Wanderworld

As autumn unfurls its palette across South Korea, the country transforms into a vivid tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues, beckoning travelers to its serene landscapes and bustling cities alike. During this magical season, places like Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm transform into enchanting destinations. Nami Island, with its colorful tree-lined pathways covered in golden and red leaves, offers a tranquil escape, while the Garden of Morning Calm shines with meticulously curated gardens, each a canvas of autumnal brilliance. This time of year in South Korea is not just a visual feast but also a perfect period to immerse yourself in the rich cultural festivities, enhancing your travel experience with deep, vibrant connections to Korean heritage and traditions.

Last November 2023 (of course this post is late, as usual :D), I got to experience the country’s autumn season and explore some of its most iconic spots–from soaking up the sweeping city night views from N Seoul Tower and wandering along Nami Island’s pathways blanketed with a vibrant carpet of autumn leaves, to wearing a hanbok at the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace. The vivid tapestry of colors, the gentle rustle of leaves underfoot, and the rich tapestry of history interwoven with modern vibrance made each day special.

If you’re planning to visit the land of K-dramas and K-Pop, here are the top South Korea tourist spots for first-time travelers that you must not miss: (please excuse me while I try to write my posts a la Lonely Planet style from now on with some bits of my personal stories/experience).

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower, towering gracefully over the heart of Seoul atop the verdant Namsan Mountain, is far more than just a city skyline staple. Originally erected in 1969 for communication purposes, this iconic landmark opened its doors to the public in 1980 and has since evolved into a must-visit cultural hub, blending Seoul’s rapid modernization with its rich heritage.

What to See and Do

• Observation decks: The tower features multiple observation decks that provide breathtaking 360-degree views of the sprawling urban landscape below. Note though that you’d have to walk a steep uphill path going to the tower and then climb several flights of stairs to get to the observation decks, which would be difficult for seniors and kids. Alternatively, you can take a cable car to the tower and use the elevators to get to the observation decks.
• Locks of Love: Whether you’re a couple or just friends, you can partake in the tradition of hanging padlocks at the base of the tower, symbolizing lasting love and friendship.

The Charm of Night

• Illumination: As dusk falls, N Seoul Tower transforms with a dazzling display of lights, making it a spectacular sight against the night sky.
• Nighttime views: The nighttime panorama from the tower is unparalleled, with the city lights stretching into the horizon, offering a completely different perspective from the daytime. Here you’ll see Seoul bathed in city lights, with the illuminated buildings’ glow complementing the twinkling skyline.

Nami Island

Nami Island, or Namiseom, is an idyllic, crescent-shaped isle in South Korea, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. This enchanting island is located in the Chuncheon district, about 63 kilometers from Seoul, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful escape from the urban hustle.

Don’t miss this quintessential South Korean attraction, especially in autumn when it becomes one of the premier spots to witness the splendid autumn foliage. If you’re a K-drama fan, Nami Island will bring the kilig and nostalgic feels that South Korean dramas masterfully convey, transporting you into a wonderland of romance.

Location and Access

• How to get there: It is accessible by a short ferry ride (about 30 mins) from Gapyeong Wharf. You can also opt for the more thrilling zip wire entry that offers stunning aerial views of the island and river.
  
  You can book a Nami Island tour or shuttle bus via Klook or Trazy for a hassle-free experience, or you can also travel to the island via ITX train or private car or van. Note though that the place is especially bustling with tourists on weekends, so it’s better to go there early or visit on a weekday to avoid heavy traffic.

Attractions and Activities

• Metasequoia Lane: Perhaps the most photographed location on Nami Island, this pathway is beautifully lined with towering Metasequoia trees that create a stunning natural corridor.
• Ginkgo Tree Lane: Another enchanting spot, particularly in autumn when the leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow. This sight is what you usually see in K-dramas and IG posts.
• Biking and walking trails: Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk around the island to soak in its natural beauty at your own pace. If you’re with your significant other, make the most of the experience and take snaps on a couple bike as in K-dramas!
• Cultural experiences: The island often hosts various cultural events and festivals, including art exhibitions and musical performances, in its open-air amphitheater.

