Fall in South Korea becomes a magical fairytale land. The temperature is perfect and I finally get to wear all my cute Korean autumn outfits. I lived in South Korea for five and a half years and have had the opportunity to experience Korea in autumn. In this post, I’m going to break down where to see the best fall foliage in Korea.
By the end of it all, you may be asking… What is life? What am I doing here? Did that just happen? And yes, it totally did just happen.
Table of Contents
Blog Posts You Might Like
- How To Celebrate Halloween in Korea
- Where To See Fall Foliage in Seoul
- What To Pack For Autumn in Korea
- The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Korea
Autumn in Seoul & Korea Ebook
Autumn in Seoul Ebook
Skip wasting your time Googling because this guide has your two week Autumn in Korea itinerary completely done for you. Autumn in Seoul is one of my favorite times of year so this book is packed with rare insider knowledge on the best tips, day trips, eats, and where to see the best fall foliage in Korea. You even get an exclusive map with your purchase so you can see exactly where everything is and maximize your time.
1. Where to see autumn foliage in Seoul?
Some of the best places to see fall foliage in Seoul are the grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung. I also recommend going on a picnic at Seoul Forest for some of the best fall foliage in Korea.
2. When is fall in Korea?
Seoul weather in September is still quite warm. October in Korea really starts to feel like fall while is gets really cold in November.
3. Best time to visit Korea in autumn?
The best time to visit Korea in fall is during October. The weather is perfect during the day and just a little chilly at night.
Get Travel Insurance
A common question I get is what do I need to travel to South Korea? One thing I always recommend is travel insurance. Life throws curveballs. Flights get canceled. You get sick. There’s a family emergency. I highly recommend using World Nomads Travel Insurance which you can book here. With the World Nomads Travel Insurance, you can expect:
- Trip Cancelation – This benefit helps you recover non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs when you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, including for an unexpected sickness that keeps you from traveling.
- Emergency Medical – If you get sick with COVID-19 or another illness, you can get diagnostic tests to confirm your case and other emergency medical benefits.
- Medical Evacuation – If you’re in an inadequate medical facility, our plans have benefits that can arrange a transfer to a hospital capable of treating your medical needs.
- Trip Interuption – This section helps you get reimbursed for a one-way, economy-class ticket home and any pre-paid, unused portions of your trip for a covered reason.
- Trip Delay – If your travels are delayed at least six hours by a covered event, you could get reimbursed for meals, hotels and other basic expenses.
If this plan isn’t for you then you can check out the different travel insurance plans World Nomads offers here.
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 with your purchase.
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 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 Wear in Fall in Korea
I highly recommend packing as light as possible so that way 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, carryon, and checked luggage. Use my code for $15 off your first order and 150 points toward your new account.
Autumn in South Korea is my favorite time of year. I love the fashion, the changing of the leaves, and most of all Halloween. Even though Halloween in Korea isn’t as widely celebrated as in the states, you’ll definitely see cafes put up some cute decor.
What To Wear in Fall in Korea
Below are some of my favorite staple pieces I wore during fall in South Korea. These are pieces that are versatile and will really bring that edge to your wardrobe. For an extensive guide on what to wear in fall in Korea and what to pack for autumn in Korea, click here.
- American Eagle Curvy Skinny Jeans – I basically live in high waisted skinny jeans all autumn. I especially love the Curvy Jeans from American Eagle. They stretch and fit in all the right places.
- Biker Jacket – This is an effortless and staple piece that should be in any wardrobe. You can dress it up or down and goes with most things in your wardrobe.
- 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 – If you plan on going out to dinner at night or you just like to be flirty or girly, then you should definitely have a few dresses like this in your wardrobe
- Trenchcoat Light Jacket – These are always super popular in Korea and I see people rocking them year after year. They dress up any outfit and are perfect when the temperature starts to drop in the evening.
- Sheertex Rip Resistant Tights – If you have a fur baby like I do, these are a godsend. 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. I always keep my long scarf in my bag for when that happens.
