Must-Visit Autumn Places in Seoul
Palaces
There are ginkgo (yellow) and maple (red) trees inside and around these palaces where you can take great autumn photos.
Pro Tip: You can enter the Seoul palaces for free if you are wearing hanbok. You can reserve for your hanbok wearing experience via Klook and get up to 5% off when you use the code: KOREAFILESKLOOK
Changdeokgung Secret Garden
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Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1997, Changdeokgung Palace houses cultural treasures like Injeongjeon Hall and the Secret Garden, a serene retreat for royalty adorned with historic pavilions and natural landscapes.
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Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
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Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, is the largest and most iconic of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul. It offers a glimpse into Korea's royal history and stunning architecture. Visitors can experience traditional ceremonies and explore the beautiful grounds and museums. If you are a relaxed sightseer, it could take you at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the palace.
Notable Kdramas filmed here:
The Story of Park's Marriage Contract (2023);
Kingdom (2019)
Temperature of Love (2017)
My Sassy Girl (2017)
Chicago Typewriter (2017)
Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-17)
Goblin (2016-17)
The Royal Gambler (2016)
Queen In-Hyun's Man (2012)
My Princess (2011)
Goong/Princess Hours (2006)
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Changgyeonggung Palace
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Changgyeonggung Palace, situated in central Seoul, served as a royal residence and secondary palace for queens and the king’s father. Originally built as Sunganggung in 1104 during the Goryeo Dynasty, it became an integral part of Seoul when it became the capital in 1392 under the Joseon Dynasty. King Taejo, the first Joseon king, temporarily resided here while Gyeongbokgung Palace was under construction nearby.
Kdramas filmed here:
Kingdom (S1, 2019)
Empress Myeongseong (2001-02)
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Parks
Namsan Mountain Park
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Namsan Park, Seoul’s largest park, offers diverse flora and fauna. Explore its scenic walking trails and spot local wildlife like squirrels. Highlights include Baekbeom Square, the Namsan Cable Car, and the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower. Don’t miss the annual cherry blossom festival in April along the Cherry Blossom Path, the city’s longest trail of cherry trees.
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Naksan Park (낙산공원)
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Naksan Park, named for its camel hump-like shape, is a granite mountain rising 100 meters above Daehangno in Seoul. It offers stunning views of the city and features remnants of an old fortress wall. Designated as one of Seoul's guardian mountains during the Joseon Dynasty, Naksan was favored by Yangban and royalty for its natural beauty and picturesque sunsets.
Kdramas filmed here:
Beauty and Mr. Romantic (2024)
Wedding Impossible (2024)
Call It Love (2023)
Twinkling Watermelon (2023)
Heartbeat (2023)
Work Later Drink Now 2 (2022-23)
The Sound of Magic (2022)
My First First Love (2019)
18 Again (2018)
Shining Inheritance (2009)
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Seoul Forest Park (서울숲)
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Seoul Forest is a royal hunting ground for kings and served as a military inspection facility in the past. It also served as Seoul’s first water purification plant in 1908. This place that is located in the neighborhood of Seongsu became a public park in 2005. It has a massive space and is the third largest park in Seoul today. Best time to visit here during spring and autumn.
Kdramas filmed here:
My Demon (2023)
Oh My Baby (2020)
Miss Independent Jieun 2 (2019)
Temperature of Love (2017)
The K2 (2016)
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Haneul Park (하늘공원)
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Visit Haneul Park, a former landfill turned into a beautiful eco-park, known for its vast grass fields and stunning views. The best time to visit here is during autumn because of it's famous silver grass and pink muhly grass. But prepare to walk uphill.
Kdramas filmed here:
Imitation (2021)
Go Back Couple (2017)
Manhole (2017)
Introverted Boss (2017)
Another Miss Oh (2016)
IRIS (2009)
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Seokchon Lake (석촌호수)
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Seokchon Lake Park, loved by Seoul's citizens, is split into West Lake and East Lake by Songpa-daero. Visitors can enjoy sights like Lotte World Adventure, Cafe Street, and Bangi-dong Food Alley. Each spring, the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival showcases the beauty of 1,100 cherry trees with stunning night lights. It's a must-visit for travelers seeking a picturesque and lively experience in Seoul.
