During the 2020 Pandemic (aka the worst time in recent history), I was super bored. With no international destinations to jet set off to, I extensively explored Seoul.
I know the city like the back of my hand. Plus, I lived in South Korea for almost six years, speak the language, know the culture, and can help you travel like a local!
Blog Posts You Might Like
- What To Wear And What To Pack For Korea in Fall
- The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Korea
- Autumn Guide To Gyeongju South Korea
- Where To See Fall Foliage in Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to visit during Autumn in Korea?
South Korea in September is warmer with average temperatures being 26°C(79°F) during the day and 17°C (62°F) at night. Seoul’s weather in October ranges from 68°F during the day and 49°F at night. Next, Seoul weather in early November gets super chilly with temperatures dropping down to to 53°F during the day and 35°F at night.
2. Is it cold in Korea during Autumn?
It starts to get chilly around late October. The weather is cool during the day and gets cold at night.
3, Where is the best fall foliage in Seoul?
Some of the best places to see fall foliage in Seoul are Olympic Park, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Seoul Forest.
4. What can you do in Autumn in Korea?
There are a lot of fall festivals in Korea during this time. Some of the most popular activities include going to national parks like Seoraksan National Park, Naejangsan National Park, and Bukhansan National Park.
5. When is the best time for fall foliage in Korea?
The best times to see fall foliage in Korea are mid-October to mid-November. Weather conditions during the year will affect how early or late the foliage shows up.
6. When do leaves start falling in Seoul?
The fall leaves in Seoul start falling around mid-November. During this time, you’ll start to get all the Christmas vibes.
Map of the Best Autumn Foliage in Seoul
1. Bongeunsa Temple
Located across the street from the CoEx Mall, Bongeunsa is a Korean Buddhist Temple constructed in the 10th year of the Silla Dynasty. It’s surrounded by lush forests and makes for a perfect stroll.
Photo Tip: Bongeunsa is a place of worship so please be respectful, chill, and quiet. You can go at any time to get photos.
2. Deoksugung Palace
Another great location to see fall foliage in Seoul is Deoksugung. This was the last residence of Korean royalty during the Joseon Dynasty.
The palace is surrounded by many gingko trees, and this modern palace makes a great Seoul photo spot. I visited Deoksugung in the afternoon and while there were a lot of people there, it wasn’t overwhelming.
This palace also has a changing of the guard ceremony which is amazing to see with all the bright autumn foliage in Seoul.
Photo Tip: Since this isn’t the most popular palace in Seoul, if you go late afternoon you’ll get great photos here.
3. Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway
In my not so humble opinion, the perfect place to see autumn leaves in Seoul is Deoksugung Road. This is a picturesque pedestrian walkway with over 20 benches and 130 trees along the road. It’s a popular spot for couples to walk around. It is a particularly popular spot for fall foliage in Seoul.
Photo Tip: If you go during the morning or early afternoon, you can get undisturbed photos like I did. Go during the week right after the morning commute and before the lunch rush.
4. Garosugil
If you’re looking for beautiful fall foliage in Seoul, the most popular place is Garosugil in Sinsa. The ginkgo trees line the main shopping street making it a great place for autumn scenery.
Photo Tip: If you want good photos go around 8am. Koreans are not early risers so you’ll have it all to yourself.
5. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is the perfect spot to wear hanbok and take photos. During the autumn season you can see many maple trees turning a deep shade of red.
The Palace is a top destination for historic sites in Seoul. You can get there easily by getting off at Anguk Station.
Photo Tip: This bench is located in the back of the palace close to the pagoda. It is very popular for photos so you will have to wait.
I promise its 100% worth it. If you don’t want to wait, I recommend being first at Hanboknam’s Rental Shop and going right when Gyeongbokgung has opened.
Autumn in Seoul & South Korea Ebook
Autumn in Seoul is one of the best times to visit South Korea. This is a completely done for you itinerary complete with a map!
What You Will Get In This E-Book:
🏩 Where to stay in Seoul?
