Everyone’s favourite best time to visit South Korea is during the Autumn season, between the end of September and November. The weather is cool and crips during this time and you will get to experience the falling of the lovely red, orange, and yellow maple leaves. In case you’re planning for a much-awaited vacation, make South Korea you destination on this season.
Autumn in Korea is always majestic and enchanting with picture-perfect spots everywhere. The trees change into fiery hues and the region turns a bit more golden as the sunlight softens, making it the perfect stop for a one-of-a-kind escapade with your loved ones.
Are you travelling to South Korea for the first time? This guide to all the free things to do while in Seoul will come handy.
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Wondering what to go and what do during this Autumn season in Korea? Enjoy the scenery and photograph as much as possible. Here are the go-to places to witness the maple leaves falling when in Korea:
1. Nami Island Autumn Walk
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Unwind and enjoy the spectacular fall foliage at Nami Island. A trip to South Korea won’t be complete without heading to this stunning half-moon shaped island. Situated near Seoul, Nami Island or Namiseom is one of the most popular attractions in the country. Simply stroll along the Autumn Walk and soak in the breathtaking views.
More so, this island has become a famous travel spot in the whole of Korea because a lot of Korean dramas (K-dramas) are being shot at this very place. It’s certainly a picture-perfect place worth your time to check out.
- Location: 63 km away from Seoul towards Chuncheon.
- How to reach: Easiest way to reach is by shuttle bus from Seoul. There are 3 pick-up points: Insadong, Namdaemun or Myeongdong.
2. Odaesan National Park Mountain
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Shout out to all hiking enthusiasts out there! Take a hike at Odaesan National Park Mountain and experience a wonderful autumn day. Located at PyeongChang, the Winter Olympic City in Gangwon province, this striking spot is a must-visit for all hikers from across the globe. Known as the biggest natural woods of South Korea, Odaesan National Park Mountain takes pride in its Buddhist sites as well as thousands of native plants and animals. Also, one of its distinctive features is the waterfalls that will surely make you want to hike this mountain as soon as possible. You’re sure to have a great time here, so better plan your hike properly and seize each moment.
- Location: Odaesan National Park is located in the Gangwon-do Province and 2 to 3 hours away from Seoul.
- How to reach: Take a bus from the Jinbu Bus Terminal. To get to Jinbu, hop on a bus from the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.
3. Gwanaksan Mountain
If you love hiking so much, then Gwanaksan Mountain is one of the best autumn hiking spots in South Korea. Found just right in the city of Seoul, this 626-meter mountain is the pride of Gwanak-gu district. It serves as a good relaxation place for both the locals and travellers, for it is extremely accessible. You can just visit it right away in case you want to hang loose even for a bit. Additionally, Gwanaksan Mountain is home to Wongaksa Temple and Yeonjuam Hermitage. An autumn hike here will make you fall in love over and over again with its beautiful colours and magnificent scenery.
- Location: Gwanaksan is a mountain located in southern Seoul.
- How to reach: In Seoul, take line 4 to Gwacheon Station. Take Exit 2 and cross the road. Follow the sign to “Gwanaksan” and walk 1 km.
4. Seoul Olympic Park
Spend a nice day at Seoul Olympic Park with your best travel buddies. Yet another magical spot to see the leaves falling, this park is famous for its rose garden and lines of gingko trees along the road. It is home to the 1988 Seoul Olympics and is truly ideal for a romantic date with your special someone. Although it can be crowded here during the autumn season, it is still worth visiting. The entire place offers plenty of spots for great pictures, so you will definitely have a lot of amazing photos taken here. Moreover, there is now a museum inside the park, named Bakje Museum. You can walk around and enjoy the tour about Bakje.
- How to reach: Option 1 – Take Subway Line 5 to Olympic Park Station (Exit 3). Option 2 – Take Subway Line 8 to Mongchontoseong Station (Exit 1).
5. Namsan Tower
Make the most of your day at Namsan Tower or N Seoul Tower and have a memorable time. It is one of the perfect autumn destinations in South Korea that you shouldn’t miss out. The trees here are at their most vibrant state and the pretty Fall leaves are a great backdrop for the tower the tower. You can also hike up the tower instead of riding a cable car to enjoy more the view. Pass by the ancient city walls, capture a lot of amazing photos, and simply walk around the area. The trail and the hiking itself is easy, so there’s really nothing to worry about. Make it a point to catch the sunset at the observation deck, too, for it is truly breathtaking.
- How to reach: Take the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus number 2, 3 or 5.
6. Daedunsan
Never pass up the chance to go to Daedunsan Mountain and appreciate the beauty of autumn foliage. Apparently, this 878-meter mountain stands out because of its well-known, called Cloud Bridge or the Geumgang Bridge as well as colourful scenery like no other. All the adventure lovers will surely love it here, especially when hiking up its spine-tingling stairway and walking on the suspension bridge. Also, it is regarded as one of the best romantic spots to enjoy the autumn season in Korea. So, don’t let the opportunity to visit this scenic mountain when in the Land of the Morning Calm.
- Location: Daedunsan is located between the cities of Daejeon and Jeonju.
- How to reach: Take bus no 34 from Daejeon Seobu Intercity Bus Terminal and walk to the cable car station.
