“Autumn: When Korea Becomes Its Most Beautiful”
Korea is a country with four distinct seasons, each bringing its own atmosphere and colors. Among them, autumn is often considered the most stunning, with its rich and fiery landscapes. From October through November, mountains and forests across the country are painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating scenes that feel both warm and majestic.
One unique feature of Korea’s autumn is that the peak foliage varies by region. If you plan carefully, you can extend your trip and enjoy fall colors in multiple places as the season progresses. For example, the leaves change first in the northern mountains and later in the southern coastal areas, offering travelers a moving calendar of fall beauty.
In this guide, we introduce five of Korea’s most famous autumn foliage destinations. For each location, you’ll find background on its natural features, highlights of the scenery, details on how the site is managed, and up-to-date practical tips including festivals confirmed for 2025. If you’re a foreign visitor planning a trip to Korea, this overview will help you experience the very best of the season.
🍁 Naejangsan National Park (Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do)
Naejangsan, whose name means “a mountain with hidden beauty,” is one of Korea’s most famous autumn foliage destinations. Every fall, the entire mountain is draped in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, attracting travelers from across the country. At its center lies Naejangsa Temple, originally built during the Baekje Kingdom, which adds a sense of history and serenity to the vibrant scenery.
The park is renowned for its abundance of broadleaf trees, offering a wide spectrum of fall colors. Well-maintained, gently sloped trails make it accessible for both families and beginners. During peak season, Jeongeup City also organizes cultural events and local festivals, allowing visitors to experience both the natural beauty and the traditions of autumn in Korea.
📌 Highlights & Scenic Spots
Naejangsa Temple and its maple-lined path
Walking route from Byeongnyeonam Hermitage to Naejangsa
Cable car observatory with panoramic views
🎉 Festivals & Events
Naejangsan Autumn Leaves Festival (2025 schedule to be officially announced; typically held late October to mid-November)
Traditional food booths and local performances (seasonal)
🚍 Visitor & Transportation Info
Parking hours: Generally open from sunrise to sunset (hours may be restricted during peak foliage season)
Admission: Free (cable car approx. 8,000 KRW for adults, round trip; hours vary)
Travel: KTX from Seoul to Jeongeup Station (about 1h45)
From Jeongeup Station: take local bus 171 or a taxi to the park entrance. During peak season, shuttle buses operate inside the park.
🌳 Hwadam Forest (Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do)
Located just 40 minutes from Seoul, Hwadam Forest is a private ecological arboretum created by the LG Evergreen Foundation. The name Hwadam (和談) means “to share a warm conversation,” reflecting its vision as a place where people and nature meet in harmony. Covering 165,000㎡, the forest is home to more than 4,300 species of native and introduced plants, arranged into 16 themed gardens. In autumn, the grounds transform into a watercolor-like landscape as countless maple trees turn shades of red and gold.
The walking trails are designed with accessibility in mind, making most areas easy to explore for elderly visitors and wheelchair users. A monorail service is also available for those who prefer a more relaxed ride through the park. Beyond its scenic beauty, Hwadam Forest also serves as a conservation site, preserving endangered species such as fireflies and mandarin ducks, making it a valuable space for ecological education.
📌 Highlights & Scenic Spots
Birch forest and wishing stone towers
Korea’s largest moss garden
A gentle 5km circular walking trail
🎉 Seasonal Events
Peak autumn foliage in 2025 is expected from mid-October to early November
Small-scale nature and ecology programs held during the season
🚍 Visitor Information
Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (last admission 17:00, closed on Mondays)
Admission: Adults 11,000 KRW / Youth & Seniors 9,000 KRW / Children 7,000 KRW
Advance reservation recommended, especially during peak foliage season
Transportation: From Gonjiam Station or Bus Terminal, transfer to local bus or taxi
Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho, Gangwon-do)
Seoraksan is often called the “Alps of Korea,” and its autumn colors live up to the name. Thanks to its high elevation, the leaves begin turning as early as late September and often last longer than in other regions. Popular spots like Gwongeumseong Fortress, Ulsanbawi Rock, and Cheonbuldong Valley offer some of the most dramatic fall scenery.
