The Last Brush of Autumn Red! Three Stunning Maple Viewing Spots in Southern Korea – Nature as a Palette

Reported by Chen Ziying / Korea

This year in Korea, the maple leaves reached their peak in late October and early November. Reporters from ETtoday Eastday News visited southern regions such as Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, which are about one and a half to three hours from Busan. Even now, the influence of autumn red can still be seen. The vibrant mix of yellow, orange, red, and green keeps visitors lingering and forgetting the time. A local guide remarked, “This is the ideal time to come—any later and the leaves will have fallen!”

1. Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province – Daereungwon Tomb Complex



▲The perfect spot to catch the last traces of autumn red.


Daereungwon is the most unique attraction in the ancient city of Gyeongju, famous for having 23 tombs above ground and 155 underground. In mid-November, visitors to Gyeongju can catch the last of its maple reds. Within the 120,000 pyeong space of Daereungwon, there are various species of maple trees as well as ginkgo trees. The interplay of yellow, orange, fiery red, and the vast green lawns around the ancient burial mounds creates a fascinating scene.


▲Daereungwon is known for its nearly 200 large burial mounds.

2. North Gyeongsang Province – Bulguksa Temple


▲Bulguksa Temple is at its most colorful in late autumn.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site you must not miss when visiting Gyeongju“Bulguksa Temple”is not only a beloved ancient temple among Western tourists but also a frequent destination for locals to take leisurely strolls. Entering through the main gate of Bulguksa, maple trees sway along the path, and around the temple’s main halls, yellow, orange, and red leaves complement the scenery, making the entire temple grounds incredibly enchanting.


▲The classic Korean temple paired with maple trees creates a stunning view.


▲The rich orange-red maple leaves are truly romantic.

  3. South Gyeongsang Province – Haeinsa Temple

▲The fiery red maple leaves of Haeinsa Temple.

The most famous temple in South Gyeongsang Province – Haeinsa Temple, which houses the Tripitaka Koreana (80,000 wooden printing blocks), is grouped with Tongdosa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple as the Three Jewels Temples of Korean Buddhism and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way to Haeinsa, located in Gayasan Mountain, the mountain slopes are painted red with maple foliage. As the bus slowly approaches the area around Haeinsa Temple, visitors can enjoy the late autumn to early winter maple leaves, then take a hike into the temple to admire the awe-inspiring Tripitaka Koreana depository.

%The journey up Gayasan Mountain is like a palette of earthy colors.

【Transportation Information to Attractions】

Haeinsa Temple
Take the subway to Daegu Station and transfer to a bus to reach the Daereungwon complex.

Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon
Both are not far from the city center, with many bus routes available to get there.