What to do in autumn? Of course, go admire the autumn leaves in Korea. Starting from September every year, the red foliage updates tug at your heartstrings. Thinking about all those unused annual leave days? Head to Busan and Gyeongju in Korea this fall to enjoy the autumn leaves. Different from the urban vibe of Seoul, the southern part of Korea, centered around Busan, offers a laid-back and serene autumn beauty.
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?Autumn Foliage in Korea?PopularRecommended Spots for Sightseeing !
01. Beomeosa Temple (Busan)
- Location: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
- Transportation: Exit through Exits 5 or 7 of Beomeosa Station on Busan Subway Line 1, walk about five minutes toward the intersection between the two exits, and take the No. 90 circular bus at Samshin Transportation Bus Stop
- Nearby Attractions: Pusan National University, Seomyeon Shopping District
Beomeosa Temple, said to have been established in 678 AD (during the Silla Dynasty), is reputed to be the top spot for autumn foliage in Busan. It is ranked alongside Haeinsa Temple and Tongdosa Temple as one of the Three Jewels Temples of the Yeongnam region. The temple grounds are filled with masterpieces, including a cluster of wisteria trees designated as natural monuments, a three-story stone pagoda (designated as a tangible cultural asset) that utilizes the classic mountain monastery architectural style, stone lanterns, and the Daeungjeon Hall—none of which should be missed.
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02. Naejangsan National Park (Jeollabuk-do)
- Location: Naejang-dong, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, and Baekyang-ro, Bukha-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
- Transportation: Take the subway to Seoul Subway Line 3 Express Bus Terminal → transfer to Central City Bus Terminal → take a bus heading toward Jeongeup → arrive at Jeongeup Bus Terminal, then transfer to city bus No. 171 and get off at Naejangsan Station
- Nearby Attractions: Metasequoia-lined Road, Jindo’s Mysterious Sea Road
Naejangsan, whose name means “the mountain where treasures are endlessly hidden,” is also a renowned spot for viewing autumn leaves in the southern part of Korea. Every autumn, it attracts crowds of visitors. Here, you can see over 700 species of plants and protected wildlife. The vibrant mountain forests turn into a rich crimson in the fall, and the long maple leaf tunnels create a tranquil atmosphere—it’s incredibly romantic to stroll through.
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03. Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
- Location: 385 Bulguksa-ro, Geumjeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Transportation: Take the KTX to Singyeongju Station, then transfer to bus No. 700 to reach Bulguksa Temple Station
- Nearby Attractions: Gyeongju National Museum
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bulguksa Temple is one of the oldest temples in Korea, built in 528 AD. With a history of 1,500 years, it has survived invasions by Japan, World War II, and the Korean War. In the 1960s, it underwent major reconstruction and renovation, preserving the stone structures from the Silla period as precious national treasures of Korea. Here, you can experience the mysterious and elegant ambiance of Bulguksa Temple accentuated by autumn leaves, walk across the Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge) bridges to feel the historical charm, and take in the majestic views of nature.
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04. Pumunho Lake (Gyeongsangbuk-do)
- Location: Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju
- Transportation: Take a city bus to Pumunwon from Gyeongju, about 20 minutes
- Nearby Attractions: Silla Millennium Park, Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park
Located in the Pumun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, Pumunho Lake is surrounded by golden and crimson maple leaves that enhance the tranquility of the lake view in autumn. Here, you can not only appreciate the natural beauty but also enjoy well-developed leisure facilities. The lake offers boat rides, an open-air performance stage, a golf course, and an amusement park. The giant waterwheel in the Daesuicheon Park and the 12-meter-high artificial waterfall are sure to excite children, making it a great destination for family trips.
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05. Baekyangsa Temple (Jeollanam-do)
- Location: 1239 Baekyang-ro, Bukjeom-myeon, Changwon-si, Jeollanam-do
- Transportation: Subway Line 3 to Express Bus Terminal Station → Transfer to Central City Bus Terminal → Take a bus bound for Jeongeup → Arrive at Jeongeup Bus Terminal, then transfer to city bus No. 171 and get off at Naeseoraksan Station
- Recommended itinerary: Experience the hottest temple stay trend in recent years here. Enjoy meditation, prayer bead making, tea ceremony, and forest experiences all in one place.
Nestled within Naejangsan National Park, Baekyangsa Temple is said to have been built in 632 AD. With its vast limestone mountains and murmuring streams, the temple exudes a serene and timeless atmosphere. The Daeungjeon Hall, Geukrakjeon Hall, and Cheonwangmun Gate, designated as local cultural assets, offer a glimpse into the region’s history from a thousand years ago. In late autumn, when the maple leaves turn fiery red and the temple is embraced by mountains and water, Baekyangsa is the perfect place to cleanse your mind and soul.
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06. Jirisan Mountain (Jeollanam-do)
- Location: Please refer to the official website of Jirisan National Park
- Transportation: Please refer to the official website of Jirisan National Park
- Nearby attractions: Beophwisa Temple, Daeyunsa Temple
Located in Jeollanam-do, Jirisan Mountain spans a vast area made up of dozens of continuous peaks. It features gentle slopes, valleys and waterfalls with trickling streams, and showcases dramatically different natural scenery across the four seasons. Home to undisturbed wildlife, Jirisan is regarded as a cradle of life. When autumn arrives, head to Jirisan to admire the sea of crimson maple leaves and immerse yourself in its magnificent beauty.
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07. Dongnae Eupseong Fortress (Busan)
- Location: Bokcheon-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan Metropolitan City
- Transportation: Exit 4 of Dongnae Subway Station, take bus No. 6 or 6-1 from the bus stop opposite and get off at Dongnae Eupseong Fortress
If you love Korean historical sites but want to avoid the crowds at popular temples, head to Dongnae Eupseong Fortress. Located in the suburbs of Busan, the fortress still preserves wooden structures such as its North Gate, as well as fortress walls and gates that bear witness to the brave resistance led by Song Sang-hyeon, the magistrate of Dongnae, and the local residents against Japanese invaders during the Imjin War. In autumn, you can also enjoy golden and crimson maple leaves here. Climb up the fortress ruins, take in the view from above, and experience a unique side of Busan.
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