Seoul Autumn Foliage Guide 2026: Best Spots & Peak Dates

Seoul Autumn Foliage Guide 2026: Best Spots & Peak Dates

Autumn is the most beautiful season in Seoul. From late October to mid-November, the city’s palaces, parks and mountains turn red, orange and gold, and the air is cool and crisp, perfect for walking.

The best part? You don’t need to leave the city to enjoy it. Here are the best places to see autumn leaves in Seoul, when to go, and how to get there.

When Is Peak Autumn Foliage in Seoul?

In Seoul, autumn leaves usually look their best from late October to mid-November.

In 2026, the first autumn colors were spotted on Bukhansan, Seoul’s largest mountain, on October 14, and the peak there is expected around November 4. Mountains in the east of Korea, like Seoraksan, change color earlier, so if you are visiting in mid-October, head east.

Tip: Leaf colors change a little every year. Check the latest foliage updates before you go.

What Kind of Leaves Will You See?

• Red maple leaves (danpung, 단풍): Bright red and orange, found in palaces, gardens and mountains.

• Golden ginkgo leaves (eunhaeng, 은행): Bright yellow trees that line many Seoul streets.

Good to know: Ginkgo trees drop small fruits in autumn that have a strong smell. Watch your step on ginkgo-lined streets!

Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Seoul

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Seoul’s largest royal palace looks magical in autumn, with red and yellow leaves framing the traditional rooftops. Walk around the palace grounds and the pond area for the best views.

• Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

• Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)

• Closed: Tuesdays

Tip: Wear a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and you can enter Korea’s royal palaces for free. Autumn leaves and hanbok make the perfect photo.

2. Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden (창덕궁 후원)

Often called the most beautiful autumn spot in Seoul. The Secret Garden (Huwon) was once a private garden for the royal family, and in autumn its maple trees, ponds and pavilions look like a painting.

• Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3)

• Closed: Mondays

Tip: The Secret Garden can only be visited on a guided tour with a separate ticket. Tickets sell out quickly in autumn, so book in advance.

3. Deoksugung Stonewall Road (덕수궁 돌담길)

One of Seoul’s most romantic walks. This path along the stone wall of Deoksugung Palace is lined with golden ginkgo trees and leads to the charming Jeongdong-gil street. It is open all day and free to walk.

• Location: Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

• Subway: City Hall Station (Line 1 and Line 2)

4. Namsan Park (남산공원)

Walk up Namsan Mountain through colorful autumn trees and enjoy a view of the whole city at N Seoul Tower. The walking trails are easy and great for a half-day trip.

• Subway: Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

Tip: Go in the late afternoon, enjoy the autumn leaves, and stay for the night view from the tower.

5. Samcheong-dong (삼청동)

A charming neighborhood near Gyeongbokgung with tree-lined streets, cafes and small shops. Combine it with a palace visit for a perfect autumn day.

• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3)

6. Seoul Forest (서울숲)

A large city park where locals come to walk, picnic and relax. In autumn, its tree-lined paths turn yellow and red, and it is a peaceful escape from the city. It is right next to Seongsu-dong, one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods.

• Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

• Subway: Seoul Forest Station (Suin-Bundang Line)

7. Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원)

For hikers, Bukhansan is the best place to see autumn foliage in Seoul. It is a real mountain inside the city, with trails for all levels.

• Expected peak in 2026: Around November 4

Tip: Wear proper hiking shoes and start early. Trails get crowded on autumn weekends.

Day Trips from Seoul for Autumn Leaves

Nami Island (남이섬)

A small island famous for its tree-lined paths of ginkgo and maple trees. It is about an hour from Seoul by train to Gapyeong Station.

Hwadam Botanic Garden (화담숲)

A beautiful forest garden in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, known for its colorful maple trees. It is one of the most popular autumn spots near Seoul.

• Closed: Mondays

Tip: It gets very busy in autumn. Check whether advance booking is needed before you go.

Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)

Korea’s most famous mountain for autumn leaves, about 3 hours from Seoul by car. Seoraksan changes color earlier than Seoul, reaching its peak in mid-October.

Tips for Enjoying Autumn in Seoul

• Go on weekdays. Popular spots get very crowded on weekends.

• Go early or late. Morning and late afternoon light is the best for photos.

• Dress in layers. Autumn days are warm but mornings and evenings are chilly.

• Bring a portable battery. You will take more photos than you think!

Plan Your Autumn Trip in Seoul with KOncierge

Not sure which spot is at its peak, or how to get there? With KOncierge, you can ask our local team anything about your trip in Korea, 24 hours a day, from directions and ticket tips to the best autumn spots for your travel dates.

Enjoy the colors of autumn in Seoul!