Seoul Autumn Foliage 2026: Yeouido & Gyeongui Forest Trail

Curious about the state of autumn foliage in Seoul, I embarked on a solo adventure last Thursday, November 5, 2026, exploring Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) and the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail (경의선숲길).

My journey took me to Yeouido (여의도) around noon, then to the Gongdeok (공덕) section of the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail in the afternoon, and finally, a sunset stroll from the Yeonnam-dong (연남동) section towards the Hongdae (홍대) entrance.

If you're currently planning your autumn foliage excursion in Seoul this week, you might find it helpful to preview the actual fall colors from early November through my photos.

Getting to Yeouido Hangang Park from Yeouinaru Station Exit 2

Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원) is directly accessible from Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역) on Subway Line 5.

Simply follow the signs to Exit 2 (Mapo Bridge, Yeouido Hangang Park, Hangang Bus Yeouido Dock).

Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역) is quite deep underground. There were signs inside the station explaining that the platforms became deeper due to their connection with the Hangang River underwater tunnel.

Be prepared for a bit of a walk, as a long set of stairs leads up to the exit before you reach ground level.

As I ascended the stairs to the exit, I spotted a purple 'YEOUI ROLL PARK' sign. Once you're up the stairs, you'll find yourself directly in the park plaza.

Autumn Foliage at Yeouido Hangang Park (November 5, 2026, Noon)

When I arrived around noon, the sky was clear with scattered clouds. The trees around the plaza displayed a vibrant mix of reds, oranges, and yellows, though some still retained patches of green.

Particularly striking were the trees lining the edge of the plaza, ablaze in deep crimson hues. With the foliage encircling the expansive plaza, the colors were visible and breathtaking even from a distance.

From the far end of the plaza, you can even catch a glimpse of Namsan Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) across the Hangang River. If you're looking to capture the perfect shot of autumn leaves, the river, and the city skyline all in one frame, this spot is highly recommended.

Along the roadside just outside the park, I noticed a sign for 'Gu Sang Poet's Path' (구상 시인길). It explained that Yeongdeungpo-gu designated this path to honor poet Gu Sang, who lived in Yeouido for many years. It's a lovely detour to extend your fall foliage stroll beyond the main park area.

Autumn Foliage at Gyeongui Line Forest Trail, Gongdeok Section (November 5, 2026, Afternoon)

Around 2:40 PM, I continued my walk along the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail (경의선숲길) in the Gongdeok (공덕) area of Mapo-gu. This linear park stretches beautifully between towering buildings, with trees on both sides of the walking path bathed in shades of orange and yellow.

The park is incredibly well-maintained and perfect for a leisurely stroll. In some sections, the trees create a natural tunnel overhead, with branches extending so far that the vibrant fall colors are the first thing you see when you look up, even before the sky.

This particular stretch featured a predominance of yellow leaves, interspersed with occasional trees showing brilliant red. As before, some trees still held onto their green leaves.

Autumn Foliage at Gyeongui Line Forest Trail, Yeonnam-dong Section (November 5, 2026, Sunset)

Around 5:00 PM, I began walking from the northern end of the Yeonnam-dong (연남동) section of the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail. Here, a narrow stream flows alongside apartments, with walking paths extending on both sides.

This section presented a beautiful mix of red and yellow leaves, and the expansive grassy areas offered an invigorating, open view.

This charming little waterway is named 'Saegyo Stream' (세교실개천). A roadside sign explained that the old place name for this area was Saegyo-ri, and the stream was created to preserve that historical name.

As I headed closer to Hongdae Entrance Station (홍대입구역), ginkgo trees became more prevalent. A long stretch of golden ginkgos lined between tall poplars made this section the most intensely yellow, a truly stunning sight.

At the point where the trail connects to Hongdae Red Road (홍대 레드로드), you'll find an informational map of the Red Road. This is a convenient spot to transition from your park stroll to the lively streets of Hongdae for a meal or a coffee.

If you continue walking east past Hongdae Entrance Station, the trail once again transforms into a peaceful forest path. As the sun set, the sky softened, and the reds and oranges of the trees on both sides of the path appeared even more vivid. Fallen leaves had also begun to accumulate on the ground.

From the northern end of the Yeonnam-dong section to this point, it took me about 30 minutes, including stops for photos.

As of November 5, 2026, both locations showcased plenty of red and yellow leaves, with some green foliage still lingering.

If you're looking for Seoul autumn foliage spots this upcoming weekend, I recommend visiting Yeouido Hangang Park during the day and the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail around sunset for varied experiences.

Where will you be heading to enjoy the fall colors in Seoul this autumn?