5 Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Seoul & Beyond for 2026
Ready for stunning fall colors? Uncover Seoul's top 5 autumn foliage destinations for 2026, featuring golden ginkgos, fiery maples, and serene traditional gardens.
Quick answer
- Seoul's peak autumn foliage is expected from late October to early November 2026.
- Bukhansan Mountain's peak is forecast for November 4, 2026.
- Jeongdok Library and Samcheongdong are ideal for golden ginkgo trees in early November.
- Hwadam Forest requires online reservations, especially during peak fall season.
- Nami Island is perfect for a romantic day trip via train or subway for fall colors.

2026 Seoul Autumn Foliage Season is
expected to peak from late October to early November.
For the BEST 5 autumn foliage spots in Seoul and its vicinity,
I recommend Jeongdok Public Library (정독도서관), Samcheong-dong (삼청동),
Hwadam Botanic Garden (화담숲), Nami Island (남이섬) in the Seoul vicinity,
and Ho-Am Art Museum (호암미술관) and Everland (에버랜드).
These are places I've personally visited and captured in photos,
so they'll be helpful for planning your autumn outing this year.
When is the best time for 2026 Seoul autumn foliage?
Many people are eagerly awaiting the peak autumn foliage season in Seoul this year.
According to WeatherEye's 2026 forecast,
the peak of autumn foliage on Bukhansan (북한산) is expected to be November 4th.
However, ginkgo trees in downtown Seoul and autumn foliage spots in the Seoul vicinity
may differ from the peak period of the entire mountain.
Jeongdok Public Library and Samcheong-dong, which I previously visited,
had particularly beautiful yellow ginkgo trees in early November.
To make it easier for you to choose your autumn outing destination this year,
I've organized the recommended visiting periods.
Autumn Foliage Spot | Recommended Visiting Period | Autumn Outing Feature |
Jeongdok Public Library | Late Oct ~ Early Nov | Yellow ginkgo trees, Photo spot |
Samcheongdong-gil | Late Oct ~ Early Nov | Ginkgo tree-lined street, Bukchon (북촌) walk |
Hwadam Botanic Garden | Late Oct ~ Early Nov | Autumn foliage walking trail, Monorail |
Nami Island | Late Oct ~ Early Nov | Ginkgo tree-lined street, Metasequoia road |
Ho-Am Art Museum · Everland | Late Oct ~ Early Nov | Traditional garden, Autumn theme park |
I'm already looking forward to how beautiful the peak autumn foliage season in Seoul will be this year~
Beautiful enough even without traveling far,
let's explore the BEST 5 autumn foliage spots in Seoul and its vicinity.

© Text, Photos, Layout Travel Writer Erin Ssaem
1.Jeongdok Public Library's Ginkgo Foliage, a Seoul Autumn Photo Spot




Among Seoul's autumn foliage spots,
the first place that comes to mind for its yellow ginkgo trees,
is probably Jeongdok Public Library.
I visited last year on November 2nd, and
the sight of the large ginkgo trees turning yellow
was truly beautiful.
Jeongdok Public Library, in particular,
offers great views from afar,
but taking photos under the ginkgo trees
really captures the autumn vibe.
As it's a library, it's also good for a quiet stroll,
and with Bukchon and Samcheong-dong nearby,
it's highly recommended as a Seoul autumn outing course!!
If you're looking forward to the 2026 Seoul autumn foliage season,
be sure to check out Jeongdok Public Library's ginkgo trees
as they change colors from late October.
Location | 48 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Admission Fee | Free |
Parking | Paid parking at the library, limited spaces |
Features | Large ginkgo trees, Autumn photo spot |
📍 Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Jeongdok Public Library
48 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
2. Samcheong-dong Autumn Foliage Road, a Seoul Autumn Date Course




If you've come out of Jeongdok Public Library,
how about taking a walk to Samcheong-dong?
It's one of my favorite courses when I enjoy a Seoul autumn outing.
Samcheong-dong is not only beautiful for its autumn foliage,
but also has many atmospheric cafes
and small shops in every alley,
making it a joy to stroll slowly.
Especially when I visited last year on November 3rd,
the ginkgo trees had turned yellow,
making Samcheongdong-gil look even prettier.
It's nice to walk during the day,
but I also quite liked the evening scenery with the lights on.
If you're looking for Seoul autumn foliage spots
and want to combine it with a date or cafe hopping,
I recommend visiting Jeongdok Public Library and Samcheong-dong together.
Location | Samcheong-dong area, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Admission Fee | Free |
Transportation | Walk from Anguk Station (안국역) |
Features | Ginkgo tree lane, Bukchon (북촌) stroll, cafes and delicious restaurants |
📍 Autumn Maple Road (Samcheongdong-gil, 삼청동길)
166-2 Palpan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
3. Hwadam Forest (화담숲) Fall Foliage Season, a Must-Visit Spot for Fall Colors Near Seoul



