Choose the autumn landscape you want to see before choosing a destination. These 50 places across South Korea range from city ginkgo avenues and palace gardens to temples, valleys, and mountain slopes.
Each entry briefly explains the setting and the walking involved. The numbering follows regional order, and the selection includes yellow ginkgos and russet metasequoias alongside red maples. Use it to shortlist destinations rather than as a forecast of peak dates. Most linked official source pages are in Korean.
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Choose between a stroll and a mountain walk
For city walking, start with Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway, Seoul Forest, or Gokgyocheon Ginkgo Avenue. For gardens, consider Hwadam, the Garden of Morning Calm, or Halla Arboretum. Jujeongol, Gucheondong Eosa-gil, and Juwang Valley suit a valley focused outing, while Jeoksangsan and Daedunsan offer mountain and rock scenery.
Walking around a temple and climbing a nearby summit can involve very different effort. Inclusion here does not mean an entire destination is level or suitable for wheelchairs or strollers; check the official guidance for your particular route and access needs.
Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi: 12 places
01. Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway · Jung-gu, Seoul
Stone walls and autumn trees make this a convenient city walk without a mountain journey. Plan the public walkway and a visit inside Deoksugung Palace as separate parts of your outing. Visitor information for Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway
02. Changdeokgung Secret Garden · Jongno-gu, Seoul
Ponds, pavilions, and mature trees give the royal garden a distinctive autumn setting. Garden admission differs from admission to the palace buildings, so check timed entry and ticket arrangements first. Visitor information for Changdeokgung Secret Garden
03. Seoul Forest · Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Ginkgo groves and park paths offer autumn color within the city. Choose this for a park outing focused on yellow leaves rather than a long mountain hike. Visitor information for Seoul Forest
04. Jingwansa Valley, Bukhansan · Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Temple woodland and a valley provide a mountain setting on Seoul’s northern edge. A visit around Jingwansa and a hike farther into Bukhansan involve different levels of walking effort. Visitor information for Jingwansa Valley, Bukhansan
05. Incheon Grand Park · Namdong-gu, Incheon
Autumn trees at the entrance and around the lake suit an extended park walk. The grounds are extensive, so choose your walking area before adding any surrounding hill trails. Visitor information for Incheon Grand Park
06. Hwadam Botanic Garden · Gwangju, Gyeonggi
Themed gardens and woodland paths provide a varied autumn display. Check the official booking guidance for admission, monorail products, and their respective time slots. Visitor information for Hwadam Botanic Garden
07. Korea National Arboretum · Pocheon, Gyeonggi
Large woodland trees and diverse species make this a rewarding place to observe autumn changes. Check reservation, parking, and closure arrangements for your intended visit before setting out. Visitor information for Korea National Arboretum
08. The Garden of Morning Calm · Gapyeong, Gyeonggi
Garden paths combine seasonal plants with views of the surrounding hills. This suits a leisurely garden visit rather than a summit climb. Visitor information for The Garden of Morning Calm
09. Namhansanseong Fortress · Gwangju area, Gyeonggi
Fortress walls and ridgelines frame views of autumn woodland. Choose a section that suits your group, as the wall trails include slopes and steps. Visitor information for Namhansanseong Fortress
10. Yongmunsa Ginkgo Tree · Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi
A large ginkgo tree shares the setting with autumn woodland at the foot of Yongmunsan. Since one tree is the main attraction, recent information about leaf retention is particularly useful. Visitor information for Yongmunsa Ginkgo Tree
11. Jajaeam Area, Soyosan · Dongducheon, Gyeonggi
A valley and temple setting offer autumn scenery at Soyosan’s lower slopes. Distinguish a visit around Jajaeam from a ridge hike, and wear shoes suitable for steps. Visitor information for Jajaeam Area, Soyosan
12. Gangcheonseom Island · Yeoju, Gyeonggi
Ginkgo trees and open lawns give this Namhangang River island a spacious autumn setting. Plan a walking visit and allow for the approach from your parking location. Visitor information for Gangcheonseom Island
Gangwon: 8 places
13. Sogongwon to Biseondae, Seoraksan · Sokcho, Gangwon
Rocky peaks, a stream valley, and autumn leaves come together on this Seoraksan approach. Plan the return at Biseondae separately from the steeper hikes that continue beyond it. Visitor information for Sogongwon to Biseondae, Seoraksan
14. Jujeongol Valley, Seoraksan · Yangyang, Gangwon
Approach from Osaek for a southern Seoraksan landscape of rocks, streams, and autumn foliage. Check your chosen route carefully: Jujeongol and Heullimgol can differ in starting point, gradient, and reservation conditions. Visitor information for Jujeongol Valley, Seoraksan
15. Seonjae-gil Trail, Odaesan · Pyeongchang, Gangwon
The streamside route between Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa offers changing woodland colors. Walking its full length is more than a short stroll, so decide on your return route and transport first. Visitor information for Seonjae-gil Trail, Odaesan
