Autumn in Seoul transforms the city into a palette of crimson, amber, and gold—where skyscrapers stand beside tree-lined parks, and ancient palaces are framed by fiery maple leaves. For travelers planning a 2026 fall trip to the South Korean capital, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: from when to catch peak foliage to the most scenic spots, plus practical tips and nearby autumn-themed eats to make your adventure seamless.
Table of Contents
1. Seoul Fall Foliage Timing: When to Visit
2. Top Seoul Fall Foliage Spots
3. Where to Stay in Seoul during Fall Foliage Season
4. Practical Tips for Seoul Fall Foliage
2026 Seoul Autumn Foliage Forecast: When to Go and What to Expect
While exact dates depend on weather (cool nights and mild days boost vibrant colors), Seoul's fall foliage follows a predictable pattern each year—and 2026 is expected to stay consistent with historical trends:
Early October (Sporadic color change): Ginkgo trees and maples in higher-elevation spots (like Bukhansan Mountain) start showing faint hints of yellow and red.
Late October–Early November (Rising peak): Most urban parks (Namsan, Olympic Park) see 30–50% of leaves turn color—ideal for avoiding crowds while still enjoying autumn vibes.
Mid-November (Peak foliage): This is the best time to visit: 70–90% of leaves are in full color, from deep red maples to golden ginkgoes. Expect vibrant hues across all top spots, especially Deoksugung Stone Wall Road and Namsan Park.
Late November (Final phase): Leaves start to fall, but areas with ginkgo trees (like Yeouido) still hold their golden glow for 1–2 more weeks.
Pro Tip: Check the Korea Meteorological Administration's (KMA) "Autumn Foliage Index" starting in early October 2026. The weekly update tracks color progress across Seoul, so you can adjust your trip to hit peak times.
Where to See the Most Beautiful Fall Colors in Seoul 2026
Seoul's foliage spots blend urban convenience with natural beauty—no need to venture outside the city to soak up autumn charm. Here are the must-visit locations, plus their nearby autumn eats:
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Palace Grandeur + Autumn Leaves
As Seoul's largest and most iconic Joseon Dynasty palace, Gyeongbokgung becomes a "living autumn postcard" in mid-November. Its traditional wooden halls, stone bridges, and vast courtyards are surrounded by maple, zelkova, and ginkgo trees—turning the palace grounds into a mix of historical elegance and natural vibrancy.
Best Areas to View Foliage:
1. Gwanghwamun Gate Approach: The tree-lined path leading to Gwanghwamun (the palace's main gate) has tall maple trees that form a "red canopy" over the walkway—sunlight filtering through the leaves casts warm spots on the stone steps, perfect for photos.
2. Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: A small pavilion on an island in Hyangwonji Pond, surrounded by ginkgoes and maples. In mid-November, the pond reflects the pavilion's curved roof and the red/gold leaves, creating a serene, almost painting-like scene.
3. Secret Garden (Huwon): The palace's hidden garden is a must—its winding paths pass through maple groves and under zelkova trees with amber leaves. The garden's wooden benches let you sit and watch leaves fall, with the palace's eaves peeking through the trees in the distance.
How to Get There: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5), or Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2)—both are a 5–7 minute walk to the palace's main gates.
Insider Tip: Visit during the palace's "Autumn Night Opening" (usually held mid-November, 2026 dates TBA). The palace stays open until 8 PM, with leaves and halls illuminated by warm lights—seeing the red maples glow against the palace's dark wood is unforgettable.
Note: Night tickets sell out fast, so book online via the official Gyeongbokgung website 1–2 weeks in advance.
Nearby Autumn Eats: Gyeongbokgung-Gwanghwamun Area
Jjimdak Chuncheon (찬천찜닭): A 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung's east gate, this casual spot serves chungmu kimbap (large stuffed seaweed rolls) and jjimdak (braised chicken with vegetables)—hearty, savory dishes that warm you up after walking the palace grounds. The chicken is cooked with autumn radishes and chestnuts, adding a seasonal twist.
Cafe Gyeongbokgung (카페 경복궁): Located right outside the palace's north gate, this cozy cafe offers honey chestnut latte and persimmon bread. The latte has a rich, nutty flavor, and the bread is made with fresh Korean persimmons (a fall staple)—sip and snack while reviewing photos of the palace's autumn beauty.
