Written/Compiled & Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
The cool autumn breeze brushing your face reminds us that the 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 a fantastic choice. According to the maple leaf reports from the Korean Meteorological Administration over the past two years, around the end of September to early October, the maple leaves in Gangwon Province begin to turn red, with the best viewing period occurring around mid-October. As for Korea’s capital—Seoul—you can see the first hints of red around mid-October, with the optimal time being late October.
As autumn arrives, Korea’s maple viewing season begins. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
The maple leaf dates published by the Korean Meteorological Administration are based on the percentage of red foliage. When 20% of the maple trees have turned red, it marks the beginning of the season, while the full bloom period is when 80% of the leaves have changed color. The Meteorological Administration also recommends choosing mountainous areas with less rain, ample sunshine, and larger temperature variations to enjoy the most beautiful maple leaves. They also noted that due to global warming, the duration of the maple leaf season has been gradually shortening.
The following recommended historic palaces for maple viewing in Korea will allow you to experience the historical charm of Korean culture while enjoying the serene pleasure of admiring fall foliage abroad.
Changgyeonggung Palace
In 1419, during the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong, the fourth ruler of the Lee dynasty, built Changgyeonggung Palace in honor of his father, King Taejong. Originally named Sukjong Palace with the wish for his father's longevity and health, the palace was later expanded over the years to accommodate queens from various eras and was renamed Changgyeonggung. During the Imjin War, most of the palace was destroyed by fire, and during the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, it was downgraded to Changgyeongwon. The vast gardens were opened to the public, and a zoo and botanical garden were added. It wasn’t until after Japan’s defeat that the zoo was relocated, and following a series of restoration projects, the palace returned to its original form.
Swing with the crimson leaves and recall the history of the Korean royal dynasties. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace built by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. This magnificent structure was largely destroyed by fire during the Imjin War in 1592. It remained in ruins for 273 years until 1865, when Heungseon Daewongun (the father of King Gojong) initiated a reconstruction project to restore the royal authority. Unfortunately, the rebuilt Gyeongbokgung was once again damaged by the Japanese during the colonial period. To undermine the palace’s spirit, the Japanese built a large Western-style building between the main Geunjeongjeon Hall (used as the office of the Governor-General of Korea).
Located in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace takes on another layer of historic beauty as red leaves set the scenery ablaze in autumn. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
Deoksugung Palace
Originally the residence of Prince Wolsan, the elder brother of King Seongjong, Deoksugung Palace became a temporary royal residence in 1593 after all the other palaces were burned down during the Imjin War. It was initially named Gyeongungung Palace, but was later renamed “Deoksugung” (meaning “Palace of Virtuous Longevity”) in the hopes of praying for long life for Emperor Gojong. Korea’s last emperor, Gojong, faced immense pressure from the Japanese and became a political sacrifice amid the Russo-Japanese conflict, marking one of the most tragic chapters in Korean political history. He was eventually forced to abdicate under Japanese coercion and passed away in 1919 at the Hamnyeongjeon Hall in Deoksugung, filled with resentment. Most of the present-day Deoksugung Palace was built after 1904. Although it is smaller in scale compared to other palaces, its central location in downtown Seoul and tree-lined surroundings have made it a beloved public park. Guard-changing ceremonies in traditional Joseon Dynasty attire are held at Daehanmun Gate on Saturdays and Sundays.
Also located in Seoul, Deoksugung Palace offers beautiful ginkgo views as well. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)
Changdeokgung Palace
Built in 1405 during the reign of King Taejong, the third king of the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung Palace originally served as a detached palace of Gyeongbokgung. Though most of it was destroyed by fire during the Imjin War in 1592, it was later restored and regained its former glory. In the 19th century, it even temporarily served as the main palace while Gyeongbokgung was being rebuilt. Nestled along natural terrain, Changdeokgung spans over 130,000 pyeong (approximately 430,000 square meters), featuring classic Korean architecture and a traditional royal garden known as the Secret Garden (Huwon), all exuding a unique charm. It is considered the best-preserved palace of the Joseon era and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
● Read More:
Fall Exclusive: A Comprehensive Guide to Japan’s Best Maple Viewing Spots
http://goo.gl/NRC63t
In addition to maple leaves, Changdeokgung Palace’s ginkgo trees are stunningly beautiful in autumn. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)