16. Guryongsa Area, Chiaksan · Wonju, Gangwon
Pine woodland, a valley, and autumn trees around the temple provide varied scenery. Treat a visit around Guryongsa separately from a climb to Birobong summit. Visitor information for Guryongsa Area, Chiaksan
17. Bangye-ri Ginkgo Tree · Wonju, Gangwon
One ginkgo with a broad crown creates a striking yellow centerpiece in the village landscape. Keep to designated viewing areas and respect the tree’s protection boundary. Visitor information for Bangye-ri Ginkgo Tree
18. Nami Island · Chuncheon, Gangwon
Ginkgo and metasequoia avenues offer different shades of autumn within the island. For travel planning, distinguish the ferry approach from Gapyeong from the island’s location in Chuncheon. Visitor information for Nami Island
19. Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest · Hongcheon, Gangwon
Rows of ginkgo trees create a yellow woodland corridor in autumn. Check the current year’s seasonal opening arrangements before making the journey. Visitor information for Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest
20. Bangtaesan National Recreational Forest · Inje, Gangwon
Valley woodland and Idan Falls form an appealing autumn forest setting. Take care on wet rocks and fallen leaves, and check day use and accommodation arrangements separately. Visitor information for Bangtaesan National Recreational Forest
Chungcheong and Daejeon: 9 places
21. Sejo-gil Trail, Songnisan · Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Woodland and waterside sections near Beopjusa make this a walking focused autumn outing. You can plan around the forest trail without adding a climb to Munjangdae. Visitor information for Sejo-gil Trail, Songnisan
22. Bobaljae Pass · Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do
This viewpoint destination combines winding mountain roads with autumn color. Use permitted parking and viewing areas rather than stopping on the carriageway for photographs. Visitor information for Bobaljae Pass
23. Mungwang Reservoir · Goesan, Chungcheongbuk-do
Yellow ginkgo trees along the reservoir offer attractive waterside compositions. Mist and reflections depend on weather and wind, so do not plan around a guaranteed photographic effect. Visitor information for Mungwang Reservoir
24. Sanmagi Old Trail · Goesan, Chungcheongbuk-do
Lakeside boardwalk sections combine views of Goesan Lake and wooded slopes. Decide whether to walk both ways or include a boat, and verify sailings if you choose the latter. Visitor information for Sanmagi Old Trail
25. Cheongnamdae · Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do
The former presidential retreat combines Daecheong Lake views with autumn trees. Choose between lakeside walking and viewpoint routes involving steps according to your group’s stamina. Visitor information for Cheongnamdae
26. Orisup-gil to Gapsa, Gyeryongsan · Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do
Mature trees line the temple approach, creating a strong sense of autumn in a mountain setting. Plan a visit around Gapsa separately from a hike toward Geumjandi Pass. Visitor information for Orisup-gil to Gapsa, Gyeryongsan
27. Donghaksa Valley, Gyeryongsan · Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do
Follow the valley toward Donghaksa for woodland autumn scenery. The route becomes more demanding toward Eunseon Falls and Gwaneumbong, so choose your turnaround point in advance. Visitor information for Donghaksa Valley, Gyeryongsan
28. Gokgyocheon Ginkgo Avenue · Asan, Chungcheongnam-do
Riverside ginkgo trees form a yellow avenue when the leaves change. This is a good choice for an avenue walk rather than a mountain outing. Visitor information for Gokgyocheon Ginkgo Avenue
29. Jangtaesan Recreational Forest · Seo-gu, Daejeon
Tall metasequoias shift toward russet and orange as autumn develops. Ground level paths and elevated forest facilities offer different walking experiences, so choose the sections you prefer. Visitor information for Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
Jeolla region: 10 places
30. Naejangsa Area, Naejangsan · Jeongeup
Uhwajeong Pavilion, the temple approach, and surrounding slopes combine in a classic autumn setting. Treat a walk around Naejangsa and a hike across the peaks as separate route choices. Visitor information for Naejangsa Area, Naejangsan
31. Baegyangsa, Baegamsan · Jangseong
Small maple leaves, temple buildings, and rocky slopes form a distinctive autumn scene. Keep viewing around Ssanggyeru Pavilion separate from a longer Baegamsan hike. Visitor information for Baegyangsa, Baegamsan
32. Gangcheonsan County Park · Sunchang
Valley scenery and Byeongpung Falls accompany the autumn leaves here. Distinguish the valley walk from routes climbing toward the suspension bridge or ridges when planning for your group. Visitor information for Gangcheonsan County Park
33. Seonunsa and Dosolcheon, Seonunsan · Gochang
The streamside setting brings together temple scenery and autumn woodland. Stay around Seonunsa or extend the walk toward Dosolam according to the distance you want to cover. Visitor information for Seonunsa and Dosolcheon, Seonunsan
34. Jeoksangsan Mountain · Muju
Autumn leaves, cliffs, and the historical Jeoksangsansago archive site give the mountain several points of interest. Allow time for the winding access roads even when arriving by car. Visitor information for Jeoksangsan Mountain
35. Gucheondong Eosa-gil, Deogyusan · Muju
This old valley route brings you close to Gucheondong’s stream and autumn woodland. Choose a manageable out and back distance rather than treating it as a summit trip to Hyangjeokbong. Visitor information for Gucheondong Eosa-gil, Deogyusan
