There is more to Namsan than the famous tower above Seoul. In November, the park’s quieter walking routes become the setting for guided nature tours, garden workshops, traditional activities and an outdoor photography exhibition.
On October 23, Seoul Metropolitan Government announced its 2026 Namsan Dulle-gil Autumn Picnic programme, running November 1–30. Some experiences are simply part of a walk; others have limited places and require reservations. Here is how to choose the right visit.
1. The autumn walk is the main attraction
The easiest way to experience Namsan is to walk its paths without a fixed schedule. The North Ringway is particularly well known for autumn colour and is a pedestrian-friendly route rather than a drive through the park.
From November 1–30, an outdoor photography exhibition called Namsan Dulle-gil Gallery will be displayed along the North Ringway and paths near the Korean Forest Garden. The photographs offer a second way to notice the landscape while enjoying the real trees around you. Unlike a ticketed guided tour, the exhibition is designed to be encountered during a park visit. As with any outdoor installation, conditions may affect access.
2. November 7–8 brings guided tours and hands-on activities
The busiest programme weekend is November 7–8. Seoul has announced a nature-and-history walk, an autumn tour of the Korean Forest Garden, bird and seed discovery activities, weaving and knitting workshops, traditional games at Hohyeondang, and archery experiences at Seokhojeong.
Guided and workshop sessions are listed in morning and afternoon time slots, with many groups limited to approximately 15–20 participants. Some family sessions require children to be at least seven years old, while others are designed for adults. These are not all interchangeable activities, so check the age, location and language details of the particular session you want.
3. Reservations open October 26 at 2 p.m.
The key date for anyone planning ahead is Monday, October 26, at 2 p.m. Korea time. That is when advance reservations open through Seoul’s Public Service Reservation portal. Search for the Korean event name 남산둘레길 가을소풍 to locate available sessions.
The official notice does not guarantee English-language interpretation for every activity, so international visitors should check each listing before booking. Fees, if any, and remaining spaces should also be confirmed on the booking page. Small-group programmes may fill quickly. If you cannot reserve a place, the regular walking paths and month-long photo display are still worthwhile alternatives.
4. A traditional archery competition follows on November 14
The programme also includes a traditional archery competition at Seokhojeong on November 14. Registration for that competition is scheduled separately for November 2–8. The announced competition involves shooting toward a target 145 metres away and is not the same as the shorter introductory archery experience listed for November 7–8. Do not assume walk-in participation is available.
For a simple autumn afternoon, choose a comfortable walking route, check the sunset time and allow extra time for photos and rest stops. The city’s programme is a useful reason to explore Namsan beyond its observation deck.
The ThisKovery Take
Namsan is often treated as a viewpoint to visit, photograph and leave. This programme offers a different way to experience it: through slower walks, seasonal nature and small pieces of Korean tradition. The best part may be the walk itself, whether or not you book an activity.