Autumn ginkgo and red maples at Joseon's royal academy

Self-paid. The blogger paid for this visit.

Sungkyunkwan was the top school of the Joseon dynasty, and its courtyards turn yellow and red every November. Entry is free, and the maples beside Bicheondang hall are some of the brightest in central Seoul.

아니 여기가 훨씬 예쁘쟈나?
Wait, this spot is way prettier?

녕이 in the original post

Is it for you?

Go forThe ginkgo at Myeongnyundang is a natural monument over 500 years old, and it is huge up close. A short walk away, a single red maple beside Bicheondang, the old exam hall, frames the hanok roof in bright red and yellow.

Skip ifYou want a full day out. It is a 30 to 60 minute walk, best only in peak foliage season (early to mid November).

Good to know

Peak color is usually the first and second week of November. On Nov 7 the ginkgo was 70 to 80% yellow.
Best photo spots at Bicheondang: under the maple, by the stone wall in front of the hall, and from the roadside facing the ginkgo and maple pair.
Hours change by season: 09:00 to 18:00 from March to October, 09:00 to 17:00 from November to February.
It is a 15-minute walk from Hyehwa Station Exit 4, uphill through the university area.

Autumn ginkgo and red maples at Joseon's royal academy

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