Unique Charm During Autumn

• Vibrant foliage: Autumn transforms the island into a riot of colors with its red, yellow, and orange leaves, making it an ideal time for photographers and nature lovers. You’ll see autumn leaves in vibrant hues of reds, yellows, and oranges, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for your trip.
• Pleasant weather: The cool, crisp air in autumn makes exploring the island particularly enjoyable, as the heat of summer subsides. It rained when we visited though, so we didn’t get to explore the other areas (the island is huge!). After taking a few pics and strolling, we settled into the on-site coffee shop to rest and warm up. 😀
• Romantic setting: The island’s scenic beauty offers a romantic backdrop, popular among couples and often featured in Korean dramas such as “The Winter Sonata.”

Garden of Morning Calm

Escape to the Garden of Morning Calm, a breathtakingly beautiful oasis tucked away in the heart of South Korea’s Gapyeong County. This tranquil garden not only offers a peaceful retreat from urban chaos but also showcases the best of traditional Korean landscaping art. Designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, it promises an experience that combines botanical beauty with spiritual serenity.

Must-See Attractions:

• Korea’s Pink Grass: There’s a section here where you can find a version of Korea’s famous pink grass. Note though that it’s not an actual field of towering pink grass that you usually see on social media but just a small patch of pink weeds. Nevertheless, it’s a good-enough alternative since most of the fields with real pink grass are located outside Seoul. Also note that pink grass can only be seen during autumn.
• Bridges: Perfect for photo ops, you’ll find a small bridge over a small body of water near the entrance as well as a hanging bridge where you can enjoy overlooking views of the garden.
• Bonsai Garden: There’s a section here too where you’ll see beautiful bonsais together which make for a stunning photo backdrop.

During our visit, Garden of Morning Calm was bursting with colors with autumn leaves in almost every corner. The kaleidoscope of fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows created a mesmerizing backdrop that seemed straight out of a painting. Each pathway and turn offered a new vista, perfectly framed by the artfully trimmed branches of maple and ginkgo trees and complemented by different kinds of flowers in the various gardens.

Lotte Tower

Standing as one of the tallest buildings in the world, Lotte Tower, also known as Lotte World Tower, soars into the sky with its sleek, tapered design, offering panoramic views of the entire city from its observation deck.

• Seoul Sky: Located on the highest floors (117-123), the Seoul Sky observation area provides breathtaking vistas from one of the world’s highest glass-floored observation decks. You can enjoy a thrilling view straight down, along with interactive art installations and digital telescopes to see far-flung parts of Seoul in crisp detail.
  
  During our visit, there was a huge line to get to the top floor because there were only two elevators running, from what I remember. It was also super windy, so they were only letting a few people on the elevator at a time for safety. We ended up spending most of our time just waiting around to go up, which was kind of a bummer.
• Luxury Amenities: The tower is also home to a range of high-end services including luxury hotel rooms, residential spaces, business offices, and even a concert hall. Its sophisticated verticality combines shopping, leisure, and residential facilities, culminating in a luxe rooftop bar that offers cocktails with a view.

Lotte World

A colossal playground where fantasy meets fun, Lotte World is a magical realm that captivates both the young and the young at heart. Inside, an opulent parade wends its way beneath glittering lights, past a sprawling ice rink, and amidst a plethora of rides that promise thrills come rain or shine. Outside, the park transforms as dusk falls, with every corner aglow, creating a spectacle of dazzling lights and enchanting attractions that beckon visitors into a world where the wonders never cease.

