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Enchanting Autumn in Korea: Five Scenic Spots to Enjoy Maple Leaves and Ginkgo Trees
Autumn is one of Korea's most beautiful seasons when the maple leaves turn crimson and the ginkgo trees turn golden, enveloping the country in a warm, colorful embrace. During this time, Korea’s palaces, campuses, and parks become prime destinations for viewing the stunning fall foliage.
This article will take you through five of the most iconic places in Seoul to enjoy the autumn scenery: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden, Deoksugung’s Stone Wall Road, Ewha Womans University, and Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower. Whether you are strolling through Seoul’s historical landmarks or soaking in the youthful energy of a modern campus, these spots will let you fully experience the captivating beauty of Korea in autumn.
Additionally, we’ll introduce LuggAgent’s luggage delivery service, which allows you to start your foliage tour the moment you land and enjoy your last moments in Korea worry-free.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, resource: Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul’s most iconic palaces, known for its grand historical architecture and expansive courtyards. In autumn, the palace’s maple leaves and ginkgo trees adorn the grounds in vibrant hues, making it an ideal spot for leaf-seeing.
The palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. It’s advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds and to fully appreciate the autumnal beauty. In 2024, the peak foliage season at Gyeongbokgung is expected to be from late October to early November. This period is particularly photogenic, especially if you choose to wear a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) while visiting.
Not only does the combination of the hanbok and autumn leaves transport you back in time, but wearing a hanbok also grants you free entry to the palace, adding both fun and savings to your experience.
Within Gyeongbokgung, there are several must-visit spots for capturing the fall scenery. Start at the Geunjeongjeon courtyard, where the golden ginkgo trees stand in stark contrast to the blue sky and traditional architecture. Next, head to Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, surrounded by a pond that mirrors the surrounding maple trees, creating a stunning visual effect. Lastly, don’t miss the white jade steps in the royal garden, where the vibrant red maple leaves create a picture-perfect setting.
After your tour of Gyeongbokgung, consider visiting the nearby National Folk Museum to learn more about Korean culture, or take a stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village to experience the lifestyle of Korea’s noble class in ancient times. These nearby attractions will enrich your itinerary with cultural and educational insights.
Changdeokgung's Secret Garden
Changdeokgung Palace is another prominent Seoul palace, famed for its adjacent Secret Garden (Huwon). Originally reserved for the royal family, the Secret Garden is now open to the public and is one of Seoul’s most enchanting spots for autumn foliage.
Access to the Secret Garden requires an additional ticket and guided tour, so it’s advisable to check the schedule and book in advance. The 2024 foliage season is expected to align with Gyeongbokgung, peaking from late October to early November. During this time, the garden transforms into a dreamscape of maple leaves, ginkgo trees, lakes, and stone bridges.
Within the Secret Garden, two notable spots for foliage viewing are Ongnyucheon and Buyongjeong Pavilion. At Ongnyucheon, the red maple leaves contrast beautifully with the clear stream, while Buyongjeong Pavilion is nestled by a lake, surrounded by a vibrant mix of maple and ginkgo trees. The garden’s birch grove is another must-see, where the white trunks stand out against the fiery red leaves, creating a striking visual effect.
Nearby, you can explore Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, both of which are steeped in history. The secret pathway between Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung, especially in autumn, is a picturesque trail covered with fallen leaves, offering a unique walking experience.
Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway
Located in the heart of Seoul, the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway is renowned for its elegant ginkgo scenery. Each autumn, this 1-kilometer-long stone wall road is blanketed with golden ginkgo leaves, becoming a favorite walking route for both locals and tourists.
Deoksugung Palace is open from 9 AM to 9 PM, with special nighttime lighting that transforms the ginkgo trees into a dreamy night scene. The best time to visit is from mid to late October until early November. Strolling along this peaceful path on an autumn afternoon, admiring the ginkgo trees and ancient stone walls on either side, is the perfect way to relax and unwind.
There are also several attractions worth visiting along the stone wall walkway. First is Deoksugung Palace itself, where the architecture and gardens are filled with autumnal charm. Next, you can visit the Seoul Museum of Art, which frequently hosts various contemporary art exhibitions—a must-see for culture enthusiasts. Lastly, head to Sungnyemun Gate, one of Korea's national treasures, which looks particularly majestic against the backdrop of the autumn sunset.
