This guide to visiting Seoraksan shows you what to see & do in the park, including the giant bronze Buddha, Sinheungsa Temple, Geumganggul Cave, and the Seoraksan Cable Car. There’s also full details about how to get to Seoraksan by car, public transport, or guided tour, and where to stay.

There’s something for all ages and abilities at Seoraksan National Park, with many great hiking trails available. This article will introduce six trails that range from beginner to advanced and I’ve included lots of practical hiking tips based on my own experience hiking Seoraksan to help you, too.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why Should You Hike Seoraksan National Park?

Seoraksan National Park has something for everyone; hiking and trekking trails for all levels, a cable car, Buddhist temples, cafes, restaurants, and charming sights. Seoraksan can be accessed by car, public transport, or day tour from Seoul, and is one of the most beautiful of Korea’s national parks.

Here are 5 reasons you’ll love visiting Seoraksan National Park:

Accessible to all: You don’t have to be a hiker to visit Seoraksan National Park and many people who visit probably don’t even hike at all. There are valley walks that you don’t need any special preparation for, as well as a cable car that will lift you up to a mountaintop temple with great views.

Autumn leaves: Seoraksan National Park is the first place to see stunning autumn foliage in Korea, which starts in Seoraksan from early October each year. Of course, any time is a good time to visit Seoraksan National Park. See snowy peaks in winter, spring flowers, and leafy sights in summer.

Traditional Korean culture: You’ll be amazed at the Buddhist temples and other traditional sights in Seoraksan National Park, including a giant bronze Buddha statue. This park is rich in history and is famous for the legend of Gwongeumseong, which was apparently built overnight by two brothers.

Breathtaking hiking routes: If you dream of hiking in Korea, there are several options for hiking in Seoraksan National Park, including 1-day, 2-day, and even 3-day hikes. You can sleep in a mountain lodge – perfect for those who want to wake up with a sunrise over the mountains and East Sea.

A park of natural beauty: There are over 2,000 animal species living in Seoraksan National Park, including the Korean goral, musk deer, otters, and maybe some bears! Seoraksan was designated a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO in 1982 due to it’s abundant plant and animal life.

There’s so much more to love about Seoraksan National Park, which will be covered in this article. After reading this article, you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular day trip destinations from Seoul, especially during October, and a must-add for your South Korea bucket list.

What Are You Looking For?

To help make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, I’ve broken this article into the following sections. Click the quick links below to jump straight there or keep reading through all parts.

What to see & do

Discover all of the best things to see and do at Seoraksan National Park, besides the hiking trails.

How to get there

Find out how to get to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul by bus, car, and organised tour.

Hiking trails

Learn about the 6 best hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park that start from the Sogongwon entrance.

What To Prepare

What to prepare to hike Seoraksan National Park, when’s the best time to visit, and more useful info.

Where To Eat

Restaurant and cafe options in Seoraksan National Park and recommendations for where to eat.

Where To Stay

Accommodation options in Seoraksan National Park and in nearby Sokcho City for those staying longer.

What To See And Do At Seoraksan National Park

Whether you’re a hiker, or just want to experience the natural wonders of a Korean national park, you won’t be disappointed with a day trip to Seoraksan National Park. There is plenty to see at Seoraksan National Park; from the peaks and hiking trails, to traditional buildings and natural wonders.

Here are 7 of the best things to see at Seoraksan National Park:

1: Ulsanbawi Peak

Ulsanbawi is one the most famous peaks in Seoraksan National Park. It’s known for its formation of rocks that begin at the foot of the mountain all the way to its peak at 900m. As you reach the top, its 6 peaks form a spectacular view as well as the surrounding mountains. There are other hiking trails at Seoraksan, but this is one of the best from the main park entrance.

2: Seoraksan Cable Car

If you are not a hiker, or need a rest day for those legs, then the cable car is a great option for you and offers the easiest views of Seoraksan from above. The ride only lasts a few minutes, but treats you to wide valley views and birds-eye views of the other attractions at Seoraksan.

3: Korean Buddhist Temples

Seoraksan National Park is the home of several temples including: Sinheungsa Temple, Gyejoam, Geumganggul Grotto, Baekdamsa and Oseam Temple. Each of these temples have their own unique features and history which makes each one worth visiting. The biggest is Sinheungsa Temple, located close to the park’s entrance, and is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

4: Giant Bronze Buddha

One of the most famous sights of Seoraksan National Park is the giant bronze Buddha statue, which is the world’s largest seated bronze Buddha statue. It stands 14.6 metres high with forested slopes behind and around it. This is part of Sinheungsa Temple and there’s actually a small temple under the statue where you can see a statue of Bodhisattva Guan Yin.

5: Biryong Falls

There are several waterfalls in Seoraksan National Park, but Biryong Falls is arguably the most beautiful. The story behind Biryong Falls is that the crashing of water rushing over the rocky slopes and landing in the pool below is like the sound of dragons flying towards heaven. Bi-ryong (비룡) literally means ‘flying dragon’ in Korean. This waterfall looks best when frozen over during the cold Korean winter.

6: Gwongeumseong Fortress

A short, but breathtaking, journey up in the Seoraksan Cable Car will take you to Gwongeumseong Fortress. Although the fortress no longer stands, you will be taken away by the views of Seoraksan National Park from 670m above. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the East Sea and nearby city of Sokcho. Marvel at the views looking down, including steep drops!

7: Geumganggul Cave

The Geumganggul Cave is a small cave and holy site that contains a stone Buddha statue and was a former place of worship for Seoraksan’s Buddhist monks. This is a mountainside cave that sits 600 meters above sea level and can be reached by a steep climb up stone steps and over bridges in a couple of hours.

Not only can you enjoy seeing incredible views as you hike and walk around Seoraksan National Park, there are also lots of fun activities to do that are suitable for all ages and travellers. Explore and discover traditional Korean culture, dine on Korea’s favourite post-hiking dishes, and more.

Here are 5 great things you can do at Seoraksan National Park any time of the year:

1: Take In The Stunning Views

Although each trail reaches different heights, the views are always mesmerising. You can see all the way out to Sokcho and the East Sea from the peaks or cable car station. Yet, you do not need to reach such heights to enjoy the nature at Seoraksan National Park for the views are all around.

2: Trek Scenic Valley Paths

Whether you’re an expert hiker who wants a challenge, or a novice hiker who wants to enjoy a slow, steady walk, there is an option for you. There are trekking trails that wind through forests, beside streams and waterfalls, and past historic temples.The natural environment enhances all your senses as you smell, hear and, feel the world around you.

3: Enjoy Traditional Food

One of the best things to do after a hike in a Korean national park is to sit down to a big traditional Korean meal, such as haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), bibimbap (mixed rice), or dotori-muk (acorn jelly salad). Don’t forget to add locally made makgeolli (rice wine), which is made with sweetcorn in this part of Korea.

4: Buy Unique Souvenirs

Korea’s national parks are wonderful places to pick up unique souvenirs, and Seoraksan is no exception. As well as traditional hiking souvenirs, such as towels with maps of the park on them, there are also Buddhist souvenirs such as prayer beads and paintings. At Sinheungsa Temple you even can buy a roof tile and write a personal message on it, but sadly you can’t take this home with you.

5: Make New Memories

Whatever you do in Seoraksan National Park, you’re sure to create some unforgettable memories of your time there. Perhaps you added a wishing stone while walking a valley path, ate a delicious Korean meal under golden autumn foliage, or even made it to Ulsanbawi Peak after a long, yet rewarding trek. This will surely be a journey you’ll never forget.

However you spend your time at Seoraksan National Park, I’m sure you’ll enjoy all there is to see and do. My personal favourite is hiking the trails, especially to Ulsanbawi Peak, which is covered later in the Hiking Trails Section of this article. Next up is how to get to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul.

How To Get To Seoraksan National Park From Seoul

Seoraksan National Park is one of Korea’s largest national parks and spreads over nearly 400 square kilometres in Gangwon Province in north-eastern Korea. The park is so large that you can spend several days hiking from one side to the other, going from peak to peak and staying in lodges.

This guide won’t cover every entrance and hiking trail in Seoraksan, but will instead focus on the most popular and easy-to-reach entrance, which is the Sogongwon Park entrance (설악산소공원). As shown in the map below, the Sogongwon Park entrance is accessed from the park’s eastern border.

The Songwon Park entrance is the furthest entrance from Seoul but, thanks to it’s location close to Sokcho City, it’s one of the easiest entrances to get to by public transport. This section will cover how to get to Seoraksan by public transport, by car, and by tour, which can be the most practical way.

How To Get To Seoraksan National Park By Bus

If you want to travel to Seoraksan National park by bus from Seoul, you will need to travel from one of two bus terminals in Seoul to Sokcho. From Sokcho, you should transfer to a local bus that goes to Seoraksan National Park. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting to Seoraksan by bus.

I’ve added Naver Map location pins for each of the locations in this guide. Naver Map is the recommended app for navigating in Korea and is more reliable than Google Maps in Korea.

Step 1: Seoul To Sokcho By Intercity Bus

Go to Dong-Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울종합터미널) or Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널) for buses to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (속초고속버스터미널). Buses go frequently, but can be sold out in advance, especially on the weekend. You can book in advance online or at the terminal.

Step 2: Sokcho Bus Terminal To Seoraksan National Park

Once you have arrived in Sokcho, you need to transfer to a local (blue) bus to get to Seoraksan National Park. From the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, you should cross the street from the entrance of the bus terminal and take bus #7 or #7-1 to the Sogongwon Bus Stop (설악산소공원)

The bus will go all the way to the entrance of the national park (pictured above) and will take around 35 minutes. The first bus from Sokcho Bus Terminal to Seoraksan leaves at 06:51 and the last bus from the park leaves at around 20:30. The buses run a couple of times each hour.

