Last Updated on 2025 年 9 月 7 日 by 総合編集組
2025 Korea Fall Travel Guide – Your Ultimate October Adventure
Overview
The 2025 Korea Fall Travel Guide is a comprehensive resource for travelers planning an October visit to South Korea, particularly Seoul and its surrounding areas. October is widely regarded as the ideal time to explore Korea due to its pleasant weather, vibrant autumn foliage, and a packed calendar of cultural festivals. This guide covers everything from must-visit maple-viewing spots and seasonal delicacies to accommodation options, transportation tips, and practical advice for a seamless trip.
Why Visit in October?
October in Korea offers a perfect blend of cool, comfortable weather and stunning natural beauty. Average temperatures in Seoul range from 15-20°C during the day, dropping to 8-12°C at night, with minimal rainfall and low humidity. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and festival-hopping. The month also marks the peak of Korea’s fall foliage season, with maple and ginkgo trees painting the landscapes in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows.
Top Maple-Viewing Spots
The guide highlights 10 must-visit locations in Seoul for autumn foliage, blending cultural heritage with natural beauty:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: A historic palace where crimson maples complement traditional architecture, perfect for hanbok-clad photos.
- Changdeokgung Secret Garden: A UNESCO World Heritage site with serene gardens and vibrant fall colors.
- Deoksugung Stone Wall Road: A romantic walkway lined with golden ginkgo and red maples.
- Ewha Womans University: A picturesque campus with European-style buildings and golden foliage.
- Namsan Seoul Tower: Offers panoramic views of Seoul’s autumn landscape via cable car. Other notable spots include Bukchon Hanok Village, Han River Park, and Olympic Park. For day trips, destinations like Nami Island and Pocheon Art Valley, both within 1-1.5 hours from Seoul, offer breathtaking maple scenery.
Festivals and Cultural Events
October is packed with vibrant events that showcase Korea’s cultural richness:
- Seoul International Fireworks Festival at Yeouido Han River Park features dazzling displays against the autumn skyline.
- Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) attracts film enthusiasts with screenings and celebrity appearances.
- Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival offers a magical experience with wish lanterns floating on the river.
- Jeju Olle Walking Festival (early November but relevant for October planning) combines scenic hikes with cultural performances. Seasonal food festivals, such as the Geumsan Ginseng Festival and Yangyang Pine Mushroom Festival, provide unique culinary experiences.
Culinary Delights
Fall in Korea brings seasonal specialties like roasted chestnuts, dried persimmons, and fresh crab dishes (e.g., soy-marinated crab and grilled crab). Popular dining areas include:
- Myeongdong: A tourist-friendly hub with Korean BBQ, tteokbokki, and fried chicken.
- Hongdae: A youthful district with trendy cafes and innovative dishes.
- Dongdaemun Night Market: A 24-hour food paradise offering seafood pancakes and hearty soups.
Accommodation Options
The guide recommends accommodations across budgets and regions:
- Myeongdong: Ideal for first-time visitors, with luxury options like LOTTE City Hotel and budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Hongdae: Vibrant and affordable, with stylish hotels like L7 Hongdae.
- Gangnam: Perfect for upscale travelers, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul with its lavish amenities.
Transportation and Practical Tips
Korea’s efficient public transport system makes travel a breeze. The T-money card is a must for seamless access to subways and buses, with fares starting at 1,370 KRW. The AREX train connects Incheon Airport to Seoul in 43 minutes. For intercity travel, KTX high-speed trains and buses are reliable options. Practical tips include downloading translation apps (e.g., Papago), preparing layered clothing for temperature changes, and booking accommodations early due to high demand during the fall season and holidays like Chuseok (October 5-7) and National Foundation Day (October 3).
Shopping and Fashion
October is a great time to shop for fall fashion, with Korean-style knit sweaters, trench coats, and boots trending. Myeongdong and Dongdaemun Design Plaza are top spots for cosmetics and designer goods, while Gangnam’s Garosu-gil offers boutique shopping. Tax refunds are available for purchases over 15,000 KRW.
5-Day Itinerary Example
The guide provides a sample 5-day Seoul itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive, explore Myeongdong, and visit Namsan Tower for night views.
- Day 2: Tour Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung Secret Garden, and Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Day 3: Day trip to Nami Island for maple viewing and cycling.
- Day 4: Stroll Garosu-gil, shop in Gangnam, and picnic at Han River Park.
- Day 5: Shop at Dongdaemun, handle tax refunds, and depart.
Final Notes
This guide, updated as of September 2025, equips travelers with detailed recommendations to maximize their Korean autumn adventure. Early planning is crucial, especially for accommodations and festival tickets, to ensure a smooth and memorable trip.
