There’s a magic to autumn in Korea that you can’t quite capture in a single photograph. The fiery foliage wildly frames rugged mountains, and golden ginkgo leaves create a dramatic contrast against ancient palaces. While famous spots like Seoraksan National Park and Namsan Mountain get crowded for good reason, a quieter, equally beautiful secret awaits in an unexpected neighborhood.
My own discovery was pure serendipity. On a late November day in 2024, a random walk through Seoul’s Guro district led me to a little-known oasis: Guro Geori Park. While most autumn colors in Seoul peaks from late October to early November, I was stunned to find the trees here at their breathtaking peak, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson well into the season’s final act.
If you think you’ve missed the “peak” of the season, don’t pack away your camera just yet. Guro Geori Park is a sanctuary for late-season colors that will take your breath away.
Where is Guro Geori Park?
Guro Geori Park (구로거리공원), or “Guro Street Park,” is a linear urban park tucked away in the Guro neighborhood. It is incredibly accessible for travelers and locals alike:
- Closest Station: Sindorim Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 2).
- How to get there: Take Exit 3 and enjoy an easy, flat 15-minute walk.
If you are using Naver Map (which I highly recommend for navigating Seoul!), searching for “Guro Street Park” will lead you right to its entrance.
A Symphony of Reds and Golds: Autumn at the Park
The beauty of Guro Geori Park lies in its density of deciduous trees. Unlike some parks that focus solely on ginkgo trees, Geori Park offers a diverse palette.
Walking through the park in late autumn feels like walking through a tunnel of fire. The Japanese Maples are the stars here—their leaves turn an intense, deep crimson that looks almost surreal against the blue sky. You’ll also find plenty of Cherry Blossom trees; while famous for their spring petals, their leaves turn a lovely, rustic orange-bronze in the fall, adding a soft warmth to the landscape.
The park’s layout, designed as a long promenade, makes it the perfect “runway” for photography. Every few steps offer a new frame of vibrant reds and golden yellows.
Timing is Everything: The “Late Bloomer” of Seoul
One of the best things about Guro Geori Park is its unique timing. While the foliage in northern Seoul often starts to fade by mid-November, Geori Park seems to be a “late bloomer.”
- The Sweet Spot: Late November through the first week of December.
- My Experience: I visited on November 30th, and the colors were at their absolute, breathtaking peak.
If you find yourself in Seoul at the very end of the month and fear you’ve missed the autumn magic, Guro Geori Park is likely where the party is still happening!
Bonus: Fuel Up at International Food Culture Street
After you’ve filled your camera roll with foliage, you’re going to be hungry. Luckily, the park is positioned right next to a culinary goldmine.
Just across the street to the north lies the International Food Culture Street (국제음식문화거리). It is a massive cluster of restaurants catering to every craving imaginable:
- Local Favorites: Korean BBQ and Chi-mac (Chicken & Beer).
- Global Flavors: Authentic Chinese hot pot, Vietnamese pho, sushi, and more.
It’s the perfect place to warm up with a hot meal after a crisp autumn walk.
Final Verdict
Guro Geori Park is proof that you don’t always need to follow the crowds to find the best views in Seoul. It offers a peaceful, local atmosphere, stunning late-season colors, and incredible food right at its doorstep.
Whether you’re a photographer looking for that perfect red maple shot or just a traveler wanting a quiet stroll, put this park on your itinerary for your next autumn trip. It is a small detour with a massive reward!
Access Map
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