Namsan Park: City Skyline + Red Maples
Namsan Park is Seoul's "central green lung," and autumn turns it into a postcard-worthy destination. The park's hills are covered in maple, zelkova, and ginkgo trees, with viewpoints that pair foliage with iconic Seoul Tower.
Best Area: The trail from Namsan Cable Car Upper Station to Seoul Tower—lined with red maples, it offers sweeping views of downtown Seoul (skyscrapers like Lotte World Tower peek through the leaves).
How to Get There: Take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station (Exit 3), then walk 10 minutes to Namsan Cable Car Lower Station; or hike from Dongdaemun Station (Line 1/4) for a 45-minute uphill walk.
Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise (6:30–7:30 AM) to avoid crowds. The soft morning light turns the leaves into a warm glow, and Seoul Tower's red silhouette against the foliage makes for stunning photos.
Nearby Autumn Eats: Namsan-Myeongdong Area
Cafe Layered (카페 레이어드): A 5-minute walk from Namsan Cable Car Lower Station, this cozy cafe serves chestnut latte and sweet potato cake—perfect for warming up after a hike. The latte is topped with a dollop of chestnut cream, and the cake has a soft, spiced filling that tastes like autumn.
Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자): For a savory bite, head to this 40-year-old dumpling shop (10 minutes from Namsan). Try their kimchi mandu jjigae (kimchi dumpling stew)—the spicy, hearty broth pairs great with cool autumn air, and it's a local favorite for post-foliage meals.
Deoksugung Stone Wall Road: Ginkgoes + Palace Charm
A 1.2km stretch of road between Deoksugung Palace and City Hall, this spot is famous for its ginkgo trees and historical vibe—even more magical in autumn.
Why It's Special: In mid-November, the ginkgoes turn bright gold and carpet the road in leaves. The stone wall of Deoksugung Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) runs parallel to the trees, creating a "golden tunnel" that feels like a scene from a K-drama (it's been featured in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God).
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 1/2 to City Hall Station (Exit 1), then walk 5 minutes.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays at 10 AM–12 PM. Weekends get crowded with photographers, but weekday mornings let you stroll and take photos without crowds.
Nearby Autumn Eats: Deoksugung-City Hall Area
Seoul Bingsu (서울빙수): A 7-minute walk from Deoksugung, this shop specializes in honey cinnamon bingsu—a fall twist on South Korea's classic shaved ice dessert. It's topped with warm cinnamon syrup, toasted nuts, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it sweet but not too cold for autumn afternoons.
Gogung (고궁): For traditional Korean food, this restaurant (5 minutes from City Hall) serves jeonbok juk ( abalone porridge) and gamja jeon (potato pancake). The porridge is creamy and comforting, while the pancake is crispy and paired with autumn radish kimchi—ideal for a filling lunch after enjoy the fall foliage.
Baek In-je House: Hanok + Autumn Serenity
For a quieter, more cultural experiences of enjoying maple leaves, head to Baek In-je House—a traditional Korean hanok (wooden house) built in 1913, now open to the public.
Highlights: The house's courtyard has two ancient maple trees that turn deep red in mid-November. The red leaves contrast with the hanok's dark wooden beams and tiled roof, making it a perfect spot for slow, mindful viewing. Inside, you can explore exhibits about Korean architecture while listening to the rustle of leaves outside.
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 2), then walk 8 minutes (it's near Bukchon Hanok Village).
Note: Admission is 3,000 KRW (about $2.20), and it's closed on Mondays—plan accordingly.
Nearby Autumn Eats: Bukchon Hanok Village Area
Bukchon Samgyetang (북촌삼계탕): A 10-minute walk from Baek In-je House, this family-run restaurant serves samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)—a Korean autumn staple. The soup is made with young chicken, ginseng, and chestnuts, and it's warm, nourishing, and perfect for cooler days.
Cafe Onion (카페 양파): Housed in a restored hanok, this popular cafe (8 minutes from the house) offers pumpkin latte and walnut bread. The latte has a smooth, sweet pumpkin flavor, and the bread is fresh-baked with crunchy walnuts—great for a light snack while exploring the hanok village.
Olympic Park: Lakeside Foliage + Art
Built for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, this sprawling park (1.4 million square meters) is a hidden gem for autumn. Its 88 Lake area is the star, with maple trees, ginkgoes, and even late-blooming golden chrysanthemums.
Must-See Spot: The "Lonely Tree"—a single ginkgo tree standing by the lake. In mid-November, its golden leaves reflect in the water, and sunset (5–6 PM) turns the scene into a warm, dreamy backdrop.
