Start getting excited, Fall lovers! As fall is right around the corner, this year in Korea, we’re expecting tree leaves colors change from lush green to yellows, oranges, and fiery red colors as soon as the beginning of October. Apart from autumn foliage, there are plenty of majestic nature sceneries Korea has to offer. Be sure to make your travel plans after reading our editor’s pick for the best places to visit in Korea to experience a brilliant fall season throughout all regions of Korea.
 
Best places of autumn leaves in Gyeonggi-do
 
Top 1
Yongmunsan Mountain
As soon as fall arrives, Yongmunsan is full of glory red scenery, also one of the most visited mountains for fall foliage during the season. After entering the viewpoint area, a tall Ginkgo tree rises up as high as 42 meter will appear right at visitors’ eyes, which the locals claim the tree is approximately a thousand year old. When all leaves are changing colors, the thousands years old Ginkgo tree always turns last; locals believes the majestic tree are not only protecting the motherland, but also the spiritual nature. Plenty of hikers make their visit all the way to the mountain every year to make wishes from it.
 
Top 2
Namhansanseong
Nanhansanseong is among the top places of beautiful autumn foliage in Gyeonggi-do, also one of the UNESCO World Heritage site. With the well-preserved castle wall and hiking trails, Namhansanseong Fortress stretching 12.4km in length with 5 hiking trails leading to the highest Iljangsan Mountain in the fortress. Looking down from the peak, it’s a guarantee for the best autumn landscape of the Gyeonggi-do region.
 
Top 3
Soyosan Mountain
Soyosan known as one of the top hundred mountains of Korea, the alps are full of distinctive views among all four seasons. Every October when all leaves change colors, celebration will hop on with various cultural events happening at Soyosan mountain to connect locals and tourists from other parts of the world to enjoy this wonderful time of the year with beautiful fall foliage in the background. To see all these stunning scenes with your own eyes, no need to venture far at all. All visitors can get easy access with Seoul metro to Soyosan, which saves more time from commuting, but enjoy moments filled with relaxation along the bracing weather.
Best places of autumn leaves in Jeollanam-do
 
Top 1
Baegyangsa (Naejangsan National Park)
Naejangsan is one of the famous mountains located within the Jeollabuk-do & Jellanam-do region; while Baegyangsa Temple is located inside the national park area; The meaning of Naejangsan means “endless hidden treasures” within the rocky mountain. Of course, there’s no actual treasure can be found there, but lot of magnificent nature sceneries instead, and no one ever felt disappointed with the vibrant fall colors. Apart from Baegyangsa temple, famous waterfalls like Dodeokpokpo Falls & Geumseonpokpo Falls are also locals’ favourite. All of these breathtaking natural landscapes simply make another artistic painting of the season.
 
Top 2
Jirisan Mountain
Jirisan is one of the most mysterious mountains in Jeollannam-do region, well known for its splendid autumn colors, especially for the Piagol Valley. Take a stroll off the hiking path, you will find striking rock formation, moss valley, stream, and of course fantastic look of autumn. Be alert! The gorgeous views just take your breath away! Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival takes place every autumn to celebrate the enchanting season and cultivate visitors with Korean culture, among events like traditional performances, photography competition, etc.
 
Best places of autumn leaves in Jeju Island
 
Top 1
Hallasan National Park (Gwaneumsa Trail)
Hallasan is the tallest mountain & shield volcano in Korea, standing at 1,950 meters above sea level of Jeju Island. Landform surrounding Hallasan Mountain is flat and the mountain is fairly visible within anywhere of Jeju. Hike up to Hallasan during late autumn, you will find maple trees turning in to spectacular flaming red colors. Within the volcanic area, there’s a volcanic lake located on top of the mountain crater named as Baengnokdam Lake.
 
Top 2
Jeju National Univerity
Jeju National University is the top university of Jeju Island, not only famous of its academic performances, but also the gorgeous campus, including streets filled with cherry blossom during spring & Ginkgo trees in fall. Ginkgo trees is quite an uncommon scene within Jeju island and so thousands of locals and visitors make their visit to the campus every autumn to enjoy this unusual view of Jeju!