There is a specific moment in Seoul when the city feels as though it has been dipped in gold and crimson. As you walk along the ancient stone walls of Deoksugung Palace, the air is crisp, and the scent of roasted chestnuts wafts from street stalls.1 Every year, millions of travelers flock to South Korea’s capital for this fleeting window of beauty. For your 2026 travel planning, understanding the timing of "Danpung" (autumn foliage) is the difference between seeing a few yellow leaves and witnessing a city-wide masterpiece.

Timing the 2026 Foliage Wave

The transformation in Seoul follows a predictable downward "wave" from the northern mountains into the heart of the city. While every year varies slightly based on temperature, 2026 projections suggest a standard peak period.

Late October: The Mountain Preview

The first splashes of color begin at the highest points. By October 15–20, Bukhansan National Park on the northern edge of Seoul will reach its peak.2 If you are a hiker, this is your time. The rugged granite peaks provide a dramatic backdrop for the first fiery red maples.

Early November: The Urban Gold Rush

This is the "Golden Window" for the city center. From November 1 to November 10, the ginkgo and maple trees within the city reach their most vibrant saturation. This is when the famous "Golden Carpets" form on the sidewalks of Myeong-dong and Samcheong-dong.

Mid-November: The Final Flourish

By November 15, the leaves begin to fall in earnest. This period, known as the "Sakura Blizzard" equivalent for autumn, is equally beautiful as the ground becomes covered in thick layers of orange and yellow. Spots like Seoul Forest stay vibrant slightly longer due to their dense clusters of trees.

Why Seoul in Autumn is Unbeatable

The Palace Reflection

While Seoul’s five grand palaces are beautiful year-round, they were designed specifically to harmonize with the seasons. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the traditional wooden architecture and colorful Dancheong patterns are perfectly complemented by the orange hues of the surrounding forest.

The Namsan Blanket

The most iconic view in the city is from the N Seoul Tower.3 From this height, you can see the entire Namsan Mountain covered in a thick blanket of autumn colors that looks like a sea of fire encircling the city’s skyscrapers.

The Silver Grass Waves

Autumn in Seoul isn't just about trees. At Haneul Park (Sky Park), the annual Silver Grass Festival takes place in late October.4 Walking through towering fields of silver reeds that glow purple and gold at sunset is a surreal experience that offers a break from the classic forest scenery.

Know Before You Go

The Insider Tip

For the most photogenic (and less crowded) ginkgo trees, head to the Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall at Sungkyunkwan University.5 This hidden historic site features a pair of 500-year-old ginkgo trees that are among the largest in the country. When they turn yellow in early November, the courtyard looks like something straight out of a historical K-drama, and entry is completely free.

Start Your Autumn Adventure

Seoul in the fall is a reminder that there is beauty in letting go. Whether you are sipping a warm yuzu tea in a traditional Hanok cafe or hiking the ridgelines of the city, the 2026 foliage season is an experience that will stay with you long after the leaves have fallen. It is the perfect time to explore the intersection of Korea’s high-tech future and its poetic, natural past.