Romance off the charts！Hidden Mountain in South Korea is ablaze with autumn leaves, forming a “maple tunnel”

By Chen Ziying, Special Report

Summer is coming to an end, making way for the crisp autumn season, when the overseas maple leaf viewing period also begins. Among them, South Korea, with its distinct four seasons, is dyed in shades of red. Some areas feature maple leaves alongside historic architecture, some scatter across urban streets, while others sway in mountain forests and woods. Such breathtaking scenery not only attracts travelers from around the world to “chase the maple” each year, but is also deeply loved by Koreans themselves.

The Korea Tourism Organization states that South Korea’s maple leaf season starts from the north and gradually moves south. When 20% of the maple leaves have turned color, it marks the beginning of the season, while the so-called “peak period” refers to when 80% of the leaves have turned. Of course, sudden weather changes may slightly alter these timings. This year, the exact periods for maple foliage across various locations are still unpredictable, but last year’s data can serve as a reference. According to last year’s records, the earliest place where maple leaves began to turn was Seoraksan Mountain, around late September to early October, with beautiful “maple” scenes appearing across South Korea through the end of October.

When it comes to maple leaves, the first thing that comes to mind for Koreans is “Seoraksan.” Located in Gangwon Province, Seoraksan Mountain has a main peak, Daecheongbong, which stands at an elevation of 1,708 meters. Seoraksan is beautiful in all seasons, but its autumn maple leaves are especially beloved and are the first place in South Korea where large expanses of red foliage can be seen. Seoraksan offers various hiking routes, with scenic spots such as Cheonbuldong Valley, Osaek Mineral Spring Pools, Osaek Foundry Valley, and Baekdam Valley being particularly ideal for maple leaf viewing.


▲ The most famous maple tunnel in Naejangsan, where there are two maple trees every five meters. (Photo / Provided by Korea Tourism Organization)

Additionally, located in South Jeolla Province, the renowned Naejangsan Mountain is the hottest maple leaf viewing spot after Seoraksan in late October. The most famous attraction here is the “maple tunnel,” which starts right at the entrance ticket office, with maple trees planted every five meters, creating a mesmerizing tunnel of autumn leaves. Especially during the height of the maple season, looking up reveals maple trees leaning toward each other on both sides, while looking down shows red leaves scattered on the ground—the epitome of romantic scenery and a representative maple-viewing spot in Naejangsan.


▲ The ginkgo trees in Seoul’s Jongmyo’s Su-dok Palace are a favorite spot for couples. (Photo / Provided by Korea Tourism Organization)

If you prefer to stay within Seoul to admire the maple leaves and watch them fall amidst the cityscape, it offers a completely different atmosphere. Also known as Deoksugung Stone Wall Road, the path along Deoksugung Palace is hailed as the “most beautiful road in Korea” and is a top dating spot for couples. Every autumn, the ginkgo trees, turning a golden yellow, elevate the romance to another level. Especially along the stone wall path near Deoksugung and within the palace itself, the golden hues of the ginkgo trees create a dreamlike scene.

Besides Deoksugung, other palaces within Seoul such as Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeongbokgung—the largest of the Five Grand Palaces—are also definitely worth visiting for their maple foliage. Meanwhile, in South Chungcheong Province, Magoksa Temple, a representative temple of the region, features autumn valleys complemented by warm-hued, gradient maple leaves—an unforgettable beauty.


▲ Autumn scenery at Changdeokgung. (Photo / Provided by Korea Tourism Organization)


▲ Autumn scenery at Changgyeonggung. (Photo / Provided by Korea Tourism Organization)

 
▲ Autumn scenery at Gyeongbokgung. (Photo / Provided by Korea Tourism Organization)


▲ Magoksa Temple in South Chungcheong Province, where valleys are accompanied by maple leaves. (Photo / Provided by Korea Tourism Organization)