Experience the Perfect Autumn in Korea at These 10 Scenic Spots

Fall deeply in love with South Korea this fall. Although the Land of Morning Calm is already a tourist hotspot, it’s still an underrated destination during the autumn season. Plan your visit during September, October, and November to be greeted by dreamy fall foliage and cool air during Korea’s autumn months. These are some of the best months to visit Korea overall because of the comfortable weather and clear skies that are perfect for exploring the country.

Here’s this year’s autumn forecast for Korea, which is annually released by Weather-I. The forecast below introduces the best months to catch the peak autumn foliage as this usually depends on changing temperatures.

Don’t just take our word for it; here are the 10 best spots you must visit to experience the perfect autumn in Korea:

Even the locals know Naejangsan National Park to have the best mountains, and perhaps the best place in Korea in autumn, for admiring the foliage. Take in the delightful mix of gold, orange, and red leaves as you stroll through the peaceful forests. You can even head up to the summit of Naejangsan using a cable car for an even better view of the scenery.

Don’t forget to pass through the Red Leaves Tunnel for stunning photos with hundreds of maple trees vibrantly lining your path. Pay your respects with a visit to Naejangsan Temple, a traditional Buddhist temple that was originally built in 636 but has undergone reconstruction since then, for even more tranquil vibes.

The best time to visit Naejangsan National Park for a top-tier autumn in Korea experience is from mid-October to mid-November when the leaves are in the process of changing colors.

If you’re traveling with a big group of friends and family, make it extra special with a VIP experience to Naejangsan National Park.

Outdoorsy tourists will love exploring the various rare flora and fauna that call Seoraksan National Park “home.” The park and preservation area is also the location of Korea’s third-highest peak and Seoraksan Mountain's main peak, Daecheongbong Peak. The mountain takes its name “Seorak,” meaning snowy peak, from Daecheongbong, which is covered in snow half the year. During autumn in Korea, though, visitors can view the fall foliage along the valleys, mountain peaks, and rock formations! Plan your trip for mid-October when the hiking trails are all covered in red and yellow leaves and every second is a photo opportunity.

If you’re a fan of historical Korean dramas, then you’ll love visiting Gyeongju. The city is rich with historical heritage as the Silla kingdom’s old capital. The government has done its best to preserve the city’s historical feel, landmarks, and relics. Feel free to explore tombs, temples, pagodas, and palace ruins, but for your Korea autumn itinerary, take note that the city is also popular for its landscapes with nearby mountains, hiking trails, and forests that transform in the fall. Drop by from mid-October to early November when the colored leaves serve as the most beautiful backdrop to your historical adventure.

For an even more immersive dive into Korean history, experience the traditional Korean life at Hanok Village in Jeonju! Live, dress, and feel like a character in a historical K-drama as you explore the town — yes, you can dress up in a traditional Hanbok as you walk around the village. There are also mini observation decks where you can view the entire charming town of 735 Hanok houses all dressed in fall foliage. You can even book a night in one of the traditional houses for a truly cultural experience.

It will be difficult not to add Jangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest to your itinerary for the autumn season in Korea. This peaceful forest is a go-to spot for its healing aura and tourists always feel recharged after a visit. There are hiking trails going up the mountain, as well as easy walking trails near its base, but for the picturesque view of the fall foliage, climb up the Sky Tower to see the burnt orange hills perfectly lined with Metasequoia and maple trees. If you want to appreciate the tall, colorful trees up close, then head over to Metasequoia Road.

There’s also a suspension bridge in the middle of the forest where you’ll be rewarded with a great view and a highly Instagrammable photo if you’re courageous enough to cross it. Afterward, you can relax as you sit next to the forest’s ecological pond, which houses six different species of aquatic plants!

In Chuncheon, you’ll be able to find Samaksan, one of the smaller mountains in Korea as it only stands at 2,146 feet, while still providing a breathtaking view of downtown, Uiam Lake, and Bukhan River. Choose between a mountain hike or a leisurely cable car ride — or both! You’ll also enjoy braving the Skywalk Observatory with its glass floor that offers an all-around view of the waters, the fall foliage and rocky mountain peaks, and the city.

The Garden of Morning Calm is an absolute must for nature lovers. Enjoy strolling through 20 themed sections of Korea’s horticulture with a view of Chungryeongsan Mountain to match. True to its name, visitors are able to relax and refresh as they take in the views of perfectly trimmed bushes and rows of flowers of different kinds and colors. The garden is exquisite year-round, but the autumn hues give it a special vibe worth visiting.

Nami Island is another must-see destination all year round with its painting-like forests, but since the trees change colors with the season, the orange leaves in autumn give it a K-drama feel that viewers will love. In fact, you’ll even find signs leading you to the actual filming spots that have been used in K-dramas, like the First Kiss Glass Sequoia Bridge as seen in the series, “Winter Sonata.”

