From silver grass to autumn foliage: Explore Seoul's fall scenery by subway

Cool breezes are sweeping through Seoul as the city takes on the colors of autumn. There is no need to travel far — a subway ride can take visitors from bustling city parks to mountains ablaze with fall foliage, all within easy reach.

Seoul Metro is marking the start of the autumn outing season by highlighting parks, walking destinations and mountain trails accessible via subway lines 1 through 8. The operator also analyzed ridership data from last autumn — September through November — to track how passenger numbers shifted at stations near popular seasonal destinations.

The standout figure comes from Line 6's World Cup Stadium Station, located near Haneul Park, where the annual silver grass festival is held. The station's average daily ridership last October jumped 43.8 percent above the 2025 annual daily average, the highest increase of any station on the network. The surge continued throughout the season, with World Cup Stadium Station ranking among the top stations for monthly ridership growth in September and November as well.

Haneul Park, reachable from World Cup Stadium Station, is one of Seoul's most beloved autumn destinations, known for its sweeping expanses of silver pampas grass. This year's festival runs for seven days, from Oct. 17 through Oct. 23. With the grass expected to peak in tandem with the festival, large crowds are anticipated again this year.

Looking at the full autumn period, eight stations — World Cup Stadium, Jamwon, Hanyang University, Dongdaemun-gu Office, Magok, Children's Grand Park, Hansung University Entrance and Dolgoji — ranked among the top 30 stations for monthly ridership growth for three consecutive months from September through November. Among them, Children's Grand Park Station and Hansung University Entrance Station stood out as gateways to parks and popular walking areas.

Those looking for a leisurely autumn stroll have several options: Seoul Children's Grand Park near Line 7's Children's Grand Park Station, Naksan Park near Line 4's Hansung University Entrance Station, Gyeongbokgung near Line 3's Gyeongbokgung Station, and Namsan Park near Line 4's Myeong-dong and Hoehyeon stations. Seoul Forest, Seokchon Lake and Yeouido Park are also easily accessible autumn retreats within the city.

Hikers seeking mountain foliage should look to Line 7's Dobongsan and Suraksan stations. Dobongsan Station connects to the Dobongsan area of Bukhansan National Park, where rocky peaks and valleys come together in a striking autumn landscape. Ridership at Dobongsan Station rose 9.9 percent above the annual daily average last November.

From Suraksan Station on Line 7, hikers can begin their ascent of Suraksan via Surakgol Valley. The mountain offers a mix of ravines, forest paths and ridgelines, making it an ideal spot for an autumn hike close to the city. The valley entrance is within walking distance of the station, and the Nowongol area features a barrier-free forest trail with relatively gentle terrain.

Further options abound: Bukhansan is accessible from Line 3's Gupabal Station, Gwanaksan from Line 4's Sadang Station, Achasan from Line 5's Achasan Station, Yongmasan from Line 7's Yongmasan Station, Namhansanseong Fortress from Line 8's Sanseong Station, and Inwangsan from Line 3's Dongnimmun Station — offering a range of autumn hikes to suit different schedules and fitness levels.

Seoul Metro said it plans to reinforce safety management and passenger guidance at major stations and on sections expected to see heavy traffic during the autumn outing season.

Ma Hae-geun, head of Seoul Metro's operations division, said the subway allows people to reach parks and mountains across the city without worrying about parking. "This autumn, we hope everyone will start their outing from the nearest subway station and enjoy a trip that suits their own taste," he said. "For those heading into the mountains, please check the weather and trail conditions in advance and have a safe and enjoyable autumn."