36. Daedunsan Mountain · Wanju, Nonsan, and Geumsan area
Autumn woodland surrounds the mountain’s dramatic rocks and ridgelines. Plan this as a mountain or viewpoint outing with slopes and steps, rather than a flat park stroll. Visitor information for Daedunsan Mountain
37. Gwanbangjerim Forest · Damyang
Mature trees along the embankment create an autumn landscape beside the water. Combine the walk with nearby town stops for a walking focused visit to Damyang. Visitor information for Gwanbangjerim Forest
38. Damyang Metasequoia Avenue · Damyang
Rows of metasequoias create a long avenue of orange and brown autumn tones. Choose it when you want a different atmosphere from a red maple forest. Visitor information for Damyang Metasequoia Avenue
39. Piagol Valley, Jirisan · Gurye
Streams, rocks, and colored slopes make Piagol an appealing Jirisan autumn destination. Check distance and footing separately for a visit near Yeongoksa and a walk farther up the valley. Visitor information for Piagol Valley, Jirisan
Gyeongsang, Daegu, and Busan: 9 places
40. Juwang Valley, Juwangsan · Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Large rock faces and a gorge provide a dramatic backdrop to the leaves. Start planning from the Daejeonsa approach and decide which waterfall will be your turnaround point. Visitor information for Juwang Valley, Juwangsan
41. Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park · Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Historic gates and an old mountain pass road sit within autumn woodland. Your outing changes considerably depending on whether you stay near the first gate or continue toward the upper gates. Visitor information for Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park
42. Bulguksa Temple · Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Temple architecture, stone stairways, and autumn trees form the main visual appeal. Visit at an unhurried pace to appreciate both the buildings and the surrounding woodland. Visitor information for Bulguksa Temple
43. Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden · Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Tall trees and reflective water features give this garden a distinctive setting. Follow the visitor paths while exploring the autumn garden and photographing reflections. Visitor information for Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden
44. Sutaegol Valley, Palgongsan · Dong-gu, Daegu
Woodland and a stream valley offer a close view of Palgongsan’s autumn landscape. A lower valley visit and a summit bound hike have different demands, so review the route length first. Visitor information for Sutaegol Valley, Palgongsan
45. Unmunsa Temple · Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Old pine woodland, a stream, and seasonal trees surround this temple. Enjoy the contrast between evergreen pines and changing deciduous leaves at a leisurely pace. Visitor information for Unmunsa Temple
46. Tongdosa Temple · Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do
Woodland at the foot of Yeongchuksan surrounds the temple complex. Plan around the main temple first, adding walks to outlying hermitages as separate extensions. Visitor information for Tongdosa Temple
47. Beomeosa Temple · Geumjeong-gu, Busan
Temple approaches and Geumjeongsan woodland offer an autumn outing within Busan. Respect the quiet practice setting, and decide separately whether to add a mountain hike. Visitor information for Beomeosa Temple
48. Hongnyudong Valley near Haeinsa · Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do
Follow autumn woodland along the valley at Gayasan’s foot and combine it with Haeinsa. Plan the amount of walking on Sorigil separately from your time at the temple. Visitor information for Hongnyudong Valley near Haeinsa
Jeju: 2 places
49. Halla Arboretum · Jeju City
Observe Jeju plants and varied tree species on an autumn arboretum walk. Expect a mixture of evergreen and deciduous woodland rather than a mountainside covered entirely in red leaves. Visitor information for Halla Arboretum
50. Cheona Valley · Jeju City
Autumn trees and a rocky valley form part of the Hallasan Dullegil forest landscape. Check current trail conditions and possible rain related closures, and bring suitable walking equipment. Visitor information for Cheona Valley
Three checks before departure
Autumn timing differs by region, elevation, and tree species. Wind and rain also affect how many leaves remain, so compare the Korea Meteorological Administration’s foliage observation guidance with recent notices and photographs from the destination.
Check tickets, closing days, and seasonal opening periods, along with current trail restrictions and weather for mountain routes. For Jeju forest trails, including Cheona Valley, review the Hallasan Dullegil access guidance before choosing a route.
Leave extra time for travel and parking on weekends, and choose mountain walking distances that allow a return before sunset. Start with one or two nearby destinations in the same area instead of a crowded itinerary.
The place descriptions and official links were checked on October 25, 2026. This is a destination guide, not a guarantee of current foliage or ticket availability. Recheck prices, hours, and trail restrictions for your visit date.
The cover shows Uhwajeong Pavilion in Naejangsan on November 6, 2016. It is a historical photograph, not a report of current foliage. Photo: Tung Thanh Dang · original · CC BY-SA 3.0. The original aspect ratio is retained; web display sizes and listing thumbnails may be adjusted.