[K-TRAVEL], week 1 of - Seoul's Autumn Symphony: A Guide to the City's November Charms
📌 Table of Contents
Hey K-Travelers! BonoHyung here, your go-to guide for everything hot and happening in Korea. Welcome to the first week of November! The air is crisp, the skies are clear, and Seoul is showing off its most spectacular autumn colors. The city transforms into a breathtaking palette of red, orange, and yellow, making it the perfect time for you to visit. So, grab your camera and a warm latte, because we're about to dive into the best that Seoul has to offer this week!
🍁 This Week's Hot Place: Seoul Forest's Autumn Canvas
While the palaces are always a fantastic choice, this week I urge you to get lost in the sprawling beauty of Seoul Forest (서울숲). It's a massive urban park that truly comes alive in November. It’s less crowded than some of the more famous mountains but offers some of the most stunning autumn scenery right in the heart of the city.
What to See and Do:
- Ginkgo Tree Forest: Walk through a magical tunnel of brilliant yellow ginkgo trees. The ground will be a carpet of gold, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots of the season.
- Deer Enclosure: In the Ecological Forest section, you can get up close and personal with beautiful deer. It's a serene experience, especially with the fall foliage as a backdrop.
- Mirror Pond: On a calm day, this pond perfectly reflects the vibrant trees and the sky, creating a picture-perfect moment.
How to get there: Take the subway to Seoul Forest Station (Suin-Bundang Line), and it's just a short walk from there.
🎉 Unmissable Festivals & Events
November in Seoul is buzzing with activities as the city gears up for winter. Here are a couple of events you shouldn't miss this week:
Seoul Lantern Festival (서울 빛초롱축제)
Typically starting in early November, the Seoul Lantern Festival illuminates the Cheonggyecheon Stream with hundreds of intricate and beautiful paper lanterns. Each year has a different theme, often showcasing Korean history, fairy tales, or modern life. Strolling along the stream in the evening, surrounded by the warm glow of the lanterns, is a truly magical experience. Keep an eye on the official announcements for exact dates, but it's expected to kick off around this time.
Early Christmas Displays
Believe it or not, Seoul starts its Christmas celebrations early! Major department stores like Shinsegae and The Hyundai Seoul often unveil their spectacular Christmas lights and themed villages from the very first week of November. Head to Myeongdong or Yeouido to be among the first to soak in the festive holiday spirit.
🌟 Influencer's Pick: A Hidden Gem
I was recently watching a vlog by the famous travel influencer @SeoulWanderer, and she shared her trip to Samcheong-dong (삼청동길). While it's near the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace, this area has a unique, tranquil charm. It's known for its long road flanked by beautiful, mature ginkgo trees, creating a golden canopy.
The neighborhood is a delightful maze of narrow alleyways filled with art galleries, cozy cafes, and unique artisan shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping traditional tea, browsing local art, and enjoying the autumn atmosphere away from the biggest crowds. It perfectly blends traditional Korean aesthetics with a modern, artistic vibe.
🧭 Seoul for Every Traveler
For the Solo Explorer 🧘
Enjoy some peaceful solitude with a walk along the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway (덕수궁 돌담길). It's famously beautiful in the fall and provides a moment of calm in the bustling city. Afterwards, dive into the trendy neighborhood of Seongsu-dong, known for its industrial-chic cafes and art spaces.
For the Romantic Couple ❤️
Take the cable car up to N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for a panoramic sunset view of the city ablaze in autumn colors. The hiking trails around the mountain are especially romantic during this season. You can even leave a "lock of love" at the top as a symbol of your affection.
For the Family Fun Crew 👨👩👧👦
Olympic Park is an excellent choice for families. With vast open spaces, playgrounds, and beautiful scenery like a field of cosmos flowers, there's plenty of room for kids to run around and for parents to relax and enjoy the fall views. Renting a family bicycle is a great way to explore the entire park.
💡 BonoHyung's K-Travel Hacks
- Navigate Like a Local: Google Maps doesn't work well for walking or driving directions in Korea. Download Naver Map or Kakao Maps. They are lifesavers and will give you the most accurate routes for subways, buses, and walking.
- Cash is Still Handy: While credit cards are widely accepted, you'll still need cash (Korean Won) for topping up your T-money transportation card and for buying delicious street food at traditional markets.
- Dress in Layers: November weather can be tricky. Mornings and evenings are chilly, but afternoons can be pleasantly mild. Dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable all day long.
- Free Palace Entry: Want to feel like you're in a K-drama? Rent a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) near the main palaces like Gyeongbokgung. Wearing one grants you free admission!
That's a wrap for this week's K-Travel guide! I hope you're feeling inspired to explore the autumn magic of Seoul. Get out there, make some incredible memories, and don't forget to enjoy every moment of this beautiful season.
Until next time, travel safely and stay adventurous!
- BonoHyung
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