Fall foliage around Naejangsan Mountain (Korea.net DB)
By Lee Kyoung Mi
The unusually long summer heat is finally over and the chilly fall wind has arrived. This time of year is the only period to see fall foliage.
The following are five top places to see such colorful leaves as recommended by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).
Daegwallyeong Samyang Roundhill (formerly Daegwalleyong Samyang Farm)
Samyang Roundhill is a ranch covering nearly 20 square km in Pyeongchang-gun County, Gangwon-do Province. Located in the alpine region of Daegwallyeong, it boasts a panoramic view of mountain ridges covered in fall foliage.
Cheongungyo and Baegungyo bridges at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (KTO's Photo Korea, Lee Beom-soo)
Bulguksa Temple
This Buddhist temple in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, is on the western slope of Tohamsan Mountain. Bulguksa is a leading tourist attraction in the city and was designated UNESCO World Heritage in 2018.
The best photo spots at the temple are the bridges Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, and another is in front of the stone stairs with red fallen leaves on them. The reflection of such leaves on Banyayeonji Pond in front of Cheonwangmun Gate is also gorgeous.
Naejangsan Mountain
Fall foliage on Naejangsan Mountain in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do Province, has a wide range of daily temperatures and long hours of sunshine. So the leaves there are redder and fancier than those of any other mountain.
Don't miss the spectacular scenery while going up the mountain on a cable car and looking down from the observation deck.
The 300-m trail connecting Iljumun Gate of Naejangsa Temple to the temple building is called "Maple Tunnel" because the 109 maple trees there form something like a tunnel. Visitors pack this spot every autumn.
Seonunsa Temple
To enjoy fall leaves while walking on a quiet forest trail, Seonunsa Temple in Gochang-gun County, Jeollabuk-do, is highly recommended. The leaves form a striking harmony with rock formations in Dosolgyegok Valley of Seonunsan Mountain.
Jangtaesan Natural Forest in Daejeon (KTO's Photo Korea, Lee Beom-soo)
Located in Daejeon, this dense forest is composed of about 6,700 metasequoia trees, which are coniferous and whose leaves change colors after all broadleaves have fallen. While standing on the observation deck of the suspension bridge, visitors can see the vivid scene of red and yellow waves of fall foliage.
