6 Seoul Autumn Date Spots to Visit with a New Friend

Seoul's autumn colors are usually at their best from late October to early November. It's the perfect season to show the city to a new friend — or to take a relaxed first walk with someone you just met. These spots all give you plenty to talk about as you go.

1. Deoksugung Stone Wall Road

This path runs along the wall of Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station. With yellow ginkgo leaves on the ground, it's one of Seoul's classic autumn scenes. Inside the palace, traditional halls stand next to Western-style stone buildings — a natural conversation starter.

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace

A must for first-time visitors. Entry is free if you wear hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), so many visitors rent one nearby and take photos around the palace. Note that the palace is closed on Tuesdays.

3. N Seoul Tower and the Namsan trails

Take the cable car or a bus up for a view over the whole city, or walk the trails to enjoy the foliage on the way. Go around sunset and you'll catch the night view too. The love locks at the tower are a fun bit of Korean dating culture to share.

4. Seoul Forest and Seongsu-dong

Start with a walk in the big park, then head next door to Seongsu's café streets. Old factory buildings have been turned into cafés and pop-up stores, so you can just wander and drop in wherever looks good. No plan needed.

5. Haneul Park

Famous for its autumn silver grass. Waving fields of eulalia with a view over the Han River make for great photos. There are a lot of stairs on the way up, so wear comfortable shoes.

6. A Han River picnic

Spreading a mat at Yeouido or Banpo Hangang Park and ordering food delivery right to the riverbank is a classic Seoul experience. Don't skip instant ramyeon from the convenience store. Evenings get chilly, so bring a light blanket or jacket.

Tips for an easier date

• Share the exact meeting point. Include the subway exit number so no one gets lost.
• Ask what they'd like to do. Photos, food or shopping — adjust the route to their interests.
• Don't worry about language. When you're looking at the same view, a few words go a long way. Chat comfortably with translation before you meet, and fill the gaps with smiles and gestures on the day.

Foliage timing shifts a little every year, so check the weather and leaf reports before you go.