Planning a vacation for autumn in South Korea? From nationwide parks like Seoraksan and Naejangsan to city greenspaces corresponding to Hwadamsup and Namsan, there are many superb locations to go to in autumn in Korea.
South Korea has been one in every of my favorite nations to go to. There’s no higher time to go to the nation’s city inexperienced areas, nationwide parks and largely unspoiled islands than autumn. Even a few of South Korea’s most well-known cities and historic landmarks are finest visited when the summer season provides technique to the autumn.
Autumn in South Korea sees the vegetation and bushes of nationwide parks like Seoraksan, Naejangsan and the Wondae-ri Birch Forest come to life with enchanting shades of crimson, purple and orange. Equally, the autumn brings mesmerising colors to the scenic surrounds of historic websites like Gyeongju and Changdeokgung.
Whether or not you need to keep within the vibrant capital of Seoul or head additional afield to locations like Nami Island and Jeju Island, a vacation in South Korea throughout autumn guarantees to be unforgettable. So, with out additional ado, let’s dive into 12 of the perfect locations to go to in autumn in South Korea.
The place to spend autumn in South Korea
Nationwide parks, historic monuments and botanical gardens in city centres all grow to be sensory treats in the course of the fall season in Korea.
1. Hike the Seoraksan Nationwide Park
If you wish to benefit from South Korea’s splendid pure landscapes this autumn, I like to recommend climbing the quite a few trails of the Seoraksan Nationwide Park. It’s a wonderful place year-round, nevertheless it’s particularly beautiful when the leaves of the park’s deciduous bushes flip into hues of crimson, orange and yellow.
Along with a wide selection of vibrant native flora, the Seoraksan Nationwide Park boasts snow-capped peaks that seemingly contact the sky, rugged cliff faces and cascading waterfalls. Head to the very best summit, Daecheongbong Peak, and you’ll soak up views of the park in all its glory from an elevation of 1,708 metres.
Within the park itself, there are numerous trails for rookies by way of to seasoned hikers. Nonetheless, even essentially the most difficult sections of essentially the most rewarding trails are made safer with the likes of steps and handrails.
Don’t overlook to put on heat clothes and pack a backpack with snacks and water – it may get fairly crisp atop the Daecheongbong Peak.
2. Absorb the falls of the Naejangsan Nationwide Park
One other nationwide park in Korea that’s well-known for its autumn foliage is the Naejangsan Nationwide Park, the place crimson leaves backdropped by lush hills and jagged peaks make for a very postcard-perfect sight.
It’s not simply the autumn colors that make the Naejangsan Nationwide Park standard with holidaymakers; this unbelievable gem of nature is dwelling to a few of Korea’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls, most notably the Dodeokpokpo Falls and Geumseonpokpo Falls. Dodeokpokpo is a sight to behold because of the sheer pressure of the cascade, whereas the calmer Geumseonpokpo meanders one of many park’s most scenic valleys.
Whereas exploring the park, you may need to head over to the Baekyangsa Temple to take in a little bit of historical past and tradition. This enchanting place of worship dates all the way in which again to 632 CE. And if its historical past doesn’t impress you adequate, the view of it backdropped by mountains drenched in autumn colors probably will.
3. Uncover the historical past of Gyeongju
Who says it’s essential wait till the summer season to go to the coast? Autumn is probably not the perfect time to hit the seashore, nevertheless it may simply be the proper time to go to the coastal metropolis of Gyeongju, best-known for its myriad of historic monuments and points of interest.
The magic of Gyeongju’s historic websites surrounded by lovely foliage in the course of the fall is difficult to explain. The town’s pure color palettes of reds and browns make it a well-liked vacationer vacation spot with the locals in autumn – be part of them this 12 months, and also you’ll perceive why.