How to Get There: Take Subway Line 5 to Olympic Park Station (Exit 3), then walk 7 minutes.
Bonus: Rent a bike (5,000 KRW per hour) to explore the park's other foliage spots, like the Sculpture Garden—where modern art pieces stand amid red and orange leaves.
Nearby Autumn Eats: Olympic Park-Songpa Area
Songpa Dakgalbi (송파닭갈비): A 12-minute walk from Olympic Park, this famous spot serves dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) with autumn additions like sweet potato and chestnuts. The chicken is cooked on a hot plate at your table, and you can add rice cakes or cheese for extra flavor—great for sharing with friends.
Cafe A Twosome Place (카페 투썸플레이스): A 5-minute walk from the park's main gate, this chain cafe has a limited-edition apple crumble latte in autumn. It's topped with a crumbly oat crust and a dash of cinnamon, and it pairs perfectly with a view of the park's foliage from the outdoor seating area.
Where to Stay in Seoul to Enjoy Autumn Colors
Choosing the right accommodation in Seoul during fall foliage season (mid-October to mid-November) can elevate your trip, as proximity to key maple viewing spots and easy transit access save time amid busy festival schedules. Below are the top neighborhoods, accommodation types, and insider tips to help you book the perfect stay.
1. Top Neighborhoods for Foliage Lovers
Each area offers unique advantages, from proximity to mountain trails to cultural immersion in historic districts.
Myeong-dong: Central Hub for Urban Foliage & Convenience
Myeong-dong is ideal for travelers who want to balance foliage viewing with shopping and dining. It's a 10-minute walk to Namsan Park—one of Seoul's most popular spots for red maple leaves and skyline views (via the Namsan Cable Car). After a day of hiking Namsan's trails, you can easily return to the neighborhood for autumn treats like chestnut lattes or hoddeok (sweet cinnamon pancakes) at street stalls.
Accommodation Highlights:
Luxury: Lotte Hotel Seoul (connected to Lotte Department Store, with rooms offering Seoul Tower views—perfect for evening foliage photos).
Mid-Range: Hotel Skypark Myeong-dong I (modern rooms, rooftop terrace with partial Namsan views, and a 5-minute walk to the cable car lower station).
Budget: Guesthouses like Myeong-dong Guesthouse (affordable dorm beds and private rooms, steps from subway Line 4 for easy access to other foliage spots).
Transit Perk: Subway Line 4 connects Myeong-dong to Bukhansan National Park (via Gupabal Station, 30 minutes away), making it a great base for both urban and mountain foliage adventures.
Jongno/Anguk: Historic Charm Near Palace Foliage
For travelers focused on palace and hanok village foliage, Jongno/Anguk is unbeatable. It's a 7-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace (where maple trees frame traditional halls in mid-November) and a 10-minute walk to Bukchon Hanok Village—a maze of wooden houses with ginkgo and maple trees that turn golden and red in late October.
Accommodation Highlights:
Hanok Stays: Bukchon Maru Hanok Guesthouse (authentic hanok rooms with ondol floors, daily traditional breakfast with seasonal persimmons, and a courtyard with a small maple tree). Many hanok stays offer free hanbok rentals for palace visits.
Boutique: The Shilla Seoul (luxury hotel with a serene garden, 15-minute walk to Gyeongbokgung, and autumn afternoon tea featuring chestnut desserts).
Mid-Range: Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeong-dong (contemporary rooms, 10-minute walk to Deoksugung Stone Wall Road—famous for its golden ginkgo tunnel).
Hongdae (Hongik University Area): Youthful Vibes & Access to Parks
Hongdae is great for budget travelers and those who want to mix foliage with Seoul's vibrant arts scene. It's a 20-minute subway ride to Olympic Park (lake-side maple groves and chrysanthemum displays in November) and a short bus ride to Eungbong Mountain—a lesser-known spot for quiet foliage hikes with city views.
Accommodation Highlights:
Guesthouses: Hongdae Guesthouse (colorful dorm beds and private rooms, nightly social events, and a 5-minute walk to subway Line 2).
Mid-Range: Byeolnae Guesthouse (hanok-inspired modern rooms, homemade breakfast with hwajeon flower pancakes, and bike rentals for exploring nearby parks).
Budget: Stay 7 Hongdae (affordable capsule hotels and private rooms, steps from street art alleys and autumn food markets).