Several routes are available for different levels: the cable car to Gwongeumseong for easy access, or the Cheonbuldong Valley trail for a rewarding hike with endless foliage views. Because the weather can shift quickly in the mountains, visitors are advised to bring warm layers and check park updates before heading out.
📌 Highlights & Scenic Spots
Gwongeumseong Fortress (via cable car)
Cheonbuldong Valley autumn trail
Ulsanbawi Rock viewpoint
🎉 Festivals & Events
The Seorak Cultural Festival is held annually in Sokcho around late October, featuring cultural performances, local food, and nature-related events.
Exact dates for 2025 have not yet been officially announced.
🚍 Visitor & Travel Information
Seorak Cable Car: round-trip only (approx. 16,000 KRW adults / 12,000 KRW children, infants free)
Ride time: about 10 minutes to Gwongeumseong Fortress
Travel from Seoul: Intercity bus to Sokcho takes about 2.5 hours, but total travel time may vary depending on departure point and traffic.
🍂Nami Island (Chuncheon, Gangwon Province)
Nami Island, originally formed as part of the Bukhan River, takes its name from General Nami, a loyal figure from the Joseon Dynasty. Since being developed as a cultural space in the 1960s, it has become one of Korea’s most iconic year-round destinations.
In autumn, tree-lined paths of maples and metasequoias turn brilliant red and gold, transforming the entire island into a romantic garden. It is especially famous as the filming site of the drama Winter Sonata, which still draws many international visitors.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Nami Island is home to outdoor art installations, performance spaces, themed gardens, and traditional cultural programs. Visitors can also rent bicycles, try the zipline, or even stay overnight at the island resort, making it ideal for both day trips and short getaways.
📌 Highlights
Metasequoia-lined avenue
Riverside walking trails
Winter Sonata filming site and outdoor sculpture park
🎉 Festivals & Events
2025 Nami Island Autumn Arts Festival (September–November, scheduled)
Outdoor performances, exhibitions, flea markets
🚍 Practical Info
Admission (includes round-trip ferry): about 16,000 KRW per adult
Seoul → Gapyeong Station via ITX train (~1 hr)
Gapyeong Station → Nami Island dock by shuttle bus or taxi (~10 min)
Buseoksa Temple (Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Buseoksa Temple was founded in 676 CE by the monk Uisang, during the reign of King Munmu of Silla. Its name, “Floating Stone,” comes from a local legend and reflects the temple’s long spiritual history.
The temple’s most famous hall, Muryangsu-jeon (National Treasure No. 18), is one of Korea’s oldest surviving wooden structures. In autumn, its traditional architecture framed by crimson foliage creates a view that feels like a living painting. Visitors can also explore stone lanterns, Buddha statues, and wall paintings that enrich the cultural experience.
During fall, the temple grounds glow with fiery leaves against quiet tiled roofs, with sunsets offering some of the most memorable views of Korea’s traditional beauty. Nearby sites such as Sosu Seowon and Seonbi Village provide additional cultural context and make for a rewarding day trip.
📌 Highlights
Autumn foliage path in front of Muryangsu-jeon
Stone lanterns surrounded by maple trees
Stairway from the Iljumun to Cheonwangmun gates
🎉 Festivals & Events
2025 Yeongju Buseoksa Autumn Foliage Festival (late October, scheduled)
Traditional experiences, lantern events, and music performances
🚍 Practical Info
Admission: 2,000 KRW (adults) / 1,000 KRW (youth)
Yeongju Station → Buseoksa by local bus (~40 min)
Seoul Station → Yeongju by KTX (~2 hr 30 min)
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Autumn Leaves
Korea’s autumn is not only about colorful landscapes, but also about connecting with the country’s deep cultural heritage. Arboretums, temples, national parks, islands, and historic sites each offer unique ways to experience this season.
All five destinations, Hwadam Forest, Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Nami Island, and Buseoksa, showcase how nature and tradition come together in Korea. Most are accessible by public transportation, and checking reservation policies or festival schedules in advance can make your journey even smoother.
Autumn is brief. This year, step into Korea’s crimson landscapes and discover experiences that go far beyond the leaves.
👇If you enjoyed this guide, you might also like our earlier feature:
Slow Escapes: 5 Peaceful Day Trips Near Seoul to Enjoy Autumn Lightly