Top 5 Ginkgo Tree Walking Trails in Downtown Seoul: Golden Autumn Roads by Subway

In autumn 2026, the time approaches when downtown Seoul will be painted in a golden hue. Especially from late October to early or mid-November, the ginkgo leaves reach their peak color, romantically transforming the bleak urban landscape. We introduce five ginkgo tree walking trails in downtown Seoul that are easily accessible by subway, without needing a car. We have included detailed information on the features, transportation, and surrounding areas for each course.

The 5 Best Ginkgo Trails at a Glance

Each course has its own unique charm. If you want to feel a historical atmosphere, we recommend Jeongdong-gil, and if you want a dense ginkgo tree forest, we suggest Seoul Forest.

Detailed Guide by Course

1. Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway (Jeongdong-gil)

Designated as Seoul's 'Walkable Street No. 1,' this is a perfect place to enjoy the autumn atmosphere. The ginkgo and zelkova trees lining the roughly 500m path, combined with the serene stone wall of Deoksugung Palace, create a picturesque scene. It's also enjoyable to look around modern architectural structures like the Seoul Museum of Art and the Jeongdong Theater.

• Main Route: City Hall Station → Deoksugung Palace Daehanmun Gate → Stonewall Walkway → Seoul Museum of Art → Jeongdong Intersection
• Length: Approx. 0.5km
• Features: Almost no incline, making it a comfortable walk for everyone; crowded on weekends
• Transportation: 5-min walk from Exits 1, 11, or 12 of City Hall Station (Lines 1, 2). 5-min walk from Exits 5 or 6 of Seodaemun Station (Line 5).

2. Samcheongdong-gil

This path runs along the eastern wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace towards Samcheong Park. The yellow ginkgo trees on both sides of the winding road form a tunnel. With the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, as well as unique galleries, workshops, and pretty cafes, there are plenty of things to see and do. It's popular with young people and both domestic and international tourists, offering a vibrant atmosphere.

• Main Route: Anguk Station → Dongshipjagak Pavilion of Gyeongbokgung Palace → Samcheongdong-gil → National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art → Samcheong-dong Cafe Street
• Length: Approx. 1.2km
• Features: Great for combining a walk with exploration, thanks to many charming shops and restaurants
• Transportation: 10-min walk from Exits 1, 2, or 3 of Anguk Station (Line 3).

3. Seoul Forest Ginkgo Tree Grove

This place has a different charm from a typical tree-lined street. Instead of being on a roadside, the ginkgo trees form a grove within the park, so when the autumn colors peak, the entire forest turns a golden yellow. You can fully immerse yourself in autumn under the dense canopy of ginkgo trees that seem to touch the sky. The spacious park also has many other attractions like the Mirror Pond and the Hill of Wind, making it suitable for family outings.

• Features: A forest of about 600 ginkgo trees, also popular as a picnic spot
• Amenities: Well-equipped with facilities like restrooms, cafes, and bike rentals within the park
• Transportation: Approx. 3-min walk from Exit 3 of Seoul Forest Station (Suin-Bundang Line).

4. Sungkyunkwan Myeongnyundang

This is a special place with two giant ginkgo trees that have stood for over 500 years. Located in the front courtyard of Myeongnyundang Hall, where Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty studied, these ginkgo trees are a piece of history in themselves. The yellow ginkgo leaves, combined with the elegant traditional architecture, create a unique and dignified scene not found elsewhere.

• Features: Ginkgo trees designated as Natural Monuments; quiet and serene atmosphere
• Operating Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Mar-Oct), 09:00-17:00 (Nov-Feb) (as of Nov 2024)
• Parking: Available but paid (1,500 KRW for 30 minutes, as of Nov 2024); check for closures due to events before visiting
• Transportation: 10-min walk from Exit 4 of Hyehwa Station (Line 4).

5. Namsan Park Northern Circuit Road

If you want to quietly enjoy the autumn foliage at Namsan, a symbol of Seoul, the Northern Circuit Road is recommended. It's a pedestrian-only road closed to vehicle traffic, so you can enjoy a quiet walk. Autumn leaves and ginkgo trees line the path, and there are spots along the way to view downtown Seoul. You can also connect to other trails in Namsan Park to plan a longer course. This course also overlaps with a part of the Complete Guide to the Seoul Trail 2026.

• Features: A peaceful walk without vehicle noise; enjoying autumn colors with N Seoul Tower in the background
• Transportation: From Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), transfer to bus 402 or 405 and get off at the Namsan Library bus stop.

Outing Preparation and Useful Information

• Comfortable Shoes: You might end up walking more than expected, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Transportation Card: It is convenient to have a T-money card for using subways and buses and for transfer discounts.
• Map App: In Korea, Naver Maps or Kakao Maps are more accurate and useful for public transportation directions than Google Maps.
• Check Exit Numbers: Seoul subway stations have many exits and can be complex. Checking the exit number closest to your destination in advance will save you time.
• Crowds: It can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, so if you want a more leisurely walk, it's best to visit on a weekday morning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. When is the peak season for ginkgo leaves in Seoul in 2026? A. The ginkgo leaves in the Seoul area for 2026 are predicted to peak around October 30. Generally, they are at their most beautiful from late October to early or mid-November.

Q2. Is parking available at the recommended locations? A. Most are located in the city center and have limited or no parking space. Using public transportation is strongly recommended. Some places, like Sungkyunkwan Myeongnyundang, operate paid parking lots, but they can be very crowded during the autumn foliage season.

Q3. Is the smell of the ginkgo fruit strong? A. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is working to replace ginkgo trees on major walking paths with male cultivars or to collect the fruit in advance. However, some female trees may remain, so there might be a slight odor, and the fallen fruit can make paths slippery, so please walk with caution.

Background: Autumn in Seoul and Ginkgo Trees

Ginkgo trees are resistant to pollution and have beautiful autumn scenery, which is why they were widely planted as street trees in Seoul. Thanks to this, every autumn, various parts of Seoul are colored yellow, presenting a special landscape to its citizens. A walk along a ginkgo tree path in the city is a great way to fully experience the changing seasons without traveling far. If you are looking for a wider range of autumn foliage spots beyond the courses introduced, refer to the 2026 Autumn Foliage in the Seoul Vicinity page, and if you want to enjoy an autumn night festival, check out the information on the 2026 Seoul Lantern Festival.