Make Your Korean Autumn Trip One to Envy: Seoul Attractions and Things to Do In and Around the City

If you're planning a Korea trip this fall, take a look at FanWork's picks for autumn spots and things to do in and around Seoul.

Here are three of the best Seoul attractions and nearby destinations, where you can soak in beautiful scenery and the feel of Korea, along with FanTrip experiences that make each stop even more special.

Quick Summary

• Three autumn spots in and around Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village, Huwon (the Secret Garden) at Changdeokgung Palace, and Nami Island.

• A FanTrip experience to go with each: Gayageum & Hanbok Experience: Learn Traditional Music in Seoul; Seoul Adventure: Hidden Spots, K-Pop Missions & Fan Challenges; and Nami Island Day Trip: Korean Nature & Culture Escape.

• Autumn foliage in Seoul usually runs from late October to mid-November. For exact peak dates, check the Korea Forest Service foliage forecast before you visit.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village

Gyeongbokgung is a palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910, Korea's last dynasty). Wide courtyards and grand halls stretch out beneath sweeping tiled roofs and ornate dancheong (traditional painted patterns). Taking hanbok photos with the palace as your backdrop is a keepsake travelers love.

In Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional hanok houses cluster together, you can see the modern city rising beyond the tiled rooftops. Past and present overlap in a single view, so a walk here can feel like stepping back in time. Ginkgo and maple trees wrapping around the rooftops make for a beautiful scene.

Recommended FanTrip: Gayageum & Hanbok Experience: Learn Traditional Music in Seoul

After Gyeongbokgung, enjoy nearby Bukchon on this FanTrip. You'll put on hanbok, stroll through the hanok alleys, and learn the gayageum in a hanok.

No musical background is needed, because your instructor guides you step by step. The scenery from the alleys carries over into the melody you play yourself, so you'll remember it by sound as well as by photos.

Details: 10:00 AM start / About 80-minute gayageum lesson / Entry to one hanok / Hanbok rental included / Taught in English and Korean / Host accompanies / 2 to 8 people

See this FanTrip →

2. Huwon (the Secret Garden) at Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to Huwon, a beautiful garden that once served as a royal retreat. Follow the walking paths among tall trees and you'll come upon quiet ponds and pavilions.

In autumn, red and golden leaves reflect gently on the pond, creating a scene like a painting. It is one of the loveliest foliage spots in Seoul.

After your visit, head to nearby Jongno. Walking past quiet hanok and old alleyways lets you enjoy Seoul's autumn even more deeply.

• Admission to Huwon is not included in the FanTrip.

Recommended FanTrip: Seoul Adventure: Hidden Spots, K-Pop Missions & Fan Challenges

This FanTrip takes place in Jongno, where Changdeokgung is located. Team up with a Local Buddy (a Korean local who knows Seoul well), solve missions to uncover hidden spots in Seoul, and enjoy a café experience along the way.

• The course changes every month, and the meeting point may vary by area, such as Hongdae, Jongno or Seongsu.

Details: 10:00 AM departure / Local Buddy accompanies / Café experience included / Taught in English and Korean / 2 to 9 people

See this FanTrip →

3. Nami Island (Day Trip from Seoul)

Nami Island is a nature, ecology and culture space built around the concept of "Fairy-Tale Land, Island of Songs," and it has steadily hosted cultural events, concerts and exhibitions.

Once you know your way around Seoul, head out of the city. You reach Nami Island by boat after traveling from Seoul.

On the island, the metasequoia paths (conifers that turn coppery orange), ginkgo avenues and riverside trails change color throughout autumn.

If you love the drama Winter Sonata, you can also look for its filming locations.

Make Memories with a FanTrip: Nami Island Day Trip: Korean Nature & Culture Escape

Enjoy nature on the island, then treat yourself to something to eat.

Take the boat to Nami Island and stroll leisurely along the tree-lined paths and the riverside. Then head to Jat Hyanggi Pureun Village in Gapyeong, east of Seoul, to make injeolmi, a traditional Korean rice cake coated in nutty roasted soybean powder.

Details: Departs Hapjeong Station at 8:00 AM, back in Seoul around 6:30 PM / Nami Island admission and ferry fare included / Round-trip transportation from Seoul / Injeolmi-making experience / Taught in English / Host accompanies / 8 to 20 people

See this FanTrip →

Experience Seoul and Nami Island Together!

Day 1 – After exploring Gyeongbokgung, join Gayageum & Hanbok Experience: Learn Traditional Music in Seoul, where you'll wear hanbok in Bukchon and play the gayageum yourself.

Day 2 – Leave the city for the Nami Island Day Trip: Korean Nature & Culture Escape. A leisurely walk in beautiful nature shows you a side of Korea that is very different from Seoul.

In just two days, you can take in history, traditional culture and nature for a richer trip to Korea.

Check each product's detail page for exact schedules and availability.

Korea Trip Tips for Korean Autumn

October: A light jacket for the temperature swing between day and night

November: A warm coat

Shoes: Comfortable shoes with good grip, since you'll walk a lot and may step on fallen leaves

FAQ for Travelers

Q. What is a FanTrip?

A. FanTrips are hands-on travel programs run by FanWork. Through FanTrips, you can book a variety of experiences and tours related to K-culture and K-pop.

Q. How can I be notified when a closed FanTrip opens?

A. Sign up for alerts using the link at the bottom of this post, and you can book as soon as new dates are posted.

Q. Can I join a FanTrip on my own?

A. Yes, solo travelers can sign up. Each FanTrip runs once it reaches its minimum number of participants, so check the minimum on the product page.

Q. Can I join as a group?

A. Yes, as long as you stay within each FanTrip's maximum capacity. If you're curious about more group products, see our group travel post (Topic 4).

https://fanwork.kr/fantrip/travel-contents/190

Q. Where do I book Huwon tickets at Changdeokgung?

A. They aren't included in the FanTrip, and because entry is timed, you need to reserve them separately in advance. You can book on the official Changdeokgung website (the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center's integrated reservation system).

Q. Is lunch included?

A. Lunch is not included in Gayageum & Hanbok Experience: Learn Traditional Music in Seoul, so you'll have lunch on your own during the lunch break. Seoul Adventure: Hidden Spots, K-Pop Missions & Fan Challenges doesn't include food or drinks other than the café experience. Nami Island Day Trip: Korean Nature & Culture Escape doesn't include meals, drinks or snacks other than the injeolmi-making experience.

Booking and Cancellation

Q. What is the cancellation policy?

A. Full refund up to 7 days before the date, 50% refund 6 to 3 days before, and no refund from 2 days before through the day of the trip or for no-shows.

Q. What happens if the minimum number of participants isn't reached?

A. We'll email you 3 days before the date and give you a full refund.

We'll Tell You First When New FanTrips Open!

Find more dates on FanWork FanTrip. We'll notify you when upcoming dates and new dates open.

Get FanTrip Open Alerts →

2026.10.27 · By the FanWork Team