7 Most Enchanting Fall Foliage Spots in South Korea 2024

Autumn enthusiasts, where you at? Your favourite season is here! If you are yet to experience the magic of fall in South Korea, home to one of the best fall foliage sightings, this is a sign for you!

Be it in the countryside or in the middle of the city, autumn always finds its way adorning every nook and cranny of this country with breathtaking colourful trees (even by the streets!). Since fall usually peaks around late October up till early to mid-November in South Korea, that means you still have plenty of time to gear up for a trip this year.

No clue where to start? No worries, we got you covered. Here are some of our not-so-secret top spots for your unforgettable fall foliage hunting in South Korea!

The prettiest autumn spots in South Korea you have to see to believe

1. Seoul Forest Park

Image credit: Sanga Park | Canva Pro

Seoul Forest Park is an autumn oasis at the heart of the capital city that will instantly make you forget being amidst modernity at all. With lush rows of the infamous gingko trees towering over your heads, taking a leisure stroll here is definitely giving main character moment!

Image credit (L-R): Seoul Forest Park Conservancy | Official Facebook Page; Lowide Coffee Bakery | Official Instagram Page

Along the way, get the chance to feed the friendly deers at Eco Park, one of the five-themed attractions available here. There are plenty of wooden benches for you to enjoy a soothing sip of hot chocolate under the striking marigold and orange colours of autumn. If you’re in the mood for café-hopping afterwards, hit the nearby streets of Seongsu-dong, an Instagram-favourite neighbourhood dubbed as the Korea’s version of Brooklyn city known for its aesthetic cafés and hip street arts.

Tips: If you are on time crunch, cycling is a quick and fun way to cruise around the perimeter of this large park. Consider renting a Seoul Bike, a public bike rental with easy usage via mobile app (look out for bicycles in white and green!). Make sure to be a responsible user and return your bike at the docking station.

Getting there: Hop off at Seoul Forest Station (on the Bundang Line) and you will find the park within a 3 to 5-minute walk from the subway.

2. Seokchon Lake

Image credit: Official Website of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Popularly rated as another of Seoul’s foliage gems, Seokchon Lake comes alive in autumn with a splash of rich red hues surrounding the serene lake. Divided into West Lake and East Lake, this recreational space got you covered with plenty of stunning landscapes from all corners by the lakeside. Be sure to catch the sunset here to witness the breathtaking warm glow washing over the entire lake and glorious trees. Definitely a sight to behold!

Image credit (L-R): Park Hyatt Seoul | Official Instagram Page; Seoul City | Official Instagram Page

While waiting for sunset, bring your loved ones on an exciting adventure to the famous Lotte World amusement park situated on the East Lake. Dare for an extra thrill? Head up to Lotte World Tower, the highest building in Korea where you can get an incredible bird’s eye view of Seokchon Lake and the whole Seoul city at the Seoul Sky Observation Deck located between the 117th and 123rd floor!

Getting there: Ride the subway to Jamsil Station (on Seoul Subway Line 2 and Line 8 towards Exit 2 or Exit 3) and walk approximately for 5 minutes to the lake area.

HalalZilla Tip: If you want to get that trendy Lotte World backdrop in your photos, continue strolling in the direction of the West Lake for the perfect photo op spot.

3. Café Relax

Image credit: Café Relax | Official Instagram Page

Nestled by the picturesque vistas of Bukhansan National Park’s fall foliage, Café Relax is the epitome of every autumn lover’s dream; cosy, quiet, lost in nature hugged with earthy-toned backdrop all around. An understatement to its name, the secluded cafe is not your typical chilling out spot; it’s a whole healing getaway!

Image credit: Café Relax | Official Instagram Page

What’s awesome about this café is you can immerse in the rich fall colours from every angle possible, thanks to the generous seating spots scattered around the extensive café grounds. From indoor areas with panoramic windows, open-air terraces with bean bag chairs, rustic hanok-style huts, to umbrella-covered outdoor patios.

Oh, did we mention there is a gorgeous creek in the middle of it? Such charming ambience will certainly make your uphill journey to the café worth every climb!

Getting there: Hop on the subway and stop at Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui-Sinseol Line through Exit 1. From there, take your time enjoying the quaint surroundings while walking uphill for approximately 20 minutes to the café entrance. You may also opt for a taxi ride from the train station.

HalalZilla Tip: Best to arrive early in the morning or before lunch time, as the café going viral has attracted long queues especially during peak hours around 3pm.

4. Myeongnyundang Hall, Sungkyunkwan University

Image credit: Seoul Korea | Official Facebook Page

The campus of Sungkyunkwan University boasts more than just a premier learning institution; it is the home to Myeongnyundang Hall where the majestic 400-year-old gingko tree has been standing proudly in the courtyard since Joseon Dynasty.

