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To mark the 30th anniversary of her visit to a country, Nguyen Phuong Mai (29 years old, Hanoi) chose South Korea as her destination. “I happened to see a picture of autumn under ginkgo trees that my Korean friend posted on Instagram, and I decided to book a flight to Seoul in a flash. Luckily, I arrived in South Korea at the perfect time, when the ginkgo trees had turned a brilliant golden color all over the streets, and the weather was pleasantly cool.”
To mark the 30th anniversary of her visit to a country, Nguyen Phuong Mai (29 years old, Hanoi) chose South Korea as her destination.
Enchanted by the golden hues of Korea
Known for its romantic dramas on the small screen, it's no surprise that South Korea is a favorite destination for romantic souls. Each season in South Korea offers a unique and captivating beauty. However, it's in autumn that visitors can truly appreciate the charm and poetic beauty of this country.
Autumn is the time when South Korea becomes a sensation, adorned with unique new colors that stir and captivate every heart. Dreamy roads covered in fallen golden leaves, crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges, and even the clear blue sky are so beautiful it's like a dream... all of which make visitors even more smitten with the Korean autumn.
Autumn is the time when South Korea becomes a sensation, adorned with unique new colors that stir and captivate every heart.
Although autumn in South Korea is the shortest season of the year, usually lasting from mid-September to November, it is one of the most beloved seasons in the country.
"The Land of Kimchi" has always held a strange allure that everyone longs to experience at least once. It's no coincidence that people say Korean autumn is one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world. Just gazing at images of Korea in autumn foliage will make visitors fall in love with this beautiful country.
Although autumn in South Korea is the shortest season of the year, usually lasting from mid-September to November, it is one of the most beloved seasons in the country. “This year’s autumn in Seoul arrived a little later than usual. People say it’s a bit strange; the trees aren’t changing color uniformly. On the same street, some trees are green while others are yellow, and some have lost all their leaves instead of turning uniformly yellow like in previous years. However, that also creates a unique and more colorful autumn,” Phương Mai shared.
"The Land of Kimchi" has always held a strange allure that everyone longs to experience at least once.
It's no coincidence that people say autumn in South Korea is one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world.
The perfect spot to "hunt" for the golden autumn scenery, like something out of a movie.
As someone passionate about traveling to new places, this young woman in her 20s also has her own secrets for capturing beautiful moments: "Just like most of my other trips, this trip to South Korea was solo, and my companion was my tripod. Thankfully, everything went quite smoothly. The fact that I got such lovely photos is entirely thanks to this companion."
If you wish to fully appreciate the poetic beauty of autumn in South Korea, Phuong Mai readily suggests the following "Instagrammable" check-in spots.
As someone passionate about traveling to new places, this young woman in her 20s also has her own secrets for capturing beautiful moments.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
"In my personal opinion, some of the places in Seoul with lots of golden leaves include Gyeongbokgung Palace. It's famous for its many vibrant golden ginkgo trees and distinctive palace architecture. However, the downside is that the palace is always crowded," Phuong Mai said.
Here, visitors can not only admire and explore the magnificent palaces with their ancient architecture, but especially in autumn, the scenery is further enhanced by the golden hues of the ancient trees. Despite numerous renovations, Gyeongbok Palace retains its original beauty and embodies the solemnity of having endured through many feudal dynasties.
Gyeongbokgung is famous for its many vibrant golden ginkgo trees and distinctive palace architecture.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a famous historical landmark and the largest palace in Seoul.
Changdeokgung Palace
According to Phuong Mai, Changdeokgung Palace has many beautiful ginkgo trees and is less crowded than Gyeongbokgung. The ginkgo trees here are still relatively unknown, so you can freely take photos without having to queue.
Changdeokgung Palace boasts a vast garden with lush greenery and classical architecture. Visitors can experience dressing in traditional Hanbok attire, strolling along the winding paths around the palace, and admiring the golden and red leaves that adorn this classic Joseon-era architectural masterpiece.
According to Phuong Mai, Changdeokgung Palace has many beautiful ginkgo trees.
Visitors can experience wearing traditional Hanbok clothing, strolling along the winding paths around the palace, and admiring the golden autumn foliage.
Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University is known as an ancient university built during the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul. The two most famous and oldest ginkgo trees there were also planted at the time the university was first built. To this day, they are over 500 years old.
In autumn, when the leaves of these two ginkgo trees change color, they paint a corner of Sungkyunkwan University yellow, making everyone who passes by stop and admire them. The golden leaves cover the rooftops and ancient gates, creating a beautiful and unusually peaceful scene.
Sungkyunkwan University is known as an ancient university built during the Joseon dynasty in Seoul.
In autumn, when the leaves of these two ginkgo trees change color, they paint a corner of Sungkyunkwan University yellow, making everyone who passes by stop and admire them.
Golden leaves blanket the rooftops, and the ancient gates create a scene of extraordinary beauty and tranquility.
Besides these locations, Phuong Mai also suggests some other check-in spots such as Namsan Tower Park, Samcheongdong Road, and the roads along the palaces… with very romantic scenery of golden leaves.
The roads lined with golden leaves are very romantic.
Discover the secrets to conquering autumn in South Korea.
"The most important thing is probably the weather. You need to pay attention to posts on Korean travel guide groups to stay updated on the autumn foliage situation, specific weather conditions, and prepare appropriate clothing and belongings," Phuong Mai emphasized.
Each season, South Korea possesses a unique and breathtaking beauty.
However, it is only in autumn that tourists can fully enjoy the charm and romance of this country.
According to this young woman, tourists should download navigation apps like KakaoMap and Navermap beforehand. In addition, public transportation in South Korea is very convenient. You should try traveling by bus; you'll discover routes with beautiful autumn foliage where you can stop and take photos.
"You should only exchange a small amount of won beforehand to buy transportation cards and top up your mobile phone credit at the airport. The rest you can exchange at counters in the city for better rates," Phuong Mai advised. She also specifically suggested bibimbap, beef rib soup, ginseng chicken soup, marinated crab, and raw beef as delicious dishes not to be missed when visiting South Korea.
In particular, she suggested bibimbap, beef rib soup, ginseng chicken soup, marinated crab, raw beef, etc., as tempting dishes not to be missed when visiting South Korea.
