While fall foliage and cooler temperatures bring added vibrance to destinations across the Northern Hemisphere, Seoul, South Korea, is particularly magical this time of year. The city boasts an impressive number of large green spaces filled with tree and plant species specific to northern Asia, all of which enhance the beauty of nearby historical and modern structures. Add to that South Koreans’ passion for outdoor activities and impeccably designed networks of trails, paths and sitting areas throughout the city, and you have a plethora of spots to visit and enjoy.

© Elyse Glickman

Jinkwansa
The restored 12^th-century Buddhist temple, atop a mountain in Seoul’s Bukhansan National Park, offers a spirited and spiritual destination where visitors can learn about the resident nuns’ peaceful way of life and taste how it expresses itself in the remarkably flavorful temple cuisine. The food goes beyond setting the standard for thoughtfully prepared vegan cuisine, replacing garlic, onion and leeks with spices and dried, marinated and pickled ingredients that flavor up vegetables grown on site. During fall, lush trees and landscaping enhances the buildings, bridges and fermentation tanks, reminiscent of soldiers standing guard.

Bongeunsa

Originally built in A.D. 794, Bongeunsa pulls the visitor out of the modern trappings of the Gangnam neighborhood and nearby COEX convention center into a vibrant oasis with different buildings stacked into a forested hillside with paths and steps. A twice-daily percussion ceremony performed by temple monks enhances the visual lushness of the complex as well as the art and sculpture found indoors and out.

© Elyse Glickman

Changdeokgung Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage site, originally built in the 15^th century during the Joseon Dynasty, sits at the foot of Ungbong Peak of Mount Baegaksan near the north face of downtown Seoul. Dense foliage partially conceals Biwon, a “secret garden” that centuries ago served as a retreat for royalty to rest and reflect. Though nature and historic events reshaped it through the centuries, it still features its indigenous tree cover and is regarded as a prime example of East Asian palace architecture and garden design.

Seoul Forest Park

Originally designated as a royal hunting forest, the third-largest park in Seoul holds 400,000 trees (including several maple varieties and golden ginkgo trees) as well as 100 different animal species across 3,000 acres. Access to the main expanse of the park is free of charge and encompasses a Cultural Art Park, Ecological Forest, Nature Experience Study Field, Wetlands Ecological Field and Han River Waterside Park. With its Seongsu-dong neighborhood location, it is readily accessible by Seoul Subway Line 2.