The Korea Tourism Board presents its highly anticipated Autumn foliage forecast annually. While the official forecast for the 2023 Korea Autumn Foliage is yet to be released as of now, we can rely on last year’s forecast as an estimate. To ensure we don’t miss out on the breathtaking views, it’s advisable to secure our air tickets early before prices rise. We’ll keep you updated once the official forecast is announced, so stay tuned!

According to the chart released by the Korea Tourism Organization, the foliage of autumn leaves starts at the top of Korea and gradually moves southward from mid-October to mid-November. Therefore, the optimal time to witness the mesmerizing autumn leaves in Seoul would be from mid-October to the mid november.

Experience the Vibrant Colours of Korea Autumn in Seoul and Beyond

We have summarized the top 6 places around Seoul according to the best time of visit and the location where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Autumn Foliage:

Best Time to Visit /Location	Seoul City	Near Seoul	Around Seoul (Requires Day Trip)
Late September to Mid October		.	Seoraksan
Mid October to Mid November	Changdeokgung Palace  Namsan Tower	Nami Island	Bukhansan
Later October – Mid November			Naejangsan National Park

1. Changdeokgung Palace

Credit: Bobby.tw

Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Changdeokgung Palace astonishes visitors with both its historical and natural beauty. During the autumn season, the palace’s Huwon (Rear Garden) unveils a mesmerizing autumn foliage. Through the serene garden, you’ll encounter breathtaking sceneries that perfectly captures the essence of Korean autumn.Do note that individual viewing is not allowed in Changdeokgung, so be sure to book your guided tour! 

Credit: Bring-you.info

Changdeokgung Palace 창덕궁

Address: 

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

서울 종로구 율곡로 99

How to get there: 

Anguk Subway and take the 3rd exit. Walk straight for a couple of blocks, and the palace will appear on your left side.

Opening hours: 

The palace’s opening time based on the month.So be sure to check the time before starting your tour. 

September – October, the opening time is 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

November – January, the opening time is 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Admission:

Adults 3,000 won / Children 1,500 won.

Tips: If you wear a Hanbok (traditional Korean custom), you can enter for free. 

Website：https://www.cdg.go.kr/eng/ 

2. Namsam Park 

Located in the heart of Seoul, Namsan Park offers an unforgettable autumn foliage experience. Taking a leisurely stroll along its scenic trails, you’ll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of autumn hues. From the Palgakjeong Pavillion at the top of Namsan Mountain , you can also enjoy panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline drenched in the warm colors of fall.

Credit: visitseoul.net

Namsan Park 남산공원

Address: 

04628  231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul  

04628 서울 중구 삼일대로 231

How to get there:

Visitors can take subway line 4 to the Myeong-dong station, and head out from Entrance 3, and then transfer to No.5 Namsan shuttle bus.

3. Nami Island 

Credit: maruko.tw

Upon arrival on Nami Island, hop on the iconic ferry that will transport you to this enchanting haven.As you disembark, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of vibrant foliage, giving you a plethora of trails and hidden corners to discover.

Take the time to explore the island’s many attractions, such as the picturesque Ginkgo Tree Lane, where golden leaves carpet the path, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Credit: Shutterstock

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Central Korean Pine Tree Lane, showcasing a fascinating mix of yellow and green hues. For a unique perspective, rent a bicycle and ride around the island, reveling in the vivid colors that surround you.

Nami Island 남이섬

Address: 

1 Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Seoul

경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024

How to get there: 

Visitors can start from Cheongnyangni Station , and then walk for 10 minutes to the Cheongnyangni train station, and transfer to take ITX Youth line and get off at Gapyeong station, and walk to the dock of Nami Island.

4. Seoraksan

Credit: Shuttercock

Seoraksan, also known as Mount Seorak, is renowned for its majestic peaks and vast forested areas. As autumn approaches, the foliage comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors, painting the entire national park in striking hues of red, orange, and gold. The combination of towering cliffs, crystal-clear streams, and vibrant foliage creates a stunning backdrop for avid photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Credit: Bring-you.info

For a bird’s-eye view of the captivating autumn foliage, consider taking a cable car ride in Seoraksan. The cable car ascends to Gwongeumseong Fortress, allowing you to admire the panoramic vistas of fiery red and golden leaves of the mountain slopes below. The breathtaking ride provides an unparalleled perspective of  the beauty of Korea’s autumn.

Seoraksan설악산

Departure from East Seoul Express Bus Terminal: 

-Take subway line 2 to “Gangbyeon Station (Gangbyeon)” 

-Take exit 3 or 4 to “East Seoul Express Bus Terminal (동서울)” to buy a ticket and take the bus to the terminal “Sokcho City” Outer Bus Station (속초시외버스터미널)”, (journey takes 2.5 hours) 

-Get off at Sokcho, turn right and you will see No. 7 and 7-1 No. bus can go up Seorak Mountain

 

Departure from Seoul Express Bus Terminal: 

Take subway line 2 to “Seoul Express Bus Terminal (고속터미널역／Gosok-teomineol yeok)” in the Gangnam area, 

-Buy a ticket and take a bus to the terminal “Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (속초고속버스터미널) )”, there are buses every half an hour, and the journey takes 2.5 hours; 

-Get off at Sokcho and get out of the opposite side of the station, you can see bus No. 7 and No. 7-1 to Seorak Mountain

 

5. Bukhansan

For nature enthusiasts, Bukhansan National Park is a must-visit destination during the autumn season. The park’s mountains, adorned with maple, pine, and oak trees, create a breathtaking vibrant foliage. Hiking enthusiasts can embark on various trails that offer stunning vistas and a serene escape from the bustling city.

Bukhansan National Park 북한산국립공원

Address:

262 Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea

서울특별시 성북구 보궁문로 262

How to get there: Take subway line three (the orange line) to Gupabal Station, choose exit 1, and then ride Bus 34/74 / to the Bukhansan Mountain Entrance bus stop

Opening hours: 

Summer Season (Apr-Oct) – 4:00 to 17:00

Winter Season (Nov-Mar) – 4:00 to 16:0

6. Naejangsan 

Credit: Klook

Naejangsan, referred to as the “Geumgangsan of Honam” (Honam being the southwestern region of Korea), is a picturesque mountain where autumn unfolds in all its grandeur. The park boasts a variety of hiking trails, historic temples, and mesmerizing waterfalls. During autumn, Naejangsan transforms into a fairytale-like wonderland, with brilliant foliage coloring the landscape.

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Credit: Bring-you.info

Historic Temples:

• Explore Baegyangsa, an ancient temple nestled within Naejangsan National Park. Admire the blend of traditional Korean architecture and the natural beauty of the surrounding autumn foliage. 

Naejangsan National Park 내장산국립공원 

Address: 

Bongdeok-gil, Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do

전라북도 순창군 복흥면 봉덕길 일원

How to get there: 

-KTX train from Seoul Station to Jeongeup Station 

-Then take bus 171 to the park entrance. Alternatively you may take a cab from the bus station (approx less than 10,000) or walk if there is a long queue for the bus/taxi. These should both take just over 3 hours.

 

Make sure you visit these top Korea Autumn Fall Spots for an unforgettable experience.  The charm of these locations, coupled with the vibrant colors of fall, promises an experience like no other. Embrace the enchantment and immerse yourself in the quintessential Korean autumn ambiance.

 

Love, 

The Double Dimple Gal