Gyeonggi Province's (경기도) Hwadam Forest (화담숲) is one of the most popular fall foliage spots near Seoul
every autumn, isn't it?
Hwadam Forest (화담숲) in Gonjiam (곤지암), Gwangju (광주), Gyeonggi Province, is especially stunning in autumn,
where red maples and yellow ginkgo trees harmonize
to create truly beautiful scenery.
After my visit to Hwadam Forest,
I understood why booking reservations are so fiercely competitive
every fall.
Hwadam Forest is perfect for leisurely walks along its well-maintained trails to admire the fall foliage,
and there's also the option of taking a monorail.
However, during the peak fall season,
available dates and times
are often almost fully booked.
But sometimes, cancellation tickets become available, you know?
😎
I've already provided detailed information about the 2026 Hwadam Forest fall foliage season
and how to make reservations earlier,
so please refer to the post below.
Location | 278-1 Docheokwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi Province |
Admission & Reservations | Online advance reservation required |
Features | Fall foliage trails, monorail, popular fall foliage spot |
📍 Hwadam Forest (화담숲)
278-1 Docheokwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi Province
4. Nami Island (남이섬) Autumn Foliage, Recommended Day Trip Near Seoul



It would be a shame to leave Nami Island (남이섬) out when talking about autumn!
As a beautiful spot for an autumn excursion near Seoul,
there's arguably no place as charming as Nami Island (남이섬).
It's a gorgeous fall foliage destination near Seoul.
Nami Island has a different vibe each season,
but the long, straight red Metasequoia Lane
and the golden ginkgo tree lane
are guaranteed to be picture-perfect (life-shot) spots.
Nami Island is great for leisurely strolls around the entire island,
and it's also wonderful for an overnight stay at Jeonggwanru (정관루).
Whether you travel to the Gapyeong (가평) and Chuncheon (춘천) areas together,
or visit as a day trip from Seoul,
it's a perfect autumn travel course!
Especially if you're looking for a fall foliage spot in November 2026,
how about taking a romantic trip to Nami Island by train or subway?
Location | 1 Nami Island-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon Province |
Admission Fee | Paid, check fees based on visit date |
Transportation | Take a ferry from Gapyeong Wharf |
Features | Metasequoia Lane, Ginkgo Tree Lane, autumn date spot |
5. Hoam Museum of Art (호암미술관) Huiwon (희원) & Everland (에버랜드) Autumn Outing



The last place I'd like to recommend
for a 2026 fall foliage spot near Seoul?
Hoam Museum of Art (호암미술관) and Everland (에버랜드) in Yongin (용인), Gyeonggi Province!
If you combine a visit to Hoam Museum of Art and Everland,
your autumn outing near Seoul will be incredibly fulfilling.
Especially during the 2026 fall foliage season, Hoam Museum of Art
boasts the beautiful traditional Korean garden, Huiwon (희원).
The scenery, where ponds, pavilions, and trees blend together,
is the best spot to experience a tranquil autumn.
Everland isn't just about attractions;
it's also a great place to enjoy the autumn atmosphere.
You can see autumn festivals, seasonal decorations, Panda World, the Safari,
and scenery where the fall foliage blends in.
As a family outing or a date spot,
it's surprisingly a great place to enjoy autumn foliage.
Location | Areas around Pogok-eup (포곡읍), Cheoin-gu (처인구), Yongin-si (용인시), Gyeonggi Province (경기) |
Admission Fee | |
Features | Panda Second House Ruibao and Huibao |
📍 Ho-Am Art Museum
38 Everland-ro 562beon-gil, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province
📍 Everland
199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province
6. Tips for Preparing for an Autumn Outing Near Seoul
If you've checked the 2026 autumn foliage timing for Seoul (서울),
now it's time to choose your visit date wisely!
While late October is typically the peak,
I plan to go check the foliage status myself
at the end of next week, on a weekday :)
Also, refer to the next post~
|
🍁 2026 Autumn Foliage Season: A Complete Guide to Peak Foliage Across the Nation &
Recommended Autumn Travel Destinations 🍂
What about your autumn foliage outfit?
White, burgundy, and red shades are beautiful,
and vivid colors like mustard yellow and lime green are also great!
Don't forget an outer layer for temperature changes
and comfortable shoes for walking~
Share with your friends,
and start planning your autumn foliage trip!
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