If you want to take a taxi, there is a taxi rank outside of the bus terminal. The taxi ride takes 20-25 minutes and costs 15,000 – 20,000 KRW depending on traffic. You can use Kakao Taxi to book taxis in Korea, but please note that it might be difficult to get a taxi back from the park.

How To Get To Seoraksan National Park By Car

Travelling from Seoul to Seoraksan National Park by car is a convenient and fast option. If you have a car, or plan to rent a car in Korea, the drive to Seoraksan National Park takes just over 2 hours and is approximately 185km. Most of the journey is by Korean Expressway, which is charged in Korea.

If travelling by car, there are parking spaces at the entrance of Seoraksan national park. However, over the weekend they may be taken up quickly. In that case, you could park your car earlier, by the pensions and hotels, and either walk up to the park entrance or hop on the bus along the way.

If you’re driving to Seoraksan National Park, the address for the Seoraksan Sogongwon Car Park is shown below. I recommend using the Naver Map app to help navigate your journey.

Seoraksan Sogongwon Parking Lot, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
강원 속초시 설악산로 1032

Tip: If you don’t have a car or don’t want to travel so far to experience a great Korean National Park, then I recommend hiking Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park instead. It’s located in Seoul and offers incredible views of the capital. Perfect for a day hike while in Seoul.

How To Get To Seoraksan National Park By Organised Tour

The most convenient way to get to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul is with an organised tour. Most organised tours to Seoraksan depart from Seoul and the tours available range from simple transport to the park, to private tours with mountain hiking, or even a weekend with a night in Sokcho.

If you just want transportation to Seoraksan National Park and then back to Seoul, then a day trip to Seoraksan is the cheapest option. These trips usually include another stop along the way, such as Nami Island, Alpaca World, or the Garden of Morning Calm. Prices start at 95,000 KRW.

During autumn (September to November), there are more tours to Seoraksan National Park as many people want to view the autumn foliage. As this is peak season for travelling in Korea and for visiting Seoraksan National Park, I recommend booking these tours at least 1-2 months in advance.

Seoraksan National Park Tours

Below is a list of some of the organised tours to Seoraksan National Park that depart from Seoul. Several of these are only available during autumn, but some run throughout the year. There are many tour options from Klook, Get Your Guide, Trip Advisor, and Viator that go to Seoraksan.

Seoraksan National Park Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee for Seoraksan National Park. There was a fee of 3,500 KRW to enter Seoraksan, which was actually a fee payable to Sinheungsa Temple. However, since May 2023, most Buddhist temples in Korea have agreed to waive all entrance fees, including Sinheungsa Temple.

If you travel to Seoraksan National Park, you shouldn’t have to pay an entrance fee to enter. However, there will be fees for parking, fees to ride the cable car, and fees for using other facilities, such as showers and camping sites. Click for a full list of Seoraksan National Park fees.

Seoraksan National Park Opening Hours

Seoraksan National Park opening hours are from 6:00am until 8:00pm every day. The Seoraksan Cable Car runs from 9:00am until 6:00pm. Buses to Seoraksan National Park from Sokcho begin at 6:51am and the last bus to leave Seoraksan towards Sokcho is around 8:30pm.

Best 1-Day Hiking Trails At Seoraksan National Park

There are many stunning 1-day trails to hike in Seoraksan National Park, including these 6 trails that start from the Sogongwon Park entrance. These hiking trails offer something for everyone with beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses available, each with unique views on offer.

Here are six 1-day hikes in Seoraksan National Park with difficulty, length, and time details:

Ulsanbawi Peak Trail

Difficulty: Advanced (3/4)
Length: 3.8km (1-way)
Time: 2:20 (1-way)

Biryong Falls Trail

Difficulty: Intermediate (2/4)
Length: 2.4km (1-way)
Time: 50 mins (1-way)

Cable Car Trail

Difficulty: Beginner (1/4)
Length: 300m (1-way)
Time: 15 mins (1-way)

Biseondae Rock Trail

Difficulty: Beginner (1/4)
Length: 3.0km (1-way)
Time: 1:20 (1-way)

Geumganggul Cave Trail

Difficulty: Intermediate (2/4)
Length: 3.6km (1-way)
Time: 1:40 (1-way)

Yangpok Shelter Trail

Difficulty: Intermediate (2/4)
Length: 6km (1-way)
Time: 3:50 (1-way)

The map below of the eastern part of Seoraksan National Park shows all of these hiking routes, the distances between each location, and the start point for each of these hikes – Sogongwon Park. The trails head out in three different directions and it’s possible to do several smaller trails in one day.

1: Ulsanbawi Peak Hiking Trail

Difficulty: Advanced (3/4) | Length: 3.8km (1-way) | Time: 2:20 (1-way)

The hike to Ulsanbawi Peak (876m high) is the perfect way to experience several attractions of Seoraksan National Park. This trail offers wonderfully unique views of both the valleys below and Ulsanbawi’s unusually shaped peak, which is formed of 6 rocks jutting upwards along a ridge.

The Ulsanbaw hiking trail begins in Sogongwon Park and is flat to begin with, leading you past the impressive Sinheungsa Temple before branching off right into the start of the actual hiking area. Follow the signposts for Ulsanbawi, which will have some cute Buddhist monk characters on them.

After Sinheungsa Temple, the route begins to get a bit steeper, but isn’t too difficult for this 2.1km stretch. You’ll follow a river for a while, passing a few bridges and walking over stone steps as you ascend towards Heundeulbawi and Gyejoam Temple. This is a beautiful walk under leafy trees.

Once you reach Gyejoam Temple and round Heundeulbawi boulder, the route gets serious, so take a break here if you feel tired. There’s a lookout point (pictured above) not far from Heundeulbawi which is a great place to look out over the park and at Ulsanbawi above and behind you.

The final 1km hiking path to Ulsanbawi from Gyejoam Temple is ‘advanced’. There are lots of stairs to the peak, which can be tiring for your legs, so go slowly and take breaks to enjoy the view and take pictures. The final ascent is tough but definitely worth it once you make it to the peak.

After what feels like a lifetime of gruelling steps up-and-up wooden staircases, you come out onto a viewing platform at the peak with breathtaking views all around, including the iconic Ulsanbawi Peak and Seoraksan’s highest peak, Daecheongbong. The peak definitely gives the best view in this area.

2: Biryong Falls Hiking Trail

Difficulty: Intermediate (2/4) | Length: 2.4km (1-way) | Time: 50 mins (1-way)

The hike to Biryong Falls gives you the chance to walk amongst trees and spot animals living in the wilderness, passing by a couple of waterfalls on the way. There’s also the chance to extend the hike to see the towering Towangseong Falls from an observation platform looking out over the valley.

The Biryong Falls hiking trail begins at Sogongwong Park and goes in the opposite direction of the Ulsanbawi trail. You won’t pass by Sinheungsa Temple on this course, but the route is relatively short so you can visit there afterwards. This course isn’t that difficult, but gets harder after Yukdam Falls.

To get to Biryong Falls, you should take the first left after the entrance and walk along a bridge. As you walk across the bridge you are able to see the cable car moving up and down the mountain. The next 2km is a gentle gravel path that leads through forested pathways until you reach Yukdam Falls.

After Yukdam Falls, the path changes to intermediate level due to the increased incline and rockier pathways for the 400m walk to Biryong Falls. This section is short and still not that difficult, so I definitely recommend pushing ahead for this final section as the views of Biryong Falls are lovely,

Optional Extension: If you want to see more waterfalls and valley views, continue the trek to Towangseong Falls Observatory after Biryong Falls. The journey to Towangseong is classed as advanced, meaning it’s steeper and involves more stairs. This section is short – only 400m.

The path is not too difficult and you can take breaks along the way and enjoy the views. When you walk back, you can see wide views of the valley in reverse as you wind along the narrow natural path. This trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy nature, but without the strain of hiking to a peak.

3: Cable Car & Gwongeumseong Fortress Trail

Difficulty: Beginner (1/4) | Length: 300m (1-way) | Time: 15 mins (1-way)

One of the most popular attractions at Seoraksan National Park is the cable car. After taking the cable car up the cliff face, there’s a short 15 minute hike to Gwongeumseong Fortress. This is a great way to enjoy the sublime views of Seoraksan without hiking. There’s also a small temple at the top to see.

The cable car course doesn’t offer much for hikers, but it’s the best way for visitors to Seoraksan National Park to enjoy high views without getting sweaty. An adult ticket for the cable car is 15,000 KRW. You can buy a ticket from the Seoraksan Cable Car Center near the park entrance.

Once in the cable car, you can take in views of the valley as you ascend up the mountain. When you arrive to the top, there is a cafe area where you can grab drinks and snacks. There are also toilets. As you go outside, there’s a viewpoint on the side of the building to look out at the beautiful scenery.

The hiking part of this trail begins once you leave the cable car station. Follow the path to the right from the cable car centre up some staircases and over rocks. After 15 minutes, you’ll come to a rocky peak, which is where the Gwongeumseong Fortress was said to have been. Sadly it’s not there now.

From this peak you can see all the way to Sokcho and out into the blue East Sea beyond. It takes 15-20 minutes to explore and appreciate the views here, which also look over Seoraksan’s other peaks and offer a scary sheer drop down on one side (pictured above). Take care when looking around.

