1. Maple and Ginkgo Viewing in Korea
Korea's maple leaf season runs from late September through mid-November. This year, give yourself a different kind of autumn. With its distinct four seasons, Korea is now aglow with fall colors. Head out with your loved ones to create your very own Korean drama-worthy scene. Whether you're visiting famous maple spots like Seoraksan National Park or Naejangsan National Park, or hitting up places where you can enjoy both ginkgo and maple like Deoksugung Palace and Nami Island, the beauty will leave you speechless!
Recommended Popular Spots for Maple Leaf Viewing in Korea
Recommended Popular Spot #1: Seoraksan National Park
The northernmost national park in Korea, Seoraksan boasts countless scenic spots, and the beauty of its mountains and valleys is simply unparalleled. It’s also the first place in Korea where maple leaves start turning red, usually from late September. As you go down from the mountain top, the maple trees gradually change color, and by mid-October, the foliage is fully mature, transforming the entire park into a stunning sea of red.
■ Maple Leaf Peak Season: Mid-October to Early November
Recommended Popular Spot #2: Deoksugung Palace
Enjoy both maple and ginkgo in one go ! Deoksugung’s stone-paved path is recognized by Seoul locals as one of the most beautiful walking spots, and it’s especially popular among couples for romantic strolls. In the late autumn, the palace is lined with ginkgo trees and features vibrant red foliage and fallen golden leaves. It’s said that just visiting this place will leave you with unforgettable romantic memories!
■ Maple Leaf Peak Season: Mid-October to Early November
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Recommended Popular Spot #3: Nami Island
A timeless favorite Korean drama location ! By early autumn, the island’s red leaves begin to appear, and lines of ginkgo trees form a golden tunnel — a fairytale-like escape that’s truly unforgettable!
■ Maple Leaf Peak Season: Mid-October to Mid-November
Recommended Popular Spot #4: Juwangsan National Park, North Gyeongsang Province
Juwangsan features majestic rocky peaks, valleys, and waterfalls that complement each other beautifully, enhanced by the splash of autumn foliage. Walking along the trails while listening to the sound of flowing water, taking in the views, and breathing in the fresh forest air is an absolute delight. Among them, the Juwang Stream route is the most popular due to its gentle slope. Especially at dawn when the mist rises, the foggy atmosphere adds even more charm.
■ Maple Leaf Peak Season: Mid-October to Mid-November
Recommended Popular Spot #5: Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju
Established during Korea’s Silla Dynasty in the 8th century, Bulguksa Temple is not only a classic representation of Silla architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its maple foliage is also a must-see during Korea’s autumn season. Strolling through the serene temple grounds, admiring the red leaves and ancient buildings, creates an even more atmospheric experience.
■ Maple Leaf Peak Season: Mid-October to Mid-November
Recommended Popular Spot #6: Naejangsan National Park
Korea’s top maple viewing mountain, Naejangsan National Park, is home to famous sites such as Dodeok Waterfall, Geumseon Waterfall, Baekyangsa Temple, and Naejangsa Temple. During the maple season, about 500 meters up the mountain path from the trailhead, the brilliant red leaves look like clusters of red agate hanging from the branches. There’s also a “Red Leaf Corridor” covered in crimson foliage — a true paradise for leaf-peepers.
■ Maple Leaf Peak Season: Mid-October to Mid-November
2. Things to Do Around Korea’s Maple Leaf Attractions
Thing to Do #1: Strawberry Picking
Korean strawberries are big, sweet, and winter is their peak season — which means they’re at their most delicious ! Many people are amazed by how huge Korean strawberries are when they see them for the first time. Don’t assume they’re just for show — they’re super sweet too~ So if you love strawberries, choose a destination with strawberry farms so you can enjoy farm fun and a tasty treat at the same time.
Thing to Do #2: Romantic Light Festivals
Planning a romantic Christmas or New Year’s trip? Consider a short getaway to Korea ! During the holiday season, the streets of Seoul and Busan light up with festive decorations, and many theme parks like Everland and Lotte World offer limited-time seasonal light displays — their extravagance and beauty can rival even Japan’s !
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Things to Do Around Korea’s Maple Leaf Attractions #3: Winter Festivals
In Korea during winter, there are many festivals—such as snow sculpture displays, icicle exhibitions, mountain climbing events, ice igloo cafes, snowflake slides, and starlight festivals—that turn the natural white snow into a magical world like Frozen. Another highly recommended experience is ice fishing!
This isn’t just a touristy filler activity. Locals in Korea are also very enthusiastic about it. Whether it’s fishing on thick ice or catching mountain fish with your bare hands in the chilly river, once you’ve caught something, there are experts who can prepare it for you as sashimi or various other fish dishes, so you can enjoy the fresh and tender flavors right away!
III. Classic Korean Winter Festivals
Do you remember the excitement when Taiwan unexpectedly had snow a few years ago, and everyone rushed out to see it? For Taiwanese people, who usually have to climb high mountains just to catch a glimpse of snow, skiing holds a lot of novelty and appeal. So, for those visiting Korea in winter, consider a trip that includes a ski resort to experience fun you can’t have back in Taiwan. Even if you’re not skiing, there are plenty of ice activities to enjoy, such as building snowmen, sledding, and having snowball fights.
[Authorized Repost from Tripbaa] Original Source: [Make the Most of Korea’s Autumn and Winter Seasons: Check Out Predictions for Autumn Foliage, Ginkgo Trees, and Light Festivals]
Managing Editor: Hovis
Proofreading Editor: Reese