The Best Autumn Foliage Spots In Korea
The best places in Korea to find colourful foliage in fall!
Many people come to Korea in the Autumn to enjoy the beauty of South Korea's colourful fall leaves and ginkgo trees. Here are some of the best spots in Korea to go to see maple leaves and ginkgo trees during fall!
Seoraksan (설악산)
Location: Hangyeori, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
The first recommended spot is Seoraksan Mountain located near Sokcho, Gangwon-do. It is one of the best places to enjoy stunning autumn vibes. Mid-October is the best time to go to enjoy the colorful leaves here.
There are many attractions in Seoraksan Mountain, from Ulsan Rock all the way to the Sinheung Temple. But the most famous out of them all would have to be the scenic road in Seoraksan mountain.
Seoraksan mountain has a variety of bright red, yellow, and orange leaves, making it a go-to autumn spot. It is perfect to come here to get a refreshing break from living in the bustling city of Seoul.
Ranked the third highest peak in South Korea, it is one of the first places where trees will start to put on vibrant hues. It is also one of the first places where winter starts and snow falls in Korea. I really recommend that you to come here to have an unforgettable memory of visiting Korea!
Click on the link below for a more in-depth guide + tour!
Songnisan (속리산)
Location: 84, Beopjusa-ro, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (충북 보은군 속리산면 법주사로 84)
Songnisan is a breathtakingly beautiful mountain and is recognized as one of the 'Eight Scenic Spots of Korea'. It was designated as an official tourist destination by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and it is also a designated spot for seeing fall foliage.
The sharp granite peaks and deep valleys made of sedimentary rocks are a spectacular sight!
For a more detailed guide and a day trip tour, click on the link below!
Odaesan (오대산)
Location: 2, Odaesan-ro, Nae-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do
When going on a foliage tour in South Korea, as long as the leaves turn red in Seoraksan, the Odaesan Mountain located in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do will also have leaves that turn to beautiful red and yellow. K-drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God was also filmed here at Odaesan.
Sangwon Temple in Odaesan is also stunning at this time of the year. The hiking trails and walking paths are famous among avid local hikers and travelers.
The road up to the mountain is covered with radiant foliage on both sides. I strongly recommend you come here, walk up, and enjoy the scenery.
Naejangsan (내장산)
Location: 936, Naejangsan-ro, Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk
In 1971, Naejangsan Mountain was designated as the eighth national park in South Korea. It has beautiful scenery with lots of trees and leaves in different hues. Because of this, a lot of tourists come to visit and fall in love with the mountain.
When autumn comes, Naejangsan Mountain gets busy with tourists and photographers who pay a visit to admire its amazing scenery. You'll find a crowd right from the entrance!
There are many attractions on Naejangsan Mountain but the most famous spot has to be Wuhwajung. Wuhwajung is a pavilion floating on the water surrounded by red maple leaves that form the beautiful scenery shown above.
Jirisan (지리산)
Location: Chuseong-ri, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam
Jirisan mountain shows that the best foliage spots outside of Seoul. The second highest peak in Korea, Jirisan Mountain is one of the most stunning fall spots in the southern part of South Korea. The leaves here begin to turn red at the end of October.
Jirisan mountain is also the first designated national park where you can see the well-preserved nature and ecology that remains here. If you are coming to Busan during autumn, make sure you add Jirisan mountain to your itinerary!
There are a lot of scenic spots in Jirisan mountain with more than a dozen waterfalls in the valleys. However, the best valley would have to be in Baemsagol Valley with its beautiful foliage scenery. Walk along this valley and enjoy the colourful leaves!
I recommend you come to visit this valley during the end of October with your friends. It is surely going to be one of the most memorable moments of your trip!
Gayasan (가야산)
Location: Chuseong-ri, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongnam
Located in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea's Gayasan Mountain may be less known to people, but is highly recognized for the temple located here called Haeinsa. Since ancient times, Gayasan mountain has been recognized as one of the eight best scenic spots in Korea.
Every autumn, Gayasan mountain is covered with fall foliage. Many Daegu residents will come to Gayasan mountain when the weather is good and climb it to enjoy the scenery it offers. In 1972, Gayasan was designated as Korea's ninth national park.
In autumn, people who are taking trips to nearby cities of Gayasan mountain, such as Daegu or Busan, may want to come here and enjoy one of the most beautiful sceneries in Korea.
Juwangsan (주왕산)
Location: 169-7, Juwangsan-myeon Park-gil, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongbuk
Juwangsan Mountain located in Gyeongsangbuk-do is the twelfth national park in Korea. The beautiful valley landscape is its most special scenery. Walking on the trail next to the rock walls is amazing!
Juwangsan Mountain is located in the middle of South Korea and is close to Daegu, but because of its slightly inconvenient nature, there are fewer travelers that choose to visit this place compared to other places.
The beautiful Huiyeondang is located at the foot of the mountain, where you can get a view of the entire mountain! The trees here are full of life and provide amazing scenery.
As you enter Juwangsan mountain, you'll walk along the amazing trail of maple leaves and gingko trees, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your trip to Korea!
Gyeongju (경주)
Location: Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gyeongju, which is not as well known to tourists, is also an amazing place to visit. In autumn, you can check out the Bulguksa Temple and Bomunsa Temple in Gyeongju among the beautiful scenery.
Bulguksa Temple and Bomunsa Temple are surrounded by beautiful maple trees and ginkgo trees in autumn. It's considered to be one of the best scenic spots in the south-central region of South Korea.
I can guarantee that if you come to Bulguksa Temple, you will not forget it. Built in the year 528, during the Silla era, Bulguksa Temple is also of great national value. It is shown on Korean currency on the back of the 10 won coin!
There is also a lotus pond in the temple. This lotus pond is one of the most famous scenic spots for foliage here at Bulguksa Temple. Every autumn, this lotus pond is surrounded by red and yellow leaves, making it really beautiful.
That wraps up our list of the best fall foliage spots in Korea. Be sure to save this list for your future trip here! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