Before heading down, be sure to visit the temple in the opposite direction of the fortress from the cable car stop. It’s less busy but has some nice views, too. When you decide it’s time to head back, go back to the cable car stop. There’s no set return time, so queue up and wait for an available ride.

4: Biseondae Rock Trail

Difficulty: Beginner (1/4) | Length: 3.0km (1-way) | Time: 1:20 (1-way)

The Biseondae Rock trail is the perfect way to explore Seoraksan’s lower valleys without having to hike. This trail goes to Biseondae Rock, a mysterious giant rock that creates waterfalls when it rains. The tree-covered path to Biseondae Rock follows a lazy stream and has pleasant views all around.

The Biseondae Rock trail starts at the Sogongwon Park entrance, passing the giant bronze Buddha and Sinheungsa Temple and then crossing a small stone bridge. As you cross over the bridge you will find yourself walking through a forested pathway with a stream trickling down to the left of you.

The trail to Biseondae Rock follows one path, which is classed as beginner and runs for 2.3km. After 1.2km, the path begins to get a bit steeper, but it’s not too difficult and doesn’t require special gear. There’s a sign about Biseondae Rock at the end of the trail and you’ll see Biseondae Peak above.

The walk through the forest is an easy walk and pleasant. You will find shade under the trees and you can enjoy the sounds of nature all around you. The river will be on your left for most of the trail. If you’re visiting during winter, you might even be able to walk along the frozen river most of the way.

For visitors to Seoraksan who want to take in the valley views and incredible rocky peaks without hiking, this is a good place to turn around and head back to the entrance. You can complete the Biseondae Rock trail in a few hours and have time for a cable car ride or trek to see waterfalls.

If you want to hike further, the large bridge and information office at the end of the Biseondae Rock trail marks the start of the ascent towards the other hiking trails in Seoraksan. These include the Geumganggul Cave trail and the Yangpok Shelter trail, both of which will be covered next.

5: Geumganggul Cave Hiking Trail

Difficulty: Intermediate (2/4) | Length: 3.6km (1-way) | Time: 1:40 (1-way)

The Geumganggul Cave trail is an extension of the Biseondae Rock trail that goes up into a revered grotto that was once a place of worship for local Buddhists. This is a steep but short ascent and offers fascinating views inside the cave, as well as wide vistas of Seoraksan from the mouth of the cave.

The Geumganggul Cave trail begins at Sogongwon Park and follows the aforementioned Biseondae Rock trail along the valley floor. Once you reach Biseondae Rock, the trail moves from beginner to expert level due to the steep steps and stairways leading up to the Geumganggul Cave (grotto).

The cave’s entrance is roughly 600 metres from Biseondae Rock, meaning it’s only a short addition to the Biseondae Rock trail, but certainly a tough one that you should be prepared for. As you can see from the picture below, the path ascends quickly with a 35.2% incline. Take it slowly.

Despite the steepness and difficulty level of the hike between Biseondae Rock and Geumganggul Cave, it’s still possible for most people to complete it, as long as you take it slowly and cautiously. The steps are no different from walking inside a building, except that they come with a better view.

Once you reach the cave entrance, passing over some bridges along the way, you’ll learn why people push on up those steps and why monks and poets came here to worship, meditate, and contemplate. Spend as long as you need here, taking it in and resting before the tough descent down again.

Not ready to go back down and want to keep hiking further? After the Geumganggul Cave, the trail continues to be difficult, but offers a rewarding journey for hikers. If you plan to spend a weekend in Seoraksan National Park, book a night at the Hoeh-un-gak Shelter and hike more the next day,

6: Yangpok Shelter Trail

Difficulty: Intermediate (2/4) | Length: 6km (1-way) | Time: 3:50 (1-way)

The Yangpok Shelter trail is an extension of the Biseondae Rock trail and provides a long and rewarding hike, slowly ascending up to the shelter and passing into Seoraksan’s lofty heights. The shelter is located near several waterfalls, including the Yang Falls and the picturesque Oryeon Falls.

The Yangpok Shelter trail begins at Sogongwon Park and follows the aforementioned Biseondae Rock trail along the valley floor. Once you reach Biseondae Rock, follow the trail left towards Yangpok Shelter. The course moves from beginner to intermediate, ascending slowly during this 3.5km section.

The route is long and steady, passing through forests, over rocky trails and wooden staircases most of the way, as well as a few bridges. About an hour into this section, you will see the Gwimyeonam Rock sticking out of the trees like giants had piled up smooth stone slabs for safe keeping.

As you hike along the trail to Yangpok Shelter, the beauty of the Cheonbuldong Valley unfolds around you with an abundance of nature on show. Near the shelter, you’ll find Oryeon Falls, which is a short waterfall dropping into a round pond below, as well as the Yang Falls 30m from the shelter.

The trail to Yangpok Shelter is known as the Cheonbuldonggyegok Course (shown above) because it goes through the Cheonbuldong Valley. This is arguably one of the prettiest courses to take in Seoraksan if you want to be surrounded by nature with bare-faced rocks staring down from above.

The Yangpok Shelter is available for hikers who want to spend the night in Seoraksan’s peaks and continue hiking on one of the available 2 or 3-day courses, including the hike to Seoraksan’s highest point – Daecheongbong Peak (1,708m). Otherwise, turn around and head back to the park entrance.

What To Prepare To Hike In Seoraksan National Park

To be fully prepared for hiking Seoraksan National Park there are a few things you should get ready before you head out on your adventure. Some of these are essential considerations to be aware of before you hike, others are nice extras to think about and can improve your hiking experience.

Choose which trail to hike: Hopefully you’ve already decided which path you want to hike to the peak from the previous sections in this article. Consider the time and difficulty of your chosen course.

Work out how to get to Seoraksan: See the ‘How to get to Seoraksan’ section above. I also recommend downloading the Naver Map app as it’s essential for getting around Korea.

Decide when you will go hiking: There’s something to see in Seoraksan in every season. Visit on a weekday for less crowded hiking trails and avoid hiking in the rain if possible.

Consider what to wear when hiking Seoraksan: From hiking clothes to hiking accessories, it’s good to prepare in advance and make sure you have the right gear any time you hike in Korea.

Pack appropriately for your Seoraksan hike: As well as the right clothes, you’ll need a some hiking equipment, food, snacks, and other supplies to keep you safe and comfortable all day.

Think about what to do when you finish hiking: This final consideration could be the one that leaves a lasting memory and caps off a great day out in Seoraksan National Park.

These last 4 points will be covered in the next sections of this guide. This is really useful info that I’ve gathered through years of hiking, as well as from the odd mistake and accident. Take a note of these sections to make sure you have all you need to enjoy your hike in Seoraksan National Park.

One last thing, when you hike in Korea…

Don’t Forget Your Passport

You don’t need a passport to hike in Korea’s national parks. However, if you want a fun souvenir, or you plan to hike more of Korea’s national parks, why not pick up a National Park Hiking Passport like the one pictured. You can find them at the entrance to national parks in Korea.

This passport-style book allows you to collect stamps from all of the national parks across Korea, including Hallasan National Park on Jeju Island. If you live in Korea, this is a fun challenge to encourage you to hike all of Korea’s best national parks and see more of the country.

Best Time To Visit Seoraksan National Park

The best time to visit Seoraksan National Park is late September and early October when fall foliage begins to appear and spreads across the park. This is also one of the busiest times to visit Seoraksan, with weekends being extremely busy. Therefore, visit during the week if you can.

When to visit Seoraksan depends on what you want to see and do. The best times to go hiking in Seoraksan are from September to May when the weather is cooler and there’s less rain. The best time to visit Seoraksan for sightseeing & trekking are spring and autumn when there’s more nature.

In the winter the peaks are often covered with a layer of snow, which adds another dimension to the sharp mountain edges. As spring comes, you can see the trees come back to life and enjoy a hike with fresh spring air. During summer the mountains are covered in seas of green trees & bushes.

Finally, the most popular season is autumn. Seoraksan National Park is renowned for its montage of colour as the trees begin to shake off their leaves for winter. In every season you will be in awe of the views of the rolling mountains surrounding you and the long views out to the east coast of Korea.

Autumn Foliage Tours To Seoraksan National Park

If you want to visit Seoraksan during autumn, definitely book ahead for transportation, tours, and accommodation. October in Korea is peak season not only for international tourists visiting Korea, but also for local tourists. There are several public holidays at this time of year, including Chuseok.

The most convenient way to see autumn foliage in Seoraksan National Park is to either stay in Sokcho and travel on a bus from there, or book an organised tour from Seoul. These tours will bring you to Seoraksan without the hassle of using public transport and provide you with information, too.

What To Wear Hiking In Seoraksan National Park

Once you’ve figured out what time of year you want to hike Seoraksan National Park, you should pack the right clothes for the season. Of course, the weather in Korea can change day to day, so also bring appropriate clothes for the weather that day (i.e. a raincoat if it’s raining).

Here’s a rough guide to what to pack for hiking in each season:

Spring & Autumn: These seasons are warm with a few showers, but not heavy rain or snow. Dress lightly as you’ll be hot going up the mountain, but also pack a light jacket for the peak as it can get windy and cold up there. You’ll also be cooler going down after reaching the summit.

• Top: Light top. Jacket you can store in your bag.
• Legs: Light trousers to protect from insects.
• Feet: Regular hiking socks.

Summer: Summer in Korea is hot and humid and the wettest season. I recommend light clothes for hiking in hot weather. Cover your arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the chance of sunburn. Pack a poncho (sold in the parks during summer) or light waterproof jacket in case of rain.

