[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Branch out and explore Korea's top five spots for stunning autumn foliage

 

The Korea Tourism Organization has named the top five locations to visit for an autumn walk. [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 
Although autumn arrived later than usual this year due to an unusually long summer, it is finally here, bringing with it vibrant red and yellow leaves.
 
According to the latest data from the Korea Forest Service, peak foliage is expected throughout the country from late October to early November. However, in Gangwon and northern Gyeonggi, the leaves have already turned into their rich autumn hues.
 
So hurry to visit five top locations recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization for the best autumn walks before these leaves are swept away with the fast-approaching winter. 
 

Korea National Arboretum in Pocheon, Gyeonggi [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 
Korea National Arboretum  
포천 국립수목원  
 
The Korea National Arboretum, located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, is often called Gwangneung Forest, as the royal tomb of King Sejo, the seventh king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), lies nearby. 
 
The arboretum is massive, covering 11.24 square kilometers (4.34 square miles), making it difficult to explore fully in just one day. However, the trails in the arboretum's southern parts are perfect for enjoying the autumn colors, particularly the Forest Ecology Observation Trail, the resting plaza, the paths around Yuklimho Lake and the fir forest path. You can reach the southern part by crossing the arboretum bridge.
 

Yuklimho Lake within Korea National Arboretum in Pocheon, Gyeonggi [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

The Forest Ecology Observation Trail is a 460-meter (1,509-foot) deck path through natural forest, offering serene views. After about a 10-minute walk past the resting plaza, you'll find Yuklimho Lake, where the tranquil water will clear your mind. The fir forest, filled with health-boosting phytoncides, provides an ideal spot for forest bathing.
 
Nearby, Gwangneung, a 10-minute walk from the arboretum, is the resting place of King Sejo and Queen Jeonghee. Just a 10-minute drive away is the scenic Gomo Reservoir, a popular spot with cafes and restaurants. 
 
415 Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon, Gyeonggi 
(경기도 포천시 소흘읍 광릉수목원로 415) 
 

Odaesan National Park’s Seonjaegil Trail in Gangwon [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 

Odaesan National Park’s Mill Bridge in Gangwon [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 
Odaesan National Park’s Seonjaegil Trail and Mill bridge
오대산 선재길과 밀브릿지
 
In Gangwon’s Odaesan National Park, the Seonjaegil Trail and Mill Bridge offer breathtaking views of the autumn mountains. The Seonjaegil Trail connects Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa Temples, a path once used by monks. The 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) course is mostly flat, making it easy for a leisurely walk.
 
The trail starts past Odaesan’s fir forest and the main gate of Woljeongsa Temple, featuring five themed sections reflecting local history. Several bridges located along the trail link to nearby roads, so you can exit at any point if needed. At the Mill Bridge, which serves as a resting area and experiential center, outstanding trails, as well as accommodations and cafes, are located.
 
Close by, attractions like Silver Bell Church and Samyang Ranch Round Hill are must-visit spots for photography.
  
Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang, Gangwon
(강원특별자치도 평창군 진부면 오대산로) 

Sky Tower at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest in Daejeon [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 

Maple tree in Jangtaesan Recreational Forest in Daejeon [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
장태산자연휴양림
 
Jangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest in Daejeon is famous for its towering metasequoia trees, also known as dawn redwoods. The forest, initially planted and nurtured by forest expert Lim Chang-bong and later maintained by the city of Daejeon, offers popular attractions like the skyway path — built 10 to 16 meters above the ground — and Sky Tower.
 
From the 27-meter Sky Tower, you’ll have a panoramic view of the metasequoia forest. Another highlight is the 140-meter-long bridge leading from the skyway to an ecological pond. For those wanting to spend a day surrounded by forest, there are houses and a cultural recreation center where visitors can stay overnight.
 
Nearby, you can also visit Hanbat Arboretum as well as the Lee Ungno Museum to explore abstract art and architecture. 
 
461 Jangan-ro, Seo District, Daejeon
(대전 서구 장안로 461) 
 

Hamyang Sangnim Forest in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 

A water fountain in Hamyang Sangnim Forest in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 

Red spider lilies in Hamyang Sangnim Forest in Hamyang, South Gyeongsang [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

Hamyang Sangnim Forest
함양 상림
 
Hamyang Sangnim Forest, located in South Gyeongsang, is Korea's oldest artificial forest. Built by scholar Choi Chi-won during the medieval Unified Silla period (668-935), it is now home to over 20,000 trees of 120 different species. A 1.6-kilometer walking path through the forest is surrounded by vibrant foliage, creating a colorful carpet in the fall.
 
You will also find the historic Hamhwalu Pavilion and a monument dedicated to Choi inside the forest. The area also has a performance stage, a musical water fountain, and an exhibition hall showcasing Hamyang’s local specialty — wild ginseng.
 
For a glimpse of Korea’s past scholar culture, head to Gaepyeong Hanok Village, home to more than 60 traditional houses over a century old, including that of Joseon Dynasty scholar Jeong Yeo-chang. Namgye Seowon, one of the Unesco World Heritage Sites located nearby, was built to honor Jeong. 
 
49 Pilbongsan-gil, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang  
 
(경상남도 함양군 함양읍 필봉산길 49) 
 

Metasequoias path at Jeollanamdo Forest Resources Research Institute in South Jeolla [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 

Persimmons at Jeollanamdo Forest Resources Research Institute in South Jeolla [KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION]

 
 
Jeollanamdo Forest Resources Research Institute
 
Located within the Jeollanamdo Forest Resources Research Institute in Naju, South Jeolla, the Bitgaram Healing Forest is a wonderful destination for autumn lovers.
 
Originally established for research, the forest is now open to the public free of charge and boasts over 1,000 species of plants. It’s also a great place to witness how nature changes with the seasons. Broad-leaved trees, including metasequoias, welcome visitors with their brilliant colors in the fall.
 
The forest’s healing center offers personalized wellness programs, including aromatherapy, using the natural resources of the forest. You can also sign up for programs to learn more about the place.
 
For more of Naju’s autumn scenery, visit Bitgaram Lake Park, which has a walking trail around Baemesan Forest and an artificial lake. For a historical experience, Geumseonggwan, where locals once paid their respects to kings, is a great place to reflect on the city’s rich past.
 
7 Dado-ro, Dado-myeon, Naju, South Jeolla 
(전라남도 나주시 다도면 다도로 7) 

BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]