Top 10 Autumn Walking Trails in Korea (with Map, Access & Entry Info)
Autumn in Korea is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.
From fiery red maple leaves to golden ginkgo trees, the country transforms into a painter’s masterpiece.
Whether you’re exploring Seoul’s urban parks or hiking through national forests, every trail feels like a postcard scene.
In this travel guide, we’ll take you through 10 of the best autumn walking trails in Korea, complete with maps, transportation tips, and entry details so you can plan your trip like a pro. 🗺️
🌆 1. Dream Forest (북서울꿈의숲) – Seoul
Overview:
Located in northern Seoul, Dream Forest is a hidden gem offering panoramic views of the city and gentle walking trails surrounded by crimson and gold leaves.
Highlights:
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Dream Lake reflecting autumn colors
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Forest Observatory with a view of Bukhansan Mountain
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Easy walking paths for families
Access:
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🚇 Subway Line 4, Mia Station (Exit 1) → Bus 147 or 1124 → “Dream Forest” stop
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🕒 Hours: Open 24 hours / Free entry
Travel Tip: Visit around sunset for magical light reflecting on the lake.
🏞️ 2. Nami Island (남이섬) – Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province
Overview:
One of Korea’s most famous fall destinations, Nami Island is covered with ginkgo and maple trees, forming breathtaking yellow and red tunnels.
Highlights:
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Tree-lined Metasequoia Road
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Riverside walking trails
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Romantic photo spots (featured in Winter Sonata)
Access:
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🚆 ITX train from Yongsan → Gapyeong Station → 5-min taxi to ferry terminal
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🚢 Ferry ride (5 mins) or zipline (fee ₩16,000–₩28,000 round trip)
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💵 Admission: ₩16,000 (includes ferry)
Best Time: Mid–October to early November
⛰️ 3. Osaek Mineral Spring Trail (오색약수길) – Seoraksan, Gangwon-do
Overview:
Located at the foot of Seoraksan National Park, this trail is perfect for those seeking mountain views without intense climbing.
Highlights:
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Vibrant maple trees along crystal-clear streams
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Gentle forest path leading to Seoraksan’s valleys
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Fresh mineral water spring
Access:
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🚍 Intercity bus from Seoul Express Terminal → Yangyang → Local bus to Osaek
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💵 Entry: ₩3,000 (Seoraksan National Park ticket)
Travel Tip: Wear hiking shoes; rocks can get slippery after rain.
🏕️ 4. Beopjusa Temple Trail (법주사길) – Songnisan, Chungbuk
Overview:
This peaceful temple trail is surrounded by centuries-old trees. The mix of spiritual calm and autumn colors creates a tranquil atmosphere.
Highlights:
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Ancient Beopjusa Temple (UNESCO site)
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Red and orange maple-lined roads
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The legendary 600-year-old “Jeongipum Pine”
Access:
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🚍 Bus from Cheongju or Boeun Terminal → Songnisan National Park
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💵 Admission: ₩4,000
Best Time: Mid–October
🏯 5. Gongsanseong Fortress (공산성) – Gongju, Chungnam
Overview:
Walk along fortress walls overlooking the Geum River and enjoy panoramic autumn views filled with golden ginkgo leaves.
Highlights:
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Historic Baekje fortress (UNESCO site)
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Sunset view from Gongbukru Pavilion
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Easy circular trail around the walls
Access:
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🚆 Train to Gongju Station → Local taxi (10 min)
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💵 Entry: ₩1,200
Best Time: Late October
🍂 6. Naejangsan National Park (내장산) – Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do
Overview:
Known as the “King of Autumn Foliage,” Naejangsan is Korea’s most iconic fall destination. Every path glows with fiery shades of red and orange.
Highlights:
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Naejangsa Temple amid a sea of maple leaves
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Famous Maple Tunnel leading to the main gate
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Cable car for panoramic views
Access:
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📍Map: Google Maps – Naejangsan
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🚆 Train to Jeongeup Station → Bus to Naejangsan Park (20 min)
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💵 Entry: ₩3,000
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🚡 Cable car: ₩9,000 round trip
Peak Foliage: Late October to early November
🌳 7. Metasequoia Road (담양 메타세쿼이아길) – Damyang, Jeonnam
Overview:
A cinematic avenue lined with towering Metasequoia trees. During autumn, the golden-orange hues create a magical walking experience.
Highlights:
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2.1 km straight walking path
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Popular for photography and cycling
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Nearby Bamboo Forest (Juknokwon)
Access:
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🚍 Bus to Damyang Terminal → 10-min taxi
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💵 Entry: ₩2,000
Travel Tip: Arrive early morning for fewer crowds and perfect light.
🌾 8. Pyeongsari Field Path (평사리 들판길) – Hadong, Gyeongnam
Overview:
Unlike mountain trails, this serene field path offers a peaceful walk among golden rice paddies with a backdrop of traditional Korean houses.
Highlights:
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“Toji” Literary Park (based on Korean novel The Land)
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Open plains and country scenery
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Sunset over the fields
Access:
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🚆 Train to Hadong Station → Taxi (15 min)
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💵 Free entry
Best Time: Early to mid-November when the rice turns golden
🌊 9. Dalmaji Hill Trail (달맞이길) – Haeundae, Busan
Overview:
This romantic seaside path connects Haeundae Beach with Dalmaji Hill. In autumn, the trees turn red against the blue sea, creating a stunning contrast.
Highlights:
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Moon Tan Road (문탠로드) walking trail
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Ocean-view cafés and galleries
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Perfect for sunset walks
Access:
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🚇 Haeundae Station (Exit 5) → 15-min uphill walk
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💵 Free entry
Travel Tip: Visit in the evening when the moon rises over the ocean. 🌕
🌋 10. Eorimok Trail (어리목 탐방로) – Hallasan, Jeju Island
Overview:
For those visiting Jeju in autumn, Hallasan’s Eorimok Trail offers a mix of red maple forests and golden silver grass fields at higher altitudes.
Highlights:
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Hallasan’s western ridge views
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Autumn silver grass fields (억새밭)
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Crisp air and panoramic scenery
Access:
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🚗 40-min drive from Jeju City
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💵 Entry: Free (Parking ₩1,000–₩2,000)
Best Time: Mid-October to early November
🗺️ Interactive Map: Korea Autumn Walking Trails
To make your journey easier, check this custom Google Map of all 10 autumn trails across Korea — from Seoul to Jeju.
You can zoom in, see directions, and save your favorite spots before traveling.
🍵 Travel Tips for Enjoying Autumn in Korea
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Check foliage forecasts: Peak times vary from mid-October to early November.
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Go early: Morning light makes colors pop and crowds smaller.
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Dress in layers: Autumn weather can change quickly.
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Bring water & snacks: Many trails are long but without stores.
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Respect nature: Don’t pick leaves or litter; Korea’s parks are strictly protected.
🌄 Final Thoughts
Autumn in Korea is more than just a season — it’s an experience.
Every trail tells a story: from ancient temples surrounded by red maple leaves to coastal walks glowing under golden sunlight.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, walking through Korea’s fall landscapes will leave you inspired, relaxed, and connected to nature.
So, grab your camera, lace up your shoes, and let the colors of Korea guide your next adventure. 🍁
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