The 5 UNESCO-listed Gyeongju Historic Areas comprise excellent examples of Korean Buddhist artwork, principally from the 7th to the tenth centuries CE. Within the Mount Namsan Belt alone – simply one of many 5 historic areas – there are ruins of over 122 historic temples. Think about seeing this jewel of the previous surrounded by the pure colors of autumn…
4. Admire the autumn leaves of Hwadamsup
Fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of Seoul this autumn? Only a 40-minute drive from the colourful Korean capital is the Hwadamsup Botanic Backyard, which is without doubt one of the finest locations to spend a day in autumn in South Korea with out having to journey throughout the nation.
You may comply with serene paths by way of gardens that present habitats to over 4,000 species of flowers and vegetation at Hwadamsup, most of which tackle heart-warming shades of yellow, orange and crimson in Autumn.
When you’re right here, you may get a chicken’s-eye view of some suburbs of Seoul by heading to the close by Namhansanseong North Gate, a historic mountain fortress metropolis that sits at an elevation of about 500 metres above sea degree. It was Korea’s emergency capital metropolis from 1392 till 1910!
5. Get your fill of Ok-Drama on Nami Island
These of you who can’t get sufficient of Korea’s more and more standard cultural exports corresponding to Ok-pop and Ok-drama merely want to go to Nami Island, a well-liked filming location for a number of the nation’s greatest TV reveals. And if you wish to see Nami Island at its prettiest, Autumn is the time to go to.
Should you’re a fan of standard South Korean media tradition, you may recognise Nami Island as the first filming location for the present Winter Sonata.
Fan of Korean tele or not, you’ll nearly actually be shocked by the fantastic thing about charming nation roads lined with maple and ginkgo bushes, that are at their brightest and most lovely throughout autumn in South Korea. Pack your digicam – you’ll need to relish high-definition photos of this place till your final breath.
6. Discover the pure splendour of Jeju Island
You simply know that a spot that’s affectionately nicknamed ‘the Hawaii of Korea’ goes to be worthy of a excessive place in your bucket listing of locations to go to in autumn in South Korea.
Jeju Island by no means fails to impress, whatever the season, however the autumn colors actually make it a sight that’s fairly actually out of this world (figuratively).
A few of Jeju Island’s mystical highlights embody a plethora of semi-spooky caves, probably the greatest being the Manjanggul Lave Tube. Should you’re extra serious about having fun with the tranquillity of the outside surrounded by the colors of fall in South Korea, I counsel following the Saryeoni Forest Path to see lovely birch, Japanese oak, snowbell and – most notably – cedar bushes.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do on Jeju Island it’s undoubtedly value just a few days of your journey. Yow will discover all of the finest locations to remain on Jeju Island right here, and a few suggestions for driving round Jeju right here.
I travelled Jeju Island solo and had an ideal expertise!
7. Admire the seasonal plumage of the Seoul Olympic Park
Since having served its function as a venue for the 1998 Summer time Olympics in South Korea, the Seoul Olympic Park has been probably the most standard autumn out of doors points of interest within the capital with each locals and guests alike.
Whereas there’s heaps to see and do on the Seoul Olympic Park, solely throughout autumn in Korea are you able to see the park’s beautiful pink and purple muhly grass, which creates a picturesque panorama.
Moreover admiring the pink and purple plumes, standard actions at this park embody biking, strolling, boating on the lake and wildlife watching. If you want a relaxation and recharge, you’ll discover loads of cafés and eateries. If the climate is in your aspect, you may take pleasure in a picnic in one of many park’s open inexperienced areas.
8. Uncover the key backyard at Changdeokgung Palace
I do know that Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most well-liked palace to go to in Korea, however the truth that Changdeokgung Palace tends to be much less crowded is only one cause why I choose it. They’re each relics from the Joseon dynasty, making them extremely interesting to historical past buffs, however Changdeokgung’s secret gardens make it an unbeatable Seoul attraction for me when it’s autumn in South Korea.
