{"id":50332,"date":"2022-11-09T15:00:08","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T14:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/?p=50332"},"modified":"2025-10-01T10:12:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T01:12:48","slug":"autumn-in-korea-when-trees-are-on-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/autumn-in-korea-when-trees-are-on-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"5 awesome things about autumn in Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"<h6 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><em>Last updated: July 2025<\/em><\/h6>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Autumn in Korea<\/strong> (\uac00\uc744, <em>gaeul<\/em> in Korean) is one of the most beautiful and comfortable seasons to experience in the country. If summer feels too hot and humid, winter too cold and dry, and spring marred by fine dust, then autumn in Korea is the perfect blend of clear skies, crisp air, and stunning natural beauty. Red, orange, and golden leaves blanket the landscape, turning everyday places into breathtaking photo spots. From scenic mountain hikes to cozy street foods, here&#8217;s what to expect during this magical season.<\/p>\n<h2>1. Autumn colours<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">As temperatures begin to drop between late September and early November, the leaves in Korea change from green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. This transformation is so significant that there&#8217;s a specific term for it: <strong>\ub2e8\ud48d (danpung)<\/strong>, referring to the colors of autumn foliage. Locals and tourists alike look forward to this time of year, when parks, palace grounds, and mountain trails come alive with color.<\/p>\n<p>The weather during autumn in Korea is refreshingly cool, especially in the mornings and evenings, while the days remain sunny and pleasant.<\/p>\n<h2><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-98693\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea.png\" alt=\"People walking along an old street during autumn in Korea\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">2. Places to experience autumn in Korea<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Check out some iconic spots to visit during autumn in Korea!<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: revert; font-size: revert; font-weight: revert;\">Asan Gingko Tree Road (\uc544\uc0b0 \uc740\ud589 \ub098\ubb34 \uae38)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are numerous places you can visit during autumn in Korea. The Asan Gingko Tree Road is quite an attraction during this season. <strong>Lined with massive trees<\/strong>, it\u2019s a sight to be seen. You can witness the leaves turning into hues of golden and yellow offering an impressive landscape. Visitors often come for photos, romantic walks, or peaceful contemplation amid the fluttering leaves.<\/p>\n<h3>Changdeokgung Palace (\ucc3d\ub355\uad81)<\/h3>\n<p>Another spot worth experiencing during autumn in Korea is Changdeokgung (\ucc3d\ub355\uad81), built in 1405 as the second royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the most <strong>well-preserved palace<\/strong> among the five situated in Seoul. The palace has a secret garden that offers beautiful scenery in this season. The old members of the royal family would come here to relax since the garden is surrounded by many trees. The atmosphere over here is peaceful since it is disconnected from the chaos of the rest of Seoul city.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61969\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Statua-sullisola-di-Nami.png\" alt=\"Cute installation on Nami island, in South Korea\" width=\"798\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Statua-sullisola-di-Nami.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Statua-sullisola-di-Nami-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Statua-sullisola-di-Nami-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Namiseom or Nami Island (\ub0a8\uc774\uc12c)<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Nami Island, a half-moon shaped island formed due to the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam, is one of the most visited locations during autumn in Korea. Famous for being the filming site of <strong><em>Winter Sonata<\/em><\/strong>, the island\u2019s tree-lined paths glow with red, orange, and yellow leaves. Beyond foliage, visitors can enjoy bike rentals, water sports, and art installations across the island.<\/p>\n<h3>Seoraksan or Mount Seorak (\uc124\uc545\uc0b0)<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located on the east coast of Korea, Seoraksan directly faces the sea and can be reached from Seoul by bus or train in about two hours. It is <strong>the third highest mountain<\/strong> in the country and offers impressive scenery. <\/span>The landscape is beautiful with mountain streams and a lot of flora and fauna. There are numerous hiking trails and you can also ride a cable car that takes you to the peak of the mountain. From the peak you can travel to Gwongeumseong (\uad9d\uae08\uc131) which is a site containing castle ruins.<\/p>\n<h3>Hallasan or Mount Halla (\ud55c\ub77c\uc0b0)<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/hiking-in-south-korea\/\">Jeju Island<\/a><\/span>\u2019s Hallasan is Korea\u2019s <strong>tallest peak<\/strong> and another autumn highlight. Hiking here during the season reveals sweeping vistas of red-tinged slopes, volcanic landscapes, and serene crater lakes. It\u2019s an excellent option for those exploring autumn in Korea beyond the mainland.<\/p>\n<h3>Bulguksa (\ubd88\uad6d\uc0ac)<\/h3>\n<p>Bulguksa is another place worth visiting since it was designated as a World Cultural Asset by <strong>UNESCO<\/strong> in 1995. It is a historical site in Gyeongju (\uacbd\uc8fc) constructed in 528 CE during the Silla period. The Dabotap (\ub2e4\ubcf4\ud0d1) and Seokgatap (\uc11d\uac00\ud0d1) pagodas are unique attractions in this temple. You can see a <strong>traditional tea ceremony<\/strong> and also explore the temple grounds with the Buddhist monks. The wood and stone architecture is dominated by the red maple leaves during the autumn season.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-98701\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bungeoppang-typical-dessert-to-eat-in-autumn-in-Korea.png\" alt=\"Bungeoppang, typical dessert to eat in autumn in Korea\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bungeoppang-typical-dessert-to-eat-in-autumn-in-Korea.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bungeoppang-typical-dessert-to-eat-in-autumn-in-Korea-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bungeoppang-typical-dessert-to-eat-in-autumn-in-Korea-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>3. Autumn food in Korea<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">As the air gets cooler, Koreans turn to warm, comforting dishes that are perfect for autumn.