[K-TRAVEL], week 2 of Oct] Your Ultimate Guide to Autumn in Seoul!
📌 Table of Contents
🍂 This Week's Hot Places
Seoul in October is a dream, with the autumn foliage painting the city in breathtaking hues of red, orange, and yellow. This is the perfect time to explore the city's beautiful parks and palaces.
Haneul Park (하늘공원)
Famous for its vast silver grass fields, Haneul Park is especially beautiful in October during the Seoul Silver Grass Festival. The waving pampas grass creates a romantic and picturesque scene, perfect for your Instagram feed. You can also find pink muhly and kochia scoparia, adding more color to the landscape.
Seoul Forest (서울숲)
A sprawling park that offers a refreshing escape within the city. In autumn, the ginkgo tree forest turns a brilliant yellow, creating a stunning tunnel of gold. It's a fantastic spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or even spotting some deer.
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung is a must-visit. The vibrant colors of the palace architecture against the backdrop of autumn leaves are simply stunning. Rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) for an even more immersive experience and get free entry!
Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower (남산공원 & N서울타워)
For a panoramic view of Seoul's autumn scenery, head to Namsan Park. You can hike up or take a cable car to the N Seoul Tower. The view from the top, especially at sunset, is absolutely breathtaking. It's also famous for the "locks of love" where couples leave padlocks as a symbol of their eternal love.
🎉 This Week's Festivals
October is packed with exciting festivals in Seoul. Here are some you shouldn't miss this week!
Seoul Light Hangang Bitseom Festival (서울라이트 한강 빛섬축제)
Held from October 3rd to 12th at Ttukseom Hangang Park, this festival transforms the riverside into a mesmerizing world of light. Expect spectacular laser shows, large-scale light installations by world-renowned artists, and various performances. It's a fantastic free event to enjoy the beautiful autumn nights by the Han River.
K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)
The autumn edition of this festival takes place from October 8th to 12th at Seoul's major palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. It's a great opportunity to experience Korea's royal heritage through traditional performances, exhibitions, and hands-on programs.
Seoul Silver Grass Festival (서울억새축제)
As mentioned earlier, this festival at Haneul Park is a highlight of October in Seoul. The park usually closes at night, but during the festival, it stays open late, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautifully illuminated silver grass fields.
🎈 This Week's Events
Beyond the big festivals, there are plenty of other events happening around the city.
Seoul International Garden Show (서울정원박람회)
Running until October 20th at Boramae Park, this event showcases over 100 beautiful garden displays created by artists and citizens. This year's theme is "Seoul, Green Soul," and it's a perfect place to enjoy the autumn flowers and creative landscaping. Admission is free.
Seoul Outdoor Library (서울야외도서관)
Until November 2nd, you can enjoy reading in the open air at various locations like Seoul Plaza and Cheonggyecheon Stream. It's a unique and relaxing way to spend an autumn afternoon in the city.
🌟 Influencer's Pick
Wondering what the pros are up to? Famous travel influencer @SeoulTravelGuide recently shared their autumn trip, highlighting a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village. They recommend waking up early to stroll through the quiet, traditional alleyways as the morning sun casts a golden glow on the hanok houses. They also loved exploring the charming cafes and artisan shops in the area. Another tip was to visit the Gwangjang Market for some authentic and delicious Korean street food – a perfect way to refuel after a day of exploring.
🗺️ Suggestions for Your Travel Style
For the Nature Lover 🌳
If you love the outdoors, an autumn hike in Bukhansan National Park is a must. The trails offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains covered in fall colors. For a more relaxed experience, a bike ride along the Han River is a great way to enjoy the crisp autumn air.
For the Culture Vulture 🎭
Spend a day exploring the historic area of Insadong, known for its traditional tea houses, art galleries, and craft shops. Don't miss a visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea to learn about the history and culture of the Korean people.
For the Trendsetter 🛍️
Head to the stylish district of Gangnam for high-end shopping and people-watching. For a more youthful and eclectic vibe, explore the streets of Hongdae, famous for its indie fashion boutiques, street art, and live music performances.
💡 BonoHyung's Travel Tips
- Dress in Layers: The weather in October can be unpredictable. It's chilly in the morning and evening but can get warm during the day. Layering is key to staying comfortable.
- T-Money Card is Your Best Friend: This rechargeable smart card can be used for public transportation (subway and buses) and even in many taxis and convenience stores. It's a must-have for getting around Seoul efficiently.
- Learn a Few Korean Phrases: While many people in Seoul speak English, knowing a few basic phrases like "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello) and "Kamsahamnida" (Thank you) will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
- Stay Connected: Rent a portable Wi-Fi egg or get a local SIM card at the airport. Having constant internet access will be incredibly helpful for navigation and staying in touch.
That's all for this week's K-TRAVEL guide to Seoul! I hope you have an amazing time exploring this incredible city during its most beautiful season. Stay tuned for next week's post, and as always, happy travels!
- BonoHyung
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