As autumn arrives in full swing, Seoul and its surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor attractions that showcase the season's vibrant colors and cultural experiences. From a photography exhibition on a river island to art museums surrounded by fall foliage, visitors have multiple opportunities to enjoy this brief but spectacular season before winter sets in.
Nodeul Island, an artificial island situated in the middle of the Han River between Yongsan and Noryangjin districts, is hosting Sony's "One and Only" exhibition through November 11 at Nodeul Gallery. The compact island, which opened in 2019 as a music complex featuring exhibition halls, performance spaces, and art galleries, provides an unlikely but striking venue for the photography showcase. The exhibition displays work from three Sony Partners artists alongside 100 user-submitted photos from the MyAlpha365 contest, demonstrating both professional vision with high-end equipment and everyday moments captured by amateur photographers.
The interactive exhibition allows visitors to print their own photographs on-site and add them to a communal wall, transforming the gallery into a collaborative project. Demo stations provide hands-on experience with Sony's Alpha cameras and lenses, with select models available at discounted prices. The exhibition serves as perfect inspiration for capturing Nodeul Island's famous sunset views over the Han River, though timing is crucial as construction on a new cultural complex begins November 20, closing the island until completion in 2028.
For those seeking to combine art appreciation with autumn scenery, the Ho-Am Art Museum in Yongin offers an ideal destination where fall foliage enhances the cultural experience. The museum's Heewon Traditional Garden transforms into a vibrant display of autumn colors, while Louise Bourgeois' monumental spider sculpture "Maman" creates a dramatic contrast against the colorful mountain backdrop. The museum is currently hosting "The Evanescent and the Eternal," a Bourgeois exhibition running until January 4.
Recent additions to the Ho-Am Art Museum include the newly opened Hoam Cafe, which serves seasonal specialties like autumn chestnut soup with sourdough toast and flower herb-beef jeon bibimbap. The museum has also acquired permanent installations of Lee U-fan's work, including pieces from the Relatum series at Yetdol Garden and the Silentium series at Heewon Traditional Garden, adding contemporary elements to the traditional landscape setting.
For families seeking a more playful outdoor experience, Navierro in Yongin provides a whimsical weekend escape just a short drive from Seoul. This 6,200-square-meter living playground encourages both children and adults to reconnect with nature and their senses through various activities. The facility's signature pink outdoor zone offers space for badminton, while the adjacent purple area accommodates foot volleyball and futsal games, allowing children to explore freely in the open air.
Navierro offers structured programming for younger visitors, including a 50-minute outdoor activity session for kindergarten and elementary school students, available by reservation for 35,000 won per person. The indoor area recreates a campsite atmosphere complete with tents, arcade machines, and barbecue setups where visitors can order grilled pork belly, Korean beef, stews, beer, and wine. Evening activities include gathering around a campfire to roast marshmallows, creating a complete outdoor experience.
Access to these autumn destinations is convenient via public transportation and private vehicle. Nodeul Gallery can be reached by taking Subway Line 9 to Nodeul Station and walking from Exit 2 toward Hangang Bridge, with the gallery open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and free admission, though Monday closures apply. Navierro operates daily from noon to 10 p.m., providing flexible scheduling for weekend getaways and family outings during the peak autumn season.
