Discover Korea's Hidden Gems for Fall Foliage
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The air in November has turned chilly, but the sunlight remains warm. Somewhere in between, it's no exaggeration to say that this is the most beautiful moment of autumn. The mountains, fields, and forests on the outskirts of the city are at their peak foliage, with golden and red hues blending subtly to present an autumn that permeates everyday life. This fleeting scenery is best experienced now, as missing it means waiting until next year. Many are taking advantage of the weekends to visit nearby maple viewing spots.
However, well-known locations are already crowded, and popular maple trails are struggling with parking. Therefore, this article recommends four 'hidden maple viewing spots' that are relatively less known but boast scenery comparable to any other place. If you leave now, you can leisurely enjoy the maple leaves that have just reached their peak.
Today, Travel TokTok explores the BEST 4 domestic maple viewing spots that people don't know about, where this weekend is said to be the best time to visit.
1. Bangtaesan Mountain, Inje
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Located in Inje, Gangwon-do, Bangtaesan Mountain is not widely known as a maple viewing destination due to its deep mountain terrain that embraces tranquil nature. This is Bangtaesan's greatest charm. Unlike other famous mountains, there are not many hikers, so you can focus solely on the beauty of the autumn foliage throughout your walk in the forest. Especially in November, as autumn nears its end, the combination of maple leaves and fallen leaves makes the entire forest feel like a painting.
Walking slowly along Bangtaesan's trails, the sound of fallen leaves crunching under your feet breaks the silence. Passing the mid-slope, the view opens up, revealing a landscape of red-tinged valleys. As the foliage gradually spreads downward from above, the lower altitude sections are now at their peak. Scenery that is hard to find in the city unfolds here, making it a great place to take a breather.
Everything is naturally preserved here, from the gentle hiking trails that don't require excessive effort to the air filled with the scent of the forest and the clear streams flowing between the rocks. In particular, it can be the best choice for travelers who like a quiet and still atmosphere without the crowds. The autumn foliage encountered deep in the mountains brings an exceptionally serene and deep autumn sensibility.
2. Gangcheonsan Mountain, Sunchang
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Gangcheonsan Mountain in Sunchang, Jeollanam-do, is a fall mountain that is only known to some as a maple viewing spot where you can enjoy quietly. It is a place that shows its true value especially in autumn than in other seasons, and especially in November, the maple leaves around Gangcheonsa Temple turn red as if burning, creating a fantastic atmosphere. One of the advantages of Gangcheonsan Mountain is that there is a well-maintained walking path along the valley, so anyone can easily enjoy an autumn walk.
The highlight here is the suspension bridge that crosses the valley. When you climb onto the suspension bridge, a panorama unfolds before your eyes, with the maple forest and valley spread out on both sides. You'll feel like you're walking through a canyon embroidered with maple leaves, and the thrill of crossing the bridge adds to the fun of the trip. Above all, Gangcheonsan Mountain is the perfect place to take pictures because the density and color of the maple leaves are deep and clear.
In addition, Gangcheonsan Mountain is small in size but has a quiet and cozy atmosphere, making it suitable for travel with family or lovers. Unlike famous maple trails where crowds flock, it is a place that I would recommend to those who want to enjoy nature leisurely and savor autumn slowly. It is a resting place in the autumn foliage that is perfect for taking a break from everyday life.
3. Okryongam Hermitage, Gyeongju
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Okryongam Hermitage in Gyeongju is known more as a temple than a maple viewing spot, but in autumn it transforms into a hidden gem for fall foliage. Known only to a few, this place is located in a deep valley and is dyed red with maple leaves while maintaining its tranquility. The red roof created by the maple trees surrounding the temple is a scene that seems to show what the peak of autumn looks like.
Okryongam Hermitage is not as crowded with tourists as Bulguksa Temple or Seokguram Grotto, so you can fully feel the serene atmosphere unique to temples. In particular, if you visit during the time when the autumn sunlight shines, the light falling through the maple leaves feels like a scene from a movie. You can experience the real autumn of Gyeongju, where nature and ancient temples coexist in harmony with the surrounding mountains.
Climbing up the stairs, Okryong Falls reveals itself and delivers another impression. The scenery created by the sound of water and autumn leaves together is very unique. Here, the tranquility of the mountain temple and the splendor of the autumn scenery are exquisitely harmonized, providing a special time for travelers in need of contemplation and healing.
4. Crocodile Peak, Chungju
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Crocodile Peak in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do, is a maple viewing spot as unfamiliar as its name. In fact, it is already a famous hidden spot for local residents, and the entire mountain is dyed with red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo leaves, showing off its colorful autumn colors. What is most noticeable is that the roads along the ridge all turn into maple tunnels. Walking under it, you can feel like the main character in a movie.
Crocodile Peak is a good mountain to climb lightly because it is not high above sea level, and it already boasts excellent maple scenery from the middle point, not the summit. As you walk, you will find yourself surrounded by a landscape surrounded by maple leaves on all sides. The greatest charm of this place is that you can deeply feel the emotion given by nature in a quiet and secluded atmosphere.
Especially in the late afternoon, the scenery where the light shining on the mountainside touches the maple leaves and sparkles with golden light is truly overwhelming. Even in the same autumn, the maple leaves here feel particularly warm and soft. If you want to escape the complicated city and be embraced by nature, Crocodile Peak will surely be the most memorable trip this fall.
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Source :https://blog.naver.com/tour_toctoc/224089011514
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