20 Must-See Spots for Autumn Foliage and Ginkgo Trees in Seoul
In Seoul, autumn transforms not only the palaces but also ordinary streets and parks into stunning displays of maple leaves and ginkgo leaves.
We have organized 20 locations into four themes, from traditional atmospheres (palaces and Bukchon) to romantic tree-lined streets and large parks.
Check out the best photo spots, tips for getting around, and precautions to take while shooting.
Where are the best spots for maple and ginkgo leaves near Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung?
The palaces and old alleys, with stone walls, hanoks, and ancient trees, tend to showcase autumn colors more vividly. Especially when the ginkgo trees turn yellow, the contrast with the traditional background makes for great photos.
This area is recommended as a ‘course for taking many photos in a short time’ as it is easy to walk around and visit several spots. However, it may be crowded on weekends, so visiting early is advantageous.
- Sungkyunkwan (Myeongnyundang) Ginkgo Tree (Myeongnyundang Ginkgo Tree)
- Ginkgo Tree at Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbokgung Ginkgo Tree)
- Hyoja-ro (25 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul)
- Changdeokgung Gyujanggak (Changdeokgung Gyujanggak)
- Changdeokgung-gil (47 Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu)
- Jeongdok Library (Jongno-gu Jeongdok Library)
Where are the most romantic ginkgo tree paths and autumn foliage roads in Seoul?
Garosu-gil is a place where 'the road itself becomes the frame,' making it easy to take both landscape and portrait photos. After the ginkgo leaves fall, you can capture shots of the ground that looks like a yellow carpet, and during the peak season, you can aim for a tree tunnel effect.
There are many sections with vehicle traffic, so safety is the top priority while shooting. In areas where the sidewalk is narrow, using tripods and equipment can obstruct pedestrian traffic, so it's better to shoot quickly with simple gear.
- Jeongdong-gil (26 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu)
- Jahamun-ro (60 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu)
- Changui-mun-ro Section 1 (138 Changui-mun-ro, Jongno-gu)
- Changui-mun-ro Section 2 (143-1 Changui-mun-ro, Jongno-gu)
- Sowol-ro (168 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu)
- 4.19-ro (105 4.19-ro, Gangbuk-gu)
- Gangdong-daero (143-48 Gangdong-daero)
- Songjeong Jeobang-gil (Songjeong Jeobang-gil)
Where can you leisurely enjoy autumn foliage and ginkgo leaves in a park?
A spacious park is perfect for a 'half-day course' as you can enjoy walking, picnicking, and photography all at once. It is also suitable for families or travelers who want to avoid crowded urban areas.
The park is large, so the route can vary greatly depending on where you enter. It's best to decide on your destination (such as the Ginkgo Tree Forest, lake, museum, etc.) before entering to save energy and time.
- Seoul Forest
- Olympic Park
- Children's Grand Park
- Hanseong Baekje Museum
Want to take autumn photos in Seoul from a ‘unique angle’?
The combination of ‘aerial views of the city + autumn colors’ can create a completely different atmosphere even in the same location. Overpasses and viewpoints that capture the lines of the road and the colors of the street trees can yield visually appealing shots for both video and photography.
Café view points allow for seated photography, making them highly useful even on days with uncertain weather. However, it’s important to adhere to in-store photography regulations and to shoot briefly without disrupting other customers' movements.
| Point | Advantages | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Noksapyeong Overpass | Great for capturing urban roads + autumn colors from a high angle | Prioritize pedestrian safety, avoid shooting outside the railing |
| Café view (Starbucks Café) | You can comfortably take photos with a view of the trees indoors. | Check the store's photography regulations and be careful not to obstruct seats or aisles. |
| Palaces/Stone Wall Paths (Hyoja-ro, Jeongdong-gil, etc.) | The contrast between traditional backgrounds and autumn colors is striking. | During busy times, take quick photos and be careful not to disrupt pedestrian flow. |
| Large parks (Seoul Forest, Olympic Park, etc.) | You can walk and take photos at the same time, making it a nice place to stay. | The area is spacious, so planning your route is essential. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are the best spots for photos with ginkgo leaves?
According to reference materials, Hyoja-ro, Jeongdong-gil, the area around Changdeokgung (Kyujanggak/Changdeokgung-gil), Sungkyunkwan (Myeongnyundang), Gyeongbokgung, and Seoul Forest are mentioned as photo points.
If I want to visit several places in one day, which ones should I group together?
The palace and Bukchon area (Gyeongbokgung/Hyoja-ro/Changdeokgung-gil/Jeongdok Library) are good to see on foot, while the park area (Seoul Forest or Olympic Park/Children's Grand Park) is suitable for a longer stay at one location.
What should I be most careful about when taking photos on the street?
On roads with vehicle traffic, avoid entering the roadway and minimize the time spent standing at the edge of the sidewalk. During busy times, take photos from a location that does not obstruct pedestrian flow.
Can I take pictures of the street view from the café?
Whether it's allowed may vary depending on the store's policy. Be careful not to capture the faces of other customers, and it's best to avoid taking photos for extended periods near aisles or seating areas.
This content is intended for general informational purposes and may vary based on individual travel routes and on-site conditions. Please check the operating status and safety guidelines before your visit.