• Outdoor Excitement: Connected by monorail, Magic Island is an outdoor area with high-octane rides including roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, and the exhilarating Gyro Drop. This is where you can take a photo of the castle-like facade of the theme park which resembles that of Disneyland albeit smaller. I was supposed to take a photo fronting the theme park just like what you usually see on social media but unfortunately, it rained during our visit so we couldn’t go outside. 😦
• Rent a Korean school uniform and blend with the locals: Lotte World is usually teeming with Korean students out to have fun after a school day. It’s a popular spot for young locals, and donning a school uniform can make you feel part of the crowd. The rental shops right around the park offer a variety of uniforms that you can rent for the day, allowing you to snap some fun, themed photos and enjoy the park just like a local student. Plus, it’s a unique way to immerse yourself in contemporary Korean culture and maybe even strike up a conversation with some friendly locals. Wearing the uniform also adds an element of playful disguise that enhances the whole experience, making your visit even more memorable.
• See the BTS Filming Spots: Lotte World holds a special place in the hearts of K-pop fans, especially ARMYs like me, as it has been a filming location for various BTS music videos and promotional shoots. One iconic spot is the carousel, where BTS filmed parts of their now-famous “War of Hormone” music video.
  
  Another notable location within Lotte World is the Magic Island area, particularly around the castle and its surrounding attractions. This spot provided a scenic setting for some of their early photoshoots and is perfect for fans who want to follow in the footsteps of their favorite idols.
  
  Checking out these spots lets you dive into some of the coolest and most whimsical parts of Lotte World. Plus, you get to walk in the footsteps of BTS, seeing the same places that were a big part of their artistic journey. It’s a fun way to feel a bit more connected to *our* lovely boys!

Lotte Aquarium

Located at the base of the Lotte World Tower, Lotte Aquarium showcases marine life from around the globe, featuring more than 650 species and 55,000 creatures. Its exhibits are designed to provide educational insights into aquatic habitats, from the Amazon River to the deep sea.

• Interactive Experiences: The aquarium offers touch pools and feeding shows, providing visitors a hands-on approach to learning about marine life. Although this attraction is geared more towards kids, I found myself completely captivated by the white beluga, which seemed to perform just for us during our visit, and the playful penguins, who were equally entertaining.
• Conservation Focus: Lotte Aquarium emphasizes conservation and education, with initiatives designed to teach visitors about marine conservation and the importance of sustainable marine environments.

Starfield Library Coex

• Situated in the bustling Coex Mall of Seoul’s Gangnam district, the Starfield Library is a striking oasis of literature and contemporary design that draws locals and tourists alike. With its towering shelves and open-plan layout, this architectural gem is not just a library but a cultural phenomenon, blending the charm of traditional reading spaces with the dynamism of modern urban life. A fairly new attraction in South Korea, tourists usually go here to take snaps of the stunningly unique library and pose on the escalator and against the shelves for the ‘gram (which is of course what we also did!) 😀
  
• Sky-High Shelves: The library boasts an impressive array of over 50,000 books and magazines that stretch towards the ceiling on 13-meter-high bookshelves, creating a visually stunning backdrop that dominates the atrium of one of the city’s busiest shopping centers.
• Striking Design: The futuristic design of Starfield Library, with its open, accessible tiers and panoramic views of the bustling mall, makes it a haven for Instagrammers and design enthusiasts looking to capture its unique aesthetic.
• Diverse Collections: Whether you’re interested in the latest bestsellers, international magazines, or scholarly journals, Starfield Library offers an extensive range to satisfy all types of readers.
• Comfortable Seating Areas: Scattered throughout the library are various seating options, from cozy bean bags to sleek chairs and desks, providing perfect spots for diving into a good book or catching up on work.
  
  There are several coffee shops here too such as Starbucks and Arabica Coffee.

Indeed, all these amazing tourist spots make South Korea a must-visit during autumn. With crisp air and clear skies, it’s the perfect season to explore and soak in the natural and cultural wonders of the country. Whether you’re hiking through colorful forests, wandering through serene gardens, or taking in cityscapes painted with autumn hues, fall in South Korea promises unforgettable moments and a deep appreciation for this beautiful season.