10 Must-Visit Destinations in Korea for an Unforgettable Autumn

Hello!
Autumn is here, with clear skies and gentle breezes.
Are you struggling to decide where to travel?
This post introduces 10 amazing autumn destinations in Korea,
offering diverse atmospheres like the sea, city, villages, and gardens,
rather than just mountain-centered foliage spots.
Perfect for a healing trip with family, a romantic getaway with your loved one, or even a solo adventure.
Use this as a reference when planning your trip!
Here are 10 domestic travel destinations you must visit in the fall:
1. Gyeongju – Autumn Romance in the Ancient Capital
In autumn, Gyeongju transforms into a landscape of red and gold.
The cosmos flowers around Cheomseongdae Observatory, the autumn foliage at Bulguksa Temple, and the night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond are truly stunning.
Especially, the autumn foliage at Bulguksa Temple, combined with the cultural heritage, offers a special kind of inspiration.
You can experience both tradition and nature in a tranquil atmosphere.
2. Andong Hahoe Village – A Traditional Autumn Stroll
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hahoe Village harmoniously combines traditional Korean houses (Hanok), the Nakdong River, and autumn foliage.
As you walk along the tranquil riverside path with yellow ginkgo leaves falling between the tiled roofs,
you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Joseon Dynasty.
The village scenery, illuminated by the autumn sun, is perfect for taking photos.
3. Namhae German Village – Exotic Autumn Scenery
Located by the sea in Namhae, the German Village offers an exotic feel with its colorful houses built in the German architectural style.
In autumn, it's full of energy with beer festivals and small cultural events.
The scenery of the cool sea and the colorful mountainsides is unique to Namhae.
With the clear autumn sky, you'll feel like you're in a small European city.
4. Jeonju Hanok Village – Where Tiled Roofs Meet Autumn Foliage
Jeonju is a popular travel destination throughout the year, but its charm is doubled in autumn.
The tiled roofs of Jeonju Hanok Village, adorned with autumn foliage, are as beautiful as a painting.
Wearing a Hanbok and walking through the alleys will also be a great memory.
Plus, with abundant food like Bibimbap, Bean Sprout Soup, and Makgeolli (Korean rice wine), it's perfect for a gastronomic tour.
5. Yeosu – The Romance of the Autumn Sea
Yeosu is great to visit anytime, but it's even more romantic in the fall.
Riding the Yeosu Marine Cable Car with a cool sea breeze allows you to see the autumn-tinted sea at a glance.
Walking along the path with cosmos flowers on Odongdo Island, and enjoying the romantic Yeosu night sea…
It's also the best destination for an autumn date.
6. Busan – The Vibrant City in Autumn
Autumn in Busan is more relaxed than in summer.
Haeundae and Gwangalli are still full of energy, but the cool breeze makes it perfect for taking a stroll.
In particular, the Busan Fireworks Festival held in late October to early November is a representative event that decorates the grand finale of autumn.
The fireworks unfolding against the backdrop of Gwangandaegyo Bridge are truly spectacular.
7. Damyang Metasequoia Road – A Stroll Through a Red-Tinted Forest
In autumn, Damyang Metasequoia Road is all dyed in red.
The tunnel created by the tall, straight trees is healing just to walk through.
You can also enjoy the bamboo forest path at Juknokwon nearby.
Don't miss out on the must-try local delicacies, Damyang Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) and noodles.
8. Suncheon Bay National Garden & Reed Fields – A Golden Autumn Garden
Suncheon Bay National Garden and Suncheon Bay Wetland are filled with golden reeds and silver grass in autumn.
Walking through the vast reed fields allows you to feel freedom from everyday life.
Looking down at Suncheon Bay from the observatory, the sky and sea blending into the twilight creates admiration.
9. Taean Anmyeondo Island – Sea and Chrysanthemum Festival
Chungnam Taean is known as the city of flowers, and in autumn, the Anmyeondo International Flower Exhibition and Chrysanthemum Festival are held.
Driving along the coast with a sea breeze, you'll be greeted by colorful chrysanthemums.
The scenery created by the sea and chrysanthemums shining in the autumn sun is a special experience that you can't find in other seasons.
10. Jeju Island – An Autumn Feast of Silver Grass and Buckwheat Flowers
Autumn on Jeju Island offers a different charm.
The endless waves of silver grass on Saebyeol Oreum (volcanic cone) are spectacular, and the white buckwheat flower fields in Oradong are perfect for taking emotional photos.
Following the course leading to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and Gotjawal Forest allows you to fully feel the comfort of nature.
Above all, autumn travel to Jeju Island is much quieter than in summer, so you can enjoy it leisurely.
Here is a summary table of the travel destinations:
Travel Destination | Recommended Time | Time of Day | Key Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Andong Hahoe Village | Mid-October to Early November | Morning | Ginkgo Tree Path, Traditional Hanok Village Walk |
Namhae German Village | - | Afternoon | German-style buildings, Namhae Sea View |
Jeonju Hanok Village | Mid-October to Early November | Morning to Afternoon | Tiled Roofs in Autumn Foliage, Hanbok Experience |
Yeosu Night Sea | - | Evening to Night | Yeosu Cable Car, Dolsan Bridge Night View |
Busan Gwangalli | - | Night | Gwangan Bridge, Fireworks Festival Season |
Damyang Metasequoia Road | Late October | Morning to Afternoon | Red-Tinted Forest Walking Path |
Suncheon Bay National Garden & Reed Fields | Late October to Early November | Sunset Time | Reed Fields, Silver Grass Fields, Wetland Observatory |
Taean Anmyeondo Island | Late October | Afternoon to Sunset | Chrysanthemum Flower Festival, Coastal Road Drive |
Jeju Saebyeol Oreum | Late October to November | Morning to Afternoon | Silver Grass Fields, Buckwheat Flower Fields, Oreum Walk |
What are your autumn travel plans?
Today, I introduced 10 great domestic travel destinations to visit in the fall.
If you want history and tradition, Gyeongju, Jeonju, and Andong are great.
If you want the sea and romance, I recommend Yeosu, Busan, Namhae, and Taean.
If you want to enjoy gardens and nature, Damyang, Suncheon, and Jeju are perfect.
Autumn is truly the perfect season for traveling.
Whether it's a light foliage walk on the weekend or a family trip utilizing a holiday, you won't regret any choice you make.
I hope you create memories with your loved ones this fall.
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