South Korea boasts exquisite scenery in the fall when the leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. These are some of the best spots to enjoy the country’s stunning autumn foliage.

Gyeonggi Province

The colorful autumn foliage at Hwadam Botanic Garden. / Courtesy of Hwadam Botanic Garden

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Hwadam Botanic Garden

Hwadam Botanic Garden, or Hwadamsup, is an arboretum located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, a 40-minute drive from Seoul. In an effort to restore the country’s forest ecosystem, the LG Evergreen Foundation brought in roughly 4,300 species of native and imported plants to create a 165,265-square-meter forest park organized into 17 themed gardens.

The name “Hwadam” (화담·和談) means “a warm and friendly conversation,” reflecting the forest’s goal to provide a space for people to connect and communicate with nature. The forest was designed as an eco-friendly space that preserves the natural flora and welcomes nature lovers of all kinds.

Key themed gardens include the country’s largest Moss Garden, the Birch Tree Forest with 1,000 white birch trees, and the Bonsai Garden, which showcases 250 fine bonsai pieces. Autumn at Hwadam Botanic Garden is an awe-inspiring sight, where 480 varieties of maple trees—Korea’s largest collection—reveal their crimson and golden hues from mid-October to November.

Hwadam Botanic Garden only accepts a maximum of 10,000 visitors per day under a 100% pre-reservation system with time-specific entry limits. Monorail rides are available for the elderly and children who may have difficulty walking, and these must also be reserved online in advance.

Autumn foliage at the Garden of Morning Calm. / Korea Tourism Organization

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The Garden of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is an arboretum in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Nestled against the backdrop of Chungnyeongsan Mountain, it features various themed gardens, forest paths, and a dense pine nut grove.

Designed by Professor Han Sang-kyeong of Sahmyook University, the arboretum opened in 1996 and has since offered a peaceful retreat for city dwellers. Its 20 thematic gardens are connected by well-kept lawns, colorful flowerbeds, and nature trails. The arboretum is home to over 5,000 different species of plants, including more than 300 species from Baekdusan Mountain.

The Garden of Morning Calm is also a famous filming location for historical K-dramas such as Alchemy of Souls and Love in the Moonlight.

The garden landscape changes with the season, and in the fall, it showcases breathtaking scenery of autumn foliage, with leaves glowing in various hues of yellow and red.

Gangwon Province

The ginkgo tree in Bangye-ri, Munmak-eup, Wonju, Gangwon-do. /Korea Tourism Organization

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Ginko tree in Bangye-ri, Wonju

The ginkgo tree in Bangye-ri, Munmak-eup, Wonju, Gangwon-do, was designated as a Natural Monument on Jan. 31, 1964. While the tree’s exact age remains uncertain, it is estimated to be over 800 years old.

Standing approximately 33 meters tall, the tree has a trunk circumference of about 16 meters, with the base measuring 14 meters around. Its branches spread wide, reaching 37.5 meters east to west and 31 meters north to south.

According to legend, one of the ancestors of the Lee family, who once ruled the area, planted this tree. Another story claims that a passing monk, after drinking water nearby, stuck his staff into the ground, which later grew into this tree.

It is also believed that a white snake resides within the tree, which is why it has remained unscathed and flourished over the centuries. The tree is regarded as sacred, and when its leaves turn color all at once in autumn, it is said to predict a bountiful harvest for the year. This tree, which has grown tall and gracefully over the ages, is considered one of the most beautiful ginkgo trees in the country. For more information, call 033-737-2808.

The Ginkgo Tree Forest in Hongcheon. /Korea Tourist Organization

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Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest

The Ginkgo Tree Forest in Hongcheon, which opens to the public every October for a month, is the result of one individual’s dedication over 30 years.

As one of the most famous autumn destinations in the Hongcheon region, the forest boasts over 2,000 ginkgo trees planted at five-meter intervals. When October arrives, the forest transforms into a stunning sea of golden leaves.