Image credit: Seoul Metropolitan Government | Offiicial Website

Fun fact! It was said that the prominent philosopher Confucius spent most of his time studying and teaching under the shade of gingko trees. But really, it’s the humongous size along with those brilliant yellow leaves that certainly adds to the charm of these iconic trees. Imagine getting a glimpse of the past lives of scholars while taking a leisure stroll on the very same grounds as they did. Now, that’s a sick time machine!

Getting there: Hop on the subway to Hyehwa Station (Line 4) and pass through Exit 4. From there, you can either go on a 15-minute walk or opt for a bus ride to the campus.

HalalZilla Tip: For ultimate Daehan Minguk travel experience, take this opportunity to tour around the campus and admire the timeless style of traditional architecture. For history geeks, you can check out the university museum afterwards!

5. Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization | Official Facebook Page

Looks familiar, K-Drama fans? Bingo! One of the filming locations of the infamous K-Drama Goblin, Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway is a tree-canopy path that stretches for about 900 metres long adorned with a historical stonewall stretching on one side of the street.

In autumn, the entire street lights up with vibrant fall colours. A perfect moment to breathe in the sweet smell of nostalgia, or better, reenact the romantic scene of Ji Euntak and Kim Shin’s first meet-cute with your beloved partner here!

Image credit: NeoPhoto | Canva Pro

Despite the tragic myth that couples walking down this path would eventually break up (as Seoul Family Court used to sit at the end of the street), today a contrasting landscape fills the walkway with lively art and cultural scenes to spice up your souvenir shopping. While you’re at it, don’t miss out on donning a hanbok to get a free entry into the Deoksugung Palace just right over the wall!

Getting there: Board the train to City Hall Station via Seoul Subway Line 1 or Line 2. From Exit 1, it will be a 5-minute walk to the main entrance of the palace.

HalalZilla Tip: To capture the best aerial view of fall foliage around Deoksugung Palace, head to the nearby Jeongdong Observatory located at the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building. There is also a café for you to enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the colourful panorama.

6. Seoraksan National Park

Image credit: gardenson | Canva Pro

If hiking is more up your alley, Seoraksan Mountain is a must-see spot for adventure seekers who wish to get away from the crowds and get lost deep in the tranquillity of nature. Being the third highest mountain in South Korea, this mighty mount is known for its spectacular fall foliage views from a high vantage point that is certainly not for the faint of hearts!

Image credit : Korea Tourism Organization | Official Website; Korea Tourism Organization Singapore | Official Website

Don’t fancy the sweat? Fret not! You can opt for a relaxing cable car ride instead and within 5 minutes, you will find yourself flying over the beautiful sea of vivid crimson and orange tints. Make sure to wear a windbreaker or something thicker, as the wind at the top can get pretty chilling.

Getting there: Depart to Gangbyeon Station via train (Seoul Subway, Line 2) and head to the DongSeoul Bus Terminal to take the bus bound for Seokcho. Once you arrive at Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, you can hop on the public bus 7 or 7-1 which will bring you directly to the entrance of Seoraksan National Park.

7. Nami Island

Image credit: tawatchaiprakobkit | Canva Pro

How can we forget the staple to every traveller’s bucket list when travelling in South Korea, the charming fairytale-like Nami Island! This half-moon shaped island has been receiving multiple return visits from locals and tourists alike, for a solid reason; the variety of trees ranging from towering metasequoia, Korean pine, maple, and gingko promises a magical foliage bathing experience (not to mention, a dream backdrop for autumn photo spots!).

Image credit: Nami Island | Official Instagram Page

While there are several enjoyable activities you can indulge in around Nami Island such as cycling, boat paddling, and sky bike ride, nothing beats the simplicity of sitting under the tree-lined paths while looking up to the beauty of yellow and red leaves. Cannot get enough of the mesmerising scenery? Staying the night at the hotel here would make a special memory for a lifetime!

Getting there: Take the train to Yongsan Station (Seoul Subway, Line 1). Then switch to ITX train to get to Gapyeong Station. From there, you can either hop on a ferry ride or try out zip-lining to reach Nami Island.

HalalZilla Tip: If you are on a day trip, take note of the ferry schedule, especially the timing for the last ferry leaving the island so that you can arrange your itinerary accordingly.

Wrapping up

Truly, there is no shortage of captivating spots to witness the bewitching season of autumn in South Korea. So, charge up all the power banks and cameras of yours because you are going up in the air and behold the burst of colours in your favourite travel destination, for real now!