As long as K-drama has been a thing, so have the warm, schmaltzy autumn-set stories. Think impossibly gorgeous pairs turning up the romance with Oscar-worthy smooching scenes and dramatic breakups amidst the golden-leafed trees with wistfully falling leaves. As fun as shop, eat, repeat is – there’s more to life. Three words: seoul forest autumn. So venture into the Korean outdoors to see autumn leaves Seoul, and you’ll be rewarded with a vivid foliage display. You, the trees and the crisp, quiet air. Autumn in Seoul is a sensation.
1. Drama by moonlight
If you love a great yarn, you can’t ask for more than the South Korean TV series, ‘Love in The Moonlight.’ This historical drama was a hit in Korea and internationally thanks to its gripping storyline and stirring soundtrack. This program will pique next-level yearning; a 19th-century coming-of-age drama so engrossing, you’ll want to turn back time.
Make like the show’s star, Kim Yoo Jung, and deck yourself out in a full traditional Hanbok. With the Bukchon One Day Hanbok Rental Experience, you can rent this Korean folk fashion. Choose from a huge range of designs and suit up with your significant other. When you’re dressed in Hanbok, you get free entrance to a selection of palaces, temples and shrines. How romantic!
2. DIY love story on Nami Island
‘Winter Sonata’ is the king of K-drama and K-pop. If you have to choose only one of these Korean shows to take in – make it this one. Almost as famous as the plot, is the place it’s filmed. And the credit goes to… Nami Island: the scenic beauty behind this storyline. Even though Winter Sonata is set in… wait for it… winter, this stunning islet is debatably at its best during autumn. Take the Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul.
If you can’t watch the series, at least get yourself to where it’s set. An autumn visit to Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
won’t disappoint. Get your camera ready to capture mind-blowing colours. And don’t forget the most Insta-worthy moment – head over to the romantic Garden of Morning Calm autumn to relax and draw some inspiration from the tranquil trees and flowers. A nature lover’s dream!
3. Relive first love at Lotte World
Embrace your inner casanova and take your beau to Lotte World. One of Seoul’s not-to-miss spots, it’s also the filming location for 2004’s famous first-love-themed drama, ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ For young lovers, as well as the young-at-heart, this dreamy backdrop will have you swooning like teenagers!
It’s got all your first-date winners like an ice rink, a castle, a museum and loads of rides. It caters for the gentle fun-loving couples, as well as the daredevils. Thrill-chasers will love the Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing. For a take-home framer, get a snap of you and your love on the merry-go-round, where the famous drama poster was shot!
4. The highs of love
Seoul Namsan Tower has a starring role in ‘Boys Over Flowers.’ This South Korean TV show is based on Japanese manga and is the setting of the literal high point where Goo Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di share their awkward-but-adorable first date. Since that noteworthy moment, the tower has been a favourite filming location, as well as an actual top date place.
At 500m tall, it offers jaw-dropping views of both the city and into the yonder. The outlook over the ever-famous Namsan Park from the tower’s observation deck will have you snap, snap, snapping away. Opt for the audio commentary to find out about all that stretches out to the horizon.
If you want to ‘lock-in’ your love, show your adoration by bolting a padlock to the famous bridge with your beau. Add a symbol of your love to thousands placed there by visitors and locals alike. Book ahead and bring your SO for a lovey-dovey day.
5. For ever and Everland
Everland is world-renowned. This theme park was the setting for Shin Se Gi and Oh Rijin’s first kiss in the 2015 drama, ‘Kill Me, Heal Me.’ So pucker up in the place it happened while the autumn in Korea colours are all around you. With the romance taken care of, you can re-enact the smooching scene.
An abundance of adrenaline-inducing thrill-rides will make it obvious why this is one of South Korea’s prime parks. Don’t miss the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster for some serious bragging rights. Get your tickets at 30% off.
6. Beary romantic
When you think K-drama, ‘Princess Hours,’ is in a league of its own. Now there’s a pretty unique way to pay tribute to the stars of these shows: in Teddy Bear form. These handcrafted fluffy friends are cuddles and culture, all in one.
The Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju is one of Jeju Island’s most noteworthy attractions, and worth the effort. Everywhere you look – Teddy Bears. There’s an Elvis bear in there and a 125-carat Teddy, as well as bears designed to reflect several aspects of Seoul’s history.
Pre-book your tickets so you can swoon over the world’s most expensive Teddy: the Louis Vuitton Bear, which has a price tag of $2.1 million!
7. Jeju will love this
Jeju island autumn is a one-of-a-kind spot with superb scenery and views to remember. No wonder it’s a key location for K-drama productions. ‘My Lovely Samsoon,’ ‘Secret Garden’ and ‘Boys over Flowers,’ to name three.
The best way to make the most of these multiple filming spots is to take the hop on hop off bus tour. This way, you can take your time while exploring the island’s best-of, such as Dongnum Market and the Jeju City Hall.
8. Sing your heart out
You haven’t experienced karaoke until you’ve sung in Seoul, in places like the famous Luxury Su Noraebang. Here, you can get your vocal cords in gear to serenade your SO while the disco lights illuminate your sentiment. K-Drama hit, ‘My Lovely Samsoon,’ was filmed here.
The best part of this karaoke experience is you can pop on some props to help deliver your tune with even more authenticity. Your ballad will never sound better than it does while wearing a hilarious wig and shaking a tambourine.
9. All aboard the love boat
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Seoul sunsets are so sensational, there’s only one thing better: Seoul sunsets in autumn. As the golden hour descends and the setting sun settles onto all the vibrant leaves, the maple trees almost glow. From a Han River Cruise, you’ve got a waterfront seat for an uber-romantic sunset.
These cruises leave on the hour, with the maiden voyage every day at 1pm. The evening sail sells quickly, so secure your sunset asap. You’ll pass some Seoul attractions such as Jeoldusan Park, 63 Square and N Seoul Tower.
10. A good thyme for love
Herb your enthusiasm. The Pocheon Herb Island is kind of a big dill. With a herb exhibition hall, museum, cafe, bakery, botanical garden, mini zoo and more, this place is home to more than 180 different kinds of herbs. You had me at aloe! In Gyeonggi-do, The Pocheon dates back to 1998.
And it’s not just famous for its herbs, it was also the film-setting for hit shows such as ‘Running Man’ and ‘Oh My Venus.’ To keep the romance alive – take a gondola ride through the Venice-inspired canal or get great photos with you both dressed in traditional Korean Hanbok.
Amazing pop culture, history and natural beauty, the city of Seoul attracts fans from all over the world. Here’s to spending your next romantic getaway here!
11. But wait – there’s more romance
Falling for you
You’re in luck – some of the best waterfalls in South Korea are near Seoul. Waterfalls are the jewels in nature’s crown; whether gushing or a trickle, they’ve got the dazzle covered. While in Seoul, you don’t have to venture far to see three beauties. Ansan Waterfall in Seodaemun-gu, west Seoul, Yongma Waterfall Park in Jungnang-gu, east Seoul and Seoul Racecourse Waterfall Parkin Gwacheon-si, south of Seoul.
Last but not least
If you still want more leaves and love, here are two more places that’ll provide some seasonal passion. To visit Naejangsan National Park from Seoul, look no further than the Naejangsan National Park Autumn Day Tour. And to see the Jeonju Hanok village autumn, the Jeonju Hanok Village and Baegyangsa Day Tour from Seoul is right up your alley.