the Coolest Places in Korea

Best Places for a Foliage Tour

  • #Religious Facility
Baeron Holy Ground
Chungcheongbuk-do > Jecheon-si

@b_taeng
Baeron Holy Ground in Jecheon, Chuncheongbuk-do, is a must-visit spot to enjoy autumn scenery.
Baeron Holy Ground served as a center of spreading Catholicism in Korea. It boasts a scenery that is beautiful enough to be chosen as the tenth scenic view among the Ten Scenic Views of Jecheon. You will find the statue of Jesus overlooking a pond. Take a picture of yourself crossing the bridge hanging over the pond. It will make a memorable photo.
The inner court is landscaped beautifully with ginkgo trees. I recommend you take a slow walk while enjoying healing moments. Parking is convenient, with a spacious parking lot in the front. This is a place I visit every fall. So, if you are planning a trip to Jecheon, I recommend the Baeron Holy Ground.

Baeron Holy Ground
  • #Nature
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
Daejeon > Seo-gu

@inoweymi
Savor the last of autumn at the Metasequoia Forest in Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, Daejeon.
The forest was ablaze in a deep red color after it rained all night. Jangtaesan Mountain is beautiful everywhere, and it is a fun place to take pictures. There are many things worth experiencing. The observatory offers a view atop the mountain, and the Forest Adventure lets you walk along the bridges hanging in the air. The Sky Tower and suspension bridges are fun as well. Even the parking lots are filled with autumn colors.
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is a good destination for a leisurely drive as there are no additional costs.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
  • #Nature
  • # Photo Zone
  • # Historic Site
  • # Tourist Destination
Gwanbangjerim Forest
Jeollanam-do > Damyang-gun

@siniple
Gwanbangjerim Forest in Damyang turns red late in the fall.
When you visit Gwanbangjerim Forest in early or mid-November, you will find the Metasequoia Tree Trail near the Yeongsangang River turning red with autumn foliage. It is next to Juknokwon (Bamboo Garden) and the Noodle Street. Treat yourself to a bowl of noodles and walk it off. Relax your legs at a cafe and return to the trails to enjoy the night scene. It is a schedule I recommend.
This place is a trusted walking trail of residents and is most beautiful in autumn. The Damyangcheon Stream stretches beside the trail covered with fallen leaves. The maple trees reflected on the stream put a more vivacious and colorful face to the scenery.

Gwanbangjerim Forest
  • #Nature
Nami Island
Gangwon-do > Chuncheon-si

@hyoshinkwak
Nami Island is located in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do, and offers beautiful autumn scenery.
At Nami Island, you can admire the ginkgo and maple trees. You will be able to enjoy autumn with all your senses when you walk around Nami Island, colored in various autumn colors. That is why the place is packed with visitors seven days a week in autumn.
You can leisurely enjoy the scenery when you visit in the less crowded hours in the early morning.

Nami Island
  • Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
  • Operating hours: 08:00-21:00 (Ferry operation hours 08:00-09:00 30-minute intervals / 09:00-18:00 10-20 minute intervals / 18:00-21:00 30-minute intervals) Operating hours may change according to circumstances
  • Other information: Open all year-round / Admission: General 16,000 won
  • Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/617df707c5f5711b01ee3354/daylog/634b6ca089c3d3e44f401e94
  • #Nature
Gangcheonseom Recreation Area
Gyeonggi-do > Yeoju-si

@bongtographer_
Gangcheonseom Recreation Area has the best Ginkgo Tree Trail.
An island in Yeoju, covered with yellow ginkgo leaves, is opened to the public at the end of October every year. A bridge for car commute connects the island. It is one and a half hour drive from Seoul and thus is perfect for a weekend trip.
Gangcheonseom Recreation Area has a ginkgo tree trail, a wildflower habitat, and a lawn plaza for visitors to enjoy in various ways. The lawn plaza made it a top picnic site. Get your tent and head to the yellow-colored Gangcheonseom Recreation Area this fall.

Gangcheonseom Recreation Area
  • #Nature
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
Seoul > Jongno-gu

@eenomsiki
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion of Gyeongbokgung Palace in autumn is beautiful, with the red and yellow foliage in harmony.
The pavilion is built to enjoy the scenery on all sides. It is located in the innermost corner of Gyeongbokgung Palace and thus is less crowded. It is a spot to enjoy autumn in palace leisurely.
It is said that King Gojong used to rest in Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. You will also find the cool autumn breeze refreshing as your tired body and soul relaxes at the pavilion, which stands in harmony with the surrounding scenery.

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion
  • #Nature
Mungwang Reservoir
Chungcheongbuk-do > Goesan-gun

@siniple
A 2 km ginkgo tree trail surrounds Mungwang Reservoir.
The reservoir is located in Goesan, Chungcheongbuk-do, which takes two hours by car from Seoul. It is already a famous spot among photographers.
When the wet morning fog slowly disappears and the ginkgo trees glisten in a golden hue, the area is filled with a mysterious and exotic vibe. The wet fog usually disappears after 08:00, so make sure to arrive by 07:00 to enjoy the most beautiful scenery of Mungwang Reservoir. Note that the reservoir in autumn is crowded from early morning.

Mungwang Reservoir
  • #Historic Site
Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex
Chungcheongbuk-do > Jecheon-si

@b_taeng
Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex is a small folk village on the lake.
Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex is the fourth scenic view among the Ten Scenic Views of Jecheon.
When autumn is near, the scenery of Cheongpungho Lake viewed from Mangwolsanseong Fortress located inside the Cultural Heritage Complex is breathtakingly beautiful. The trees blushing in red autumn colors, buildings containing the old Korean vibe, and Cheongpungdaegyo Bridge all blend beautifully in the scenery.

Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex
  • #Nature
  • # Photo Zone
  • # Tourist Destination
Hwadam Botanic Garden
Gyeonggi-do > Gwangju-si

@eenomsiki
Ride the monorail to enjoy autumn foliage in comfort at Hwadam Botanic Garden.
Hwadam Botanic Garden is regarded as the place with the most beautiful autumn colors in the metropolitan area. It is a grand-scale botanic garden created by LG Group. It was built with the belief that “truly life can live only when mankind lives in harmony with nature.”
There is a monorail that will help those who find trekking difficult to enjoy autumn foliage to the fullest. The monorail blends in well with the forest and even creates a picturesque scene. Hwadam Botanic Garden adopts a 100% reservation policy for a pleasant experience. Make sure to reserve in advance for admission and monorail ride.

Hwadam Botanic Garden
  • #Nature
  • # Photo Zone
  • # Tourist Destination
Maltijae Pass
Chungcheongbuk-do > Boeun-gun

@siniple
Maltijae Pass and its winding road shine in red color against the sunset.
Songnisan Mountain in Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do, is a well-known spot for foliage, and the road to the destination is beautiful as well. Maltijae Pass is a steep winding road with 12 curves near the entry to Songnisan Mountain. The scenery at sunset hour is famously beautiful that some people visit the spot at the exact time of sunset to enjoy the view.
The area is steep and dangerous thus, Maltijae Pass observatory may limit access during bad weather or after sunset. I recommend you look around the area for at least one hour before the sun goes down.

Maltijae Pass