Nearby attractions include Sambong Mineral Spring, one of Hongcheon’s nine scenic spots, and Guryong Pass, making the area a top choice for autumn travelers. The Ginkgo Tree Forest was created by an individual who, upon learning of the health benefits of the Sambong spring water from Odaesan, planted each tree by hand for his wife’s health. For 25 years, from 1985, the forest remained closed to the public. However, since 2010, word of its beauty spread, and it has been open free of charge for visitors each October.

With nearby sites such as Gaebangsan, Sambong Mineral Spring, and the Sambong National Forest Recreation Area, this peaceful destination is a must-visit for those planning a relaxing autumn getaway. For more information, call 033-433-1259.

Chungcheong Province

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

Located in Seo-gu, Daejeon, Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is renowned for its vast Metasequoia forest, often referred to as a “living fossil” due to its ancient lineage. Of the forest’s total area of 82 hectares, 20 hectares are covered by Metasequoia trees. Within the forest, picnic tables and benches provide ideal spots for visitors to gather in small groups, escape the heat, and enjoy the fresh air—making it a perfect location for a relaxing getaway with a picnic mat.

The forest also features an exhibition hall showcasing the ecology of Jangtaesan’s plants, trees, and insects. Visitors can learn not only about Metasequoias but also about other tree species like pines, ginkgoes, paulownias, and oaks. Interactive displays allow them to discover how different types of wood, though similar in size, can vary in weight. Outside the exhibition hall, a botanical garden, currently serving as a learning space for children, catches the eye.

At the end of the walking trail below the botanical garden is a small ecological pond, where visitors can observe a variety of aquatic plants, including water lilies, spiked loosestrife, and bulrushes. From the observatory atop the Brother Rocks on Jangtaesan’s peak, visitors can enjoy stunning sunset views and explore other rock formations, such as Janggunbong and Hangsang Rock.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is open year-round and free of charge. For more information, call 042-270-7885.

Sinseong-ri Reed Field, familiar from movies and dramas, features the shimmering waves of the Geum River, creating a mesmerizing harmony. In winter, it serves as a habitat for migratory birds, making it a popular destination for nature learning and photography./Park Jong-in

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Sinseong-ri Reed Field

Sinseong-ri Reed Field, located in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, is one of the four largest reed fields in Korea. Stretching over 1.5 kilometers in length and 200 meters in width, the field is situated where the Geum River meets the Yellow Sea. To preserve the reed ecosystem, only a small portion of the area is open to the public as a park.

At the park entrance, visitors will find parking and the Sinseong-ri Reed Farming Cultural Experience Center, which offers local craft workshops, resting areas, and a shop selling regional specialties. From the park’s two-story observation deck, visitors can take in sweeping views of the Geum River and the expansive reed fields.

Sinseong-ri Reed Field gained fame as a filming location for the movie Joint Security Area and the drama The Slave Hunters. Posters and sculptures related to these productions are displayed near the entrance, adding an extra point of interest for visitors. Along the walking trails, poems by renowned Korean poets such as Pak Tu-jin, Kim So-wol, and Pak Mok-wol enhance the serene atmosphere of the reed field.

Sinseong-ri is also a haven for migratory birds. Every winter, more than 40 species flock to the area. While entry may be restricted during the bird migration season, visitors can still enjoy the picturesque reed field from the outskirts.

The reed field is open year-round with no admission fee. For inquiries, call 041-952-9525.

Danyang Bobaljae Pass

Bobaljae Pass, located in Danyang, North Chungcheong Province, is a scenic mountain pass at an elevation of 540 meters. The pass connects Bobal-ri in Gagok-myeon to Baekja-ri in Yeongchun-myeon and is a popular destination for a picturesque drive. As part of the 6th course of the Sobaeksan Mountain trail, Bobaljae is also known by the local name “Godneomi-jae.” In spring, the pass is adorned with wildflowers, while in autumn, vibrant foliage creates a breathtaking scene.

The 3-kilometer road lined with colorful autumn leaves, set against the backdrop of Sobaeksan Mountain, captivates visitors. From the observation deck at the peak, they can take in stunning panoramic views of Bobaljae’s fall colors, attracting not only tourists but also photographers eager to capture the perfect autumn shot. Bobaljae Pass is truly one of the top spots for experiencing Korea’s autumn foliage.

