Hidden Gem for Maple Viewing: Korean Palaces & Churches Offer a Timeless Romantic Experience!

By Reporter Chen Ziying / Special Report from Korea

The cool autumn breeze officially heralds the arrival of maple-viewing season. For travelers keen on chasing the fall foliage abroad, nearby Northeast Asian countries are the top choice.South Korea’s well-known maple-viewing mountains, such as Seoraksan, Naejangsan, and Odaesan, or palaces and temples in Seoul like Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeongbokgung, are all very familiar choices for “maple enthusiasts.”For those seeking hidden gems for maple viewing, according to locals, there’s a picturesque spot near the Hanok Village in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province—“Gyeonggijeon Hall,” a filming location for the once-popular historical drama “Queen Min,” and the majestic Catholic cathedral—“Jeondong Church,” both being top choices for maple viewing.


▲ Gyeonggijeon Hall, a picturesque spot in Jeonju, is a hidden gem for maple viewing as referred to by locals in Korea. (Photo provided by Jeonju City)

A local Korean attraction guide said, “The reason why Gyeonggijeon Hall’s maple scenery is so beautiful is that there are up to 150 species of trees here, including both broadleaf and coniferous trees, such as ginkgo, maple, scholar tree, zelkova, maple oak, and pine. There are also 400-year-old trees standing tall here. Especially during autumn, when the ginkgos turn yellow and the maple leaves shift from orange to red, it’s truly stunning!”

Located in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Gyeonggijeon Hall was built in 1410 to enshrine the portrait of King Taejo, the founding monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. After several wars (the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), the Second Japanese Invasion (1597), and the Qing Invasion of Joseon (1636)), it was rebuilt in 1614 and the portrait was re-enshrined. Well-known Korean historical dramas “Tears of the Dragon” and “Queen Min” were also filmed here. Gyeonggijeon Hall blends into the Jeonju Hanok Village, which consists of over 700 traditional Korean buildings, creating an ancient atmosphere where time seems to intersect with the city. Especially during the autumn season, walking through it gives a comforting sense amid the serene and nostalgic vibe.

  
▲ The tranquil Gyeonggijeon Hall is like a fairyland; with centuries-old trees and 150 species, Gyeonggijeon Hall’s autumn also features evergreen woods. (Photo provided by Jeonju City)


▲ Over 700 traditional Korean houses form the “Hanok Village,” adjacent to the urban landscape. (Photo by Reporter Chen Ziying)

The nearby “Jeondong Catholic Cathedral” offers a different kind of beauty in autumn compared to Gyeonggijeon Hall. Its grand exterior, blending Byzantine and Roman styles, with its upper bell tower towering over the Hanok Village area, is designated as Historic Site No. 288. When autumn arrives, the Roman-style main structure and golden ginkgo trees create a wonderful scenic view. Under the sunlight, it complements the opposite Gyeonggijeon Hall, resembling two beautifully distinct realms.

 
▲ The autumn at Jeondong Catholic Cathedral, with ginkgo trees glowing golden, has a European flair. (Left photo by Reporter Chen Ziying, right photo provided by Jeonju City)

▲ The church at dusk is utterly enchanting. (Photo provided by Jeonju City)


▲ One street, two maple moods—Gyeonggijeon Hall and Jeondong Catholic Cathedral complement each other. (Photo provided by Jeonju City)

The Korea Tourism Organization stated that the country’s maple foliage season starts gradually from the north moving south. When 20% of the total maple leaves have turned color, that marks the beginning of the season, while the so-called “peak period” refers to when 80% of the maple leaves have turned. Lee Sunjeong, a Chinese-speaking guide at the Korea Tourism Organization, mentioned thatbased on the maple leaves turning red at a speed of about 20 to 25 kilometers southward per day, it is currently predicted that central regions like Seoul will experience their maple season from around October 4 to October 16, southern regions from approximately October 14 to October 31, and the most famous Naejangsan Mountain’s best viewing period will be from October 21 to November 6.

[Attraction Information]
Gyeonggijeon Hall
Address: 26, Hak-dong 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si
(Map info in Korean)
Phone: (063) 284-2337
Opening Hours: Summer 09:00–18:00, Winter 09:00–17:00 (last entry 1 hour before closing)
Admission: Free

Jeondong Catholic Cathedral
Address: 51, Daejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, North Jeolla Province
(Map info in Korean)
Phone: (063) 284-3222 / 286-3222
Opening Hours: The exterior of the church is open all day; below are the Mass hours for interior access
Weekdays: 05:30 (Mon–Sat) / 19:00 (Tue–Sat)
Saturday evening Mass (Special Mass)  
Sunday: 05:30 (General) / 09:00 (Junior/Senior High School Students) / 10:30 (Gathering Mass) / 17:00 (General) / 19:00 (Youth)

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