Escape to Fall Foliage: Day Trips from Seoul to Gyeonggi-do's Best Spots

As September draws to a close and autumn deepens, are you looking for a quick getaway from Seoul to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage? Gyeonggi Province offers numerous beautiful spots for a day trip from Seoul. Among them, Hwadam Botanic Garden in Gwangju, Pocheon Art Valley, and Yongmunsa Temple in Yangpyeong each have their own unique charm, making them perfect destinations to fully immerse yourself in the autumn spirit. This blog will guide you through travel itineraries centered around these three locations, providing detailed information on transportation from Seoul, travel times, useful tips for your visit, and nearby restaurant recommendations.
1. Hwadam Botanic Garden, Gwangju: Where Nature and Art Harmonize in an Autumn Garden
Location and Transportation
Address: 278-1, Docheogwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Traveling from Seoul:
By Car: Take the Gyeongbu Expressway from Seoul, exit at Gwangju IC, and drive for approximately 20 minutes.
By Public Transportation: Take a bus to Gwangju from the Seoul Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, get off at Gwangju Terminal, and take a taxi for about 10 minutes.
Operating Hours and Admission Fees
Operating Hours: Daily 09:00 ~ 18:00
Admission Fees:
Adults: 11,000 KRW
Teenagers: -,000 KRW
Children: 7,000 KRW
Monorail: Separate fee applies (advance booking recommended)
The Allure as a Fall Foliage Destination
Hwadam Botanic Garden boasts beauty in all seasons, but it's especially captivating in the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak. As you stroll through the forest, you can admire the various colors of maple trees and enjoy a special experience by taking the monorail to admire the panoramic view of the forest.

Visiting Tips
Advance Booking Required: The monorail is very popular, so advance booking is essential.
Comfortable Attire Recommended: There are many forest trails, so it's best to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Recommended for Family Visits: A great place to visit with children, where you can relax and heal in nature.
Nearby Restaurant Recommendations
Docheok-myeon Restaurants: There are many Korean restaurants near Hwadam Botanic Garden that use local specialties. In particular, at a traditional Korean set menu restaurant in Docheok-myeon, you can enjoy a neat and delicious meal made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
2. Pocheon Art Valley: Autumn Scenery Where Art and Nature Meet
Location and Transportation
Address: 26, Duil-ro, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Traveling from Seoul:
By Car: Take the Outer Ring Expressway from Seoul, exit at Pocheon IC, and drive for approximately 10 minutes.
By Public Transportation: Take a bus to Pocheon from Seoul Express Bus Terminal Station or Jamsil Station, get off at Pocheon Terminal, and take a taxi for about 10 minutes.
Operating Hours and Admission Fees
Operating Hours: Daily 09:00 ~ 18:00
Admission Fees:
Adults: 5,000 KRW
Teenagers: 3,000 KRW
Children: 1,500 KRW
The Allure as a Fall Foliage Destination
Art Valley is a space where art pieces and nature harmonize. In the fall, the autumn foliage and various sculptures create a unique atmosphere. In particular, the autumn foliage around Cheonjuho Lake is famous as a photo spot and is popular with families.

Visiting Tips
Enjoy Art Pieces: Take your time to look around and appreciate the various sculptures and exhibitions.
Stroll around the Lake: You can fully enjoy the autumn scenery by walking along the promenade around Cheonjuho Lake.
Check Parking Space: Parking space may be insufficient on weekends or holidays when there are many visitors, so it is better to arrive early.
Nearby Restaurant Recommendations
Restaurants near Pocheon Art Valley: There are many restaurants that use local specialties, and in particular, at Pocheon's famous Dakgalbi restaurants, you can enjoy spicy Dakgalbi with the fall scenery.
3. Yongmunsa Temple, Yangpyeong: An Autumn Walk with a Thousand-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree
Location and Transportation
Address: 1, Yongmunsa-ro, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
Traveling from Seoul:
By Car: Take the Yeongdong Expressway from Seoul, exit at Yangpyeong IC, and drive for approximately 20 minutes.
By Public Transportation: Take a bus to Yangpyeong from the Seoul Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, get off at Yangpyeong Terminal, and take a taxi for about 10 minutes.
Operating Hours and Admission Fees
Operating Hours: Daily 09:00 ~ 18:00
Admission Fees: Free (parking fee applies separately)
The Allure as a Fall Foliage Destination
Yongmunsa Temple is a temple with a thousand years of history, and in the fall, the 1,100-year-old Ginkgo tree turns golden, creating a spectacular view. You can enjoy the autumn scenery in a quiet atmosphere by walking along the promenade around the temple.

Visiting Tips
Admire the Ginkgo Tree: You can enjoy a more beautiful landscape if you visit when the autumn foliage of the Ginkgo tree is at its peak.
Use the Walking Trails: You can enjoy a variety of landscapes by walking along the promenade around the temple.
Check Parking Space: Parking space is limited, so it is recommended to use public transportation.
Nearby Restaurant Recommendations
Restaurants near Yangpyeong Yongmunsa Temple: There are many Korean restaurants that use local specialties, and in particular, at a traditional Korean set menu restaurant near Yongmunsa Temple, you can enjoy a neat and delicious meal made with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Gyeonggi Province has many beautiful autumn foliage spots that you can easily visit from Seoul. Hwadam Botanic Garden in Gwangju, Pocheon Art Valley, and Yongmunsa Temple in Yangpyeong each have their own unique charm, making them perfect destinations to fully immerse yourself in the autumn spirit. Plan an autumn trip with your loved ones, referring to the information introduced in this blog. It will be a healing time with beautiful autumn foliage.









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