- 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. September starts out 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 in Seoul still brings hot and humid temperatures. Honestly, I’m still wearing shorts until the end of the month. Monsoon season and rainy temperatures really do a number. However, you can enjoy less rainy days and more time outside. Temperatures range from 25°C to 26°C (77°F to 80°F) during the day. September is a great month 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 coold down significnatly and this is a great time to see fall foliage in Seoul. The temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) during the day. It gets chilly at night with Octoer temperatures in Korea at night get as low as 7°C (45°F). You’ll also see a lot autumn fashion in Korea consists of dark and nude colors.
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.
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 2023, the Korea public holidays are:
- Harvest Festival Holiday (Chuseok) – September 28 – September 30, 2023
- National Foundation Day – October 3
- Hangul Day – October 9
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.
South Korea Fall Foliage Forecast 2023
The official fall foliage Korea 2023 forecast has not been released yet. These are the dates for the Korea autumn foliage forecast 2022. Be sure to bookmark this page because as soon as I know, I’ll definitely be updating you! Autumn foliage in Korea starts around late-September in northern parts of Korea, peaks in mid to late-October. Fall foliage ends in southern Korea by mid-November with the arrival of colder winter weather.
- Seoraksan – September 29 – October 21
- Bukhansan – October 17 – October 30
- Seoul – October 18 – October 31
- Naejangsan – October 30 – November 5
- Busan – October 20 – October 30
- Hallsan – October 20 – October 31
Where To See Fall Foliage in Seoul
Autumn in Seoul really changes the vibe of the city. The city comes alive in fall with the leaves in Korea changing to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple.
1. Deoksugung
If you’re curious about my autumn outfit in Korea, then check out my blog post on what to wear in Seoul during fall. Deoksugung is a great place to see fall foliage in Seoul because of all the gingko trees lining the property. It’s especially charming if you get a chance to see the changing of the guard ceremony.
2. Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway
Korean autumn takes your breath away with the vibrant yellow ginkgo trees along the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway. I never get tired of walking around here and its great for a brisk fall walk.
3. Gyeongbokgung
Gyeongbokgung is an excellent place to see autumn foliage in Seoul. If you rent a hanbok in Seoul you can get free entrance to all the grand palaces. I really recommend doing this for amazing photo souvenirs. This Seoul photo spot is located toward the back where the floating pagoda is.
4. Haneul Park
Fall in Seoul is marked with the silver grass. It truly feels like stepping into a movie scene while walking through these fields. The property is quite large so you can take photos and visit whenever. I do recommend you go in the morning to avoid as many people as possible.
5. Changdeokgung
The Secret Garden at Changdeokgung is fantastic for autumn foliage around Seoul. I recommend you get tickets in advance because the Secret Garden is especially gorgeous during autumn in Korea. I made that mistake and I wasn’t able to get in.
6. Seokchon Lake
Seokchon Lake isn’t just wonderful in spring. The trees turn a vibrant shade of orange in the fall. I recommend checking out Knotted World Cafe in the Lotte World Mall to get a stunning bird’s eye view of the foliage around the lake. My photo was taken along the upper walkway and not the walking track.
7. Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest is a great place to experience fall in Korea. Many people come to picnic and spend the day outside before the long winter. You can see many Korean maple trees here too.
8. Yongma Land
Yongma Land is great for autumn vibes or Halloween in Seoul photos. This amusement park got shut down ages ago and found new life as a photographer’s haven. I came almost every year to take stunning fall photos in Seoul.
9. Namhansanseong
One of the best places to see autumn foliage near Seoul is Namhansanseong. If you hike the mountain, you see a gorgeous view of Lotte World Tower. When I lived in Hanam City, it was easy for me to get to because there was a direct bus. However, it’s a bit tricky to get here if you’re coming from Seoul. I recommend renting a car in Seoul and doing a day trip to Namhansanseong. I promise you won’t be disappointed with this charming and traditional Korean town. It’s really popular with Koreans so you know its especially good since this is where the locals hang out.
10. Cafe 1인1잔 Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Another great place to see fall foliage in South Korea is Cafe 1인1잔 at Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Make sure to wear a cute autumn in Korea outfit so you can get stunning pictures like mine. For all the top attractions during fall in Korea book this one day tour to easily get to Eunpyeong Hanok Village here.