• Top: Long-sleeved thin hiking or cotton t-shirt. Rain jacket or rain poncho if raining
• Legs: Long shorts or trousers to protect against mosquitoes.
• Feet: Ankle socks.

Winter: The winter months in Korea can be very cold, well below freezing, so wrap up warm. However, you’ll heat up as you hike, so also wear clothes that you can shove in a bag or wrap around your waist. Insulated socks and inner wear are recommended if the weather is far below zero.

• Top: Layers that you can remove easily. Jacket with wind protection, thin fleece.
• Legs: Thick or lined trousers (with leggings if really cold).
• Feet: Woollen hiking socks.

Headwear: A cap or a wool hat can be important on a hike to protect yourself from the sun or to keep you warm as the temperature drops. This applies to all seasons as you can be get sunburn in any season, even winter. Bring a cap for summer and wool hat for winter to help keep heat in.

Hiking boots: A decent pair of hiking boots is the best investment you can make when hiking. I use the same pair most of the year round (except summer) and they keep my feet and ankles safe and protected from injury. They also help me in bad weather conditions as they provide sturdy grip.

No matter the season you should wear hiking boots if you plan to take one of the intermediate or advanced hiking courses in Seoraksan. They provide better grip and safety when you need it. For the beginner courses and the cable car route, a good pair of trainers / sneakers will be fine.

• Recommended hiking boots for women.
• Recommended hiking boots for men.

For more info about what to wear, pack, and prepare for hiking in Seoraksan or other Korean national parks, check out this guide to hiking in Korea. There are more than 20 hiking tips that will make sure you have a great day out in the mountains (weather not guaranteed!).

The Benefit Of Boots

Bring a pair of comfortable hiking or trekking boots with you when you visit Korea. They can be useful for more than just hiking. Travellers end up walking a lot – around palaces, in hanok villages, outside temples, and along countless streets. Hiking / trekking boots will keep your feet cosy while you explore, too.

What To Pack To Hike Seoraksan National Park

What should you pack to hike Seoraksan National Park? As mentioned, for your Seoraksan hike it is important to take extra layers and clothes that will keep you warm. Depending on the season you will add different items to your bag, but extra layers are something you should always consider.

Food And Drinks For Hiking In Seoraksan

If you plan to hike one of the longer courses in Seoraksan, such as the Ulsanbawi Peak trail, the Yangpok Shelter trail, or the Geumganggul Cave trail, you should pack some snacks, water or other liquids, and possibly a lunch in your bag. You can buy snacks and drinks at shops in the park.

Water, or your choice of hydrating drink, is a must when hiking. Depending on the season, the amount you need to drink will differ. In winter a 500ml bottle may be enough, but if you hike in summer, you’ll need at least 1 litre or more as you’ll lose a lot of liquids through sweat in the high heat and humidity.

If you plan on sticking to the shorter courses or you’re taking the cable car, you don’t need to worry about bringing extra supplies as there are shops, cafes, and restaurants available in the main area around the cable car, as well as at the cable car station. Just bring some water with you.

My Hiking Supplies

Here’s what I usually pack in my bag when I’m hiking for four hours or more:

• fruit (apple or banana)
• vegetables (tomatoes, sliced peppers, sliced carrots)
• trail bars / energy bars
• small bag of nuts
• gimbap (Korean-style sushi roll)
• 1l of water
• 1 bottle of Powerade

Hiking Equipment For Hiking In Seoraksan National Park

Even though you’ll want a light backpack when you hike Seoraksan, there are some essential items that you should bring whenever you hike, such as hiking poles, tissues, a sweat towel, and gloves. These items can change depending on the season, but most are essential for the longer trails.

Backpack or daypack: You’ll need something light to carry your snacks, water, and equipment with you when you hike. For a day hike, you shouldn’t need more than a 25 litre backpack.

Reusable water bottles: If you want to reduce your environmental impact, bring some collapsible or reusable water bottles with you and fill them at the water fountains at the park’s entrance.

Hiking poles: These extendable hiking sticks are great for getting over rocky paths and for improving balance while reducing leg pressure when descending the mountain. Not essential for everyone.

Sun protection: Being outside means being exposed to sunshine, especially at the peaks and at the Gwongeumseong Fortress. Be sure to apply suncream and wear sunglasses to stay safe.

Sweat towel or handkerchief: Whatever season you hike Seoraksan in, you’re probably going to sweat a bit (or lots). A sweat towel or handkerchief is also useful for drying your hands.

Insect repellant: From spring to autumn, you will find mosquitoes in the mountains. Be sure to spray yourself when visiting Seoraksan. Summer is the worst period for insects while winter has none.

Hygiene supplies: This includes tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser. Tissues and wet wipes have many uses, including cleaning your hands before you eat or if you need to use a mountain toilet.

First aid kit: This isn’t necessary, but can be useful if you’re concerned about cuts and scrapes while you hike. I usually have a few plasters in my bag in case I cut myself on a thorny bush.

Cash & Debit card: Bring some cash to use at the food stalls or vending machines at the national park entrances and other locations. Use a WOWPASS to pay for meals, souvenirs, and shop items.

If you only plan to explore Seoraksan National Park and stick to the shorter or beginner courses, you won’t need hiking poles, hiking boots, or proper hiking gear. However, I would still recommend the other items, especially if you’re travelling in summer when it’s hot and there are many insects around.

What To Bring For Hiking Seoraksan In Winter

The following items are hiking equipment you might need if you plan to hike in winter when snow and ice can build up on the hiking paths of Seoraksan. Even the river route to Biseondae Rock can be icy during winter and hiking sticks can help with balance. For hikes into the mountains, bring these:

Crampons / cleats: Even if the start point doesn’t have ice or snow, there certainly can be some at the peak. Pack some cleats to slip on when it gets icy to stop you from slipping and injuring yourself.

Windproof hiking gloves: Temperatures in winter get below zero and as you hike to Ulsanbawi Peak, the temperature will drop even more. Windproof, waterproof gloves will keep your hands safe.

Sunglasses: Winter in Korea is the sunniest time of the year and the sun can be blinding as it reflects off the snow or ice. Definitely bring shades if you plan to hike Seoraksan in winter.

Heat packs: Hand and foot warmers or heat packs to stick on your clothes are both really useful for hiking in Korea during winter. I always pack hand warmers for my pockets to keep my hands alive.

You can buy most of these items at the shops in Seoraksan National Park in case you don’t have them with you when you visit Korea. These will be fairly basic and if you plan to hike during winter more than once, it’s definitely worth investing in decent winter hiking gear for Korea or elsewhere.

Where To Eat At Seoraksan National Park

If you come to Seoraksan National Park for a stroll through the woods, a trip up to Gwongeumseong Fortress in the cable car, or a hike up one of its numerous peaks, then you will want to take a rest for some delicious Korean food or a coffee and cake. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for you.

Not far from the Sogongwon Park entrance of the national park is a rest area. Here there are several restaurants for you to choose from with most selling Korean food. I recommend 비선대 만난의 광장; here you can nibble on some delicious haemul pajeon and try corn makgeolli made in Sokcho.

Here are 3 restaurants to try in Seoraksan National Park:

비선대 만남의 광장

Rating: 4.07
Menu: Korean
Location

다래정식당

Rating: 4.09
Menu: Korean
Location

Queen Restaurant

Rating: 4.38
Menu: Western
Location

If you want to sample some traditional Korean dishes, a restaurant at Seoraksan National Park is a great place to sample haemul pajeon, bibimbap, gamjajeon, and more. There’s also Western food available at The Kensington Hotel, which is a large hotel in Seoraksan National Park.

Haemul Pajeon

Korean squid and green onion fried pancake.

Bibimbap

Mixed vegetables, rice, fried egg and spicy sauce.

Gamja-Jeon

Potato fried pancake with spicy soy dipping sauce.

Feel like a coffee with gorgeous views of Seoraksan’s rocky peaks and lush forests? There are several cafes in Seoraksan, including one close to Sinheungsa Temple. These cafes not only provide a coffee-fix, they also serve sweet Korean treats, including bingsu, a refreshing shaved ice dessert.

Dahyang Cafe

Rating: 4.11
Location

Seolhyang Cafe

Rating: 4.38
Location

Cafe Banghachak

Rating: 4.16
Location

Where To Stay To Visit Seoraksan National Park

While there are plenty of tour options to Seoraksan from Seoul that will allow you to experience the park in a single day, you might want to spend more time in the park and in nearby Sokcho. There are several options for places to stay to access Seoraksan National Park without a long journey.

Here are the accommodation options near Seoraksan Sogongown Park entrance:

The Kensington Hotel

4-star | 8.1 Rating

The Kensington Hotel is the best option for travellers who want to experience a night staying in a Korean national park with luxury accommodation, two restaurants, a bar, and a cafe. Upgraded suites include whirlpool tubs and saunas. Children under 11 stay for free with a parent. The perfect place to watch the sun rise in the park.

Check Prices

Sokcho White House

2-star | 8.0 Rating

Conveniently situated close to Seoraksan National Park, this guesthouse provides budget accommodation for single travellers, couples, and families with Korean and Western-style bedding. Recommended for those looking for a cheap hotel and have their own car.

Check Prices

Seorakdong Campsite

2-star | 9.0 Rating

Experience a night under the stars at the Seorakdong Campsite, which has 207 auto campsite units, 8 caravan campsite units and 16 caravan units. The campsite comes with showers, sinks, toilets, electricity, and tables. Campsite fees from 15,000 KRW. Caravan fees from 60,000 KRW.