2. Accommodation Types to Consider
Seoul offers diverse stays to match different budgets and preferences, all well-suited for fall foliage trips.
Hanok Stays: Ideal for cultural immersion. Look for properties in Bukchon or Samcheong-dong, where you can wake up to the rustle of maple leaves outside traditional wooden windows. Many include seasonal activities like seonbi (scholar) tea ceremonies or leaf-pressing workshops.
Hotels with Foliage Views: Luxury and mid-range hotels near Namsan Park (e.g., Grand Hyatt Seoul) or Bukhansan (e.g., InterContinental Seoul COEX) often have rooms or rooftop bars with panoramic views of autumn-colored mountains and cityscapes.
Guesthouses & Hostels: Perfect for solo travelers or groups. Most offer free breakfast, luggage storage, and insider tips on less-crowded foliage spots (like Naksan Park or Seoul Forest).
3. Practical Booking Tips for 2025
Book Early: Peak foliage season (November 1–20) coincides with domestic travel peaks for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Hangeul Day. Reserve accommodations 3–4 months in advance, especially hanok stays and hotels nearpopular spots like Gyeongbokgung.
Check Transit Access: Prioritize stays within 5–10 minutes of subway lines (Lines 2, 3, 4, and 5 cover most foliage areas). Use apps like Naver Maps to confirm walking distances to subway stations and maple viewing spots.
Look for Seasonal Perks: Some hotels offer fall packages, such as "foliage tour discounts" or complimentary autumn welcome drinks (like persimmon wine). Check hotel websites directly for exclusive deals.
Consider Weekday Stays: Weekend prices (Friday–Sunday) can be 20–30% higher than weekdays, and popular areas like Myeong-dong are less crowded mid-week—ideal for quieter foliage walks.
By choosing a neighborhood aligned with your foliage priorities and booking early, you'll ensure a comfortable and convenient base to explore Seoul's autumn beauty.
Practical Guide for Seoul Fall Foliage 2026
To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:
Transportation
Seoul's subway system covers all major maple viewing spots—fast, cheap, and easy to use. Download the Naver Maps or KakaoMap app (both have English versions) to plan routes. For example:
Namsan Park: Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station.
Deoksugung Stone Wall Road: Subway Line 1/2 to City Hall Station.
Avoid driving—parking is scarce at popular spots, and traffic is heavy in autumn.
What to Pack
Layers: Autumn temperatures in Seoul range from 8°C (mornings/evenings) to 18°C (afternoons). Bring a light jacket, sweater, and scarf—you can add or remove layers as needed.
Comfortable Shoes: Many spots (like Namsan Park) require walking or hiking—wear sneakers or waterproof boots (October/November sometimes has light rain).
Camera: Don't forget a camera or smartphone with a good camera—autumn light is soft, so even phone photos will turn out great. For Deoksugung's ginkgoes, use the "portrait mode" to blur the background and focus on the leaves.
Avoiding Crowds
Time Your Visits: Go on weekdays instead of weekends. Popular spots like Deoksugung Stone Wall Road are 50% less crowded on Mondays–Thursdays.
Early Mornings or Evenings: Visit Namsan Park or Olympic Park at 7–9 AM, or 5–7 PM. The light is perfect for photos, and most tourists haven't arrived yet (or have left for dinner).
Final Thoughts
Seoul's fall foliage in 2026 isn't just about seeing pretty leaves—it's about experiencing the city's unique mix of modernity and tradition, all wrapped in autumn's warm colors. Whether you're strolling through a golden ginkgo tunnel, hiking to a viewpoint with Seoul Tower in the distance, or sipping a chestnut latte after exploring a hanok, this season will leave you with memories to last.
Mark your calendar for mid-November, click UME Travel, and get ready to fall in love with Seoul's autumn charm.
What We'd Like to Say
The fall foliage season in Seoul 2026 promises to be a magical time to visit the city. With its vibrant autumn leaves, charming neighborhoods, lively festivals, and a wealth of activities and delicious food, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages. Whether you're a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a cozy urban getaway, Seoul's fall foliage season has something special for you. So mark your calendars, plan your trip, and get ready to immerse yourself in the golden beauty of Seoul's autumn colors.
Want to combine Seoul and Japan in one unforgettable early-winter foliage trip? We can help you design a personalized Seoul itinerary for 2026 — consult our professional travel experts today to start planning!