As a close neighbour to us, Korea is a popular destination for us to enjoy a short break. If you have already tired of shopping or bustling city life in Seoul, October is the best time to witness the country magically transform into a red and orange wonderland. You can explore the amazing maple and other representative plants of Korea autumn such as Kochia Scoparia, Pink Muhly Grass, Cosmo, Purple Miscanthus and Ginkgo in both city and the suburbs.
If you are also interested in enjoying the red maple leaf scene, scroll down for 5 must-visit places in Korea that look absolutely more stunning in autumn.
1. Seoul Deoksugung Palace
Seoul is the earliest part of the country that can see the red autumn leaves. The peak season of maple will be mid-October until late November.The best place to see the beautiful leaves must be those historic palaces in downtown. The blend of the palace architecture and the fall leaves make it a serene atmosphere to create seasonal memories.
Apart from the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace, there are many beautiful palaces that still remain the tradition and appearance of Korean royal.
Located at the corner of Seoul’s busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone wall road. It is also the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery.
In autumn, the palace will become a rich palette of red, orange and yellow. The best way to visit this place is cycling around the lake under the maple trees and imagine being a royal in ancient time.There also showcases the changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony three times a day.
Operating Hours:09:00-21:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Address:99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
2. Seoul Namsan Tower
Just few miles away from the popular shopping area Myeongdong, Seoul N-Tower is a perfect destination to overlook the Seoul city. Every autumn, the trees in the Namsan Park turn red and yellow and illuminate the Seoul Tower. No matter if you go hiking on the trails or have a ride on the cable cars, the views are absolutely stunning. Couples can also have a romantic dinner in the restaurant at the tower, where the Korean drama My Love from Star was shooting here.
Operating Hours:Sunday-Friday: 10:00-23:00 Saturday: 10:00-24:00
Address:105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
3. Gyeonggi-do Garden of Morning Calm
Gyeonggi-do is the area surrounding the capital the maple season is similar to Seoul. Now, taking KTX (Korea Train Express) or buses,
The Garden of morning calm is one of the largest botanical gardens in Gyeonggi-do, which covers a 330,578m square area with over 5,000 different plant species. It is always the hottest spot for shutterbugs. Visiting in this season, you will also meet the blossom of chrysanthemum.The colours are vibrant and the entire arboretum overflows with nature’s beauty and grace.
Address:
432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
4. Daegu Palgongsan
Daegu is a city in North Gyeongsang Province and there are direct flights between Hong Kong and Daegu.
Palgongsan is the most well known place of Daegu and it’s the one of most beautiful areas to see the maples. Every year, many visitors flock to the park to admire the fall leaves on the trees lining the 16.3km-long roadway that runs through the park. You can also take a ride on the cable car to see magnificent landscapes with picturesque views full of colours.
Address:6-1, Palgongsan-ro 199-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu
5. Jeju-do_Hallasan Mountain
Hallasan Mountain is UNESCO World Heritage and the landmark of Jeju Island.
Jeju Island is the largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula. The peak season of the maple here will be early November.
Hallasan Mountain is the highest point of the island and it is designated as a national park in 1970.
The mountain is charming, and breath-taking and comes forth as one of the best sites to catch the autumn fall foliage in Korea.
Hiking on Hallasan Mountain is limited to daytime hiking, and mountain entrance hours (which vary by season) are strictly enforced to allow hikers to climb down the mountain before sunset.
Address:2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
*Editor-in-Chief of Essential Macau
