Escape to Fall Foliage: Day Trips from Seoul to Gyeonggi-do's Best Spots
278-1 Docheogwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
화담숲
As the air turns crisp and September draws to a close, Gyeonggi Province transforms into a vibrant canvas of red, orange, and gold. For those looking for a quick getaway from the city, several destinations offer the perfect "healing" experience amidst the peak of the fall season.
This guide highlights three iconic spots: Hwadam Botanic Garden in Gwangju, Pocheon Art Valley, and Yongmunsa Temple in Yangpyeong. Each location provides a unique way to experience autumn, from monorail rides through maple forests to witnessing a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree turn brilliant yellow.
1. Hwadam Botanic Garden(화담숲): An Artistic Autumn Sanctuary
Hwadam Botanic Garden in Gwangju is perhaps the most famous fall foliage destination near Seoul. The garden is meticulously designed to harmonize nature with art. During autumn, the forest trails are covered in various shades of maple, creating a spectacular scene that is best viewed from the famous monorail.
Planning Your Visit to Gwangju
To reach Hwadam, it is about a 20-minute drive from the Gwangju IC. Because the monorail is incredibly popular during the fall peak, advance booking is essential. After your walk, visit a local restaurant in Docheok-myeon to enjoy a traditional Korean set menu made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
2. Pocheon Art Valley(포천아트밸리): Where Granite Cliffs Meet Fall Colors
Once a granite quarry, Pocheon Art Valley has been transformed into a cultural space where towering cliffs meet emerald waters. In autumn, the contrast between the white stone cliffs of Cheonjuho Lake and the surrounding fiery foliage creates a mysterious and exotic atmosphere perfect for photography.
Art and Nature Near Cheonjuho Lake
While strolling around the lake, take the time to appreciate the various outdoor sculptures integrated into the landscape. For a meal, the area is famous for Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), which provides a spicy and warming kick that pairs perfectly with the cool autumn air.
3. Yongmunsa Temple(용문사): The Golden Majesty of Yangpyeong
Yongmunsa Temple is home to an 1,100-year-old ginkgo tree, a natural monument that turns a magnificent golden hue every autumn. Walking along the quiet promenade leading to the temple allows visitors to experience the history and spiritual peace of this thousand-year-old site while surrounded by falling golden leaves.
Temple Walks and Local Delicacies
Admission to the temple is free, though parking fees apply. The walking trails around the temple are gentle and offer diverse landscapes. Nearby, you will find numerous traditional restaurants serving mountain herb bibimbap and other healthy Korean dishes that reflect the local flavors of Yangpyeong.
A Seasonal Escape Within Easy Reach
Whether you choose the artistic trails of Hwadam, the dramatic cliffs of Pocheon, or the golden history of Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province offers the best day trips to fully immerse yourself in the autumn spirit. These destinations provide a much-needed emotional recharge and a chance to capture the fleeting beauty of the season with your loved ones.
Which of these three stunning autumn spots would you like to visit first for your weekend getaway? If you're heading to Yangpyeong, don't miss the chance to try the mountain herb bibimbap at the temple entrance. Have you ever seen a ginkgo tree that is over a thousand years old in person?
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