Where to Visit in Seoul This Fall: Discover Seochon and Samcheong-dong’s Autumn Magic
Seoul’s Most Beautiful Season
There’s something truly special about autumn in Seoul. The heat of summer fades, the sky turns bright blue, and the city bursts into shades of gold, red, and orange. The air feels crisp, the parks glow with color, and even the smallest alleys become picture-perfect.
While there are many places to visit in Seoul during fall — from Namsan Tower to Hangang Park — two areas stand out for their quiet charm and rich history: Seochon and Samcheong-dong. Both neighborhoods sit near Gyeongbokgung Palace, and both capture a side of Seoul that feels timeless.
If you’re looking for a day full of photo-worthy streets, cozy cafés, and beautiful autumn walks, Seochon and Samcheong-dong are where you’ll find the heart of Seoul’s fall season.
♪‧₊˚ Today’s Stop :
Seochon & Samcheong-dong .☘︎ ݁˖
Seochon — The Hidden Gem Beside Gyeongbokgung
Where Tradition and Everyday Life Meet
Located to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seochon (서촌) is one of Seoul’s oldest neighborhoods. The name literally means “West Village,” and it perfectly describes the area’s peaceful, local charm. Unlike tourist-heavy districts, Seochon still feels lived-in — a place where art studios, markets, and small hanok (traditional Korean houses) blend naturally with everyday life.
As you walk through Seochon’s narrow alleyways, you’ll notice tiled rooftops peeking over stone walls, shop signs written in elegant brush lettering, and the faint smell of roasting chestnuts. In fall, ginkgo trees along the streets turn bright yellow, carpeting the ground in gold. It’s no wonder Seochon is one of Seoul’s best-kept secrets for autumn travelers.
What to See and Do in Seochon
1. Tongin Market (통인시장)
Start your day at Tongin Market, a local market famous for its “dosirak market.” Visitors can exchange a small amount of money for traditional brass coins and use them to buy various side dishes — from bulgogi to jeon (Korean pancakes) — to fill up their own lunch box.
It’s a fun, affordable, and interactive way to experience Seoul’s traditional street food. Plus, the market’s cozy interior and warm lighting make it a perfect photo spot on a chilly fall day.
2. Baek In-je House (백인제가옥)
This preserved hanok mansion offers a rare look into how wealthy Koreans lived during the early 20th century. It’s beautifully maintained, with curved tiled roofs, intricate wooden lattice windows, and a small courtyard surrounded by maple trees. In autumn, the contrast of red leaves against dark roof tiles creates an elegant, cinematic atmosphere.
3. Slow Walks Through the Alleys
Seochon’s alleys are small and peaceful — lined with art galleries, pottery studios, and cafés. Every turn feels like discovering a new postcard view. For photographers, this area offers soft light, traditional textures, and natural color palettes — the kind of setting that makes any picture feel instantly nostalgic.
4. Cozy Cafés and Dessert Spots
Café culture thrives in Seoul, but it’s quieter than in places like Hongdae or Garosu-gil. Some local favorites include:
Tailor Coffee — located right next to the Instagram-worthy alley filled with gingko trees, known for its pretty views.
Scoff (스코프)— known for their delicious brownies and scones.
Each café feels like a small retreat from the city, ideal for journaling, chatting, or just taking a breath while sipping a warm sweet-potato latte.
Why Seochon Is a Perfect Photo Spot
Fall light in Seochon is soft and golden, making even a simple wall or window photograph beautifully. You’ll find textures everywhere — weathered wood, hanok roofs, dried persimmons hanging from balconies, and the glow of yellow ginkgo leaves.
Photographers love this area because it’s not overrun with people. The narrow alleys and warm light create a natural frame for portraits or travel photography. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to shoot — when sunlight filters gently through the trees and the rooftops shimmer in amber tones.
Samcheong-dong — Seoul’s Art Street in Autumn
From Palaces to Cafés and Galleries
Just east of Gyeongbokgung, Samcheong-dong (삼청동) offers a slightly more refined atmosphere, perfect for those who love both art and coffee. The main street winds uphill, lined with stylish shops, small museums, and cafés that overlook fall foliage.