Kdramas filmed here:
Cold Blooded Intern (2023)
Family: The Unbreakable Bond (2023)
Crash Course in Romance (2023)
Link: Eat, Love, Kill (2022)
Love With Flaws (2019-20); The Greatest Love (2011)
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Universities
Sungkyunkwan University (Humanities & Social Sciences Campus)
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Best Autumn Places Outside of Seoul
Suwon
Suwon-si
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Ancient Walled City. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon offers rich history and stunning views.
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FREE DIY TRAVEL ITINERARY
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Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm
Combine these three for a perfect day. Enjoy the romantic tree-lined paths of Nami Island, the serene beauty of the Garden of Morning Calm, and a fun rail bike ride through Gapyeong’s scenic landscapes.
Nami Island (남이섬 종합휴양지)
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Nami Island is an independent country within Korea. It is officially called The Naminara Republic. It has its own diplomatic and cultural policies and is self-governing. The citizens of the island are called the Naminarians. It even has its own national flag with a moon and compass-shaped star portraying the Oriental sentiment and environmentally-friendly image of Nami Island. Just like other countries, they also have their national anthem and passport. How cool is that? So when you visit Nami Island, you are literally in another country within a country.
Kdramas filmed here:
Twinkling Watermelon (2023)
A Time Called You (2023)
When My Love Blooms (2020)
Hi Bye, Mama! (2020)
Winter Sonata (2002)
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Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)
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Wander through the beautiful Garden of Morning Calm, a serene filming location for the following Kdramas:
My Happy Ending (2024)
Alchemy of Souls (2022)
Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021-22)
Navillera (2021)
Missing: The Other Side (2020)
Perfume (2019)
Lovely Horribly (2018)
I'm Not A Robot (2017-18)
School 2017 (2017)
Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds (2016)
She Was Pretty (2015)
Smile Again, Dong Hae (2010-11)
Mary Stayed Out All Night (2010)
You’re Beautiful (2009)
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To maximize your day, save time and energy, it is recommendable to just get a package tour instead of going here DIY.
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Everland
Everland
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Korea’s largest theme park offers thrilling rides, a beautiful zoo, and spectacular seasonal festivals. A must-visit for adventure seekers!
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Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju-si
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A food lover’s paradise known for its Hanok Village and delicious bibimbap (where it originated). Immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture & cuisine.
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FREE DIY TRAVEL ITINERARY
Soon I'll share my FREE 1-day DIY Jeonju Itinerary so make sure to subscribe to my Thatch account to be updated!
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Gyeongju
Gyeongju-si
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Often called “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju is rich with ancient relics, including Cheomseongdae and Bulguksa Temple. Perfect for history buffs!
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FREE DIY TRAVEL ITINERARY
DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS
Gyeongju is just less than 2 hours from Seoul via KTX so you can easily explore the city DIY-style even just for one day only. But if you are staying in Busan too, you may just avail any of the day tours below ⬇️
Incheon Grand Park
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Hwadam Forest
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Seoraksan National Park
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Bukhansan National Park
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Tips for Capturing Stunning Autumn Foliage Photos
💡Best Time — If you want to see the peak of autumn foliage in Korea, the best time to visit is on the first week of November. In other places, the leaves start to change colors by end of October but in Seoul, most of the gingko and maple trees change their leaves colors by first week of November.
💡Golden Hour Glow — Shoot early morning or late afternoon for softer, golden lighting. If you are shooting early morning, strategize on the places that you want to visit. For example, from the list of places mentioned in this Korea autumn guide, choose the one nearest your accommodation so you can go there as early as you can.
💡Focus on Details — Zoom in on individual leaves or textures for unique shots.
💡Play with Angles — Try low or high angles to create depth and drama. This can also help you in avoiding having photo bombers in your most awaited autumn foliage photos in Korea.
💡Frame with Nature — Use branches or leaves as natural frames for a cozy effect.
Notes:
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