Seoul’s Autumn Palette: Four Unmissable Foliage Trails

[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] As autumn deepens, Seoul begins to take on a subtle crimson hue. The peak foliage season, kicking off in earnest from mid-October, is now building toward its climax.

The Seoul Tourism Foundation (서울관광재단) has curated four standout foliage trails in the city—spots that capture the essence of fall in ways you won't experience any other time of year. From the strolling paths of Namsan to the ridgelines of Dobongsan, these are all easily accessible by subway or bus. Why not step away from the daily grind and let the rhythm of your footsteps guide you through the season?

Bukhansan Daenammun Course: Seoul's Iconic Mountain Retreat

Bukhansan (북한산), often hailed as Seoul's premier mountain destination, offers one of the most immersive autumn experiences along its Daenammun (대남문) course. Perched at the northern edge of the city like a vast screen, the mountain's ridges rise like ancient ramparts encircling the urban sprawl. While the Baegundae (백운대) trail is the most famous, the Daenammun route steals the show in fall, with its dense canopy of red and gold rivaling the vibrancy of Seoraksan (설악산).

The course starts at the Bukhansan Fortress Visitor Center (북한산성 탐방지원센터). It shares the initial stretch to Daeseomun (대서문) with the Baegundae path before branching off toward Daenammun. Bukhansan is known for its granite peaks, weathered over eons into dramatic formations, but this section follows a gentler valley, making it relatively easygoing. It's ideal for beginners who want to savor the foliage at a leisurely pace.

The most stunning stretch runs from near Daeseomun to Junghungsa Temple (중흥사), where red and yellow leaves blanket the path, slowing every step with their beauty. From Junghungsa to Daenammun, the incline picks up a bit, but it's manageable. Reaching Munsusa Temple (문수사) near Daenammun rewards you with sweeping views of Bukhansan's peaks juxtaposed against the distant Seoul skyline—a scene straight out of a traditional landscape painting.

The ascent from the starting point through Daeseomun and Junghungsa to Daenammun takes about three hours, with the descent toward Gugigye Valley (구기계곡) adding another hour and a half. Plan for a full five-hour hike to enjoy it without rushing.


Dobongsan Mangwolsa Course: A Mountain Draped in Silk

Dobongsan (도봉산) and its Mangwolsa (망월사) course evoke a mountain cloaked in silken robes, with fall colors at their most vivid. Facing Bukhansan across the Ui Pass (우이령), Dobongsan sits about 100 meters lower but matches it in rugged terrain and steep grades. The best-known route starts at Dobongsan Station (도봉산역), climbing to Sinseondae Peak (신선대) and back in three to four hours—perfect for weekend hikers. Though short, it's steep and demanding, yet the ever-changing seasonal vistas make it worthwhile.

In autumn, the entire mountain erupts in a riot of reds and oranges, creating a tapestry of splendor. The Mangwolsa trail hugs a stream, ideal for foliage gazing. Listen to the water's murmur as you amble along, pausing on an inviting rock for a breather, and before you know it, you've arrived at the temple.

From Mangwolsa, gazing toward Yeongsanjeon Hall (영산전) reveals Dobongsan's towering peaks framed by cascading crimson leaves—a breathtaking sight. The path onward to Podae Ridge (포대능선) grows tougher, with steeper slopes that test your stamina. If you're not a regular hiker or want to conserve energy, turning back at Mangwolsa is a fine option.

The ridge to Sinseondae features plenty of rocky sections, so sturdy hiking boots are essential—the path can be slick and unforgiving. The notorious "Y Valley" (Y계곡) involves scrambling down and up sheer rock faces, a high-risk area prone to accidents. Novices should opt for the safer detour to reach the summit.

Conquering the jagged peaks to stand atop Sinseondae delivers panoramic rewards: valleys ablaze with foliage below, Seoul's cityscape unfolding in the distance, and Bukhansan's ridges layering the horizon. Finding such grandeur right in the heart of a metropolis is Dobongsan's greatest draw.



Bugaksan and Inwangsan Hanyangdoseong Trail: Walking History's Walls in Autumn

The Hanyangdoseong (한양도성) trails along Bugaksan (북악산) and Inwangsan (인왕산) blend architectural heritage with fall foliage, offering a quintessentially Seoul autumn experience. These mountains are laced with the ancient city walls, where every step echoes with history. Beyond the battlements, the city's skyline peeks through a veil of colorful leaves, high-rises mingling with seasonal hues.

The Bugaksan segment begins at Waryong Park (와룡공원) and leads to Malbawi Information Center (말바위 안내소). Early on, the Malbawi Observatory (말바위 전망대) overlooks Seongbuk-dong (성북동) and Samcheonggak (삼청각), districts painted in vivid autumn tones—a hidden slice of nature amid the urban buzz. After picking up an entry pass at the center, the real trail unfolds along the walls. A highlight is the Gokjang Observatory (곡장 전망대), opened in November 2020, boasting 360-degree views: Bukhansan to the north, Lotte Tower (롯데타워) to the east, and Namsan to the south. The fusion of foliage and cityscape deepens your appreciation for Seoul's layered palette.

Inwangsan is rockier and more challenging than Bugaksan, but it delivers the grandest city panoramas. With craggy peaks lining the ridge, the trail can be slippery—hiking boots are a must. Start at Yun Dong-ju Literature Hall (윤동주문학관) and descend to Sajikdan (사직단) or via Suseongdong Valley (수성동계곡) in Seochon (서촌). The initial climb to the ridge follows decked stairs along the walls, keeping things secure.

At the summit ridge, the vista stretches from Gwanghwamun (광화문) to Namsan in the south, with western Seoul's core sprawling below. The walls snake along the peaks, backed by dense skyscrapers—a vivid emblem of Seoul's 2,000-year evolution, where ancient fortifications meet modern ambition. On this path, you feel as if you're traversing time itself.




Namsan North Side Circular Road: A Foliage Path for Everyone

Namsan (남산) reveals its most vibrant face in autumn, with slopes awash in reds and yellows, transforming the mountain into a massive canvas of color. While many flock to the iconic N Seoul Tower (N서울타워), the true fall magic lies on the North Side Circular Road (북측순환로), away from the summit crowds. Here, leaves form a kaleidoscopic tunnel, accented by babbling streams that amplify the seasonal charm.

Designed as a barrier-free path, it's accessible to all—strollers and wheelchairs included. Glimpses of N Seoul Tower through the foliage add to the delight. Entry points are at the National Theater of Korea (국립극장) or the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Central Park and Greenery Office (중부공원녹지사업소). From the theater, it's about 3.3 kilometers to Soparo (소파로); from the office, roughly 1.5 kilometers. Along the way, you'll pass the Jo Ji-hun Stele (조지훈 시비) and Waryongmyo Shrine (와룡묘), leading to Soparo and then Sollo (소월로) toward Baekbeom Square (백범광장).

At the square's edge, a segment of Hanyangdoseong's Namsan stretch appears, framed by towering buildings—a striking snapshot of Seoul's past and present. Tucked in the city center near Seoul Station (서울역) and Sungnyemun (숭례문), it's surprisingly serene, like a tranquil island in the urban sea.

If time allows, linger until dusk for the night views. Standing by the walls with N Seoul Tower aglow feels like witnessing a soft beacon piercing the twilight. Turn toward the city, and the unending lights paint yet another portrait of Seoul. Namsan's North Side Circular Road harmonizes nature's hues with urban glow, making it the city's most romantic autumn stroll.

Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr

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