Ewha Womans University
Ewha Womans University, resource: 이대학보
Ewha Womans University is one of Korea’s most renowned women’s universities, famous for its beautiful campus. Every autumn, the university’s maple and ginkgo trees adorn the campus, creating a picturesque scene that draws numerous visitors and photography enthusiasts.
The best time to view the autumn leaves at Ewha Womans University is usually from late October to early November. Start your walk from the main gate, and stroll along the main roads of the campus, enjoying the ginkgo trees and maple leaves along the way. The university's central library and the Christian Chapel are two must-see photo spots where the architecture blends perfectly with the autumn foliage, making it an ideal location for capturing the unique atmosphere of a Korean university.
In addition to the on-campus attractions, the nearby Ewha shopping district is also a must-visit. Here, you’ll find a variety of fashion brands and unique cafes, making it the perfect place to shop and enjoy coffee on an autumn afternoon while experiencing the vibrant youth culture of Korea.
Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Towe, resource: Visit Korea
Located in the center of Seoul, Namsan Park is an excellent spot to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the beautiful autumn scenery. Every autumn, the park’s maple and ginkgo trees adorn the slopes of the mountain in vibrant colors, with N Seoul Tower offering the best vantage point to appreciate these stunning views.
Namsan Park is open 24 hours, but it’s recommended to visit during early morning or evening when the light is ideal for photography and the crowds are thinner. The peak period for autumn foliage in Namsan Park is expected from mid to late October through early November. During this time, the park displays its most beautiful autumn scenery.
You can start your journey from the main entrance of Namsan Park and slowly make your way up the mountain, enjoying the maple and ginkgo trees along the way. Once you reach the top, don’t miss the observation deck at N Seoul Tower, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire Seoul skyline.
In autumn, when the city is blanketed in a mix of red and yellow leaves, the view is especially breathtaking. Whether it’s day or night, the view from N Seoul Tower offers different sensory experiences. If time permits, consider climbing the tower at dusk to enjoy the sunset blending with the city lights.
Around Namsan Park, there are also many attractions worth visiting. For example, Namsangol Hanok Village is a place where you can explore traditional Korean houses (hanok), and in autumn, the maple leaves contrasting with the hanoks create a picturesque setting perfect for capturing traditional Korean aesthetics. Additionally, Namsan Library often hosts various cultural events, making it an ideal spot to learn more about local culture.
Luggage Transfer Services Between Airports and Hotels: Enjoy a Carefree Autumn Trip
When planning such a rich autumn trip, you might face the problem of having too much luggage, especially if you need to move around frequently. To make your journey more relaxing and enjoyable, LuggAgent offers a convenient luggage transfer service. Whether it's from the airport to your hotel or from your hotel to the airport, LuggAgent can help you handle your luggage, allowing you to start exploring the autumn scenery right after landing in Korea without worrying about carrying your bags.
For instance, when you arrive at Incheon International Airport or Gimpo International Airport, you can hand over your luggage to LuggAgent and head straight to Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung's Secret Garden to start your day of leaf-peeping. LuggAgent will ensure that your luggage is safely delivered to your hotel by the time you return from your day's exploration.
Similarly, on your last day in Korea, you can enjoy the stunning views from N Seoul Tower or do some last-minute shopping in the Ewha shopping district without worrying about your luggage, as LuggAgent will take care of it.
LuggAgent's service is not only convenient and fast but also allows you to relax and focus on enjoying the beautiful scenery and experiencing local culture without the hassle of handling your luggage. This is especially suitable for travelers who love photography, shopping, or simply want to make the most of their time.
Autumn in Korea is a mesmerizing season. Whether it's the ancient palaces of Seoul or modern campuses and urban parks, you can find vibrant displays of maple leaves and ginkgo trees everywhere. By planning your itinerary wisely, you can fully experience the beauty of these locations and capture the enchanting autumn scenery of Korea.
And with the help of LuggAgent's luggage transfer service, you can enjoy a carefree autumn trip. Whether you're heading straight from the airport to snap photos or taking a final stroll through the streets of Seoul before heading home, these services will make your journey even more pleasant.
No matter which autumn foliage route you choose or how long you plan to stay in Seoul, this Korean autumn trip will be an unforgettable experience. Let these beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage become the most cherished memories of your autumn season.