🥘 Best restaurants in Seoul?
🇰🇷 Must-see sites & can’t-miss activities?
🍁What to pack for Korea in autumn?
🚆 What transport do I use to get around the city?
🧧 Plus insider travel tips, photo spots, and deep dives you won’t see on my blog.
6. Haneul Park
One of the most popular places to see silver grass in fall in Korea is at Haneul Park. Many couples, families and friends often come.
It’s also a great place to see the pink muhly grass in Seoul. This park is dog-friendly so I recommend bringing your fur baby for pictures.
Haneul Park can be really difficult to get to since its far out on the brown line. Try this Eunpyeong Hanok Village and Haneul Park tour to visit much more easily.
Photo Tip: Haneul Park is insanely busy during the weekend. The only reason I was able to get a photo without so many people in it was because I woke up really early. I recommend going during the week in the afternoon.
7. Seoul City Wall
You can easily get there from Seoul Station (Line 1) exit 3 or 4 and start at Namdaemun. I highly recommend this hike because of the gorgeous panoramic views of Seoul.
8. Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower
As you’ve figured out, the autumn foliage around Seoul is quite stunning. There are so many places I’m inspired by and I want to go and photograph them all!
One of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the trees is to take the cable car going up and get a Namsan Tower observation deck ticket.
Hiking up the mountain is worth it because of all the beautiful scenery and autumn colors.
Photo Tip: No matter when you visit Namsan Tower, it is almost always going to be packed with tourists and locals alike. My best suggestion is to hike along the wall for a picture similar to this one.
Have patience because you’re going to need it. It’s slightly less busy during the week.
9. Olympic Park
Olympic Park was once the site of the 1988 Olympics. The park has since then been repurposed as a family-friendly environment.
Also, many concerts are held here because of the dome space. The nearest subway station is Olympic Park Station (Line 5).
This is one of my favorite fall foliage spots because of the history of the park surounded by the autumn trees. I rented a Seoul Bike nearby for the photo.
To me, nothing screams Seoul Pride like the Olympic arches in Jamsil. Fall in South Korea is something out of a fairytale.
Photo Tip: To get a beautiful golden glow in your photos like I did, go close to sunset.
10. Cosmos Field at Olympic Park
Autumn in South Korea not only brings gorgeous foliage, but seasonal blooms. I had the opportunity to visit the Cosmos Garden one morning during the week to snap this gorgeous photo.
Photo Tip: Go during the week in the morning around 8am for the best lighting. Besides the occasional ajhumma doing her exercise you’ll have the field to yourself.
Avoid going during the weekend because everyone and their brother will be here. I also recommend wearing something orange.
11. 84 Lake at Olympic Park
Korean autumn is like stepping into another world if you know where to look. This place isn’t too popular and the views are stunning.
12. One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill is a quintessentially famous picture spot in Seoul. It’s always popping.
Photo Tip: Visit during the week. If you do find yourself going on a weekend, be good at removing unwanted people from your photo.
13. Lotte World 6th Floor Stairs
I like Seoul in the fall most of all because it is so dreamy. Koreans know how to go all out with an autumn leaves aesthetic.
Every season or for special promotional events, the 6th-floor stairs at the Lotte World Mall get decked out. I noticed in the previous years since this photo was taken, the mall hasn’t decorated.
Photo Tip: Go during the day during the week. It’s hard to get pictures here on the weekend due to people walking up and down the stairs.
14. Changdeokgung
There are many royal palaces in Seoul. Changdeokgung is among the top places for fall foliage because of the natural beauty of the Secret Garden.
Some of the most beautiful autumn foliage can be seen here.
Don’t make the same mistake I did and book them at least two weeks ahead of time. Peak fall foliage in Seoul is in October.
Photo Tip: Visit Changeokgung during sunset on the weekends for less crowds. Go late afternoon to Changdeokgung and also do the Secret Garden tour.
15. Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Seoul. Most seasons they have a special event going on and really celebrate nature.
