning Fall Foliage
Hello, travelers!
If you’re dreaming of experiencing autumn in Seoul, 2025 is the perfect year to make it happen. When the season arrives, the city transforms into a breathtaking canvas of golden ginkgo trees and fiery red maples. The crisp air, historic palaces framed by leaves, and peaceful parks make Seoul one of the best cities in Asia to enjoy autumn. In this guide, we’ll show you the top places to see fall foliage in Seoul, along with practical tips to make your trip unforgettable.
🍂 Best Time to Visit for Autumn in Seoul
The peak foliage season in Seoul usually falls between mid-October and early November. Ginkgo trees begin to turn yellow first, followed by bright red and orange maple leaves.
- Best viewing period: October 15 – November 7, 2025 (based on past averages).
- Travel tip: Go on weekdays to avoid crowds. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best photo lighting.
- Useful resource: Check the official Visit Korea website for weekly foliage updates.
🌳 7 Best Spots to See Autumn in Seoul
1. Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
A UNESCO World Heritage site that becomes magical in autumn. The Secret Garden’s maple and ginkgo trees turn it into a painter’s dream.
Tip: Reserve tickets in advance—daily entry is limited.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
The largest palace in Korea is stunning in fall, with wide courtyards glowing beneath golden leaves.
Tip: Rent a hanbok and enjoy the royal guard changing ceremony for an extra cultural touch.
3. Seoul Forest
A modern eco-park with tree-lined trails, deer garden, and quiet corners perfect for leaf viewing. Easily accessible by subway.
4. Namsan Mountain & N Seoul Tower
Climb or take a cable car up Namsan for panoramic city views. In autumn, the skyline is wrapped in brilliant foliage.
Best moment: Sunset—when Seoul glows under red and orange skies.
5. Deoksugung Palace Stone Wall Road
A romantic 900-meter walkway lined with golden ginkgo trees.
Tip: Visit in the evening when the leaves are illuminated for a fairytale-like stroll.
6. Bukchon Hanok Village
Traditional hanok houses framed by autumn colors make this neighborhood a top photo spot.
Note: It’s a residential area—be respectful of the locals.
7. Haneul Park
Located in World Cup Park, it’s famous for its silver grass fields and panoramic views of Seoul.
Best time: Late October, when silver grass and foliage reach their peak together.
🍴 Autumn Cafés & Food in Seoul
Autumn isn’t just about the scenery—it’s also about flavors! Warm up after sightseeing with seasonal treats:
- Pumpkin latte or persimmon tea in Insadong tea houses.
- Hotteok (sweet Korean pancake) from street vendors near palaces.
- Roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes sold on street corners.
Food is a big part of the autumn experience, and Seoul’s traditional markets like Gwangjang Market are perfect for tasting seasonal snacks.
📸 Tips for Enjoying Autumn in Seoul
- Clothing: Wear layers—mornings and evenings are chilly, afternoons are mild.
- Transport: Use a T-money card for subways and buses; most foliage spots are easily accessible.
- Photography: Wide-angle lenses capture palaces, while portrait lenses highlight leaves up close.
- Combine with culture: Join a temple stay or hanbok experience for a deeper seasonal trip.
- Tour option: Consider guided day tours from websites to cover multiple foliage sites without stress.
🗓 Suggested 3-Day Autumn Itinerary in Seoul
- Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace → Bukchon Hanok Village → Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
- Day 2: Changdeokgung Secret Garden → Insadong → Namsan Tower at sunset
- Day 3: Seoul Forest → Haneul Park → Evening in Hongdae
🌏 Conclusion
Autumn in Seoul is one of the most enchanting experiences in Korea. From palaces wrapped in vibrant colors to romantic stone walkways and panoramic mountain views, the city is at its most beautiful in October and November.
🍁 Ready to experience it yourself?
Plan your Seoul trip today and explore more Korea travel guides on myfirstkorea.com.
