If you are planning a trip to Korea, there’s no better time than autumn. From late September to early November, Seoul transforms into a city painted with red, orange, and golden autumn leaves. The weather is crisp and comfortable, making it the perfect season for sightseeing, walking tours, and of course, photography.



But the question is: Where should you go in Seoul during autumn to experience the best views? In this guide, we’ll introduce you to two of the most beautiful places


—Seoul Forest and Seoul’s royal palaces— that showcase the charm of Korea’s fall season.

Person in a cream puffer jacket poses against ornate green architectural details.
A couple in traditional Korean hanbok attire poses together in a park during golden hour.
A couple in traditional hanbok clothing dances playfully at a historic Korean palace.

1. Seoul Forest (서울숲)


Often compared to New York’s Central Park, Seoul Forest is one of the largest green spaces in the city. It’s a perfect blend of nature, art installations, and open walking paths. In autumn, the forest becomes a golden paradise, with ginkgo-lined avenues and colorful maple leaves creating a breathtaking backdrop.


What makes Seoul Forest special in fall:

  • Wide walking and cycling paths under yellow and red autumn leaves.
  • Peaceful lakes, deer enclosures, and photo spots that feel far away from the busy city.
  • A popular location for Korean autumn photoshoots, especially for couples and families.


✨ Best Time to Visit: Late October to early November, when the ginkgo trees reach their peak colors. Visit in the afternoon (around 3–5 PM) for soft golden light that enhances the autumn colors.

📸 Photography Tip: The long tree-lined paths are perfect for portraits and couple photos. Try visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

A couple poses together under vibrant yellow autumn trees in a park setting.
A sequence of playful poses taken in a white garden gazebo with terracotta roof tiles and natural landscaping.
Two people in beige coats playfully pose and dance among yellow autumn leaves in a park setting.
A person in a black sweatshirt walks along a beautiful path lined with golden yellow fall foliage trees in autumn.
Young kids play and laugh together in a park with golden autumn leaves falling in the background.
Autumn scene with yellow ginkgo trees lining a path covered in golden leaves, with scattered people enjoying the scenery.

🏯 2. Seoul’s Royal Palaces (궁궐)


Another must-visit during autumn is Seoul’s royal palaces—historic sites that combine traditional Korean architecture with the beauty of nature. Palaces like Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung are especially famous in fall when they are surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage.


✨ Best Time to Visit: Mid to late October, when maple trees inside the palace grounds are at their brightest. Mornings (9–11 AM) are perfect for quiet exploration and photos without too many people.

📸 Photography Tip: Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden shines in late October with maple trees turning deep red. Rent a hanbok to add cultural charm to your autumn photos.

Three people wearing traditional Korean hanbok dresses pose in front of autumn trees and pagoda by a lake.
A group sits together in traditional Korean hanbok attire on stone steps surrounded by golden autumn leaves.
A couple in traditional Korean hanbok dress poses together among yellow autumn trees and fallen leaves.
A series of casual outdoor photos showing expressions of joy in matching purple dresses during a sunny autumn day.
People in traditional Korean hanbok attire stand beneath golden autumn trees during sunset in a park.
Wedding party in purple dresses poses beside a scenic autumn lake during an outdoor photoshoot.

🌲 3. Nami Island (남이섬) – A Day Trip from Seoul


Although not located directly in Seoul, Nami Island is one of the most famous autumn destinations for travelers visiting Korea. Just an hour away from the city, it’s a perfect day trip from Seoul in autumn. The island is surrounded by the Han River and is famous for its tree-lined paths that turn into golden and red tunnels of autumn leaves.


✨ Best Time to Visit: Late October to early November, with the peak usually around the first week of November. Arrive early in the morning (before 10 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful walks under the colorful trees.

📸 Photography Tip: Don’t miss the Metasequoia Lane and Ginkgo Tree Lane, which are especially popular during fall foliage season.

People walking along a scenic autumn path lined with tall golden ginkgo trees in the park on a fall day.
Two people in white and brown outfits joyfully catch falling yellow ginkgo leaves in an autumn park.
Scenic autumn landscape with vibrant red maple trees and people enjoying a stroll through the colorful fall foliage.
Group of people walking beneath vibrant yellow ginkgo trees in an autumn park with fallen leaves on the ground.
Nature photography panorama showing autumn leaves and trees in a row with golden foliage against bright sky.
A traveler sits on a rock surrounded by vibrant orange autumn foliage in a scenic park setting.

🗺️ Suggested Itinerary for Autumn in Seoul


If you’re staying a few days in Seoul during autumn, here’s a simple travel plan to make the most of the season:

Day 1: Morning at Gyeongbokgung Palace in hanbok → Afternoon stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village → Evening photos at Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Day 2: Explore Seoul Forest in the morning → Lunch in Seongsu-dong cafés → Sunset at Haneul Park, famous for silver grass fields.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Nami Island for breathtaking autumn views → Return to Seoul for shopping in Myeongdong or Dongdaemun.

✨ Final Thoughts


Autumn is truly the best time to visit Seoul. Whether you’re wandering through the golden paths of Seoul Forest, standing among the vibrant leaves at Seoul’s royal palaces, or taking a day trip to Nami Island, the season offers unforgettable experiences for travelers, photographers, and culture lovers.

So, if you’re asking yourself, “Where should I go in Seoul during autumn?”—the answer is simple: explore Seoul Forest, the royal palaces, and Nami Island for the ultimate fall experience in Korea.

📸 Don’t forget to book a Korean autumn photography session to capture your journey in the most beautiful season of the year.