As autumn arrives, Seoul is transformed by colorful foliage. Even without travelling long distances, people can enjoy the season in parks, walking trails, palaces, and university campuses throughout the city. This article introduces six places where visitors can enjoy autumn in Seoul, from destinations near SeoulTech to historic sites and popular tourist attractions.

Hwarangdae Railroad Park



Enjoying Autumn Near Campus

First, Hwarangdae Railroad Park and the Buramsan Dulle-gil are two autumn destinations located close to SeoulTech.

Hwarangdae Railroad Park is located around the former Hwarangdae Station, once the last small railway station in Seoul. The station opened in 1939 with the opening of the Gyeongchun Line, and the station grounds were later transformed into a park after train services ended. Today, visitors can see the old railway tracks and trains while walking through the park, which offers a unique atmosphere that combines history and nature.

The park becomes especially attractive in autumn, when the trees around the railway turn colorful. Walking along the old tracks while enjoying the fallen leaves offers a different experience from an ordinary park. The area is also suitable for taking photos or simply enjoying a quiet walk. It is a good choice for students who want to experience autumn without travelling far from campus.

The Buramsan Dulle-gil is another nearby option for those who want to get closer to nature. Located around Buramsan Mountain, the trail offers several walking and hiking routes. It is relatively easy to access from Sanggye Station on Line 4, and visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Cheoljjuk Hill and the Butterfly Garden.

The trail offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, but autumn is an especially good time to visit because of the colorful foliage along the paths. Some trails are relatively gentle, making them suitable even for people who do not regularly hike. Visitors can choose a shorter route according to their fitness level and enjoy a relaxing walk surrounded by nature.

While Hwarangdae Railroad Park allows visitors to experience autumn alongside railway history, the Buramsan Dulle-gil offers a more natural setting. Since both places are located relatively close to SeoulTech, they are convenient choices for students who want to enjoy the season without going far.

An Autumn Steeped in History

For those who want to experience autumn along with the history of Seoul, Chundangji Pond at Changgyeonggung Palace and the ginkgo trees in front of Myeongnyundang Hall at Sungkyunkwan University are great places to visit. Since they are located close to each other, visitors can easily enjoy both in one day.

Located inside Changgyeonggung Palace, Chundangji Pond is especially beautiful in autumn. Red and yellow leaves are reflected on the calm water, creating a peaceful view.



Chundangji is not only known for its scenery. The site of the larger pond was once a royal farm where crops were grown. During the Japanese colonial period, Changgyeonggung was renamed Changgyeongwon and transformed into a public recreation area with a zoo and a botanical garden. This transformation changed the character and layout of the palace. During this process, the former farming area was converted into a pond, contributing to the Chundangji we see today.



After visiting Changgyeonggung, visitors can walk to Myeongnyundang Hall at Sungkyunkwan University. The huge ginkgo trees in front of the hall are believed to be about 500 years old. In autumn, the leaves turn bright yellow and fall to the ground, creating a beautiful view with the surrounding Giwa, which is a traditional Korean roof tile.



Myeongnyundang was the main lecture hall of Sungkyunkwan, the highest educational institution in the Joseon Dynasty. The ginkgo trees are also associated with education and learning. According to tradition, Confucius taught his students beneath a ginkgo tree. Since then, the ginkgo tree has come to symbolize learning and education throughout East Asia.

With both history and nature, these two places offer a quiet break from the busy city. Rather than simply setting out to enjoy the autumn, visit a place rich in history and experience the season on a deeper level.

Seoul’s Classic Autumn Walks

Finally, Namsan Dulle-gil and the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway are good choices for visitors who want to experience the autumn atmosphere of central Seoul. Both are popular destinations and offer a combination of nature, history, and the city’s urban scenery.

Although Namsan Dulle-gil is located in the middle of the city, the trail offers plenty of greenery and seasonal scenery. In autumn, colorful foliage covers parts of the trail, creating a contrast between nature and the surrounding cityscape.

One advantage of Namsan Dulle-gil is that visitors can choose how much of the trail they want to walk. Those looking for a long hike can explore several sections, while those who prefer a shorter walk can choose a smaller route. It is a good option for people who want to enjoy autumn foliage while also taking in views of the city from Namsan.

For a more relaxed urban walk, the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway is another popular choice. The walkway runs alongside Deoksugung Palace and is known for its traditional stone walls and surrounding trees. During autumn, the colorful foliage adds to the atmosphere of the historic street.

The area also offers a unique combination of old and new Seoul. Visitors can see the traditional palace and stone walls while surrounded by modern city buildings and the historic Jeong-dong area.

From quiet walks near campus to historic sites and famous tourist attractions, Seoul offers many ways to enjoy autumn without travelling far. Whether you prefer railway history, mountain trails, traditional architecture, or the city’s urban scenery, there is an autumn destination for everyone. This fall, why not start close to home and discover Seoul in a new seasonal landscape?

 

Reporters

Jiyun Bae

jenneybae@g.seoultech.ac.kr

Sieun Jeon

cherryjeon@seoultech.ac.kr

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