From Seoul Parks to Mountain Trails: Korea’s 2025 Autumn Trend

From Seoul Parks to Mountain Trails: Korea’s 2025 Autumn Trend

 

When autumn arrives in Korea, the entire country transforms into a painting of gold, crimson, and amber. It’s not just a season—it’s an emotion. In 2025, Korean autumn travel has evolved into a full sensory experience, combining nature, food, and tradition in ways that captivate both locals and foreign visitors. From the maple-lined streets of Seoul to the misty peaks of Seoraksan, fall is when Korea reveals its most graceful side.

 

This guide takes you through Korea’s most iconic autumn landscapes—places where you can stroll among falling leaves, taste roasted chestnuts from street vendors, and hear temple bells echo through mountain valleys. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a seasoned explorer, these destinations offer more than scenery—they capture the quiet poetry of Korean life.

Seoul’s Urban Autumn: Parks, Palaces, and Coffee Streets

Autumn in Seoul feels like a warm conversation between city and nature. Start your morning at Namsan Park, where trails wind up toward the iconic N Seoul Tower. As you climb, you’ll see the city skyline framed by fiery maple trees and golden ginkgo leaves. Locals often bring simple lunches—kimbap rolls and hot tea—to enjoy on wooden benches overlooking the Han River. It’s the perfect way to see how urban life slows down when fall arrives.

 

Another must-see is Changdeokgung Palace. Its secret garden, known as Huwon, is breathtaking in October. The reflection of red maple leaves on the pond near Buyongjeong Pavilion feels like a living watercolor painting. You can book an English-guided tour online (₩10,000 / about $7.50), and the best time is late afternoon when sunlight filters through the old zelkova trees. It’s calm, cinematic, and deeply Korean.

 

After your palace walk, head to Samcheong-dong or Buam-dong for a cozy café break. These hilly neighborhoods are filled with vintage-style tea houses and modern dessert cafés. Try Insadong’s “Tteuran” for traditional tea served with chestnut sweets, or visit Café Onion Anguk where hanok architecture meets minimalist design. In the evening, stroll along Hangang Park—October sunsets there paint the sky in copper and pink, while buskers play acoustic music. Seoul in autumn is quiet yet full of heartbeat.

Mountain Trails and Forest Escapes: Korea’s Autumn Hiking Culture

Hiking is practically a national pastime in Korea, and autumn is the season when it shines brightest. The most famous trail is Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon Province. Located about 2.5 hours from Seoul by bus, it offers panoramic cable car rides and crisp forest air scented with pine and soil. The Biseondae Rock Trail is beginner-friendly, leading to a crystal-clear stream surrounded by bright yellow and red leaves. For serious hikers, the Daecheongbong Peak route provides a rewarding sunrise view that feels almost spiritual.

 

If you prefer a less crowded experience, head to Naejangsan National Park in Jeolla Province—famous for having the most intense fall foliage in Korea. The maple tunnel near the temple gate is so stunning it’s often compared to Kyoto’s Arashiyama. Arrive early morning (around 8 a.m.) to avoid tour buses, and bring cash for the small cable car that offers a breathtaking aerial view of the valley.

 

For those who want a hiking experience closer to the city, Bukhansan National Park in northern Seoul offers easy access via subway. Trails like Baegundae or Ui-dong Course attract locals of all ages. After the hike, it’s tradition to reward yourself with pajeon (green onion pancake) and makgeolli (rice wine) at nearby mountain-side restaurants. It’s more than a meal—it’s a post-hike ritual that blends food, laughter, and community. Autumn hiking in Korea is not just exercise; it’s culture in motion.

Festivals, Flavors, and Local Experiences

Beyond nature, autumn in Korea is celebrated through its festivals and seasonal foods. The Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival (held in October) transforms the Nam River into a glowing sea of floating lanterns—symbolizing wishes for love and peace. In Andong, the Mask Dance Festival celebrates ancient folk theater with colorful costumes and traditional drums echoing through the night. These events give travelers a glimpse of Korea’s cultural depth and joyful spirit.

 

Food also defines the season. Street vendors sell roasted sweet potatoes (gun-goguma) wrapped in newspaper, steaming fish cake soup (odeng-guk), and hot hodugwaja (walnut-shaped pastries filled with red bean). Farmers’ markets fill with apples from Gyeongsang, pears from Naju, and persimmons from Goryeong. Pair these with a cup of warm citron tea (yujacha)—a comfort that tastes like sunshine in a cup.

 

For a more local experience, take a train on the Gyeongjeon Line from Seoul to Gwangju. The view outside your window will shift from concrete towers to terraced rice fields, golden ginkgo groves, and foggy rivers. In small towns, you can rent bicycles and ride under archways of maple leaves, or visit hanok stays where the scent of wood smoke lingers in the evening air. This slower pace embodies the essence of Korean autumn: peace without silence, beauty without effort.

Summary: The Heartbeat of Autumn in Korea

Autumn in Korea is more than a visual feast—it’s a gentle rhythm that connects people with the land. From Seoul’s ginkgo-lined boulevards to Jeolla’s maple mountains, the season invites you to slow down and notice life’s details: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the distant temple bells, the laughter over a shared meal.

 

If you visit in 2025, remember this: don’t rush your itinerary. Sit under a ginkgo tree, sip a warm drink, and simply watch the light change. That’s when you’ll understand what Koreans mean when they say, “Autumn is the season when the heart breathes.” It’s not just about where you go—it’s about how softly you let the season touch you.