Autumn Arrives at Seoul Forest with Gardens, Movies, and Horseback Riding

by Kim Doo Il Posted : September 2, 2026, 14:20Updated : September 2, 2026, 14:20
Seoul Forest, beginning to take on autumn hues, is transforming into a cultural space where visitors can enjoy walks, movies, performances, and ecological experiences all in one place.
 
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on September 2 that it will present autumn programs at Seoul Forest, where the Seoul International Garden Expo is taking place, allowing visitors to savor the seasonal changes and the beauty of gardens.
 
Activities include leisurely walks to observe fruits and fall foliage, autumn night movies and performances, night forest explorations, and urban horseback riding, catering to people of all ages.
 
The Seoul International Garden Expo has unveiled its '18 Recommended Autumn Gardens' that truly capture the essence of the season. The recommended gardens are categorized into three themes: 'Gardens Ideal for Autumn Walks,' 'Gardens Perfect for Reading a Book,' and 'Gardens for Discovering Autumn.'
 
Visitors can stroll through 'Elysian Forest,' 'Flowing Forest Garden,' and 'Path to the Forest,' where birch trees, metasequoias, and grasses create a picturesque autumn landscape. 'Elip Garden,' 'Diverse Seating,' and 'Staying in Seoul' are great spots for reading or chatting. 'Slow Walk Garden,' 'Rocky Area,' and 'Morning of All Things Blooming' allow close observation of small changes in the autumn garden, such as fruits, seeds, fall colors, and silver grass.
 
A program called 'Deep Reading of Autumn Gardens,' accompanied by a garden docent, will be held ten times. This small group program, limited to ten participants per session, will explore the themes of rest, plants, and seasonal gardens, explaining the restorative and healing qualities of gardens, the characteristics of plants, and the changing landscapes throughout the seasons. Pre-registration is available on the official website.
 
Autumn Garden Theater on Friday and Saturday Nights
Every Friday or Saturday, the Family Square at Seoul Forest will host the 'Autumn Night Garden Theater.' Starting on the 4th with 'Midnight in Paris,' films such as 'My Neighbor Totoro,' 'The Secret Garden,' 'Paddington 2,' 'Architecture 101,' 'Kung Fu Panda 3,' 'Life is Beautiful,' 'Wonka,' and 'Secret' will be screened in succession. Citizens can enjoy films that capture the essence of nature, family, and autumn in the cool breeze of the grassy square.
 
From the 18th to the 20th, the outdoor stage will feature 'Seoul Stage in Autumn Festa.' This will include performances of the original dance musical 'Joseon Chef Han Sang-gung,' a musical showcase by students from Seokyeong University and Baekseok University, and a gala concert featuring artists such as Choi Jung-won, Moon Jong-won, Choi Min-cheol, Ha Do-gwon, and Kim Ji-woo, with a total of five performances scheduled. In September and October, autumn busking will also take place in various gardens throughout Seoul Forest.
 
In collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Administration, the 'Heritage Garden Music Concert' will feature fusion traditional music performances every Friday and Saturday against the backdrop of K-Heritage gardens. From the 9th to the 11th of next month, the 'Seongdong Art Garden' will showcase and sell eco-friendly woodwork, ceramics, and textile works created by artists from the Seongsu area. On the 11th, the '7th Diversity Dong Film Festival' will present short films and a cine-talk focused on themes of environment, nature, gardens, and forests.
 
Experience Nature in the Heart of the City with Insect Sounds and Horseback Riding
There are also abundant ecological and night experiences for children and families. Programs such as 'Park Biological Exploration Team,' 'Insect Specimen Workshop,' 'Fun Insect Stories,' and 'Biodiversity Exploration Class' will allow participants to observe the creatures living in Seoul Forest and wetlands, learning about the value of urban ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.
 
After sunset, 'Starlit Seoul Forest Exploration' and 'Autumn Nights, Orchestra of Insects' will take place. Participants can walk through the forest paths at night, listening to the sounds of insects and observing nocturnal creatures, experiencing a different side of Seoul Forest.
 
Unique programs in collaboration with organizations and businesses have also been arranged. The 'Forest Garden Run - Running Level Up' is a wellness program that combines recovery stretching, running and walking, and a vegetable brunch. On the 17th and 18th of next month, an urban horseback riding experience will be offered in partnership with the Korea Racing Authority.
 
Details on schedules and participation methods for each program can be found on the official website of the Seoul International Garden Expo. Some events require advance reservations through public booking services.
 
Kim Young-hwan, Director of the Seoul City Garden City Bureau, stated, "We have prepared a variety of ways for citizens to enjoy the autumn garden, from garden walks and movies to performances and ecological experiences. We will continue to showcase diverse garden culture so that citizens can discover the charm of new gardens with each season and return to visit again."




* This article has been translated by AI.