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most popular soup eaten in autumn is <\/span><b>crab soup <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kkotgetang<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\uaf43\uac8c\ud0d5<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It is well enjoyed in all seasons, but autumn is the time when it is consumed the most. It is a spicy seafood soup in which a whole crab and vegetables are added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common <a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/best-korean-street-food\/\">street foods<\/a> of autumn in Korea are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Hotteok<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud638\ub5a1<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), a kind of Korean pancake usually filled with cinnamon;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Hoppang<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud638\ube75<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), a steamed bun usually filled with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud325<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pat<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), or red bean jam;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Bungeoppang<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ubd95\uc5b4\ube75<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), a carp-shaped batter (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ubd95\uc5b4<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bungeo<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) filled with red bean jam or other fillings;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Gun-goguma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\uad70\uace0\uad6c\ub9c8<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), or roasted sweet potato. In fact, sweet potato is so widely consumed in South Korea that it is even considered a snack.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are in Korea this autumn, don&#8217;t miss the chance to taste these specialities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>4. Activities to enjoy in autumn in Korea<\/h2>\n<h3>Hanok village strolls<\/h3>\n<p>Bukchon Hanok Village and Jeonju Hanok Village offer perfect photo ops as traditional hanoks contrast with red and gold foliage. Guided walking tours with <strong>hanbok rentals<\/strong> and tea tastings are more popular than ever.<\/p>\n<h3>Autumn light festivals<\/h3>\n<p>Every year, the <strong>Seoul Garden Light Show<\/strong> is held in Haneul Park, featuring LED art displays that complement the natural surroundings. It\u2019s the perfect mix of traditional fall beauty and modern art. Visit this <a href=\"https:\/\/festival.seoul.go.kr\/garden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">link<\/a> to keep updated on latest news!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-99242\" src=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea-.png\" alt=\"Toys and decorations displayed during Autumn in Korea\" width=\"798\" height=\"436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea-.png 798w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea--300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Autumn-in-Korea--768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"63\" data-end=\"101\">5. Travel tips for autumn in Korea<\/h2>\n<h3>Dress code<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"103\" data-end=\"491\">When preparing for autumn in Korea, packing smartly will make your trip more comfortable. The season is known for its temperature swings as mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons tend to be pleasantly warm. It\u2019s best to dress in layers so you can adjust as the day goes on. Don\u2019t forget to bring a <strong>light jacket<\/strong> or cardigan, especially if you plan to stay out after sunset.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"493\" data-end=\"923\"><strong>Comfortable shoes<\/strong> are a must if you plan to explore Korea\u2019s mountains, expansive palace grounds, or charming parks. Since hiking and walking are among the most popular autumn activities, good footwear will make a big difference.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"493\" data-end=\"923\">When to visit<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"493\" data-end=\"923\">Timing your visit is also important. The best time to experience peak foliage is from <strong>late September to early November<\/strong>. The leaves start turning at higher altitudes like Seoraksan earlier in the season, and then gradually spread southward and into cities like Seoul by mid to late October. Planning your itinerary around these natural cycles will help you catch the most stunning views of autumn in Korea.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more information, follow the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/blog\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go! Go! Hanguk blog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and do not hesitate to contact us about living and studying in Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Autumn in Korea is quite an exciting time of the year. With such a large variety of activities to participate in, it is definitely a good season to visit the country. Do so by joining our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/trips\/korea-autumn-course\/\">Autumn Course Study Trip<\/a> <\/strong>with your friends and family! You don&#8217;t want to miss it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated: July 2025 Autumn in Korea (\uac00\uc744, gaeul in Korean) is one of the most beautiful and comfortable seasons to experience in the country. If summer feels too hot and humid, winter too cold and dry, and spring marred by fine dust, then autumn in Korea is the perfect blend of clear skies, crisp [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":156,"featured_media":48859,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1220],"tags":[1289,1307,1315],"class_list":["post-50332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-korea","tag-culture","tag-nature","tag-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50332","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/156"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50332"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50332\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100804,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50332\/revisions\/100804"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50332"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50332"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogohanguk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}