You’ll never tire of appreciating the scenery on Nami Island as there’s so much to explore. For beautiful fall photos, go for a walk along the Bungalow Row Riverside Path and you’ll find a spot where the vibrant trees just perfectly frame the river. You can also head up Gingko Tree Lane, which will set you up for the most Instagrammable pics with bright yellow leaves that look even more beautiful as they fly in the wind.

If you’re already in Chuncheon, then you might as well take a trip to one of the funnest destinations in Korea — LEGOLAND Korea Resort! Newly opened in 2022, this is the 10th LEGOLAND attraction to be built, and it’s the second-largest LEGOLAND in the world! The resort is surrounded by Uiam Lake and is a getaway spot all on its own. There are more than 40 rides, shows, and attractions you and the family can enjoy across seven different themed zones: Pirate Shores; Bricktopia, where you can find LEGOLAND Lookout for a bird’s-eye view of the park and the lovely fall foliage around Chuncheon; LEGO Castle; LEGO City; LEGO NINJAGO World; Brick Street, and; Miniland, which features miniature LEGO models of Korea’s most popular landmarks.

Nari Park is all about flower power with curated plots of flowers in different colors all throughout the land. Lots of tourists flock to see the Kochia scoparia flowers, also known as the Mexican Fire Brush or the Burning Bush, as it transforms from a green color to a deep red color in autumn. The Globe Amaranth flowers, known as the ‘unchanged flower’ as it keeps its color even after being dried, are also worth seeing at this park. There’s also an area called the Whirling Butterflies that’s home to delicate, pretty flowers that come in various hues of pinks and whites and whose petals resemble butterfly wings.

Haneul Park, which translates to ‘Sky Park,’ is aptly named since it can be found at the highest point of World Cup Park and offers an amazing view of the city of Seoul. During autumn in Korea, the park is completely transformed by silver grass or pampas grass that covers the area. In October, the Pampas Grass Festival is held at the park, where you can find different Pampas Grass crafts and the park is open until later than usual. Another popular attraction at Haneul Park is the Pink Muhly Grass which visitors love to take photos in. The pink bed of flowers is a very popular Instagrammable spot, so make sure to have your cameras and poses ready. For the best photos of the Pink Muhly, make your visit from October to November when the flowers have completely turned pink.

Dumulmeori is its own little area where the waters of Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet — the name actually translates to “two-water area.” This scenic spot is a popular filming location for K-dramas, movies, commercials, and weddings, all of which attest to how beautiful it really is. You can opt to bike around the island and take in the scenery that way, or simply walk around. Make sure to look out for the 400-year-old Zelkova trees, which seem to appear like one giant tree, as well as the framed photo zone set up for an Instagrammable photo opportunity!

If there’s one thing you must do during autumn in Korea, it’s pay a visit to Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest, especially since it’s only open to the public during the month of October. This private forest was planted and has been maintained by one man for over 30 years, beginning in 1985, as a gift to his wife. He’s graciously opened his beautiful forest for visitors to appreciate the 2,000+ ginkgo trees that turn golden in the autumn season.

Yes, a place called Alpaca World really does exist! Meet and interact with cuddly alpacas at Korea’s largest forest farm experience. You can walk along the fall foliage with your new alpaca friend and observe the forest and mountain valley views as far as the eye can see! There aren’t just alpacas at this unique experience though. There are also a bunch of other animal zones where you can play with and feed rabbits, deer, ponies, owls, eagles, and more!

True to its name, Dream Park WildFlower Garden exudes a dreamy vibe with its collection of colorful flowers in the autumn as the largest ecological park for wildflowers in Korea. Stroll amongst the orange cosmos, pink muhly, kochia, daisies, maple and ginkgo trees, and so much more in its five themed gardens.

With this tour in Incheon, you’ll also be able to visit the Seokmodo Mineral Hot Springs, a relaxing outdoor bath with spring sea water rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and the Bomun Temple, a temple dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, and the location of 500 baby Buddha statues, the Seokgatap, and the stone Amitabha Buddha statue, all of which will be interesting to see in person.

Gamaksan is not only a scenic spot, it also has an interesting history to it. For example, a walk across the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, spanning 150 meters across Silmari Valley, will give you a great location for fall photos as it overlooks the yellow-orange trees covering the mountains, but you’ll also learn that the bridge is actually a dedication to a battalion of soldiers who fought in the Korean War.

If you want to get some quiet time and enjoy the autumn air in peace, then these two locations are perfect. Eunpyeong Hanok Village is much less touristy than other Hanok villages, so you can truly get a feel of the area. There are even lots of cafes around where you can order from traditional menus and enjoy the charming decor and ambiance.

Make your way to Jingwansa Temple for an even more interesting look into Korean history. It was first established in 1011 during the Goryeo Dynasty by King Hyeon-jong but was left in ruins after the Korean War. It has been reconstructed over the past 50 years and now serves as a place of worship and peace; they even offer a temple stay program for curious visitors.

Ready to take on autumn in Korea? Of course, you are! Now that you know all the best locations for appreciating the foliage and the best attractions in the country, you’re all set to say “annyeonghaseyo” to South Korea!