Korea Ginkgo 2025: 5 Must-Visit Seoul Spots Plus Transport Tips

Wondering when to catch Korea's 2025 ginkgo season? Let DJB guide your trip to see Seoul's ginkgo trees. Today we cover the best time to see Korea's ginkgo leaves, round up five must-see spots in Seoul, and even walk through how to get there! Anyone with a Korea trip planned this autumn/winter, save this one~

Best time to see Korea's ginkgo leaves

Korea's ginkgo leaves start turning yellow from mid-October, with the colour change moving gradually from north to south. Generally, the best window to see Seoul's ginkgo trees runs from early to mid-November, when the foliage is at its densest and most vivid. From mid-November onward, as temperatures drop, the leaves begin to fall, blanketing the ground in a golden carpet.

If you are planning to see the ginkgo trees in Seoul, we recommend visiting from the first week through mid-November. If you are heading further south, such as to Jeju Island, wait until late November or early December instead.

5 recommended ginkgo spots in Seoul — the whole city is worth exploring for the leaves

As one of Korea's most popular travel destinations, Seoul is packed with great spots to see ginkgo trees. Whether you want a relaxed stroll down a tree-lined avenue or a visit to a historic site, you are bound to run into beautiful ginkgo foliage along the way. Here are 5 must-visit ginkgo spots in Seoul — enjoy a golden, romantic trip while the leaves are at their peak!

Seoul ginkgo spot 1: Yeonnam-dong Gyeongui Line Forest Park

The Gyeongui Line Forest Park in Yeonnam-dong sits on the former site of the Gyeongui railway line — once the tracks moved underground, this stretch became a spacious walking path. Maple and ginkgo trees line both sides, and as autumn arrives, the path is painted in a mix of gold and red, making it especially lovely for a walk and some photos. The park is easy to reach and sits right beside the popular Hongdae district, making it a great spot to unwind and take in the autumn scenery!

🕖Hours: open all day
🚕Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 2, Hongik University Station, Exit 3

Seoul ginkgo spot 2: Deoksugung Stone Wall Road

If you have already visited Deoksugung, one of Korea's five grand palaces, do not miss the Stone Wall Road right beside it! This road became a hugely popular photo spot after appearing in the drama Goblin, and it is one of the best places in Korea to see both ginkgo and maple leaves!

🕖Hours: open all day
🚕Getting there: Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 2, City Hall Station, Exit 2

Seoul ginkgo spot 3: Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil

Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, is a shopping haven that also happens to be a great place to see ginkgo trees. Here you can admire the golden foliage while soaking up Korea's trendy street culture — a distinctly urban side of Seoul.

🕖Hours: open all day
🚕Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 1, City Hall Station, Exit 2

Seoul ginkgo spot 4: Ewha Womans University, Seoul

Ewha Womans University is not just a renowned women's university, but also a popular spot during ginkgo season. Every autumn, the campus's ginkgo trees turn a striking gold, set off beautifully against the campus's distinctive modern architecture. Whether you are here for a leisurely walk or a photo session, Ewha is a wonderful pick full of autumn atmosphere!

🕖Hours: 9:00–17:00 (closed weekends)
🚕Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 2, Ewha Womans University Station, Exits 2 and 3

Seoul ginkgo spot 5: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of Seoul's most historically significant royal sites. Every autumn, the ginkgo trees inside and around the palace turn the whole complex gold. Particularly after entering through Gwanghwamun Gate, the ginkgo trees to the left look like a painting, with fallen leaves forming a golden carpet that adds even more autumn charm to this ancient palace. Gyeongbokgung is not only a great place to learn about Korean history, but also one of the must-photograph ginkgo spots in Korea every autumn.

🕖Hours: daily 09:00–18:00 (closed Tuesdays)
🚕Getting there: Seoul Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5

Smooth as the subway — DJB, your best companion for chasing ginkgo leaves in Korea

Seoul remains a top pick for many travellers to Korea, thanks to convenient transport that links up so many attractions, letting you soak in Korean culture while enjoying the seasonal beauty each part of the year brings. In fact, the ginkgo spots covered here overlap with major sightseeing routes — whether you are chasing the ginkgo leaves specifically or just travelling around Korea generally, there is no need for a special detour; the ginkgo trees are right along the way. And of course, do not forget to bring DJB's Korea data SIM, so a smooth connection means never worrying about a photo failing to upload!

Further reading:
>> Recommended Seoul data SIMs: comparing Korea's 3 major carriers for a lag-free trip around Seoul!
>> 2023–2024 Shilla Duty Free shopping offers at Seoul, Jeju and Incheon Airport
>> The complete guide to travel packing lists: items you cannot bring on a plane, plus 3 tips for easy packing