Autumn is no different. In 2020, they have a chrysanthemum dinosaur flower theme. And in case you were wondering, yes it was awesome.
Photo Tip: Come during the week for less crowds. If you do come during the weekend, just an hour before sunset Jogyesa Temple really clears out and you can take great photos.
16. Seokchon Lake
I find myself falling for Seoul especially when walking around Seokchon Lake in autumn. Many people come to Lotte World Magic Island to get their spooky Halloween vibes on.
Nature lovers will get the best fall foliage views in mid-October.
Photo Tip: While the track around Seokchon Lake gets you close to the foliage, there are always a lot of people around. Try taking photos at the photo spot on the deck or at the walkway above for an aesthetic fall photo.
17. Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest fall foliage is so picturesque and perfect. I’ve spent hours in this park with a friend just laughing, filming videos, and taking photos. You can even picnic there.
Photo Tip: You can go at any time of day to take great photos. The park is huge and even though there’s a lot of people, you can still really enjoy yourself.
18. Jahayeon Pond At Seoul National University
One of my friends told me about this Seoul picture place and I knew I had to go. It is so romantic. I will admit it is a bit of a hike to get here since the Seoul Nation University Campus is huge.
Photo Tip: This Seoul photo spot isn’t that popular so you can go whenever.
19. Yongma Land
Yongma Land is an abandoned amusement park that found new life. It’s popular for photographers to come take wedding photos of couples in front of the carousel at night. It’s also great for creating spooky photos around Halloween.
Photo Tip: Come in the afternoon so you get the perfect golden hour light.
20. Suguksa Golden Temple Seoul
This golden temple is a jewel but also a bit of a hike to get to. It’s well worth it for a creative fall photo.
Photo Tip: Come here at any time (even on the weekends) because it’s not too crowded.
21. Bukhansan National Park
The rocky peaks of Bukhansan are easily seen in Seoul. Fall is an excellent time to go hiking in South Korea. The closest Seoul Subway Line to get here is
It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to hike the easiest trail and is completely free. It makes a great autumn foliage destination in Korea!
22. Cheonggyecheon Stream
There are long stretches of trees along the stream and with the lighting festival, it’ll be a super romantic Autumn setting.
Where To See Autumn Foliage Outside of Seoul
Day trips are really popular during peak season for foliage. Korea seriously looks like a Korean drama and some of my favorite places are outside of Seoul.
I recommend reading my blog post on Where To See Fall Foliage in Korea for more amazing places to put on your Korea itinerary.
23. Namhansanseong
This fortress is located just outside of Seoul but the picturesque small town surrounding the mountain is so much fun to explore. If you hike up the mountain, you get amazing views of the Lotte World Tower.
Photo Tip: I found the hike up is normally free from a lot of people.
24. Cafe 1인1잔 Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Cafe 1인1잔 is one of the best views for fall photos in Korea. You can see the traditional Hanok village along with the mountains.
It makes for a very romantic setting. There’s a great tour that will take you to Eunpyeong Hanok Village in Fall as well as Haneul Park for the silver grass and pink muhly.
Photo Tip: Go right when this cafe opens. This window space is on the second floor and one of the most popular Korea photo spots in all seasons. It overlooks Eunpyeong Hanok Village.
25. Byeokjoji Gardens Paju
I was really bored during the pandemic so I took a girl’s trip to Paju. This city is right under the North Korean border.
It’s very difficult to get here by public transport and explore. I highly suggest renting a car.
Photo Tip: This photo was taken right as the park was about to close and the sun was setting.
26. Nami Island
You’ll find everyone and their brother at Nami Island in Autumn. But this is honestly because of the ginkgo tree road and the many random activities the island provides.
It’s also a little bit of a hassle to get here so I recommend booking a Nami Island Fall Foliage tour here.
Photo Tip: Visit Nami Island during the week if you can and go right when the first ferry sets sail. It gets really crowded around mid-morning.