11. Byeokjoji Gardens Paju
Korea in the fall really shows vibrant colors t the Byeokjoji Gardens in Paju. This garden has really great European vibes. I went here in 2020 to feel like I was someplace else because we couldn’t leave Korea during the pandemic. I don’t recommend using public transport to get here. The only way you can truly experience the Byeokjoji Gardens in Paju is if you rent a car in Seoul and make it a day trip.
12. Nami Island
When you think fall foliage in Korea, Nami Island in autumn definitely comes to mind. It’s one of the most famous spots in Korea due to being features in a lot of Korea’s popular culture. I recommend you book a tour to experience autumn in Nami Island because public transport from Seoul takes forever. Also, fair warning. No matter when you go, it will always be crowded.
13. Baekyangsa
This temple is owned by Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism where can see Korean red maple during autumn. Visitors should walk for about 30 minutes so as to get there from the parking lot. The walk up to see the temple is actually quite lovely as you’ll walk through the forest and feel the calm as you observe the fall foliage in Korea. If you’d like to kill two birds with one stone, check out this Jeonju and Naejangsan one day trip from Seoul.
14. Naejangsan
One of the best ways to visit Korea is via tour groups. Many tour companies specialize in helping foreigners go all around Korea, so if you want to see the gorgeous fall foliage on this mountain, the best way to do it is to book a tour. I’ve been to Naejangsan in Autumn before and it’s seriously as pretty as this photo. Located in Korea’s southern province Jeollabuk-do, this mountain literally becomes red in fall. There’s so many picturesque places. You can book a tour to see Naejangsan National Park in autumn here.
15. Bohyeonsa Temple Stay
This temple was founded in the fourth year of Queen Jindeok’s reign over Silla. On the temple grounds, you can find National Treasure 191 where the great Monk Nangwon was enshrined. It’s also a great place to get down with the Monks and learn about finding inner peace and happiness. They offer programs such as making your own prayer beads and paper lotus. My favorite experience was the early morning walk through the Korean fall foliage with a monk. If you’re interested in more information about this temple, I really recommend looking through the website, Temple Stay.
16. Gyeongju
This is one of my absolute favorite places in Korea and I always come back for more. I think the best time to visit Gyeongju is during fall and spring. The easiest and most hassle free way to see Korea’s old capitol is to book a one day Gyeongju day trip from Seoul here. If you didn’t know Gyeongju used to be the old capital of the Silla Dynasty. Since it was such a huge hub for trading, politics, and life, there is a lot to see. Check out my blog post the Perfect Autumn Day in Gyeongju Itinerary.
17. Hwaseong Fortress
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this proud fortress is a testament to Korea’s military power back in the day. Around the temple, you can take a hot air balloon ride, do archery, and enjoy drinks at the various cafes surrounding it. There’s also a bunch of open fields were you can go and fly a kite. You can book a Korean fall foliage Suwon day trip that includes a hanbok rental here.
18. Jeonju
Jeonju is particularly crowded during autumn in South Korea. This traditional Korean town features delicious bibimbap, yummy street food, and one of a kind chocopies. It’s kind of tricky to get down to Jeonju yourself so I recommend this one day Jeonju trip from Seoul here. You can also rent hanbok for cheap and take loads of pictures with great souvenirs. If you’re a fan of Kpop, don’t forget to check out the Catholic cathedral where Big Bang’s Taeyang filmed Wedding Dress. For more information, check out my Jeonju in Autumn Itinerary.
19. Seongju
Since this isn’t such a huge tourist hub, and I actually went there on a tour, I highly recommend renting a car and seeing it for yourself. This is a very traditional town with a hanok village, the royal placenta of Korea’s finest stored in a mountain, and even a botanical garden. Since there’s not a lot of tourism here, I can guarantee you’ll spend a very peaceful day in this beautiful province.
20. Seoraksan National Park
Hurry up and book a tour so you don’t miss the fall foliage. This is one of the most popular places to see it in Korea because it is truly that stunning. Book your Seoraksan autumn foliage day trip here before it sells out! It’s super popular during peak foliage in Korea so you definitely don’t want to miss out!
So are you totally ready to see the best fall foliage in Korea? Because I sure am. Fall in Korea is the best time of year. There’s so many stunning places to experience autumn in Seoul as well as throughout the country. Any places you would add to this itinerary?
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