From October to November in Seoul, the maple leaves are red and the ginkgo trees are golden, making the entire city look like an overturned color palette. This guide has compiled the most photogenic spots for viewing autumn foliage in and around Seoul, all accessible by subway and perfect for photos. Save it now!
🍂Namsan Park + N Seoul Tower
📍10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Myeong-dong Station on subway Line 4
🕒Open all day, cable car operates until 10:00 PM
✅Reasons to visit:
✓ The largest maple forest in the city, with an aerial cable car offering views of a red and yellow carpet below
✓ 360° panoramic view from the top of the tower, capturing the sunset, maple leaves, and Seoul's nightscape all at once
✓ A filming location for "My Love from the Star," a must-visit for couples
📸Photo spots: Cable car window, observation deck at the top of the tower, the fallen leaves path on Namsan Circular Road
🍂Bukchon Hanok Village + Samcheong-dong
📍15-minute walk from Exit 2 of Anguk Station on subway Line 3
🕒Open all day, Bukchon Hanok Village Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
✅Reasons to visit:
✓ Located behind the Blue House, capture the traditional Hanok roof tiles and maple leaves in one frame for a journey back in time
✓ The artistic alleys of Samcheong-dong, where coffee shop windows serve as natural photo filters
✓ Shoot from the top of the slopes for a rich, layered view of red-leaf-covered rooftops
🍂Deoksugung Stone Wall Walkway
📍3-minute walk from Exit 1 of City Hall Station on subway Line 1/2
🕒Outside the palace is open 24 hours, inside the palace is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
✅Reasons to visit:
✓ Voted No. 1 of Seoul's "100 Most Beautiful Small Roads," with intertwining ginkgo and maple leaves
✓ Recreate famous scenes from the K-drama "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God / Goblin" with the palace walls, stone walls, and fallen leaves
✓ The nearby Jeongdong Observatory offers a free panoramic view of the entire palace's autumn scenery
📸Photo spots: The bend in the stone wall walkway, the play of light and shadow on the palace walls, the panoramic view from the observatory
🍂Ewha Womans University
📍5-minute walk from Exit 2/3 of Ewha Womans University station on subway Line 2
🕒Campus is open all day, the ECC sunken building is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
✅Reasons to visit:
✓ European-style stone architecture paired with fiery red maple leaves, creating an intellectual and romantic atmosphere
✓ The campus's sloping ginkgo avenue, covered in a carpet of golden fallen leaves
✓ After exploring the campus, head straight to Ewha Womans University Women's Street for beauty shopping—a paradise for girls
📸Photo spots: Looking up from the ECC steps, the front of the main auditorium, the ginkgo avenue
🍂Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden (Reservation required)
📍10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Anguk Station on subway Line 3
🕒10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays, book in advance on the official website)
✅Reasons to visit:
✓ A UNESCO World Heritage royal garden, featuring ancient ponds, pavilions, and reflections of maple leaves
✓ The same backyard once enjoyed by Korean princes, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery for stunning photos
✓ Free admission if you wear a Hanbok, for a fully immersive experience
🍂Top Suburban Spot: Nami Island
📍1-hour ITX/bus ride from Seoul → 10-minute boat ride from Gapyeong Wharf
🕒8:00 AM–9:00 PM (Fall/Winter)
✅Reasons to visit:
✓ Metasequoia lanes, maple leaves, and ginkgo trees—capture three colors of autumn in one path
✓ A filming location for "Winter Sonata," filled with a fairytale-like atmosphere
✓ Rent a bike to circle the island or take a zip line for an aerial view of the red leaves and lake scenery
📸Photo spots: Central Metasequoia Lane, Ginkgo Tree Lane, reflections on the lake
🕒Best Time to See Autumn Foliage in Seoul in 2025
City: Mid-October to mid-November
Suburbs (Nami Island): Mid-October to late October
📌TIPS
Wake up early! Arrive at attractions before 8:00 AM for fewer people, better light, and intact fallen leaves.
Wear light-colored clothing or a Hanbok to stand out against the red walls and yellow leaves for great photos.
Bring a power bank and a wide-angle lens; dense maple foliage areas can drain your battery quickly.
Top up your subway card in advance; expect long lines at the ticket gates on weekends during the red leaf season.
🧡Save this guide and come to Seoul this fall to experience a romance exclusive to the season