Map Location

If you prefer to have the conveniences of a city, then Sokcho is the best place to stay to access Seoraksan National Park. When I visit Seoraksan for a weekend, this is where I prefer to stay as there are lovely sights to see in Sokcho, including a traditional market with great Korean street food.

Here are accommodation options in Sokcho on the bus route to Seoraksan National Park:

Lotte Resort Sokcho

4-star | 8.9 Rating

The Lotte Resort Sokcho is one of the best places to stay in Sokcho for families and travellers looking for high-quality accommodation with on-site dining options and incredible views. Built in 2017, this spacious hotel sits on a cliff edge and offers views of the East Sea, Sokcho Beach, and Seoraksan National Park.

Check Prices

Urbanstay Sokcho Haebyeon

4-star | 8.8 Rating

This is a great hotel for those looking for value for money and convenience. It’s situated close to the bus terminal, Sokcho Beach, and the beautiful Cheongchoho Lake. Perfect for hiking by day and exploring the city at night.

Check Prices

SeaCruise Hotel

4-star | 8.5 Rating

The SeaCruise Hotel offers lovely views over Cheongchoho Lake and Seoraksan’s soaring peaks. Located in the old downtown area of Sokcho, this hotel provides easy access to Sokcho Jung-ang Traditional Market – a lively place that has lots of great street food options available.

Check Prices

Hotel The Blue Terra

4-star | 8.3 Rating

Hotel The Blue Terra is one of Sokcho’s largest hotels and is conveniently located a few minutes from the bus terminal and Sokcho Beach. Rooms are spacious and modern and provide sunrise views over the East Sea in the morning. Perfect for all types of travellers.

Check Prices

If you plan to hike for more than one day in Seoraksan and want to stay over in the mountains, you can book a shelter from the Korean National Park Service website. Shelters are basic, providing just a place to sleep and a few refreshments. You’ll need your own sleeping bag and pillow.

Hiking Seoraksan National Park FAQs

Finally, here are a few FAQs about how to hike Seoraksan National Park, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

Support In My Korea

Thanks for reading. If you want to help me to create more great content in the future, why not buy me a coffee? A strong coffee helps me write more and is a simple way to show gratitude for this free content.

Liked This? Pin It For Others

If you enjoyed reading this article, then please share this with your friends on Pinterest.

Related Articles

10 Must-Read Korean Novels in English That You’ll Love

November 5, 2023April 30, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Culture

Weird Korean Foods: 15 Unique Korean Dishes You Might Love

April 1, 2022April 21, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Food & Drink

Korea In October 2024: Best Festivals, Events, And Sights

August 29, 2022March 22, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Seasons & Weather

Not only does the Korean countryside come alive with autumn foliage; parks, palaces, fortresses, and other city sights display resplendent views of autumn beauty and provide the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. You don’t have to travel far to see incredible sights during autumn in Korea.

You’ll easily understand why fall is the most popular time to visit Korea and to travel out of the main cities. It’s a season where you can’t stay in, you’ve got to go out and embrace the gorgeous Korean autumn sights. That’s why I want to share this list of the 20 best places to see autumn leaves in Korea.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why You Should See Autumn Leaves In Korea

Autumn in Korea is peak travel season for many reasons. The weather is beautiful, with clear skies and warm temperatures. There are several public holidays where people can travel and enjoy this pleasant season. But the biggest attraction in Korea during autumn has to be the beautiful fall foliage.

Korea is a country that’s 70% mountainous and packed with hills, mountains, valleys, and rivers – all of which are blessed with a variety of leafy trees that display breathtaking sights during autumn foliage season. It’s so easy to find a picturesque scene of autumn foliage in Korea wherever you are.

Korean maple trees, golden gingko trees, and giant-leaved platanus trees are some of the stars of this season, producing multi-coloured paintings in the trees above, and crispy, crunchy carpets of leaves on the streets below. There’s also fresh harvest foods, traditional Korean dishes, and fun festivals.

When you mix the beauty of autumn foliage with Korea’s unique architecture and traditional buildings, you realise you don’t have to travel far to see incredible sights. Indeed, some of the best places to see autumn leaves in Korea is in the big cities, especially in the royal palaces and hanok villages.

My Favourite Autumn Foliage Spots

Where should you see autumn foliage in Korea? There are so many places to choose from, all of which I’ll cover in this article, broken down by region. My personal top 5 places to see autumn foliage in Korea (which I’ve visited many times since moving to Korea in 2015) are as follows:

• Naejangsan National Park
• Nami Island
• The Secret Garden
• Seoraksan National Park
• Bulguksa Temple

These sights are just the tip of the foliage iceberg. There are many more wondrous sights awaiting you in Korea this autumn. Keep reading to find out what awaits you.

What Are You Looking For?

To help make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, I’ve broken this article into the following sections. Click the quick links below to jump straight there or keep reading through all parts.

Autumn Leaves Forecast

Autumn Foliage Tours

Seoul’s Autumn Leaves

Best Foliage Day Trips

Korean National Parks

Busan’s Autumn Foliage

Gyeongju’s Autumn Foliage

Lesser-known Korean Foliage Sights

Guide To Visiting Korea In Autumn

Official Korean Autumn Leaves Forecast 2024

Please note: The 2024 autumn foliage forecast for Korea will be available from early September 2024. This 2023 forecast will give you a rough idea of when to visit various places.

When is the best time to visit Korea for autumn leaves in 2024? When does autumn foliage appear in Korea in 2024? Knowing when the fall foliage in Korea starts and peaks is the key to timing your journey around the country, catching the autumn foliage at the perfect time.

Korean autumn foliage begins at the start of October in northern parts of Korea, peaks by mid to late October, and ends in southern Korea in early November with the arrival of colder winter weather and snow. The start, peak, and end dates change depending on which part of Korea you’re in.

The Korean autumn foliage dates were later than usual in 2023 due to higher average daily temperatures in September and October that were higher or slightly higher than usual. As a result, the first foliage date moved from September to October in 2023 and peak dates are slightly later, too.

The first place for autumn foliage in Korea is on the north-east coast, with Seoraksan National Park being one of the first and also most impressive places to see Korean autumn leaves. The autumn foliage in Seoraksan began at the start of October in 2023, but peaked 3 weeks later on October 23rd.

Seoul’s autumn foliage began on October 20th in 2023 and peaked by October 31st. There were still fall leaves on the ground in early November, but October is definitely the best time to visit Seoul for fall foliage. Bukhansan National Park and Nami Island saw autumn foliage at the same time.

In central Korea, including Daejeon, Songnisan National Park, and Woraksan National Park, the autumn foliage began and peaked from mid-October until late October, lasting until early-mid November. Fall foliage on the east coast of Korea started early October and peaked late October.

In Busan and southern Korea, including Jirisan National Park, the fall foliage began in mid-October and peaked by the end of October. Jeju Island autumn foliage also began in mid-October and peaked by the end of October. Late October is the best time to view autumn leaves in Busan and Jeju.

The last place to see autumn foliage in Korea is around Naejangsan National Park, where the autumn leaves appear at the end of October and peak in the first week of November. Naejangsan is one of the last places to see autumn foliage in Korea, but also one of the most beautiful places.

If you want to know more about travelling in Korea’s different seasons, check out seasonal articles. Also visit my guide to visiting Korea in October, which is arguably the best month to travel in Korea, for info about where to go, what to see, festivals, foods, and lots more.

Recommended Korean Autumn Foliage Tours

This article introduces the best autumn foliage spots in Korea, starting with Seoul and covering the whole country, including Jeju Island. If you’re interested in booking an autumn foliage tour, here are some of the best tours available this autumn. Please note that tours book out quickly in this season.

Not sure if you need an autumn foliage tour in Korea or not? They can certainly save time and effort and help you avoid long journeys on public transportation. In this guide to the best Korean autumn foliage spots, I’ll include details about how to get to each place so you can see if it’s feasible or not.

Where To See Autumn Leaves In Seoul 2024

Seoul is one of the best places to visit during any trip to Korea and there are so many incredible things to do in Seoul all year round. Visiting Seoul in autumn is even better as you can see these sights with the added charm and magnificence of autumn foliage towering above or carpeting the streets below.

Here are 10 amazing places to see autumn leaves in Seoul:

1: Seoul’s Royal Palaces & Secret Garden

Marvel at the contrast between nature and history in Seoul’s Royal Palaces during autumn and see aesthetic delights provided by traditional Korean architecture blended with the natural beauty of autumn in Korea.

All of the palaces in Seoul will offer incredible views of autumn leaves, but the best place to visit has to be the Secret Garden located inside Changdeokgung Palace. This hidden garden showcases some of the finest fall foliage in Korea.

There’s a beautiful pond where you can see the golden autumn leaves reflected in the water. Entry to the garden is limited each day, therefore get there early to book tickets and avoid disappointment.

Don’t forget to hire traditional Korean hanbok for truly memorable pictures. Not only will you look great, you’ll get free entry to the royal palaces if you’re wearing it!

2: N Seoul Tower

The N Seoul Tower in the heart of Seoul is a great place to hike and see fall foliage on cool autumn days, as well as impressive views of Korea’s capital from up high.

You can hike from Myeongdong Station all to the top, passing old stone walls, leafy trees, and views of Seoul to the sides. For an easier journey, take the Namsan Cable Car. Relax on the short journey to the peak and back, taking in the sights as you go.

3: Seoul Forest Park

With platanus trees dropping leaves the size of dinner plates, you’ll find some unique autumn foliage in Seoul Forest Park. This is a great place for families to spent time outside in Seoul. In the park you’ll find a petting zoo, deer, playgrounds, flower displays, and lots more.