In 2020, Danyang County planted over 500 additional maple trees along the road from Hyangsan Samgeori to Bobaljae Pass and Guinsa Temple, further enhancing the autumn scenery. There is no dedicated parking, so visitors are advised to park in an open lot located 200 meters from the pass or along the roadside.

Bobaljae Pass is open year-round. For more information, call 043-422-1146.

Gyeongsang Province

Autumn foliage wraps around the Udusan Suspension Bridge, creating a breathtaking view over the gorge. /Korea Tourism Organization

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Udusan Suspension Bridge

Located in Geochang, South Gyeongsang Province, the Udusan Suspension Bridge is South Korea’s first Y-shaped suspension bridge, perched at an elevation of 620 meters. Spanning 109 meters and standing 60 meters above ground, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding autumn foliage, making it an ideal destination for leaf-peeping in October. The bridge connects three paths over steep gorges and can accommodate up to 230 visitors at once. While exploring, visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of nearby Uisangbong Peak and Bigaesan Mountain, along with refreshing waterfalls along the walking trails. For more details, contact 055-940-7936 or visit Gochang Healing Land.

Visitors stroll through the silver grass fields at Ganwoljae in Ulsan. /Korea Tourism Organization

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Ganwoljae

Located in Ulsan, Ganwoljae is a captivating hill nestled between Ganwolsan and Sinbulsan mountains, renowned for its expansive fields of pampas grass, particularly stunning during the autumn season. As part of the Yeongnam Alps, where these two mountains converge, Ganwoljae offers an exotic landscape that provides a perfect escape from the stresses of daily life. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing breeze while taking in the breathtaking views, especially as the silver grass reaches full bloom from mid-October to early November. The easiest way to reach Ganwoljae is via the 6 km Deer Farm Trail, which offers a gentle path suitable for beginners. Open year-round and free of charge, Ganwoljae provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. For more information, contact 052-204-1727 or visit Ulsan Tourism.

Jeolla Province

In autumn, Gwanghallu and Ojakgyo Bridge at Gwanghalluwon Garden form a stunning, picture-perfect scene. /Courtesy of Namwon City

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Gwanghalluwon Garden

Gwanghalluwon Garden, situated in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, is a renowned filming location for numerous dramas and serves as the setting of the iconic Korean novel Chunhyangjeon, familiar to all Koreans. This garden embodies the philosophy of harmony with nature, a principle cherished by our ancestors, and stands as a fine example of a Joseon-era garden, designed to reflect the ideal world where Taoist hermits reside. At the heart of the garden is Gwanghallu, or “Moon Pavilion,” one of South Korea’s four major pavilions. Gwanghalluwon is a quintessential traditional Korean pavilion garden and a must-visit destination, particularly for viewing autumn foliage. Its beauty is striking both during the day and at night. The garden offers numerous scenic spots, making it especially popular among couples seeking the perfect Instagram-worthy photo. Recommended locations include a shot with Gwanghallu in the background from Bongraeseom Islets and a photo on Ojakgyo, or “Magpie Bridge,” situated in front of the pavilion. Visitors dressed in hanbok enjoy free admission, making the hanbok experience highly recommended.

Naejangsan National Park

Naejangsan National Park, recognized as one of South Korea’s top eight scenic locations, is situated in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province. True to its name, which means “countless hidden treasures,” the park offers year-round beauty, with autumn being its most renowned season. Often referred to as “Korea’s premier autumn mountain,” Naejangsan is famous for its breathtaking foliage, particularly along the Nature Observation Trail and Seoraebong Course. The path from Iljumun Gate to Naejangsa Temple, lined with 108 fall foliage trees, creates a vivid tunnel of red and gold. The Seoraebong Course, the park’s most popular route, offers stunning views of vibrant maples framed against dramatic cliffs. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s cable car for panoramic views of the scenic landscape. During the peak foliage season, from Oct 21 to Nov 19, reservations for the 2.8 km Seoraebong Trail are required in advance through the National Park Service’s booking system.

[The Chosun Daily]

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