6 most stunning places to see fall foliage in Seoul 2024

If you’re heading to Seoul between October and November, a stroll around the grand palaces is an absolute must. With hanbok rental shops aplenty nearby, you can don a traditional outfit and explore the ancient grounds feeling like you've stepped back in time. Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung are especially stunning during fall, with their lush trees turning into a canvas of autumn colours. For that perfect Instagram snap, look no further than the maple-lined paths outside Gyeongbokgung, the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung (tickets required), and the picturesque stone wall path at Deoksugung, famously featured in the K-drama Goblin.

Located by the Han River in Seongdong-gu, opposite the affluent Gangnam area, Seoul Forest Park is a popular spot for locals to simply relax and bask in nature. There are lakes and walking paths where you can enjoy cherry blossoms during springtime, while in autumn, the entire forest is covered in red and yellow maple leaves. The park also has facilities like a greenhouse and a zoo, making it perfect for family outings to enjoy nature.

Seoul's Olympic Park, originally built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, is home to the country’s largest sports arena, with grounds divided into various zones such as cultural art park, eco-park, leisure sports park, and more. This expansive park, which takes at least two to three hours to explore, is even more beautiful in autumn. Each fall, the hillside is covered in golden daisies, mingling with the surrounding autumn leaves to create a stunning natural landscape. In addition to the scenery, the park also features historical sites from the Baekje Dynasty, adding a touch of culture and history to the area. Walking along the Dream Village Lake and riverside paths, you can experience nature's beauty while enjoying the colourful falling leaves.

Seokchon Lake surrounds Lotte World, with cherry blossom trees lining the lakeside paths. During autumn, the area transforms into a beautiful maple scenery. Be sure to head over to the Seoul Sky observation deck located at the top of the nearby Lotte World Tower to take in panoramic views of Seoul. 

Namsan Park in Seoul is a classic spot to admire autumn foliage. The maple and ginkgo trees transform the area into vibrant shades of red and gold through the seasons, and if you make your way up to N Seoul Tower, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the entire city. For those who prefer to do it with ease, taking the cable car is a fantastic option.

If you’re in the mood for a touch of luxury, consider staying at one of the five-star hotels nearby, such as the Grand Hyatt Seoul, The Shilla Seoul, or Millennium Hilton Seoul. These hotels are renowned for their stunning views of Namsan, and on crisp autumn mornings, you can pull back the curtains to a scenic view that will leave you in awe.

Just a 40-minute drive from Seoul, Hwadam Botanic Garden is a hugely popular eco-friendly arboretum, especially during the autumn season. Located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, this park is simply mesmerising as the maple and ginkgo trees don their red and yellow attire. With over 4,300 plant species, the garden invites you to meander along its winding paths and soak in the beauty of nature in fall.

One of the park's highlights is the monorail train, which allows guests to glide through the densest areas of foliage, offering an aerial view of the dreamy autumn scenery. Do note that it can get quite crowded during peak season, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

1. Know the best viewing times: The autumn foliage season varies across different regions in South Korea, typically progressing from north to south. Mountain areas often see leaves change colour earlier than urban areas. The exact timing can also be affected by the weather, so keep an eye on local forecasts to avoid missing the peak season. 

2. Avoid crowds: Popular autumn spots can get very crowded on weekends and holidays, so it's best to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

3. Dress appropriately: Temperatures in South Korea tend to fluctuate during fall, so it's a good idea to carry a light jacket with you. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended since leaf-viewing usually involves a lot of walking. 

4. Use local map apps: Google Maps might not be as user-friendly in South Korea as in other countries. For the most accurate maps, subway, and bus information, downloading Naver Map or Kakao Map.

5. Have a translation tool handy: While many young people may speak decent English, it is not as common in smaller towns. Downloading Google Translate or Naver's Papago translation app can be helpful, particularly since Papago is more accurate for Korean translations.

6. Book in advance: Many popular autumn attractions may have ticket limitations during peak season, and opening hours can vary. Buying tickets in advance or checking relevant websites beforehand can help make your trip smoother.