27. Garden of Morning Calm
In fall, the Garden of the Morning Calm is surrounded by Chukryeong Mountain which turns fruity pebble shades of yellow, red, and orange. With all the beautiful plants and flowers, you can definitely see seasonal blooms.
28. Hwadam Botanic Garden
Hwadam Forest has become super popular for cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage season. It’s totally easy to see why!
I highly recommend doing a Hwadam Botanic Fall Foliage excursion because it is a bit of a hike outside Seoul.
29. Gyeongju
One of my most viral photos (as pictured below) was taken in early October at Bulguksa Temple. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to DIY your trip, I have A Complete Guide to Gyeongju in Autumn here.
Korean National Parks
30. Odaesan National Park
Odaesan National Park is a total treasure for nature lovers all around! It has some of the best hiking with lovely temples, forests, and seas of clouds.
The best time to go is early in the morning so you can beat all the tour buses there. This gorgeous forest is located in Pyeongchang County, South Korea.
31. Jirisan National Park
Jirisan Mountain is located in Hadong Province and was the first designated national park in Korea in 1967. This park has some pretty rugged trails so if you’re a beginner hiker, this might not be the place for you.
32. Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan Mountain is located in Gangwon Province. One of the top spots to take fall foliage pictures is at Sinheungsa Temple.
Seoraksan is a really popular fall foliage destination in Korea! I highly recommend you go for crisp and clean Autumn air.
33. Naejangsan National Park
Peak time to see fall foliage is around early November. To get there, you have to rent a car or you can take this fall foliage Naejangsan tour.
34. Jeju Island
Believe it or not, the Hawaii of Korea is also an excellent spot for leaf peeping! You can see the last of autumn until late November in Jeju.
Good news is, if you are late on mainland Korea, you can still see autumn foliage in Jeju.
Now you know where to see autumn foliage in Seoul! Bring your best fall fashion, smile, and camera because you’re gonna have a blast. Let’s enjoy the fall season in Seoul because winter comes way too fast! Let me know down in the comments which location you’d visit first.
How To Get Around
The best way to get around Korea is by purchasing a T-Money card at any convenience store and loading it with money. You can also purchase the mobile version via Klook and get a 5,000 won top off coupon to use.
I also recommend getting the Discover Seoul Pass so you can visit the major tourist attractions around Seoul for free or at a discounted price. It comes in increments of 24/48/72/120 hours.
How To Stay Connected
Luckily in Korea, there is wifi everywhere. Most cafes offer wifi for free and you can connect to various free spots around the city. However, if you don’t want to be reliant on that, you book an e-sim card and download it directly to your phone.
What To Pack For in Autumn in Korea
I highly recommend packing as light as possible so when you buy all of your favorite Korean products, there will be room in your suitcase. My favorite travel suitcase brand is Béis.
I’m obsessed with their Weekender bag, carry-on, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.
Travel Essentials for what to pack to Korea in fall:
- Credit/Debit Cards – There are ATMs all over Korea and most places accept credit cards.What To Wear in Autumn in Korea
- Medication – Don’t forget your important medicine because I guarantee it will be a nightmare for you to navigate the hospital and then go to a pharmacy to try and get it.What To Wear in Autumn in Korea
- Korea travel adapter – Korea uses 220V plugs so you’ll need a universal travel adapter. You also find some at Daiso for 5,000 won.
- Unlocked phone – An unlocked phone is best for downloading an esim. If your phone isn’t unlocked, you can also use a portable wifi router.
- Toothpaste – Korean toothpaste sucks PERIODT. Bring your own from home.
- Important documents – Bring any important medical documents in case something happens.
- Passport – This should be a given, but please don’t forget it. Make a copy of your passport and hide it in your suitcase and leave one on your fridge at home.
What To Wear in Fall in Korea?
Autumn in South Korea is my favorite time of year. I love the fashion, the changing of the leaves, and most of all Halloween. If you have travel plans during this time, I have a guide on how Koreans celebrate Halloween in Seoul.
Below are some of my favorite staple pieces I wore during fall in South Korea. These are versatile pieces and will bring an edge to your wardrobe.
