Best 6 Autumn Foliage Spots in & around Seoul 2026 | Peak Dates & How to Get There

As a crisp breeze sweeps across the country, Korea transforms into a vibrant wonderland of autumn colors. Golden ginkgo leaves frame royal palace rooftops, fiery red maples line historic stone walls, and vast mountain slopes turn into stunning crimson landscapes. Fall in Korea may be fleeting, but its breathtaking scenery leaves an unforgettable impression.

What makes Seoul so special is that you don't need to travel far to experience this seasonal beauty. A quick subway ride brings you straight to historic palaces, tranquil parks, and ginkgo-lined avenues—making it incredibly convenient even for travelers on a tight schedule.

In this guide, we'll cover the peak foliage forecast for 2026 and highlight six of the best autumn spots in and around Seoul that are easy for international travelers to visit.

1. 2026 Peak Autumn Foliage Forecast

According to the Korea Forest Service, fall colors across the country are expected to peak around October 31 this year—slightly later than usual. Here is a breakdown of peak times by region:

• Gangwon Province (Seoraksan, etc.): Peak around Oct 20, visible through late October
• Seoul Metropolitan Area (Mountains & Forests): Peak weekend around Oct 31–Nov 1
• Downtown Seoul (Palaces & Ginkgo Trails): Late October to mid-November
• Honam Region (Naejangsan, etc.): Peak around Nov 4

Pro Tip: Foliage timing can shift depending on weather conditions. Prolonged summer heat can delay the changing leaves, while autumn rain or strong winds can shorten the peak season. Be sure to check the latest forecast right before your trip!

2. Top Autumn Spots in Central Seoul

① Gyeongbokgung Palace & Samcheong-dong Ginkgo Road

As Seoul's flagship royal palace, Gyeongbokgung offers a quintessentially Korean autumn landscape where traditional tiled roofs blend seamlessly with vibrant golden ginkgo leaves. After exploring the palace grounds, take a stroll along the eastern stone wall toward Samcheong-dong and Jeongdok Public Library. Lined with towering ginkgo trees, cozy cafes, and charming art galleries, this path makes for an idyllic autumn walk.

How to get there: Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3) for the palace, or Anguk Station (Subway Line 3) for Samcheong-dong and Jeongdok Public Library.

Pro tip: Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays. Admission is free if you wear a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), so many visitors rent one from nearby shops to snap gorgeous autumn photos around the palace.

② Deoksugung Stone-Wall Road

Located right opposite City Hall amid towering skyscrapers, Deoksugung offers one of the most accessible autumn escapes in the heart of downtown Seoul. While the autumn foliage inside the palace is breathtaking, the iconic stone-wall road wrapping around the perimeter is a cherished local favorite for fall strolls. Follow the path carpeted in golden leaves toward Jeongdong-gil to take in scenic views alongside historic modern architecture.

How to get there: A 3-minute walk from City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 & 2) to Daehanmun Gate.

Pro tip: Deoksugung Palace is closed on Mondays, but you can walk along the stone-wall road anytime. It is especially atmospheric around dusk when the streetlights switch on.

③ Changgyeonggung Grand Greenhouse & Chundangji Pond

Changgyeonggung is noticeably quieter than Seoul's other royal palaces, making it a fantastic spot for enjoying autumn colors at a relaxed pace. The crimson maples reflecting off Chundangji Pond are exceptionally stunning, while the white, Western-style Grand Greenhouse built in 1909 creates a gorgeous photo backdrop set against the fall foliage.

How to get there: About a 15-minute walk from Hyehwa Station (Subway Line 4). It directly connects to Changdeokgung Palace, making it easy to visit both together.

Pro tip: Changgyeonggung Palace is closed on Mondays. Thanks to cheap entry fees and lighter crowds, it's easily one of the best palaces for photography.

④ Olympic Park Lone Tree

The iconic 'Lone Tree,' standing gracefully on a rolling grassy hill, is Olympic Park's most famous photo spot. In autumn, vibrant maples, golden ginkgos, and sunlit lawns blend together to offer breathtaking open views. With free admission, it is also a favorite spot for a relaxing picnic.

Getting there: Take Line 8 to Mongchontoseong Station, or Line 5 or 9 to Olympic Park Station.

Pro Tip: The park is massive, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. You can also rent a bicycle inside the park to cover more ground easily.

3. Top Autumn Foliage Spots Near Seoul (Day Trips)

⑤ Hwadam Botanic Garden (Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do)

Located just an hour's drive from Seoul, Hwadam Botanic Garden is widely considered the best spot for fall foliage around the capital area. Walking along the valley trails flanked by dense red maples feels like stepping into a vibrant canopy of leaves. If you would rather skip the uphill walk, hop on the scenic monorail that weaves right through the forest.

Pro Tip: Advance online booking is required during the peak autumn season, and weekend slots sell out fast. Reserve your spot as early as possible once your travel dates are fixed, and keep an eye out for last-minute cancellations.

⑥ Bukhansan National Park

For a true fall hiking adventure, head north to Bukhansan National Park. Easily accessible from downtown Seoul via subway and bus, its peaks reward hikers with sweeping views of crimson ridges and the city skyline. Peak foliage usually arrives at the summit in late October and reaches the lower slopes by early November.

Pro Tip: Days are shorter in autumn mountains and temperatures drop quickly. Start your hike in the morning rather than late afternoon, and be sure to bring a light jacket or extra layers.

4. Pro Tips for Your Autumn Foliage Trip

• Visit on weekday mornings rather than weekends to enjoy a much more relaxed vibe and capture great photos.
• Mornings and evenings get chilly, hovering around 10°C (50°F). Be sure to bring light layers or a cozy outerwear option.
• Royal palaces have different closing days: Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, while Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung are closed on Mondays.
• Reaching spots outside the city via public transit often requires lengthy transfers. If you're traveling in a group, booking a private vehicle is far more convenient.

Explore Korea's Autumn Foliage with WOWKOREA SERVICE

For out-of-town attractions that are tricky to reach by public transit, like Hwadam Botanic Garden, try WOWKOREA SERVICE's Private Van service. Enjoy hassle-free transport straight from your hotel door to your destination—a hugely popular option for families and groups. After a wonderful day of leaf-peeping, head back to your hotel and unwind with warm, authentic Korean dishes via WOWKOREA SERVICE Food Delivery.

Autumn in Korea is fleeting, which makes its beauty all the more special. Don't miss your chance to catch the foliage at its breathtaking peak this year!

Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons — Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han), CC BY-SA 2.0 · travel oriented, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Cultural Heritage Administration, KOGL Type 1 · Ziggymaster, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Thqkrdl, CC BY-SA 4.0