In autumn, Samcheong-dong feels like stepping into a painting. Maple trees turn red and gold, hanok rooftops glisten in the sun, and art galleries hang seasonal exhibitions inspired by the season’s colors. It’s where culture, creativity, and calm meet.
What to Do in Samcheong-dong
1. Walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Bukchon
Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the wide stone courtyards and ancient gates look stunning under autumn skies. Then, head north into Samcheong-dong’s main street — a scenic uphill path filled with independent shops and artisan studios. Continue walking until you reach Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can capture panoramic views of tiled roofs surrounded by red and yellow trees.
This entire route can easily fill half a day, especially if you stop often for photos or coffee.
2. Visit the MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art)
The MMCA Seoul branch sits right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace. In fall, the outdoor sculpture garden becomes a mix of modern art and natural beauty — think bold steel sculptures set against a backdrop of fiery maple leaves. It’s free to explore the outdoor area and a must-visit for art lovers.
3. Explore Samcheong Park
For travelers who want a little greenery, Samcheong Park is located at the far end of the main street. It’s one of Seoul’s oldest parks and connects to Bugaksan Mountain’s trails. The park’s walking paths are filled with fallen leaves, and you can find scenic overlooks of Seoul from the top.
The Café Culture That Defines Samcheong-dong
Samcheong-dong is a haven for coffee lovers. The mix of hanok cafés, modern architecture, and autumn scenery makes it one of Seoul’s most Instagram-worthy areas.
Café Onion Anguk — set inside a renovated hanok; their pastries and coffee are perfect for a slow fall afternoon.
Granhand — known for its handmade perfumes and coffee corner with one of the best street views.
Bagel Land Anguk — known for their dubai chocolate bagels, crispy yet moist, a taste you won’t forget.
Every café here tells its own story, often blending Korean design with modern aesthetics — ideal for travelers who love to photograph interiors and capture Seoul’s refined side.
Dubai Chocolate Bagel from Bagel Land Anguk
Why Samcheong-dong Is a Photographer’s Dream
Samcheong-dong offers one of Seoul’s most photogenic streetscapes. Between the contrast of modern galleries and traditional hanok, the vibrant maple leaves, and the mountain backdrop, it’s easy to capture Seoul’s identity in one frame.
What makes it unique is how light interacts with architecture here. The narrow uphill road catches morning sunlight perfectly, creating long shadows and golden tones. As you walk up, you’ll find endless photo ops — glass windows reflecting red leaves, cafés framed by ginkgo trees, and stone walls glowing in the sunset.
At dusk, the street lights come on, the cafés glow warm yellow, and the mix of light and color creates an atmosphere that’s both romantic and peaceful. If you’re a content creator or travel photographer, Samcheong-dong in autumn is an unbeatable location for natural, cinematic shots.
Practical Tips for Visiting in Autumn
When to Visit
Best months: Mid-November for peak autumn colors.
Best time of day: Mornings for soft lighting and fewer crowds; golden hour (4–5 PM) for photography.
Weather: Daytime highs around 15°C, cooler evenings — bring a light jacket.
How to Get There
Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) — Exit 2 for Seochon, Exit 5 for Samcheong-dong.
Walking distance: Both neighborhoods are about 10–15 minutes apart on foot.
Nearby Attractions
Gyeongbokgung Palace — Seoul’s largest royal palace, especially beautiful with autumn foliage.
Bukchon Hanok Village — traditional neighborhood connecting Samcheong-dong and Anguk.
Insadong Street — filled with tea houses and art shops, a short walk away.
Conclusion — Slow Down and Feel Seoul’s Autumn
Visiting Seoul in fall isn’t about rushing through tourist checklists. It’s about slowing down — walking through golden leaves, sipping hot coffee, and enjoying the peaceful side of the city.
Seochon gives you a glimpse of Seoul’s history.
Samcheong-dong shows you its modern artistry.
Together, they create the perfect picture of what Seoul feels like in autumn — calm, colorful, and full of hidden beauty waiting around every corner.
If you’re wondering where to visit in Seoul this fall, start here — with a camera in one hand and a warm drink in the other.