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out the trendy cafe and restaurant area north of Seoul Forest. You’ll find lots of delicious modern Korean cuisine here.

4: Kyung Hee University

Kyung Hee University is my favourite campus to see autumn foliage in Seoul and features picturesque views of forested hills overlooking European style buildings. Walk along gingko tree-lined streets before discovering maple trees hanging low over stone bridges and forest paths.

It takes 2 hours to explore the campus, seeing the beautiful scenery. After enjoying a tour around Kyung Hee University, visit the nearby student cafes and restaurants for cheap eats and relaxing views.

5: Gwanaksan Mountain

Located in the heart of the downtown Seoul area, close to Seoul National University, is Gwanaksan Mountain. This popular hiking area provides peaceful tree-lined streets and leaves you with a view overlooking the modern Gangnam area.

It’s a great site and, above all, it’ll give you a chance to hike without leaving the city. Take some time out to visit Yeonjuam Hermitage, a temple located on the side of the mountain.

6: Seoul Grand Park

Located in the same area as Gwanaksan Mountain, the Seoul Grand Park is a place for families to have fun in nature and to enjoy autumn foliage sights in Seoul away from tall buildings and concrete.

This sprawling park, surrounded by wooded slopes, includes Seoul Land, Seoul Zoo, a petting zoo, gardens, and a central lake that’s ringed by a long tree-lined walkway with small parks and benches to rest in while taking in the autumn leaves above.

7: Seoul Olympic Park

Seoul’s Olympic Park is a large open park in the Songpa district of Seoul that’s more peaceful than some of Seoul’s other parks. It’s a place for people to stroll slowly through the maze-like pathways, taking in the natural sights along the way.

What makes Olympic Park such a nice place to visit in autumn is the combination of floral displays, patches of pink muhly, and the rows of trees with autumn leaves, as well as the impressive view of the Lotte World Tower in the background.

8: Seokchon Lake

Seokchon Lake rests below the imposing Lotte World Tower in Jamsil and is the perfect place for an autumn foliage viewing break in Seoul after shopping in the tower or visiting Lotte World Adventure.

Sit in one of the lakeside cafes and watch the rusty leaves fall or take a walk around the figure-of-eight shaped lake. There are many fall foliage sights at Seokchon Lake, so keep walking to find new sights with the Lotte World Tower as a unique background.

9: Deoksugung Palace Stone-Wall Road

Not only can you see autumn leaves inside Seoul’s royal palaces, there’s a chance to see them creeping over the stone walls from the outside, too. The best place to see this in Seoul is the Deoksugung Stone-Wall Road outside of Deoksugung Palace.

This street curves around the palace for 900 metres, lined by tall palace walls with Korean-style curved tiles on top. There are many leafy trees both on the road and inside the palace that create a stunning view as you walk along the peaceful roads.

10: Haneul Sky Park

Haneul Sky Park is one of the prettiest of the Han River riverside parks and really comes to life in autumn thanks to the ocean of tall silver reeds (Eulalia) that crowns this wide hilltop park.

Not only can you see silver reeds at Haneul Sky Park, there are also long, stretching views across the Han River and the riverside parks, with some of my favourite autumn foliage views in the whole of Seoul. If you’re looking for pink muhly in Seoul, the Haneul Sky Park has a big garden full of it.

Autumn Foliage Day Trip Locations Near Seoul

There are many beautiful autumn foliage spots in Seoul. However, some of the most spectacular spots are outside the city, located in the Korean countryside that surrounds the capital. These autumn foliage spots can all be reached from Seoul within an hour or two by car, tour, or public transport.

Here are 7 amazing autumn foliage day trips locations near Seoul:

1: Nami Island

Nami Island is famed for its year round natural beauty, but the best time to visit is definitely in autumn. With tree-lined streets of giant metasequoia and golden gingko, this is one of the most pleasant places to see autumn leaves in Korea.

Known as a family-friendly eco-park, as well as a romantic day-trip spot, there’s something for everyone here. You can combine a day trip to Nami Island with the Garden of Morning Calm for a perfect day of fall foliage viewing.

2: Garden Of Morning Calm

Close to Nami Island, this sculptured garden provides dozens of pathways through hundreds of beautiful plants, trees, and bushes. The Garden of Morning Calm also holds festivals throughout the year, including the gorgeous Maple Tree Festival.

Strolling through this area provides dozens of opportunities to get close to nature, and take some amazing pictures, too. Coupled with Nami Island, this makes for a great day trip out of Seoul and a chance to really see a beautiful, natural side to Korea.

3: Asan Gingko Tree Road

Imagine yourself strolling down the beautiful, tree-lined streets of Asan Gingko Tree Road, with a carpet of golden leaves below, and lemony clouds above. Gingko trees are famous for their copious leaves and creating a golden carpet all around. In short, it really is magical and worth the trip.

There are two trees that are perfect for seeing autumn leaves in Korea, they are the maple and gingko. The Asan Gingko Tree Road specialises in the latter and is the best place to see this gorgeous golden cascade of colours.

4: Namhansanseong Provincial Park & Fortress

A lesser-known autumn leaves hotspot in Korea is the Namhansanseong Provincial Park and Fortress. Located a short distance from Seoul, this is a great place to see fall foliage away from the city and the crowds.

There are several hiking paths to enjoy, as well as cultural relics from Korea’s past. Hiking paths take as little as 90 minutes but pass through several historic and natural sights. Top sights include the tall fortress gates, Sueojangdae, the pine forest, and 12.4km of fortress walls.

5: Hwadam Botanic Garden

Hwadam Botanic Garden is a large, beautiful eco-friendly arboretum inside the Konjiam Resort, which is a popular ski and spa resort close to Seoul. Featuring over 4,300 types of trees and plants spread over 165,000 square metres, this is an impressive place to come and enjoy autumn foliage in Korea.

One of the highlights of this botanic garden has to be the monorail path which takes you through the crispy canopies, offering the most incredible sights of the autumn foliage at eye level. If you visit Hwadam Botanic Garden, you really must take a ride on the monorail.

6: Yangju Nari Park

Yangju’s Nari Park isn’t a spot for autumn leaves, but I wanted to include it anyway as it’s a festival of colours and autumn flowers and a great place to spend a day out away from central Seoul.

Nari Park in Yangju is a haven of autumn plants and flowers, including Mexican fire brush, globe amaranth, and the ever popular pink muhly. Take a stroll through the pinks, purples, and reds of these fall flowers and look out at the mountains.

7: Jeonju Hanok Village

Jeonju Hanok Village is Korea’s must-see hanok village outside of Seoul and features over 700 traditional hanok houses and other historic sights, such as the Jeondong Cathedral. Thanks to the traditional Korean architecture, wide streets, and numerous trees around the Jeonju Hanok Village, it’s especially pretty during autumn.

You can see loads of golden leaves stretching out over the black-tiled rooftops of the low hanok buildings. For the best views, head to the Omokdae (오목대) hilltop lookout. Don’t forget to rent Korean hanbok for the ultimate Korean foliage pictures.

Where To See Autumn Foliage In Korea National Parks

Korea’s national parks are without a doubt the best places to see foliage sights in autumn thanks to the abundance of tree-covered slopes and leafy valleys they have. There’s so much to see and do in these parks, too. You can hike, explore Buddhist temples, or just sit back and take in the views.

Here are 8 incredible national parks to visit in Korea for autumn foliage views:

1: Naejangsan National Park

Naejeangsan National Park is one of the must-see places for autumn leaves in Korea for many reasons. Naejang, meaning ‘many secrets’, is packed full of delightful presents. From the fiery colours you’ll see passing through the Maple Tree tunnel, to the golden gingko leaves surrounding Naejangsa Temple, this park has an impressive array of photo-worthy locations.

You’ll also want to see the Uhwajeong Pavilion, located inside a crystalline lake and surrounded by leafy slopes of warm fall foliage. Besides this, you will find several waterfalls, wonderful Buddhist temples, and hundreds of different plants and animals.

2: Seoraksan National Park

Hiking Seoraksan is a real treat and this national park is one of the most convenient for beautiful fall foliage viewing from Seoul. Situated near the northeastern coast, this is also one of the first places to see the autumn leaves in Korea.

Seoraksan is packed full with stunning rocky peaks, the most important Buddhist temple in Korea, and plenty of ways to explore it all. There’s a large range of trails for all levels and seeing it all from the bottom is worth the trip alone. If you want to explore the mountain range more comfortably, take the Seorak Cable Car.

3: Jirisan National Park

The largest national park in Korea offers so many chances to see Korean autumn leaves. Packed full of maple trees and other fall foliage, as well as small villages, wild animals, and mountains, this is an all-round experience not to be missed. Jirisan National Park is great for all levels of hikers & trekkers.

There are many easy courses that anyone can walk, including a 16-stage loop around the national park.You can book lodges to stay overnight on the mountain and lower down the mountain which can be used as a stopping point between day hikes / treks.

4: Bukhansan National Park

Bukhansan National Park provides great options for hiking and enjoying fall foliage. There are several hiking routes, with each one providing stunning views of northern Seoul and autumn’s splendour. My favourite one is the hike to Baegundae Peak, the highest peak in Bukhansan.

Hikes will take the best part of 3-5 hours to get to the top and back. The weather is cool at this time of year, which is perfect for hiking. If you’re only visiting Seoul, this is probably the most convenient place to see autumn leaves in Korea and try hiking at the same time.

