6 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in South Korea During Autumn

Autumn in South Korea is a magical time. Residents and travellers bid farewell to the scorching summer heat to welcome a season of crisp, chilly air and fiery foliage. Peaks and valleys across the country are painted in shades of gold and scarlet, creating an awe-inspiring natural canvas for all visitors to admire. The best way to experience all this is with a good hike, so here’s a list of the most scenic hiking trails you can explore in South Korea during autumn.

Beautiful autumn hiking trails in South Korea

1. Seoraksan National Park

Best time to see foliage: Mid-October to early November

Image credit: Eirien | Wikimedia Commons

Image credit: Eirien | Wikimedia Commons

One of the most-visited destinations during autumn in South Korea is Seoraksan National Park. The park is beautiful year-round, sporting an expanse of granite peaks, sprawling forests, and majestic waterfalls. Nestled within the park is Seoraksan (Mount Seorak), the third largest mountain in South Korea. Visitors are drawn here in autumn by the endless expanses of gold, orange, and red that crown the landscape. Seoraksan National Park charges visitors an entrance fee of 3,500 won (S$3.40). 

Trails in Seoraksan National Park

• Osaek Trail – An easy trail that lasts 4.5 km and takes approximately two hours to complete. It takes hikers past streams, mineral springs, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge.
• Ulsanbawi Trail – A moderate trail that stretches for 7.6 km and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the park and the sea.
• Daecheongbong Peak Trail – A difficult trail that is 16.5 km and can take approximately 10 hours to complete. This trail passes through several peaks and valleys, ending at the highest point of the park at 1,708 m.

Besides hiking trails, Seoraksan National Park also features other attractions like the Sinheungsa Temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple in the park, and the Heundeulbawi Rock. This giant boulder is perched on a ledge, and despite its massive size, it can be moved to and fro by two or three people.

2. Naejangsan National Park

Best time to see foliage: Mid-October to late October

Image credit: CJ Nattanai via Canva Pro

Located in Jeollabuk Province, Naejangsan National Park is another popular destination for autumn hikes in South Korea. It’s a great place to visit if you’re in Busan or Seoul. Hiking in Naejangsan offers excellent views from landmarks within the park including Mount Naejang, Baekyangsa Temple, Wolha Pond, and more.

Trails in Naejangsan National Park

• Naejangsa Temple Trail – An easy course that begins at Naejangsa Temple and passes through several attractions including Uhwajeong Pavillion, Yeonjabong Peak, and Geumseon Valley. This trail is 1.5 km long and takes approximately one hour to complete.
• Naejangsan Mountain Course – A course with moderate difficulty that also begins at Naejangsan Temple and winds its way to the highest point of the park – Naejangsan Peak – at 763 m. This trail is 9.5 km long and takes approximately five hours to complete.
• Sinseongbong Peak Course – A challenging hike beginning from Baekyangsa Temple and going all the way to Sinseongbong Peak. This is one of the most challenging hikes in the park, reaching an elevation of 744 m and passing through many peaks, and valleys. Plenty of stamina and skill is required for this one! The trail goes on for 14 km and takes seven hours to complete.

Of the many cultural attractions at Naejangsan National Park, visitors should check out Naejangsa Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in South Korea. Besides that, there’s also Bakeynagsa Temple, a beautiful complex surrounded by colourful trees and a lotus pond.

3. Juwangsan National Park

Best time to see foliage: Mid-October to early November

Image credit: Sanga Park via Canva Pro

One of South Korea’s more underrated parks, Juwangsan National Park is another great destination for experiencing autumn hikes. The first 500 m into the park is a fun expanse to explore, laden with boardwalks that wind through large rock formations and water features. There’s also a long food trail that leads to the temple of Dajeon-sa, which dates back to the 7th century.

Trails in Juwangsan National Park

• • Daejon-sa Sirubong Peak Course – A relatively easy course, the trail winds from Daejon-san Temple to Sirubong Peak. It stretches for 6.9 km and takes approximately two hours to complete.
  • Juwangsan Three Falls – A moderate hiking course that’s popular for hiking, camping, and walking. It takes you past plenty of natural spectacles, including several small waterfalls within the national park. The trail is 9.8 km long and takes between three and four hours to complete.
  • Juwangsan Big Loop – One of the longest hiking trails in Juwangsan National Park, this course takes you past plenty of scenic natural spots, with lots of opportunities to view autumn foliage. Spanning 15 km and boasting a completion time of five hours, this trail is not for beginners.   

