Hongneung Forest (2026) Guide: Autumn Foliage, Hours & Parking

SEOUL

Text, Photos © Rewon

Looking for a refreshing autumn walk in Seoul that's perfect for the whole family? Hongneung Forest (홍릉숲) might just be your ideal spot!

Also known as Hongneung Arboretum (홍릉수목원), this tranquil oasis is a fantastic place to observe diverse trees and plants, offering a healing forest experience right in the heart of the city. On my last visit, just before the autumn colors fully peaked, I spent about an hour wandering through the trails, enjoying a fun stamp tour.

Let me share the path I took and the sights I enjoyed, along with essential details on operating hours, reservations, and parking information.

※ Photos are from around October 26, 2026.

1. Hongneung Forest Operating Hours: Free Weekday Admission!

Hongneung Forest is nestled within the National Institute of Forest Science (국립산림과학원) at 57 Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Previously, weekday visits required a reservation for a forest commentary tour, but free weekday admission was expanded starting March 28, 2026.

Currently, you can explore the forest from Tuesday to Sunday without any prior reservation. Admission is also completely free!

The operating hours vary between weekdays and weekends. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, so if you're planning a late afternoon visit, be sure to double-check the times.

The forest is closed every Monday, on January 1st, and during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays. It's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures before your visit.

2. Hongneung Forest Parking and Public Transportation

Hongneung Forest does not allow on-site parking for general visitors. If you're driving, you'll need to find nearby parking independently, so public transportation is a more convenient and stress-free option for a relaxed stroll.

By subway, you can walk from Exit 3 of Korea University Station (고려대역) on Line 6, though it's a bit of a distance. For buses, plan your route using the National Defense Research Institute (국방연구원) bus stop as a reference.

Keep in mind that there are very few paid parking lots nearby, so you'll likely still have a short walk after parking.

Also, food and drinks, pets, and bicycles are strictly prohibited inside the forest. Plan your snacks or meals before or after your visit, and remember to bring bottled water for your walk.

3. Hongneung Forest Autumn Foliage: Timing Your Visit

Hongneung Forest is home to a variety of trees, making it a wonderful place to walk along the decks and immerse yourself in the autumn scenery.

If you're specifically looking for vibrant autumn foliage, note that different trees change color at different times, so the scenery can vary even within the same forest. Last year, when I visited around this time (October 2025), the foliage hadn't fully turned yet. It seems like this year will be similar, so I expect to see the most vibrant autumn colors around next week, rather than today, October 26, 2026.

If your goal is a leisurely walk focused on observing trees and plants, like mine, there are plenty of interesting spots to explore beyond just the fall foliage.

4. My Hour-Long Hongneung Forest Walking Course

During my last visit, I followed the stamp tour, exploring areas around the Thousand-Year Forest Trail (천년의 숲길), Empress's Path (황후의 길), and Pear Tree Path (문배나무의 길). Instead of completing a fixed route from the start, I naturally followed the paths while searching for the stamps. The process of reading the signposts and identifying trees made me pay more attention to my surroundings than if I had just walked aimlessly.

The Hongneung Site (홍릉터) and Royal Well (어정)

Near the Empress's Path, I explored the Hongneung Site and the Royal Well. It wasn't just a forest path to admire trees; this section also allowed us to encounter historical stories preserved in the location. If visiting with children, it's a great opportunity to read the on-site signboards and discuss the stories behind the forest's name and its various spots.

The King Cherry Tree (왕벚나무)

In front of the King Cherry Tree, I had the chance to hear an explanation about the tree from a forest guide. Areas I might have overlooked without the explanation suddenly became interesting. It made me realize how a forest commentary tour could transform the same path into a completely different experience.

The Bansong Pine (반송) Behind the Main Building

Behind the main building, I found a Bansong Pine with its branches spread wide. This was a particularly memorable tree from my last walk. It was fascinating to observe its unique form up close and then step back to appreciate its full silhouette.

It took me about an hour to explore and collect stamps. If you're visiting with children, reading the signboards, or taking breaks, it's definitely best to plan for more time. For first-time visitors, check the entrance map for the locations of the King Cherry Tree, Hongneung Site, and Bansong Pine, and connect them according to your child's energy level. This is just a suggestion based on where I walked, not a fixed mandatory route.

5. Why It's a Great Place for Kids

When you take kids to a forest, the first thing you often worry about is how long they'll actually be able to walk, right? At Hongneung Forest, it seems easier to keep them engaged by giving them time to observe things periodically rather than focusing on covering a lot of ground.

Encourage them to read tree name tags, compare different leaf shapes, or search for distinctive trees like the Bansong Pine. Honestly, I sometimes find it hard to keep them focused on specific observations, so I often just let them explore and do whatever sparks their curiosity!

That said, my kids absolutely love stamp tours, so we moved around looking for the stamp locations. Frankly, if it weren't for the stamps, we might have just walked past everything without much notice! I actually got the stamp booklet from a forest guide during a previous visit. You should definitely check if stamp booklets are available at the entrance!

If you prefer walking with guided explanations, you can also opt for a forest commentary program. Currently, the Soopnadeul-e (숲나들e) website lists sessions for Tuesday-Sunday, from March to November, at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. Unlike free admission, forest commentary tours usually require advance booking, so be sure to check availability for your desired date.

6. How to Prepare for Your Autumn Walk

Hongneung Forest is perfect for those looking for a place to walk and observe trees and plants without the burden of an admission fee. If you're with children, instead of trying to cover every path, pick a few points of interest and explore them at a leisurely pace, taking breaks.

It's better suited for a light outing using public transportation rather than one that requires parking. With free weekday admission now available, it's also easier to decide on a visiting date. If capturing autumn foliage photos is your main goal, check the current conditions just before your visit. If you're simply planning a forest walk, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring bottled water.