5: Odaesan National Park

Odaesan National Park is great for those who want to experience trekking and all the stunning autumn views you’d expect from a national park without having to hike up to the top of a mountain. Although you certainly can and should reach the peak if you’re up for it.

Odaesan’s Seonjae-gil Road is a 10km trekking path that follows the valley floor through lush autumn foliage. The start location, Woljeongsa Temple, also includes another treat, a fir tree-lined street. Fans of K-drama may recognise it from the hit show ‘Goblin: The Great and Lonely God’.

6: Gayasan National Park

Gayasan National Park is a great place to hike and see autumn leaves for people in Busan. This national park explodes with colour from mid-October, with grey boulders from the rocky mountains providing a stark contrast of views. Culture lovers will also enjoy visiting Haeinsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and very impressive temple that’s worth the visit alone.

Like Jirisan, the most prominent type of tree on display in autumn is the maple tree, with each tree showing off thousands of small, spiky leaves that can often include green, yellow, and red leaves on the same tree.

7: Hallasan National Park

Hallasan Volcano, rising up out of the ocean to create Jeju Island, provides an incredible hiking experience. It’s also one of the last places to see the autumn leaves in Korea as the cold weather makes its way through Korea, touching Jeju Island just before winter sets in.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to climb the highest mountain in Korea to see the fall foliage. Shorter routes around the base of the mountain will give you great views of autumn’s splendour and leave you enough energy to enjoy Jeju’s other sights.

8: Songnisan National Park

Located in the heart of Korea, Songnisan National Park was one of the first national parks in Korea and remains one of the best, especially for an all-round autumn experience that includes hiking, traditional food, and an impressive Buddhist temple.

The hiking trails take you from the historic Beopjusa Temple, with a gigantic standing golden Buddha, past shaded streams, a lush valley floor, and up into the moderately high peaks. There are lovely fall sights at every step and peaceful restaurants to enjoy the views in as you hike.

Where To See Autumn Leaves In Busan 2024

Busan is a charming coastal city on Korea’s south coast that’s famous for summer activities like surfing, swimming in the ocean, and relaxing on the beach. However, there are also lots of places to see autumn leaves in Busan, especially in the mountains, parks, and temples that surround the city.

If you want to see autumn foliage in Busan in 2024, you don’t have to go far from the main areas of Haeundae or Seomyeon to find them. Wide riverside pathways that wind their way to the sea are lined by trees with colourful foliage on both sides. There are even autumnal scenes along the coast.

Here are some of the amazing places you can see autumn leaves in Busan:

Temples In Busan

Busan is famous for the stunning cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, but if you want to see autumn leaves at a temple in Busan, you should visit Beomeosa Temple (범어사). You can see the foliage-covered slopes of Geumjeongsan Mountain when you visit Beomeosa and there are golden gingko trees in the park, too. Another beautiful temple to visit in Busan during autumn is Samgwangsa Temple (삼광사), which provides clear views over Busan from Baegyangsan Mountain.

Eco Parks In Busan

Busan is has many eco parks and green spaces where people can reconnect with nature. During autumn, Busan’s eco parks are ideal for seeing autumn leaves, pink muhly, and silver reeds. Daejeo Eco Park (대저생태공원) and Samnak Eco Park (삼락생태공원) in Busan’s Sasang District are perfect for an afternoon walk through tall reeds and under leafy trees. Further down the river is Eulsukdo Eco Park (을숙도), located on a small island where the river flows into the sea. This park is perfect for picnics and watching the sun set.

As well as eco parks, there are hilltop and family parks where you can see autumn leaves in Busan. Busan Children’s Grand Park (부산어린이대공원) has the most impressive autumn views as it looks out over Seongjigok Reservoir and the slopes of Baegyangsan Mountain. Other parks to see autumn leaves include Yongdusan Park (용두산공원), home to Busan Tower, Yeonji Park (김해연지공원) in Gimhae, and Jungang Park & Democracy Park (부산민주공원), which has views of the whole city.

River & Coastal Views

There are several lovely waterside places where you can enjoy blue skies, flowing water, and autumnal views in Busan. One of my favourite is Oncheoncheon Citizen’s Park (온천천시민공원) – a tree-lined riverside pathway that runs all the way to Millak Park and Gwangalli Beach. There’s also Dadaepo Beach Park (다대포해변공원) that has millions of silvery reeds waving in the wind. For gorgeous autumn sunset views, visit this park in the evening.

Where To See Autumn Foliage In Gyeongju 2024

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Gyeongju for several reasons, not least of all are the magnificent autumn colours you can see at Gyeongju’s many famous sights. The blue skies and cool weather of autumn also make this the ideal time to visit Gyeongju, where most of the sites are outdoors.

Visitors to Gyeongju in autumn can see pink muhly next to Cheomseongdae Observatory, walk down a leafy pathway between Seokguram Grotto to Bulguksa Temple, and see silver reeds and autumn trees stretching around the wide Bomun Lake. That’s not to mention all the traditional hanok houses, too.

Gyeongju isn’t a large city and you can see most of the top sights in one or two days. I recommend a two-day stay if you want to visit Gyeongju in autumn so you can see more and enjoy the night sights that are available – both traditional and modern. Day tours from Busan are also convenient.

Here are the best places you can see autumn foliage in Gyeongju:

Autumn In Central Gyeongju

Gyeongju is known as an outdoor museum due to the wealth of historic artefacts on display in this UNESCO World Heritage City. The best place for autumn sights in Gyeongju is the sprawling Gyeongju Historic Area, home to Cheomseongdae Observatory (pictured). This area is packed with famous sights and is surrounded by nature, including pink muhly, silver reeds, and autumn foliage. You can spend several hours walking around this area and not get bored of the history, culture, and natural wonder on display.

Make sure to head to Woljeonggyo Bridge and the Gyochon Traditional Village for pretty pictures by the river. From here you can walk along the road to the hilltop Gyeongju National Museum for more autumn views below. A short walk from the museum is the Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, which is best visited at night for illuminated autumn leaves and amazing reflections in the water. Another pleasing autumn leaves sights in central Gyeongju is Bunhwangsa Temple (pictured).

Autumn In Outer Gyeongju

The best autumn views in Gyeongju are outside the city centre, located in Bulguksa Temple (불국사) – a 1,500 year old temple complex in the foothills of Tohamsan Mountain. Bulguksa is blessed with autumn foliage sights inside and out. See weeping willows, vibrant maple leaves, and golden gingko trees contrast spectacularly with bright greens of traditional Korean temple architecture. I recommend starting at Seokguram Grotto (석굴암) at the top of Tohamsan Mountain and following the shaded path down to Bulguksa Temple.

The Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju may be one of the best places to see Korean cherry blossoms, but it’s also beautiful during autumn and definitely worth visiting. The main attraction is Bomun Lake and the pathways that go around its edge. You’ll find some cosy cafes and restaurants on the lake’s shores, perfect for sitting and enjoying the autumn scenery. Also check out the unique Jungdo Tower (황룡원중도타워), a recreation of the gigantic 9-storey wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple.

Lesser-Known Autumn Leaves Spots In Korea

This final section to this guide to seeing autumn foliage in Korea is dedicated to the lesser-known autumn foliage sites outside of the national parks and big cities. These are foliage spots that I’ve discovered while hiking in Korea or been told about by locals that I want to share with you.

Here are 5 autumn foliage hotspots in Korea that are worth the journey:

1: Daedunsan Provincial Park

Daedunsan Provincial Park near Daejeon is a joy to visit for autumn leaves and the unique attractions you can see when hiking. For those only interested in the sights, take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the best parts of the mountain, such as the suspension bridge passing between two rocky slopes with autumn views below. Just before the peak, you can climb a near vertical ladder over a sheer drop to another peak. Known as the Cloud Bridge, this is not for faint-hearted people, but provides amazing views.

2: Gangcheonsan County Park

A popular place with Koreans, but not well known by tourists, is the culturally and nature-rich Gangcheonsan County Park. Hidden away in Sunchang, this large park has lush valleys lined with thick, bushy trees that turn red, yellow, and orange during fall and tall hills bedecked with resplendent fall foliage.

Inside Gangcheonsan you’ll find cultural wonders such as Gangcheonsa Temple, the Geumseongsanseong Fortress, and the Gancheongsan Five-story Stone Pagoda. The best site is the suspension bridge hanging above the valley, which offers trekkers the chance to see these autumn leaves from high above.

3: Mindungsan Mountain Trail

There’s more to autumn leaves in Korea than maple trees and gingko trees. Autumn is also a time to see willowy silver grass – tall reeds that create white waves atop mountains, rivers, and lakes across Korea. These reeds are a symbol of autumn and you’ll find a whole mountain’s worth of them at the Mindungsan Mountain Trail, which has its own festival from mid-September to early November, celebrating these special reeds. There’s also plenty of autumn leaves to see on the hike to the top, which is where the reeds are on display.

4: Seonunsa Temple

Located far away in Seonunsan Provincial Park is one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Korea if you have a car – Seonunsa Temple. This hidden temple is almost 1,500 years old and due to it’s remote location, feels like you’re transported back in time to a more natural past. During autumn, take a stroll along the picturesque Dosolcheon Stream and see fallen foliage floating by, see the bright reds and yellows spreading over the hills behind the temple, and see the many historic artefacts and treasures in the temple.

5: Damyang Metasequoia Road

The 8.5km Damyang Metasequoia Road is one of Korea’s loveliest pathways, especially in autumn when the trees turn golden brown and drop their leaves. Metasequoia are famed for their tall height, rising high above the road and creating a tunnel for people to pass under with rays of sunlight sneaking through to add a touch of illumination. This road is close to another top Damyang attraction – the Juknokwon Bamboo Garden.

