Climbing Namsan and Seoul Tower in Autumn For Epic Fall Colors!

Remember how a few months ago I was raving that spring in Seoul is the best time of year? Well, I changed my mind – autumn is! Sure, it’s a little nippy and I’ve already taken to wearing leggings, wool socks, a fleece, touque, and mittens, but once you’re all bundled up in your warmest layers, it’s still nice enough to spend some time outdoors.

Seeing this as one of our last opportunities to explore the city while the colours are at their brightest, this past weekend the boy and I ventured to Namsan (남산).

Namsan, which translates to South Mountain, is located north of the Han River in the city of Seoul. You can reach the peak by cable car, but we opted to get off the subway at Myeongdong (명동) and walk uphill from there.

With a 262 meter peak, it’s certainly not the most daunting mountain out there, but the hundreds of steps were quite the workout.

There were plenty of couples, families, and young friends out that day enjoying the beautiful weather. In true Korean fashion, many of them were clad in their best hiking gear; almost a year in to my time in Korea, it still makes me chuckle to see people sporting hiking boots and walking sticks in the city.

These round mirrors have become a photo op every time I see one. They can be found methodically placed at every curve, sharp turn, and underground exit across the country.

The trees at Namsan were a their most vibrant with shades of gold, ochre, vermillion and tangerine. I thought the best of the season was past us, but clearly autumn had one last little surprise for us.

These little leaves remind me of the maple trees back at home. It’s like a little slice of Canada in this faraway land.

Here’s to looking giddy on a Sunday afternoon. What’s there to smile about? Could be the pretty colours, the redhead behind the camera, or the fact that I now have less than 100 days in the country which means I am already daydreaming of the tropics. Tickets have been booked but I’m not telling you where to just yet!

Our reason for climbing up to Namsan was to put ‘love locks’ on the fence located at the base of the tower. You can expect a post on that soon.

Plan Your Own Namsan Autumn Adventure

Getting There Made Simple

• Subway + Stroll: Hop off at Myeong‑dong Station (Line 4, Exit 3), veer left onto Toegye‑ro, and follow the signs uphill toward the cable‑car platform—perfect if you fancy the full stair workout.

• Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus: Routes 01, 02 or 05 loop the base every 15 minutes from Seoul Station, Itaewon, or Dongguk Univ. The tap‑on fare is ₩1,300 and saves your calves for tower steps.

• Cable Car Shortcut: A round‑trip ticket costs ₩14,000 (one‑way ₩11,000). Go before 10 a.m. on weekends to skip the snake‑long queue—and to catch that dreamy morning mist twirling around the karst‑like peaks.

Timing Those Colours Like a Pro

Peak foliage on Namsan usually hits the last week of October through the first week of November. Aim for weekdays and arrive before noon; the leaves glow under slanted sunlight, and you’ll avoid the afternoon selfie stampede.

Choose Your Climb (Two Fun Options)

What to Pack (Beyond the Obvious)

• Reusable coffee tumbler – fill with holicong (sweet cinnamon tea) from the base café and sip while leaf‑spotting.

• Tripod‑ready phone holder – mirrors and cable‑car vistas cry out for steady panorama shots.

• Mini lock & Sharpie – for the “Locks of Love” fence; they sell sets by the tower, but they’re triple the price.

Tower Treats & Ticket Math

*Check Klook or Trazy for 10‑15 % e‑vouchers.

Leafy Photo Hotspots

1. Gingko Avenue (just left of the cable‑car exit): a tunnel of saffron leaves that carpet the walkway by mid‑November.

2. Paljakjeong Pavilion: octagonal gazebo framing ruby maples—best at sunset when the sky blushes to match.

3. Love Locks Fence: angle upward toward the tower; the crimson foliage provides a natural vignette around pastel padlocks.

Post‑Hike Warm‑Ups

• Hotteok Alley (Myeong‑dong Exit 6): molten brown‑sugar pancakes for ₩2,000.

• Myeong‑dong Kyoja: steaming knife‑cut kalguksu noodles—lines move fast, and bowls arrive faster.

• Banana‑latte at Café Namsan: third‑floor perch overlooking the glowing tower—ideal for editing photos while fingers thaw.