For fall season fashion inspiration in South Korea, I also have an extensive guide on What To Wear During Autumn in Korea.
- American Eagle Curvy Skinny Jeans – I especially love the Curvy Jeans from American Eagle. They stretch and fit in all the right places.
- Biker Jacket – A leather jacket is a staple piece and lightweight jacket in any wardrobe.
- Trench Coats – Having one of these coats is one of my best tips!
- Midi Skirts – I recommend these skirts for cooler days and more coverage.
- Long-sleeved shirts – These are a staple to go under spaghetti strap dresses.
- Denim Jackets – Get ones with pockets for versatility!
- Comfortable Sneakers – The streets of Seoul don’t always have the best paving. You need a good pair of walking shoes.
- Combat Boots – These are my all time favorite shoes during autumn. They can be layered with additional socks and look amazing with skinny jeans.
- Sweater Dress – These are great for dinner at night or if you just like to be flirty or girly.
- Sheertex Rip Resistant Tights – Trust me, these are HARD to destroy and totally worth the investment.
- Warm Scarf – The weather gets a bit chilly in Korea at night in Autumn.
- Fedora Hat – This hat automatically makes your outfit cuter and doubles in keeping you warm.
Fall Weather in Korea
Autumn weather in Korea honestly varies month by month. The months of September start hot and then it gets really cold by November. It is a gradual change, but the temperature variation can cause you to get sick.
September Weather in Korea
September still brings hot and humid temperatures. Honestly, I’m still wearing shorts until the end of the month.
Temperatures range from 25°C to 26°C (77°F to 80°F) during the day. Late September is a perfect time to visit Korea if you don’t like cold weather because the crowds get smaller and most people return to school and work.
October Weather in Korea
October is the best time to visit Korea in autumn. It cools down significantly and it’s a great time to see the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage in Seoul.
The temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) during the day. October brings cooler temperatures at night and they get as low as 7°C (45°F). The weather conditions toward the end of October start to get cold.
November Weather in Korea
The temperature usually averages at about 10°C (50°F) during the day. Bring your warm jacket at night because the temperature gets down to -1°C (30°F). November is a great time to visit Korea because you’ll be able to catch the last of the fall foliage in Korea.
South Korea Fall Foliage Forecast 2024
These are the peak foliage times for South Korea last year. The Korea Autumn Foliage Forecast 2023 will help guide you on when to time your trip.
Be sure to bookmark this page because as soon as I know, I’ll be updating you! Autumn foliage in Korea starts around late September in northern parts of Korea and peaks in mid to late October. Fall foliage ends in southern Korea by mid-November.
- Hallsan – October 22 – October 29
- Seoraksan – October 1 – October 23
- Bukhansan – October 19 – October 30
- Seoul – October 18 – October 31
- Naejangsan – October 26 – November 6
- Busan – October 20 – October 27
Public Holidays in Korea During Autumn
There are lots of notable public holidays in Korea during fall. The most famous is Chuseok aka the Harvest Festival.
These holidays do affect business hours. Since many people have off during all these public holidays you’ll see many people traveling during this time.
It’s also a great opportunity to learn and experience Korean culture. In 2024, the Korea public holidays are:
- Harvest Festival Holiday (Chuseok) – September 16 – September 18, 2024
- National Foundation Day – October 3, 2024
- Hangul Day – October 9, 2024
If you’re visiting during Chuseok, a lot of places will be shut down. The Harvest Festival is kind of like American Thanksgiving. Families opt to spend time together in their “hometown” or go on a trip somewhere in Asia.
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1 Comment on 34 Amazing Places to See Autumn Foliage in Seoul (2024)
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Hello, such great photos and information!! My husband and I are planning a trip to Seoul this fall /autumn to see fall foliage. In your opinion, would it be better to travel to Seoul during 10/5 to 10/19 or 11/1 to 11/15, to see the beautiful array of colors? Thank you for any feedback you can provide!