The sprawling Secret Backyard at Changdeokgung is a real deal with for the eyes when the autumn foliage is in bloom. The pure hues of crimson, purple and orange solely add to the superb ambiance of the place, which is good to go to any time of 12 months due to sights like lush bushes, ponds and scenic pavilions.
9. Go to the N Seoul Tower in Namsan
Situated on the prime of the 270-metre-tall peak of Namsan Mountain, the N Seoul Tower (also referred to as the Namsan Tower) has loomed over South Korea’s capital since 1971. Ever since, it’s been probably the greatest vantage factors within the metropolis.
Higher nonetheless, in autumn, the park wherein it resides and the vegetation that cowl the mountain on which it sits rework into lovely fall colors. It’s a very magical place to go to if you happen to’re staying in Seoul in autumn.
Should you don’t fancy climbing to the height of Namsan, you possibly can all the time journey the Namsan Cable Automotive. In spite of everything, it’s the views that make this place so beautiful in autumn.
10. Stroll by way of the Wondae-ri Birch Forest
The Wondae-ri Birch Forest is one other a type of locations that appears simply fabulous irrespective of the season. Spring sees lovely blooms and summer season brings plenty of fantastic color to the realm. Even winter is a well-liked time to go to the Wondae-ri Birch Forest, when the tree canopies and branches are coated in snow.
However, as you may have the ability to guess, my favorite time to go to the Wondae-ri Birch Forest is autumn. The forest might be lovely on a regular basis, however in my view, the colors of autumn in South Korea are the prettiest.
READ MORE: The Greatest Day Journeys from Seoul
11. Take pleasure in a time out in Chuncheon
If you’d like a retreat from the metropolis of Seoul however nonetheless fancy a little bit of a metropolis vibe, you need to head over to the lakeside metropolis of Chuncheon, which is about an hour’s drive from the Korean capital.
Chuncheon is such a beautiful place to discover when autumn arrives in Korea, and my favorite attraction is the Backyard of Morning Calm. It seems spectacular when the autumn decorates the leaves with hues of reds and oranges.
When you’re within the space, you may need to go to Petite France, which is – as you may have the ability to infer – a French-style village. You may also go to standard locations just like the Gangchon Rail Park and Nami Island.
12. Take a spooky journey to Everland
Final however not least on my listing of finest issues to do in autumn in South Korea is pay a go to with the youngsters to the Everland theme park, which is without doubt one of the greatest, finest and hottest theme parks close to Seoul.
Throughout October, Everland affords the entire household quite a lot of horror-themed points of interest to benefit from the Halloween festivities. In spite of everything, autumn brings way more than simply magnificence into our lives! It’s additionally the season of scares! Maintain your eyes peeled on the Everland web site for the newest updates on this 12 months’s Halloween festivities.
The place do you want to go to in autumn in South Korea?
Above, I’ve shared only a few of my favorite issues to do in autumn in South Korea, however there are – in fact – many extra thrilling issues to do on this dynamic nation when the summer season provides technique to the autumn. A few of my favorite locations to go to in autumn in Korea embody Lotte World, the DMZ, Sokcho and the Korean People Village, however there are numerous extra points of interest which are greater than worthy of a point out.
The place are your favorite locations to go to throughout autumn in Korea? Have I missed any hidden gems that my readers and I ought to learn about? Tell us by leaving a remark beneath.
Fast listing of finest locations to go to in autumn in South Korea
- Hike the Seoraksan Nationwide Park
- Absorb the falls of the Naejangsan Nationwide Park
- Uncover the historical past of Gyeongju
- Admire the autumn leaves of Hwadamsup
- Get your fill of Ok-Drama on Nami Island
- Discover the pure splendour of Jeju Island
- Admire the seasonal plumage of the Seoul Olympic Park
- Uncover the key backyard at Changdeokgung Palace
- Go to the N Seoul Tower in Namsan
- Stroll by way of the Wondae-ri Birch Forest
- Take pleasure in a time out in Chuncheon
- Take a spooky journey to Everland