At-a-Glance Day Plan (Leaf-Glow to City-Glow)

Pocket Checklist Cheat Sheet

Foliage Timing, Crowds & Tiny Wins

10 tiny truths that make the day smoother

1. Mornings > afternoons for both light and lines.
2. Walk up, ride down is easier on knees (and photos look different in reverse).
3. Blue hour beats sunset at the deck—wait ~25 minutes after the sun dips.
4. Glove liners keep phone taps precise; mitts don’t.
5. Ban on drones is real—security will spot them in seconds.
6. Bring your lock if you must; plaza prices are tourist math.
7. Two lens cloths: one for glass (deck), one for lens (mist).
8. Heels + leaves = ice rink. Grippy soles are autumn gold.
9. Shuttle timing: last loops thin after 9 p.m.—screenshot the timetable at your starting stop.
10. Don’t just look up—some of the best frames are leaf carpets with tower shadows stretching long.

Namsan & N Seoul Tower in Autumn: 12-Question FAQ (Leaf-Peeping, Routes, Locks & Night Views)

1) When do autumn colors peak on Namsan?

Late October to early November is the sweet spot. Maples blaze first (crimson/orange), then ginkgoes turn saffron and carpet the paths. Aim for weekday mornings for quieter trails and gorgeous slanted light.

2) What’s the easiest way to get there?

Three solid options:

• Subway + walk: Myeong-dong Station (Line 4, Exit 3) → follow signs uphill to the cable-car base, then take stairs/trails.
• Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle (01/02/05): loops from Seoul Station, Itaewon, Dongguk Univ; tap your transit card.
• Cable car: Quick ride to the tower plaza; busiest afternoons/weekends.

3) Walk or ride—what route do you recommend?

If you like a little sweat: Myeong-dong Stairs (about 30 min, steady incline) with snack stalls and mirror-photo pit stops.
For history + views: Seoul City Wall Trail (about 45 min, rolling) alongside 14th-century stones and skyline overlooks.
Pro tip: Walk up, ride down—kinder on knees and you get two perspectives.

4) How crowded does it get, and when should I go?

Bluebird weekends can be packed. Go before noon for lighter crowds and luminous color, or return at blue hour (20–30 minutes after sunset) for the city’s glow without midday queues.

5) Is the cable car worth it in autumn?

Yes for a scenic shortcut and foliage panoramas. Expect lines on weekends—earlier is better. If queues look wild, hike up and take the cable car down instead.

6) What about tickets for the observatory—worth the money?

If you love skyline photography or just want a 360° look at Seoul, the observatory deck is a highlight, especially at dusk/blue hour. Prices change—check current rates or an e-voucher app for small discounts.

7) Where are the best leaf-photo spots?

• Ginkgo Avenue near the cable-car exit (golden tunnel).
• Paljakjeong Pavilion (teal eaves + scarlet maples).
• Love Locks Fence (frame the tower with foliage bokeh).
  Pack a microfiber cloth for glass reflections up top.

8) Can I still do the “love locks” thing? What should I bring?

Yes—the fence by the tower is covered in them. Bring a small lock + marker from home (cheaper than plaza sets). Be considerate: avoid chaining locks to trees or historic structures.

9) What should I wear/pack for a chilly fall climb?

Light layers (base + fleece), windproof shell, gloves/earband, comfy grippy shoes. A reusable tumbler for hot tea, small umbrella, and a mini tripod/phone clamp for night shots through glass.

10) Any food stops nearby for a warm-up?

• Hotteok stalls on the way up/down (molten brown-sugar pancakes).
• Myeong-dong Kyoja for knife-cut kalguksu.
• Café Namsan by the plaza for a perch with views while fingers thaw.

11) Is it family-/dog-friendly and safe at night?

Trails and plazas are well-lit and patrolled; solo visitors are common. Dogs are fine on outdoor trails/decks; carriers usually required in the cable car. Always verify the last cable-car run if you’re staying late.

12) Any tiny pro tips to upgrade the experience?

• Mornings > afternoons for both color and lines.
• Blue hour beats sunset for observatory photos.
• Two cloths: one for windows, one for lenses.
• Phone gloves (thin liners) keep taps precise.
• Screenshot shuttle timetables at your start stop.

What’s your favourite city in the fall?