Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. However. as Singaporeans, the only way we get to truly experience the grandeur of fall is to go somewhere further from the equator. When you think of autumn foliage, the two most common countries we think of are Korea and Japan.
I love Korea. I’ve been there around 8 times in the span of 3 years and there is so much more to the places that they introduce to you online. Aren’t you sick of scrolling through the same old articles telling you to visit Nami Island, Seoraksan or some other mountain for autumn foliage sightings?
Well, you’re in luck because today I am going to share some of my favourite places in/near Seoul where you can truly enjoy autumn sightings as well!
Seoul National University
Crowned as the top university in Korea, this university is also one of the prettiest! Because of its location, nested at the foot of Gwanak Mountain, the campus is extremely beautiful all year round. It is also home to one of the largest university libraries in the country. One good thing about Seoul National University is, because of its location, Autumn tends to “arrive earlier”. If you arrived in Korea too early for the peak autumn season, chances are, the autumn foliage in SNU is at its peak already!
Since SNU is so huge, there is an internal shuttle bus service that goes around the school, so you can admire the autumn foliage in comfort. I highly recommend the area near the library/student centre. Try to spot the famous ducks near the lake as well, they make an appearance quite often.
Not to mention, the prices for food, drinks and coffee here are slightly cheaper than regular food establishments outside.
Getting here is relatively easy – you can take Buses 5511 or 5513 from Exit 3 of Seoul National University Station (Line 2). There’s also a free shuttle bus service further down the bus stop if you wish to take it.
Deoksugung Observatory
I’m sure for seasoned Korea travellers, you’d probably been to at least one of the palaces. Deoksugung was one of my favourite places in Autumn because of the trees that just envelop the entire area into an autumn wonderland. It’s way smaller compared to Gyeongbukgung, but not in a negative way. The entrance to Deoksugung costs 1,000won and like all other palaces, if you wear hanbok, entrance is free.
However, I discovered that you could see the whole of Deoksugung from the top, for free.
This view is for free, at Jeongdong Observatory (정덩전망대)
The observatory is in a place that looks exactly like an office building from the outside and you absolutely would have no idea that you could walk in freely. It felt weird walking into the Seoul City Hall Seosumun Building (where the observatory is) looking like a tourist at first, but once you see the view, you know it was worth it.
Once you’ve entered the building, head to the 13th floor and you should see a café. You’re not obliged to buy anything here at the cafe, so just find a spot, and snap away.
The nearest subway is the City Hall Station (Line 2) and you can head out from Exit 11.
Here’s the address in Korean if you intend to search via Naver or Kakao Maps: 서울특별시 중구 덕수궁길 15
I would say this is one of the more difficult places to find on this list. (wait till you see the last place on this list)
Project On The Road (Closed)
Instead of squeezing with crowds over at Ikseon-dong, a hot trend among Koreans and foreigners recently, why not head over to Seochon where there are hidden cafes and galleries for you to explore. Personally, one of my favourite areas. Seochon is a blend of both the traditional and modern, right in the heart of Seoul.
Project On The Road is one of those cafes that face an entire stretch of bright yellow gingko trees in autumn.
My favourite spot in this café would definitely be the seat right in front of the window. Visit alone or with a friend, and spend a few hours basking in local café culture.
If you have any difficulty finding a seat, you can stroll along the streets under the gingko trees and fulfil some of your drama fantasies.
You can head to Gyeongbukgung, Daelim Museum or even continue exploring Seochon, I’m sure you’ll some hidden gems in this neighbourhood.
The nearest subway station is Gyeongbukgung Station (Line 3), Exit 3. You can search ‘프로젝트온더로드’ through Naver or Kakao Maps to find the exact location of the café.
Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest in my opinion is like a mini Nami Island.
In Autumn, the entire park is filled with life – people walking their dogs, having picnics or even simply taking walks.
They even have a mini metasequoia-line road here!
Nearby, you have the original hipster café neighbourhood – Seongsu, also known as the Brooklyn of Seoul. Café Onion is located here, and recently the famous Blue Bottle Coffee opened its first outlet in this area as well.
With such excellent food delivery services in Korea, if cafehopping is not your thing, why not enjoy some Chicken and Beer after finding the perfect picnic spot. Something I doubt we get to do a lot in Singapore.
Seoul Forest is located, well you guessed it, near Seoul Forest Station. (Bundang Line)
Café Smeltz
The last place on this list is the only place that’s located outside of Seoul. Café Smeltz is located in the city of Seongnam and is about an hour half bus ride from Hongdae.
Only opened last August, Café Smeltz has two huge glass screens with scenery that looks almost like a video you would see playing on a television in Courts. The café was built in such a way that it almost feels like you’re surrounded by nature.
One thing I love about cafes outside of Seoul – they’re usually bigger, grander. And prettier.
Finding this place was an adventure because the surroundings of this café looked almost similar to the countryside so that doubt you face upon alighting the bus/car? That’s normal.
Make sure to place 스멜츠 as your ending destination on Naver or Kakao Maps and follow the instructions closely. I’m almost 90% sure you won’t lose your way.
If not, an easier way would be taking the subway to Pangyo/Jeongja Station (Shinbudang Line) and taking a cab there.
What are some of your favourite autumn places in Seoul or Korea?
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