Of all the seasons to visit this country, autumn is number one. Once you’ve read through this list of places to see fall foliage in Korea, you’ll see why.
This list is long for a good reason. Autumn in Korea is incredibly enchanting. After a painfully humid summer where everyone is hugging their aircon or quietly melting with their iced Americanos in hand, fall signals a cooling down. The country turns a little more golden as the sunlight softens; the trees change into bursts of reds, oranges, and yellows, and everyone lingers a little longer after work or school.
Even more than the cherry blossoms, it’s my favorite time of year. Since I haven’t even begun to cover all the places to see fall foliage in Korea myself, I thought I’d ask my friends over at CGSCreative, Bobo + Chichi, and Hedgers Abroad to share their favorite fall foliage locations as well. Read on to see if you’ve been to any of these beautiful areas.
BEST PLACES TO SEE FALL FOLIAGE IN KOREA
ANDOE HAHOE FOLK VILLAGE
- Korean Name: 안동 하회마을
Located along Hwasun mountain, Andong’s Hahoe Folk Village is a uniquely Korean way of seeing the fall leaves. An important setting from the Joseon dynasty, it’s one of the best places to experience Korea’s traditional architecture. If you can, head there around the famous Mask Festival in late September
BAEMSAGOL VALLEY IN JIRISAN
- Korean Name: 뱀사골
Last October Maggie and I decided to hike Baemsagol to take in the leaves, and it was absolutely stunning. The nine-hour hike is still one of the hardest I’ve done, but it was worth it for the gorgeous views. It is possible to stop earlier, so the course isn’t quite so long…
BUKHANSAN NATIONAL PARK
북한산국립공원
The iconic national park north of Seoul comes alive in fall. With the beautifully contrasting colors of the turning leaves and the powerful stone outcroppings that Bukhansan is known for; this park is a wonderland that begs a visit before the colds of winter set in. This national park is well known for its beauty, so be prepared to have company in the most trafficked (about 5 million visitors each year) National Park in the world…
CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE
창덕궁과 후원
“One of our favorite spots during the fall in Seoul is the secret garden of Changdeokgung Palace. The garden turns into a fall foliage wonderland when all the trees change colors. The most beautiful spot to enjoy them would be the small pond where all the trees and their leaves are reflected like a mirror on the water…
CHECK OUT CHANGDEOKGUNG TOURS HERE
DAEDUNSAN
대둔산
Famous for its high suspension bridge, I went with some friends in unfortunately foggy weather last November to catch the last of the leaves. It’s beautiful even in the clouds, and you’re sure to catch some gorgeous colors…
CHECK HERE FOR A DAY TOUR TO DAEDUNSAN
GURYE
구례
Nestled at the foot of the Jiri Mountain Range and the most popular entrance to Jirisan National Park, Gurye is surrounded by mountainous beauty on all sides. At summer’s end, this sleepy town comes alive with vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. While Gurye might not be the most populated or well-appointed city in South Korea, people looking to escape the bigger cities to a more natural setting need look no further. For those unwilling to embark on one of Gurye’s lovely valley hikes, check out Saseong Hermitage on Osan Mountain for dramatic architecture amidst the lovely trees or just relax by the river that runs through these stunning mountains…
NAEJANGSAN
내장산
I first heard of Naejangsan when Roxy posted about it last year. Naejangsan is considered the best mountain in the country to see autumn’s colors, and it didn’t disappoint even in bad weather. While I only saw a little, Elissa did the full hike the year before and Roxy had some more time to explore the different areas
CHECK HERE FOR A DAY TOUR TO NAEJANGSAN
NAMI ISLAND
남이섬 종합휴양지
Arguably the most underrated time of year to visit this couple’s paradise just outside of Seoul. The island is beautifully landscaped with rows of trees that turn to beautiful yellow, orange, and red in the autumn. We enjoy spending a few hours here than exploring the rest of the beautiful places in the Chuncheon area as well… Read More at Bobo + Chichi
Get There: Use the ITX-Cheongchun train via the subway to go to Gapyeong Station (가평역). From there, taxi to the Namiseom parking lot + take a ferry. If you’re staying near Insadong, it might be easier to just
CHECK OUT NAMI ISLAND DAY TRIPS
NAMWON
남원
I can’t talk about fall foliage in Korea and not mention my hometown of two years, could I? Last year I took my camera with me to school so I could take a long way home. I walked through Gwanghallu and by the river to take in all the colors at golden hour. Unfortunately, I also lost all these photos in my laptop crash this year… Hoping to recreate some photos when the weather clears up before I leave!
SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK
설악산국립공원
Seoraksan National Park is one of those places that’s magical every season. The dramatic ridgeline here is even more incredible looking with the colors of fall foliage. Not only is this a beautiful time of year to visit, but one of the most comfortable temperatures to climb the mountains…
CHECK HERE FOR A DAY TOUR TO SEORAKSAN
SEONUNSAN NATIONAL PARK
선운산도립공원
Home to a 1,500-year-old temple, Seonunsan park is a little more off the beaten path! Near Gochang, you’ll have a better chance of viewing the fall leaves with fewer crowds. There are also a variety of hikes from as short as 3 hours to as long as 10 to better enjoy the scenery…
SUNCHEON
순천
Once a small and unassuming city on South Korea’s southern coast, Suncheon has taken great strides to cultivate its natural beauty into a tourist destination. It has plentiful opportunities to enjoy nature this coming fall. The Suncheon Bay, the Philosopher’s hike from Seonam Temple to Songgwang Temple, the Suncheon Bay Garden, and the Naganeupseong Folk Village are all wonderful places to experience this underrated city’s natural beauty…
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