4. Daedunsan Mountain

Best time to see foliage: Late October to mid-November

Image credit: sueuy song via Canva Pro

Located in Chungcheongnam Province, roughly two hours away from Seoul, Daedunsan Mountain is another popular destination for autumn hikes in South Korea. Hikers can enjoy beautiful panoramic views from vantage points including Samseonbong Peak, Nakjodae Terrace, and Yongmungul Cave. 

Fall foliage aside, Daedunsan Mountain is also well-known for the thrill of walking on a suspension bridge. Geumdang Gureumdari is a 50-metre-long and 81-metre-high bridge that connects the two peaks of this mountain, an exhilarating experience that also comes with amazing fall views.

Trails in Daedunsan Mountain

• Geumgang Gureumdari Bridge – An easy course that starts from the Daedunsan Information Centre and reaches the suspension bridge. This trail offers the thrill of crossing the Geumgang Gureumdari Bridge and scenic views. It is two km long and takes one hour to complete.
• Samseonbong Peak Course – A moderate hiking trail that starts from the Daedunsan Information Centre and ends at Samseonbong Peak, the highest point of elevation at 828 m. This trail is three km long and takes roughly two hours to complete.
• Nakjodae Terrace Course – A moderately difficult trail that starts at the Daedunsan Information Centre and ends at Nakjodae Terrace, a wooden viewing platform that offers beautiful views of the mountainside. This trail is also three km long and takes two hours to complete.

5. Bukhansan National Park

Best time to see foliage: Late October to mid-November

Image credit: Sanga Park via Canva Pro

Bukhansan National Park is a green lung in Seoul that offers a convenient and refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a great place to enjoy a quick autumn hike in South Korea. The park is also home to some cultural attractions like the Bukhansanseong Fortress, which is a historic structure that surrounds the entire park and dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Besides that, you can also check out the Seunggasa Temple, a peaceful temple that offers scenic views of Bukhansan National Park.

Trails in Bukhansan National Park

• Uidong Valley Course – This easy trail starts from the Uidong Information Centre and follows Uidong Valley, a beautiful valley that runs through Bukhansan National Park. This trail passes by Suyu Falls, Seunggasa Temple, and Bibong Peak. It is two km long and takes approximately one hour to complete.
• Dobonsan Mountain Course – A moderately difficult course that begins at Dobongsan Station and ends at Dobongsan Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the park at 739 m. You’ll pass by several attractions along this trail including Mangwolsa Temple, Jaunbong Peak, and Seokguram Rock.
• Baegundae Peak Course – A more difficult trail that starts from Baegundae Information Centre and winds up to Baegundae Peak, the park’s highest point at 839 m. Overall, this long trail offers amazing views of the park and the surrounding city. The trail is roughly ten km long and takes five hours to complete.

6. Odaesan National Park

Best time to see foliage: Mid-October to late October

Image credit: Lee Misoon via Canva Pro

Odaesan National Park in Gangwon State is an amazing destination in South Korea to enjoy an autumn hike. The park is also home to Woljeongsa Temple and Sangwonsa Temple, two beautiful temples that are part of the Odaesan Cultural Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that connects eight different historic temples in the region.

Trails in Odaesan National Park

• Woljeongsa Temple Course – An easy hiking trail that starts at Woljeongsa Temple and passes several attractions including the Fir Forest Trail, Odaecheon Stream, Jajaem Hermitage, and Yeonggamsa Temple. This hiking trail is four km long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
• Odaesan Mountain Course – This moderate-level trail starts from Sangwonsa Temple and climbs to the peak of Odaesan Mountain, which is the highest point of the park at 1,563 m. Offering amazing views of the surrounding park and autumn foliage, this trail is roughly nine km long and takes approximately five hours to complete.
• Birobong Peak Course – The most difficult trail to undertake in Odaesan National Park starts from Woljeongsa Temple and ends at Birabong Peak. The hike isn’t one for the faint of heart, requiring lots of stamina and skill to finish. The Birobong Peak Course is 16 km long and takes approximately 8 hours to complete.

There’s no doubt that the beauty of South Korea’s autumn season is worth your travel efforts. Whether it’s hiking to the peak of a mountain or exploring a serene forest valley, the enchanting views of red and gold will paint a fiery and unforgettable picture in your mind, yours to keep forever.

Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization