Seoul fall foliage 2026: peak dates and where to see autumn leaves in the city

Peak color is forecast for late October. Here's when to go and the easiest leaf walks in central Seoul, no hiking needed.

SEASON · UPDATED 2026-10-09

Deoksugung in autumn · Photo: travel oriented (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Peak

Late October 2026 (forecast)

Ginkgo

Around Oct 30

Maple

Around Oct 31

Easiest walk

Deoksugung stone-wall road · City Hall Stn

2026 forecast

1. GINKGOAround Oct 30

   Yellow ginkgo peak, Korea Forest Service nationwide forecast.

2. MAPLEAround Oct 31

   Red maple and oak peak. Mountains in the north of the country turn first.

3. NOTEForecasts move

   Warm or rainy weeks can shift the peak by several days. Check the week before you go.

Getting there

1. SUBWAYCity Hall Station (Line 1 / Line 2)

   Deoksugung Palace is right by the station. The stone-wall road runs along its wall.

   덕수궁 돌담길CopyGoogle Maps

Make it a half day (our route)

1. 1Deoksugung stone-wall road

   Ginkgo-lined walk along the palace wall. Free.

   덕수궁 돌담길CopyGoogle Maps
2. 2Jeongdong-gil

   Keep walking for the red-brick church under the trees.

   서울 중구 정동길CopyGoogle Maps
3. 3Inside Deoksugung

   Palace grounds next door. Check opening hours and entry on the day.

Say it in Korean (show this screen)

1. SAYWhere is the stone-wall road?

   dol-dam-gil eo-di-ye-yo?

   돌담길 어디예요?Copy
2. SAYCan you take a photo of me?

   sa-jin jom jji-geo ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?

   사진 좀 찍어 주시겠어요?Copy
3. SAYWhich way to City Hall Station?

   si-cheong-yeok eo-neu jjok-i-e-yo?

   시청역 어느 쪽이에요?Copy

Local tips

• Go on a weekday morning for emptier paths (our tip).
• Late October weekends are the busiest time on Seoul's leaf walks (our tip).
• Forecasts are nationwide; trees in the city center can be a few days off.

FAQ

Sources: SBS Biz: Korea Forest Service 2026 foliage forecast · Kormedi: 2026 foliage outlook

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