Guide To Visiting Korea In Autumn 2024

If you’re interested in hiking during autumn, which I would really recommend, then check out my guide to hiking in Korea, featuring lots of great tips all about Korea’s number 1 outdoor pastime.

Here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of your time seeing autumn leaves in Korea, such as what the weather is like, what to wear, and how to travel to see fall foliage.

Why Autumn Is The Best Time To Visit Korea

Korea has 4 very distinct seasons, ranging from really hot and humid summer (40+ degrees) to a freezing cold winter (-18 degrees). Spring and autumn are short, but packed full of opportunities to travel.

Although spring has cherry blossoms to see, autumn is the best for me due to the better weather, lower air pollution (which peaks in spring), and the feeling of relief that comes with the cooler weather after a long, tough summer.

If you want to travel to Korea, September to early November are definitely the best times to travel. You’ll see autumn leaves, get to enjoy local foods and fresh produce, and witness a lot of festivals and public holidays.

Autumn Weather In Korea

The weather in autumn ranges from hot and humid in early September (30 degrees) to freezing cold by mid-November. October temperature range from 15 to 25 degrees during the day, but can fall below 10 degrees at night. November is much colder.

Typhoons during September and October can change the weather very quickly, and rain showers or strong winds can appear one day and be gone the next, leaving the spectacular skies you can only see at this time of year.

What To Wear During Autumn In Korea

Because the temperature can change quite a lot from morning to night, I’d recommend packing a light jacket or sweater to keep you warm after the sun sets. Lighter clothes should be fine during the day until mid-October, after that it’s time for more layers.

How To See Fall Foliage In Korea

The best way to see fall foliage in Korea is to get out into the mountains and national parks and try hiking. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to experience the best of the leaves, and in fact you don’t want to go too high as the best views are in the valleys.

Most national parks have walking trails through the valleys that can range from a couple of kilometres up to 10km (at Odaesan) of forest trails.

Alternatively, head to the historic sites across Korea, such as the royal palaces in Seoul, fortresses, or historic cities such as Gyeongju or Buyeo. Here’s a guide to visiting Buyeo in case you end up going.

Visiting Korea In Other Seasons?

Can’t travel to Korea in autumn?

No worries, Korea is an amazing country to visit any time of year and undoubtedly has four very distinct seasons with lots of other activities, sights, foods, and festivals waiting for you in each one.

Spring: Spring is all about the new blossoms and nature returning for the new year. The biggest thing to do in spring is to see cherry blossoms in Korea. From royal palaces to riverside walkways, there are loads of places to enjoy the fresh nature. There are also lots of fun spring festivals in Korea.

Summer: A hot and rainy time of year, but perfect for getting out to enjoy the best Korean summer activities, such as water sports, camping by the beach, summer festivals, eating yummy Korean summer foods, and getting a tan. If the rain is too heavy, there are plenty of indoor activities in Seoul where you can stay dry and still have fun.

Winter: After the beauty of the fall foliage and the rains of summer, winter is the complete opposite – snowy white and extremely dry. Winter has very little rain, which makes it perfect for exploring outside and enjoying one of the many Korean winter activities. Just make sure you wrap up warm! If you’re visiting Korea in winter, I highly recommend check out my Jeju Island winter itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, here are a few FAQs about where to see autumn leaves in Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

Support In My Korea

Thanks for reading. If you want to help me to create more great content in the future, why not buy me a coffee? A strong coffee helps me write more and is a simple way to show gratitude for this free content.

Liked This? Pin It For Others

If you enjoyed reading this article, then please share this with your friends on Pinterest.

Related Articles

Seoul River Bus Service 2024: Travel The Han River By Boat

February 2, 2024April 30, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Travel, Transportation

Korean Etiquette, Culture And Manners: 35 Useful Insights

August 16, 2022February 18, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Culture

How To Go Hiking In Korea: Top Korean Hiking Tips 2024

April 9, 2021March 17, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Hiking In Korea

Verdant greens slowly melt into flickering yellows, dazzling golds, gooey oranges, and fiery reds over the autumn months, setting forests aflame with sunset hues that drop slowly from the tree tops to the ground below.

I hope this collection of Korean autumn leaves pictures inspires you to visit during this lovely season and lets you appreciate the majestic beauty of this fleeting season in the Land of the Morning Calm.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

My Favourite Korean Autumn Leaves Pictures

I want to start with my top 3 Korean autumn leaves pictures before showing you the rest, because these have created some of the most memorable moments in my time living in Korea.

1: Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace is an incredible place to visit in Seoul for people who want the chance to explore a traditional palace, dress up in Korean hanbok (traditional clothes), and see lots of lovely nature.

If you’re lucky, you can also get access to the Secret Garden, which is restricted to a small number of guided tours each day. These royal gardens, which were kept exclusively for the royal family to unwind and relax in, offer a gorgeous glimpse into Korean royal life and display timeless sights of natural wonders.

2: Nami Island, Gapyeong

One of the must-see places in Korea at any time of year, Nami Island really comes alive in autumn due to its abundance of natural beauty and tree-lined streets that create the perfect areas to take sweeping shots of autumn colours.

If you want to see more pictures of Nami Island, check out my Transport Guide For Nami Island. You’ll see a few more Korean autumn leaves pictures from Nami Island in that article, too.

3: Naejangsan National Park

Naejangsan National Park in the south-west of Korea is one of the must-see destinations for Korean autumn leaves. This small but stunning national park is packed with photogenic spots, such as the Maple Tree Road, Naejangsa Temple, Uhwajeong Pavilion, and the observatory at the top of the mountain.

You’ll probably recognise some of these views from iconic Korean autumn leaves pictures. If you want to see more, check out my article all about Visiting Naejangsan In Autumn.

If you want to know more about where and how to see fall foliage in Korea, be sure to check out my detailed guide to Autumn Leaves In Korea.

Please note: The majority of these pictures are all photos I’ve taken during my time living in Korea. A few are ‘borrowed’ from free photo sharing sites.

Seoul Autumn Leaves Pictures

If you want to see autumn leaves in Seoul, then you’re in luck. Seoul is a very leafy city with lots of natural beauty to check out throughout the year, especially in autumn. Here’s some of the sights you can see in Seoul.

There are plenty of other places to check out autumn leaves in Seoul, such as Seoul Forest, along the Han River, Gwanaksan Mountain, Bukhansan National Park and Seoul National Cemetery.

Now, here’s a whole load of Korean autumn leaves pictures from the rest of Korea.

Korean Foliage Pictures From National Parks

Although there are lots of nice places to see autumn leaves in Seoul, the best places are outside of the capital, amongst the forests, mountains, and parks that Korea is packed full of.

If you’re visiting Korea in autumn, be sure to book a few trips out of the cities for the best views. Here are some of my personal favourite Korean autumn leaves pictures, but there are a lot, lot more that I haven’t covered here.

For info about how to get to the national parks, check out my guide about How To Go Hiking In Korea.

Other Autumn Sights To See In Korea

There’s not just autumn leaves to see during autumn, it’s also the best time to see these tall reeds, known as silver grass. Some great locations for this include Mindungsan (above), Haneul Park in Seoul, Seoul Forest, and along the shores of many rivers in Korea.

Finally, here are some pictures from the city I live in, Daejeon. Like many big Korean cities, Daejeon has lots of parks, tree-lined streets, and places to see autumn leaves. Daejeon is blessed with many surrounding mountains and Gyeryongsan National Park, too.

Take a look at these final Korean autumn leaves pictures and maybe you’ll understand why I enjoy living in Daejeon.

Here’s one final image from autumn that might surprise you…

This was taken in November 2017, just a few days after the picture above of the yellow ginkgo leaves. Yes, you can see snow during autumn in Korea.

It doesn’t happen often, but it makes a very surprising sight to see autumn leaves one day and then white blankets over everything the next.

Want To Know More About Autumn In Korea?

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit and if you want to take Korean autumn leaves pictures like these yourself, then I’d definitely recommend visiting during this season.

When: Autumn in Korea runs from September until early November. Peak autumn leaves season starts in mid-October (Seoul area) and ends in early November (Jeju / south coast).

Where: Korea is mostly mountainous and has dozens of amazing spots to see autumn leaves in national parks, as well as city parks and areas of natural beauty. Some of the best are Nami Island, Seoraksan National Park, Seoul’s royal palaces, Jirisan National Park and Asan Ginkgo Tree Road.

How: In Seoul and other cities, you can travel to autumn leaves sites on public transport. For Nami Island, you can take a day trip there from Seoul. For the national parks and other locations, you can book day trips from reputable tour companies such as Klook and Trazy.

October: Visit Korea in October for the best autumn leaves, fun festivals, delicious fresh foods, and great weather. This is my favourite month to travel in Korea.

Support In My Korea

Thanks for reading. If you want to help me to create more great content in the future, why not buy me a coffee? A strong coffee helps me write more and is a simple way to show gratitude for this free content.

Liked This? Pin It For Others

If you enjoyed reading this article, then please share this with your friends on Pinterest.

Related Articles

Korean Public Toilets: What Are Restrooms In Korea Like?

June 4, 2023May 15, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Travel

Seoul introduces Unlimited rides “climate card” for tourists starting July 2024

June 19, 2024June 20, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Travel, News, Transportation

10 Best Korean Side Dishes: Banchan You Can Make At Home

May 28, 2023May 15, 2024

Joel Marrinan
Korean Food & Drink