7. Naejangsan Mountain
Yet another renowned mountain in Korea, Naejangsan Mountain in the Jeolla-do province is also a great destination to catch maple leaves falling. The word naejang means many secrets, so it means that this mountain has probably a lot of hidden matters. Upon going here, you will find wild animals inside Naejangsan National Park, waterfalls, like Geumseon Falls and Dodeok Falls, and thousands of local plant species. In addition, there are temples in sight, including Naejangsan and Baekyangsa temples. Certainly, it will be worthwhile to head over this mountain and have a great experience with your most favourite people.
- Location: Naejangsan is a famous mountain in the Jeolla-do province.
- How to reach: To go to Naejangsan National Park from Seoul, you can take a bus to Jeongeup. And from this city’s Bus Terminal, you can get to Naejangsan by taking Bus 171.
8. Seoul Grand Park
Have an exciting time at Seoul Grand Park! This huge amusement park is totally well maintained and offers tons of awesome things to visitors of all ages. Everyone will surely have some fun while here, for it houses amusement facilities, botanical gardens, forest parks, and a zoo. It also has a rose garden that becomes more colourful during autumn. Spending a whole day here with the family is one of the best bonding moments you will ever experience. With this, include Seoul Grand Park in your itinerary and feel like a kid all over again.
- How to reach: Take the subway to the “Seoul Grand Park” Line 4. Entrance is visible once you exit.
9. Jirisan National Park
Known as the largest national park in South Korea, Jirisan National Park is a charming site to sight the autumn foliage, exquisite backdrop of vivid colours, and Mt. Cheonwangbong. Jirisan translates to the mountain of old and wise people. It can also be accessed from Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do provinces. As you tour around the park, you will get to see a lot of astounding attractions, such as waterfalls, pagodas, and temples. It might be quite an exhausting adventure for all tourists out there, but definitely worth it. Day hike tours are popular here, so be sure to book one and plan your day ahead of time. There’s no available hiking after dark, better yet start early.
- Location: Located in the southern region of the country, across the provinces of South Jeolla, North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang.
- How to reach: From Busan, take the bus from Seobu Terminal station. It will take you to the entrance of the Park.
10. Seoraksan Mountain
A lot of people flock to Seoraksan Mountain for jaw-dropping autumn foliage views. It is the third tallest mountain in Korea that offers awe-inspiring attractions you will cherish all your life. You and your family or friends will truly have a nice experience here, so add this to your Korea autumn trip. More so, it is recognized as a national park with a massive nature preservation. You will get to see different shades of autumn foliage that will leave you enchanted as well as The Great Bronze Buddha statue and Sinheungsa Temple. Without a doubt, Seoraksan Mountain is a favourite site of many regardless of the season and the ultimate destination for a peaceful getaway.
- Location: In the Gangwon Province in eastern South Korea. It is located in a national park near the city of Sokcho.
- How to reach: Take the express bus from Dong Seoul Terminal (Gangbyeon Station, Subway Line 2) or from Gangnam Terminal (Express Bus Terminal Station, Subway Line 3,7,9)and it will arrive at Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal.
11. Garden of Morning Calm
Are you fond of botanical gardens? Wander around the astonishing Garden of Morning Calm and be one with nature. As one of the biggest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Korea, it attracts thousands of visitors yearly. Its name was inspired by the country’s nickname, The Land of the Morning Calm, which focuses on natural beauty and shows landscaped gardens and floral arrangements created in harmony with the surrounding. The lush greenery and fresh air here will definitely make you feel relaxed have a serene moment you deserve from time to time.
- Location: North of Seoul in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province.
- How to reach: Head to Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal to transfer the bus to go to The Garden of Morning Calm.
Seasonal Korean Food & Drinks You Should Try This Fall
After walking around all day in the crisp Autumn air, jumping of falling leaves, you deserve a good meal and rest your feel somewhere warm. For a fuller Autumn experience, make you sure you don’t leave Korea without trying the seasonal delicacies below:
Sujeonggwa
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Grab a warm mug with cinnamon, persimmon, ginger, honey, brown sugar, and pine nuts that will warm up even the coldest of hearts.
Jook
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Jook is a Korean-style porridge. Try it with chicken, mushrooms and pumpkin.
Hoddeok
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Get a warm Hoddeok from a street stall. Get this delicious pancake comes with different fillings. Try the ones with peanut or pumpkin seeds filling.
Fruits of the season
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You need your vitamins. Don’t leave Korea without trying their delicious fruits of the season such as pears, apples or persimmons.
A splendid autumn trip to South Korea
Needless to say, an autumn escapade in South Korea is always a great idea. There are tons of great things you can do and see while here. In order to make the most of your trip and have a glimpse of the maple leaves falling, check out these marvellous places specified above. You are sure to have a great time at these spots, so live the moment. It will be a trip of a lifetime with your loved ones, for sure! Also, don’t forget to score some of the best travel deals at ShopBack today to save more money on your next escapade. You’re sure to get a lot of discounts, so grab this chance right away.
Do you know other nice spots to see the maple leaves falling in South Korea during the autumn season? Drop a comment below!
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Featured Image Credit: Alex Barlow | flickr.com
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