Seoul Autumn Foliage 2026: 6 Best Spots for Fall Leaves (Peak Dates & Walking Routes)

You don't need to leave the city to see Korea's autumn colors. Seoul is full of ginkgo-lined streets, palace gardens and mountain parks that turn yellow and red every fall, and most of them are a short subway ride from downtown.

This guide covers when the leaves peak in 2026, six easy spots for first-time visitors, a one-day walking route and a few practical tips.

Quick facts

• Peak in central Seoul: usually late October to mid-November
• Mountains first: Bukhansan and other mountains around Seoul turn a week or two earlier than the city streets.
• Cost: most spots are free; palaces charge a small entry fee.
• Getting around: every spot below is reachable by subway plus a short walk.

Seoul City expects the downtown foliage to peak from the end of October into mid-November, and the Korea Tourism Organization's 2026 foliage map shows the same pattern nationwide: the north and the mountains first, cities and the south later. Ginkgo trees drop their leaves quickly after rain or a cold wind, so check the weather before you go.

1. Deoksugung Stonewall Road

Seoul's most famous autumn walk runs along the stone wall of Deoksugung Palace. Ginkgo and zelkova trees arch over the path, and in the middle of the city it feels surprisingly calm, especially on weekday mornings.

• Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (Korean: 서울 중구 세종대로 99)
• Subway: City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2)
• Tip: walk the wall, then step inside the palace for its own yellow trees.

2. Samcheong-dong Road

This gentle street runs from the corner of Gyeongbokgung Palace (Dongsipjagak) up toward Samcheong Tunnel, about 1.2 km. Ginkgo trees line one side and the palace wall the other, with small galleries and cafés along the way.

• Start: Dongsipjagak, Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu (Korean: 서울 종로구 동십자각)
• Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) or Anguk Station (Line 3)
• Best time: late afternoon, when the low sun lights up the leaves

3. Changdeokgung Secret Garden

The royal garden behind Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most beautiful places in Korea in autumn, with ponds and pavilions framed by red maples. Entry is by guided tour only, with English tours on a fixed schedule. Tickets sell out in peak foliage season, so reserve online a few days ahead.

• Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Korean: 서울 종로구 율곡로 99)
• Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), about 5 minutes on foot

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4. Namsan Park

The forest trails around Namsan Seoul Tower give you red and orange slopes with the city below. Instead of queuing for the cable car, walk up the trail from Myeongdong or take the walking path from the National Theater side.

• Address (tower): 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Korean: 서울 용산구 남산공원길 105)
• Subway: Myeong-dong Station (Line 4), then about 30 minutes uphill
• Tip: go up before sunset and stay for the night view.

5. Seoul Forest

A big, flat park in Seongsu, popular with families. Its ginkgo grove turns bright yellow, and there's plenty of space for a picnic. Afterward, walk into Seongsu-dong for its cafés and shops.

• Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Korean: 서울 성동구 뚝섬로 273)
• Subway: Seoul Forest Station (Suin-Bundang Line)

6. Bukhansan National Park

If you want a real hike, Bukhansan rises right on Seoul's northern edge. Its foliage usually peaks earlier than downtown, so go in late October or early November. Easy trails start near Bukhansan Ui Station.

• Subway: Bukhansan Ui Station (Ui-Sinseol Line)
• Tip: the summit trail to Baegundae is steep with fixed ropes near the top. Wear proper shoes and start early.

A one-day foliage route in central Seoul

1. Morning: Changdeokgung Secret Garden (book a tour slot).
2. Late morning: walk west through Bukchon to Samcheong-dong Road.
3. Lunch: Samcheong-dong or near Gyeongbokgung.
4. Afternoon: Deoksugung Stonewall Road (15 minutes by taxi or two subway stops).
5. Sunset: Namsan Park and the tower at night.

Where to eat

Tosokchon Samgyetang near Gyeongbokgung is famous for ginseng chicken soup, a warming meal on a cool autumn day. Expect a line at lunchtime.

• 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 자하문로5길 5)

For something quick and local, Gwangjang Market (Jongno 5-ga Station, Line 1) has bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and noodle stalls. Some stalls prefer cash.

Tips for foreign travelers

• Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for subway and walking routes. Both have English menus.
• Layer up. November days can be mild, but mornings and evenings are cold.
• Weekdays are calmer. Popular foliage streets are packed on weekend afternoons.
• Hanbok bonus: visitors wearing hanbok get free entry to Seoul's main palaces, and autumn photos in hanbok are a favorite.
• Watch the weather. One rainy, windy day can bring the ginkgo leaves down.

Summary

Seoul's foliage usually peaks from late October to mid-November. For an easy city walk, try Deoksugung Stonewall Road and Samcheong-dong Road. For the most beautiful garden, book the Changdeokgung Secret Garden tour. For views, go to Namsan, and for a real hike, Bukhansan.

Next up: Jeju tangerine picking season — where to pick your own from November.