Discover Seoul Autumn Foliage Walks: Your Complete Guide to the City’s 110 Scenic Routes in Autumn 2025
For those seeking the best way to experience Korea’s famed fall colors in the city, the newly expanded Seoul autumn foliage walks—a curated collection of 110 themed routes—offer unrivaled opportunities to immerse yourself in nature’s brilliant display without leaving the urban landscape.
This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about the Seoul autumn foliage walks in 2025, including when to visit, the types of walks available, notable spots, and how to plan your travels for an unforgettable seasonal experience. If you already know Songpa district, you should check out Hanseoung Baekje history museum as well.
The Perfect Timing for Seoul Autumn Foliage Walks
Seoul’s peak autumn foliage season varies by location. The outer regions like 북한산 reach peak color around October 25, while downtown neighborhoods enjoy their most vivid foliage slightly later, from late October through early-to-mid November. This staggered timing allows visitors and locals to enjoy the fall spectacle over several weeks, optimizing opportunities for scenic walks across the city.
What Are Seoul Autumn Foliage Walks?
The Seoul autumn foliage walks represent a city-wide initiative to showcase the most beautiful fall scenery across Seoul via 110 selected walking routes. These routes were expanded from 103 last year, adding seven new trails that invite Seoulites and tourists alike to explore autumn’s glory in a variety of landscapes—from urban streets to riversides, parks, and forested mountain paths.
Altogether, these trails cover approximately 167 kilometers and feature about 72,000 trees. Included species such as ginkgo, zelkova, cherry, metasequoia, and various oaks and maples create a stunning diversity of fall colors and textures throughout the cityscape.
The Four Themed Categories of Seoul Autumn Foliage Walks
To help nature enthusiasts select the experience that suits them best, Seoul has categorized the 110 autumn foliage walks into four distinct thematic groups:
1. Urban Autumn Walks — Culture Meets Colorful Leaves
Experiencing fall amidst historic landmarks, museums, and architectural gems creates a uniquely Seoul experience. Urban autumn walks combine vibrant ginkgo-lined streets with cultural exploration and sightseeing.
Highlighted urban walks include:
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종로구 삼청동길 (Jongno District Samcheong-dong Road): A bustling street where golden ginkgo leaves complement traditional Korean architecture, popular among tourists looking for Instagram-worthy shots.
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중구 정동길 (Jung District Jeong-dong Road): Home to modern and historic buildings harmonized with vivid autumn foliage.
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송파구 위례성길 (Songpa District Wiryeseong Road): A stunning, ginkgo-filled avenue perfect for serene strolls.
Other well-loved urban routes include the paths in 양천구 신트리공원가는길 (Yangcheon District Sintree Park Road) and 영등포구 윤중로길 (Yeongdeungpo District Yunjungno Road), bringing seasonal color to city streets for locals and visitors.
2. Riverside Trails — Waterways Framed by Foliage
Seoul’s network of rivers, streams, and embankments offers peaceful autumn walks where the reflections of colorful trees dance on gentle waters.
Key riverside walks include:
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성동·광진구 송정제방길 (Seongdong/Gwangjin District Songjeong Embankment Road): Combining vibrant autumn hues with tranquil riverside views.
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서초·강남구 양재천 (Seocho/Gangnam District Yangjae Stream): Known for cherry blossom tunnels in spring and golden leaf tunnels in fall.
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도봉구 우이천변길 (Dobong District Uicheon Riverside Path): A serene path lined by cherry and ginkgo trees offering breathtaking fall vistas.
These paths provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the city streets, perfect for reflection and rejuvenation.
3. Park Walks — Into the City’s Lush Autumn Green Spaces
Seoul’s many parks come alive in autumn with dazzling tree-lined paths and vibrant plantings, ideal for families and casual walkers.
Noteworthy park routes include:
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Songpanaru Neighborhood Park (Songpa District), adjacent to 석촌호수 (Seokchon Lake), where lakeside reflections amplify the fiery colors.
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Seoul Forest (Seongdong District), hosting over 600 ginkgo trees creating immersive golden canopies.
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Yongsan Family Park (Yongsan District), featuring scenic fountains, ponds, and colorful fall foliage.
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World Cup Park Hope Forest (Mapo District), where cosmos flowers and towering Metasequoia add to the seasonal spectacle.
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Namsan Park, a car-free urban oasis offering peaceful strolls with panoramic views of both nature’s colors and the city skyline.
These parks are accessible and well-equipped, making them top choices for visitors wanting leisurely and vibrant autumn experiences.
4. Neighborhood Strolling Paths — Hidden Autumn Gems
For those wishing to explore beyond popular spots, Seoul offers quiet, tree-lined alleys and forested paths in residential neighborhoods.
Examples include:
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Mokdong 9 Complex Alley (Yangcheon District): Famous for its zelkova tree tunnels and peaceful atmosphere.
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강북구 4.19길 (Gangbuk District 4.19 Road): Popular for diverse tree species including ginkgo and cherry trees, creating layered autumn colors.
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노원구 화랑로 (Nowon District Hwarang-ro): Known for extensive birch tree tunnels.
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Hoapsa Road (Geumcheon District): A scenic, wooded walkway favored by locals for peaceful autumn strolls.
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Yeouinaru Road (Yeongdeungpo District) and Godeok-ro (Gangdong District): Idyllic residential streets bathed in fall colors.
The Ginkgo Tree: Seoul’s Iconic Autumn Symbol
Ginkgo trees make up 34.7% of the city’s street trees, and their transformation into golden yellow spectacle epitomizes Seoul autumn foliage walks. The vivid yellow leaves form dazzling natural tunnels along many streets, cherished by photographers and casual stroll-seekers alike.
How to Navigate the Seoul Autumn Foliage Walks
The city promotes these autumn foliage walks with detailed route maps available on the Smart Seoul Map digital platform. Whether you want to explore by district, distance, or theme, the map provides interactive guidance for visitors and residents to customize their itineraries. For more information : Visit here www.seoul.go.kr/storyw/autumn/list.do
Tips for Enjoying Your Seoul Autumn Foliage Walks
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Dress in layers to accommodate daytime warmth and cooler evenings.
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Mornings and weekdays offer quieter trails with fewer crowds.
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Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the vibrant scenes.
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Combine your walks with visits to nearby cafes, cultural sites, or markets for a fuller city experience.
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Use public transport or shared bikes to easily access multiple trails.
Why Choose Seoul Autumn Foliage Walks in 2025?
Seoul’s vast and diverse autumn foliage walks provide an unmatched urban-nature experience. These curated 110 routes offer everything from cultural city strolls and riverside quiet to park relaxation and neighborhood charm, all blanketed in spectacular fall colors.
Whether you are a traveler planning seasonal trips to Korea or a local wanting to savor autumn’s magic, the Seoul autumn foliage walks are the perfect invitation to explore the city’s beauty, culture, and community beneath a canopy of leaves.
Plan your walks this fall for memories steeped in golden hues and crisp air, and experience Seoul in its most colorful season yet.
