Experiencing the Breathtaking Beauty of South Korea's Autumn Foliage

South Korea's autumn foliage is a beloved time for many travelers. During this period, the roads in the Land of the Morning Calm become more enchanting than ever, and the cool weather adds a touch of excitement. This article will guide you through the essential experiences for autumn travel in South Korea.

1. When is the Best Time for Autumn Foliage in South Korea?

The best time to admire the red maple leaves in South Korea is from September to November each year. As autumn arrives and you travel along the roads of Korea, you will feel like you've entered a dreamland, surrounded by vibrant red leaves.

When is autumn foliage in South Korea?

Mid-October is an ideal time to witness the vibrant red maple leaves.

Not only that, but visiting Korea during this time allows you to experience a noticeable transition in the landscape. The air starts to cool, and dew-drenched leaves create a heartwarming scene.

2. Stunning Autumn Foliage Spots in South Korea

Here are some beautiful autumn foliage spots in South Korea based on travel experiences:

2.1 Seoraksan Mountain

Seoraksan Mountain is the third-highest peak in South Korea, located in the city of Sokcho, Gangwon Province. To reach here, you can take an express bus from Seoul and then transfer to bus number 7 (or 7-1) or a taxi to Seoraksan. The total travel time from Seoul to Seoraksan is about 3 hours.

Upon reaching Seoraksan, you'll be amazed by the beauty of red leaves covering the majestic mountain. You can also capture the picturesque autumn scenes at Seoraksan's locations such as Osaek Jeongol Valley, Osaek Hot Springs, Cheonbuldong Valley, and Baekdam Valley.

2.2 Juwangsan Island

Here, the Juwangsan National Park is located in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll around and admire the towering limestone peaks and the breathtaking red maple forest. You can take a bus from Seoul to the intercity bus terminal in Juwangsan and then continue on foot to climb Juwangsan Mountain.

2.3 Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is located north of Seoul, making it one of the most splendid palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. To reach here, you can take the subway, a taxi, or a bus.

Admire South Korea's autumn foliage at Gyeongbokgung Palace

You'll fully enjoy the beauty of nature and the ancient cultural charm.

At the palace, visit Hyangwonjeong to admire the perfect architectural beauty and the red leafy trees leaning over the clear pond. Moreover, you can wear Hanbok, the traditional Korean costume, to capture charming photos in this ancient palace.

2.3 Jeju Island

Jeju Island is renowned for its harmonious natural scenery of sea, hills, and trees, creating a romantic beauty. You can fly from Seoul to Jeju to witness the red autumn leaves in late October to early November. Wander along paths leading to Saryeoni Forest or Hallasan, the volcanic mountain, to immerse yourself in the fresh mountain air and the dreamy red and orange hues of the trees.

2.5 Nami Island

Nami Island during South Korea's autumn foliage adorns itself with captivating beauty. Along the roads of Nami Island, maple trees, ginkgo trees, and silver grass all turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, covering the mountains in a vibrant display. As you stroll along the paths, you'll feel the romantic beauty of the Korean autumn scenery.

To reach Nami Island, you can take a train or intercity bus to the ferry terminal, then either take a ferry or a cable car to the island.

2.6 Naejangsan Mountain

In the province of Jeollabuk, Naejangsan National Park is an ideal destination to enjoy the beauty of South Korea's autumn foliage. The red and bright orange maple branches against the clear autumn sky in Naejangsan will leave you in awe of its beauty, fitting its name "Neajang," meaning "hidden mystery" in Korean.

To witness the beauty of Korean maple leaves at Naejangsan National Park, you can take high-speed trains on three lines: the Honam line (from Seoul to Jeongeup), the Gyeongpu line (from Yongsan to Jeongeup), and the SRT Suseo line to SRT Jeongeup.

2.7 Odaesan National Park

Odaesan National Park, located in Gangwon Province, boasts the largest natural forest in South Korea, home to various plant and wildlife species. Every autumn, the mountains and rivers here are enveloped in a carpet of red and orange maple leaves. Additionally, you can visit the famous Woljeongsa Temple to admire the best views of South Korea's autumn foliage.

Red leaves at Odaesan National Park, South Korea

Waterfalls surrounded by a forest ablaze with red and orange maple leaves create a stunning scene as autumn approaches.

To reach Odaesan National Park, you can take a high-speed train from Seoul to Jinbu or take a route from Cheongnyangni to Jinbu. Then, take a bus from Jinbu station to near Sangwonsa Temple.

2.8 Jirisan Mountain

Located in the Jirisan National Park, spanning Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do provinces, Jirisan offers a pristine landscape that becomes especially enchanting in late October. From the foothills, you'll see endless rows of red and orange trees, creating a scene of natural beauty and tranquility.

As it spans three provinces, there are various ways to reach Jirisan. You can consider taking the subway from Seoul to Gurye and then a bus to Pyong Do, or a route from Seoul to Hadong, followed by an intercity bus to Ssanggyesa Temple.

>> See more: Self-sufficient Korean autumn travel guide not to be missed

3. South Korea Autumn Travel Tips

Traveling abroad is always an exciting experience, but for a complete trip, you may want to consider these tips:

Hunt for Cheap Flights: International travel can be costly, so it's advisable to book your flights early, around 2-3 months in advance, to save on expenses. Vietjet operates many flights from Vietnam to South Korea with extremely favorable prices, offering various flight schedules for you to choose from.
Hotel Reservations: It's essential to book your hotel rooms early, around 2-3 months before your trip, as South Korea during the autumn season attracts many tourists. If you don't book in advance, hotels and guesthouses may be fully booked or have higher prices than usual.
Pack Accordingly: As the weather starts to cool down during South Korea's autumn, prioritize bringing warm clothes, gloves, and a woolen hat. Additionally, pack personal items such as toothpaste, a comb, and towels, as Korean hotels may not provide them.
Currency Exchange: Before arriving in Korea, exchange both paper and coin currency at reputable currency exchange locations in Vietnam or at the airport for convenience in spending.
Language: While English can be used in Korea, not all Koreans may be fluent. Therefore, consider installing a Korean translation app on your phone for easier communication with locals.

>> See more: [Answer] What is the best season to travel to Korea?

These are some travel experiences for South Korea's autumn foliage that you can reference. Hopefully, through this article, you will discover interesting places to admire the red maple leaves in South Korea and capture beautiful photos. If you're planning to explore the autumn foliage in South Korea, don't forget to book your flights and hotels early to save on costs. Numerous flights and attractive promotions to Korea are regularly updated by Vietjet.