Must-See Autumn Trip to Korea: Top Ancient Palaces for Maple Viewing

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

The cool autumn breeze brushing your face reminds us that maple leaf viewing season is just around the corner. If you’re planning an overseas trip to admire the fall foliage, besides Canada and Japan, Korea is also an excellent choice. According to the maple leaf reports from the Korea Meteorological Administration in the past two years, around the end of September to early October, the maple leaves in Gangwon Province begin to turn red. The best period for viewing is approximately mid-October. As for Korea’s capital — Seoul — the initial red hues can be seen around mid-October, with the optimal period being late October.

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace built by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. This magnificent and exquisite palace was largely burned down during the Imjin War in 1592. For 273 years afterward, it remained in ruins until 1865, when Heungseon Daewongun (the father of the reigning king at the time) initiated a reconstruction project to revive the dynasty’s prestige. Unfortunately, the reconstructed Gyeongbokgung was once again damaged by the Japanese during the colonial period. To destroy the spirit of the palace, a large Western-style building (now the National Palace Museum of Korea) was erected between the main hall, Geunjeongjeon, serving as the office of the Governor-General of Korea.

Originally the residence of Prince Wolsan, the elder brother of King Seongjong, Deoksugung Palace became a temporary royal residence in 1593 after all the palaces were burned down during the Imjin War. It was initially called Gyeongungung, but later renamed “Deoksugung” in hopes of praying for the longevity of Emperor Gojong. Korea’s last emperor, Gojong, endured pressure from the Japanese and became a sacrificial pawn amid worsening relations between Japan and Russia, marking one of the most tragic chapters in Korean political history. He was eventually forced to abdicate under Japanese coercion and passed away with resentment in 1919 in the Hamnyeongjeon Hall of Deoksugung. Most of the Deoksugung we see today was built after 1904. Though smaller compared to other palaces, its location in central Seoul and lush greenery have made it a favorite resting park for citizens. Guard-changing ceremonies of the Joseon royal guards are held at Daehanmun Gate on Saturdays and Sundays.

Built in 1405 during the reign of the 3rd Joseon king, King Taejong, Changdeokgung Palace served as a detached palace of Gyeongbokgung. Although most of the buildings were destroyed by fire during the Imjin War in 1592, they were later restored and rebuilt. Changdeokgung regained its former glory and even temporarily assumed the role of the main palace when Gyeongbokgung was being reconstructed in the 19th century. Nestled along the natural terrain, Changdeokgung spans over 130,000 pyeong (approx. 429,000 m²). The classic palace architecture and the traditional landscape design of its royal garden, Huwon (Secret Garden), possess an indescribable charm, making it the best-preserved palace of the Joseon era. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

 

 

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Autumn Exclusive: Comprehensive Guide to Japan’s Best Maple Viewing Spots

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