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.
Pretty. I’m heading there tomorrow and I wonder if I’ll get to see of these fall colors.
Such bright, gorgeous colors! I had no idea Seoul was so colorful in the fall!
You’re right! Those pictures ARE beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Dan
Thanks Dan! I hope you’re enjoying the fall colours wherever you are.
V pretty. London is beautiful in the Autumn time, but right now we’re in full on Winter, which is quite a bit less pleasant 🙁
And by English winter you mean drizzle, right? 😉
Nice video as always. But, this time I felt like it was too much of Fast Forwarding 🙂
Like your hat, Audrey!
Sam, your hair has a fall tone in it 😉
I’ll keep that in mind for future videos. 😉 Thanks for the tip, Alex. Hehe, Sam’s hair certainly matches the season.
Wow, it reminds me of fall in Canada! I had no idea it was so nice over there at this time of the year.
The colours were beautiful while they lasted! Sadly, the leaves are all gone now.
Love the autumnal colors but that shot via the side mirror is priceless!
Many more round mirror shots to come! I have quite the collection. 😉
Ahh this is so pretty! I can’t believe you like spring, though – too much rain. I’ll take any season over spring, even the brutal winter and sweaty summers. Autumn in Korea is magical, the colours are so beautiful and vivid, and the weather so cool and crisp. It makes me actually like going for walks in mountains and places with lots of trees. Believe me, that’s not a likely occurrence in any other season.
I liked it mostly for the cherry blossoms and because mid to late spring was the ideal summer weather, as opposed to the brutal summer weather which involved stripping the minute one walked into the apartment. Haha
I love your video bloopers… And that cat matches the foliage!
I have to say Waterloo was spectacular this fall… the gorgeous colours of the trees gave me a constant reality check during the grind of midterms… there is more out there than just school! Beautiful trees too! Hehehe!
Yeah, I didn’t even see the cat at first because it blended in so well! I’m glad you’re enjoying your time in Waterloo. I really liked your photos of the farmer’s market. 🙂 It must be even nicer now in the fall.
Such great colors!
So pretty! I miss the leaves already 🙁
Me too! Now let’s get ready for the snow to start dumping on us!
This place is stunning during the autumn season! I wish I was there with you doing some proper climbing and hiking 🙂
I think you would have really enjoyed it. It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors and enjoy a light hike. 🙂
Those photos looks so great! Apparently autumn is the most beautiful time of the year in Korea. I visited end of spring. Was still awesome, but not THAT colourful! 🙂
Did you get to see the cherry blossoms? Those always brighten up the city after a long winter.
I simply love the Autumn season, it makes me feel like I am in heaven . Moreover the seoul tower is making me draw my sport shoes on.
Fall in Korea is absolutely gorgeous and free of that yellow dust that comes in the spring! Great photos!
Ahhh!! This made me miss Korea so much! I visited Seoul Tower when I taught there and thought it was one of the better attractions in Seoul. Unfortunately I didn’t go in the fall so I missed all those beautiful colors! Great pics by the way 🙂
Fall was my favorite time in Korea too! Loved going hiking to see lots of the colors. Before my boyfriend and I left Korea, we put one of those locks on the gate where all the locks of love were. Good memories 🙂
The love locks were fun to do. It’ll be a nice way to remember the time Sam and I spent in Korea. 🙂
Great pictures! I have been in Seoul 3 times, unluckily never in autumn. But I have to admit that winter is quiet spectacular as well, with all the trees covered in snow. Magical.
God, those colours are just to die for. <3 I miss the colours of Autumn so much … and winter! I like year-round sunshine here but sometimes it's the little things you kind of crave for. 🙂
Autumn in Seoul looks so beautiful! I hope to be able to visit Korea again during that time of the year and make the trek up to Namsan Tower. I took the bus up there last time, but I would like to walk up there.