Fall in Jeju: Discover the Best Spots for Autumn Foliage and Scenery
Jeju Island in Autumn
Top Places to Visit in Jeju in October & November
Jeju comes alive with autumn colors from October through November, offering the most beautiful scenery of the year.
From fiery red maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees to swaying silver grass and dreamy pink muhly grass, discover the special landscapes only visible during this season. Here are seven of the best places to visit in Jeju during October and November for an unforgettable autumn experience.
Jeju's Premier Maple Viewing Spot
First on our list is Cheona Valley. When thinking of autumn foliage hotspots in Jeju, this place immediately comes to mind. Uniquely, it's a dry riverbed, so water doesn't flow unless there's heavy rain.
The rocky terrain provides a distinctive canvas for the vibrant red and yellow maple leaves, creating a unique autumn scene specific to the Cheona Forest Trail. It's a beloved spot for many.
The peak foliage season here typically falls between late October and early November. This year, forecasts suggest the leaves will start changing around late October, so based on my experience, early November (around November 10th in 2024) should be the most beautiful time to visit.
Due to Jeju's regional characteristics, places with dense maple forests are rare, making Cheona Valley all the more precious. While it may not boast the vivid and elaborate scenery of places like Hwadam Botanic Garden in the Seoul metropolitan area, it offers a simple and understated charm that makes it a perfect autumn destination in Jeju.
During peak season, the valley can get quite crowded, leading to parking difficulties. Last year, a temporary parking lot was opened near the Cheona Forest Trail, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit.
Also, the ground consists of uneven stones, making the terrain somewhat rugged. Comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes are highly recommended.
I enjoy Cheona Valley so much that I've visited it for two years in a row. I definitely plan to revisit this year to soak in its unique ambiance.
Maple Leaves Adorning a Serene Temple
The second maple viewing spot in Jeju is Cheonwangsa Temple. The temple blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature, creating a picture-perfect autumn landscape. The colorful leaves within the temple grounds offer a different atmosphere than Cheona Valley.
Drawn to the temple's tranquil charm, I visited Cheonwangsa for two consecutive years. Sitting on a bench in the temple grounds and gazing at the maple leaves brings a sense of peace. It's a place I think of every autumn.
The road leading to Cheonwangsa also becomes incredibly beautiful when the leaves start to change. However, this is a road with vehicle traffic, so exercise caution when taking photos.
A Road of Golden Ginkgo Trees
Another essential element of autumn is the ginkgo tree. The ginkgo tree road at Jeju National University, located on both sides of the road leading to the Ara In Ville JNU Apartment (faculty housing), forms a tunnel-like scene drenched in golden light.
Please prioritize safety when taking pictures in this area. As this is an active road, be mindful of traffic. Also, the ginkgo trees change later than the maple trees. Based on last year, the most stunning golden spectacle happened around late November, so keep that in mind.
Other places to see ginkgo trees in Jeju include Saemi Euncheong Garden and Gamsa Gong Memorial Site.
Must-Visit Buckwheat Flower Fields
Next, let me introduce you to Boromwat. Wide-open fields covered in white buckwheat flowers capture the refreshing autumn atmosphere of Jeju. It is a great place to visit, especially now because the buckwheat flower festival is in full swing.
Boromwat Buckwheat Flower Festival Information
Dates: September 15, 2025 – October 10, 2025
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission:
Adults/Middle & High School Students: ₩6,000
Seniors/Jeju Residents/Welfare Recipients: ₩5,000
Elementary School Students: ₩4,000
At Boromwat, you can also see a variety of colorful flowers such as purple salvia and red/yellow cockscomb, allowing you to enjoy a diverse autumn garden.
Other buckwheat flower spots in Jeju include Whaheul Buckwheat Village and Oradong Buckwheat Field, perfect for adding to your autumn itinerary.
Where to See Pink Muhly Grass
The next destination is Jeju Fairy Tale Village. In October, vast fields transform into a sea of pink, creating a mesmerizing view perfect for capturing stunning photos. It's a beloved travel destination for many.
The presence of silver grass, pampas grass, and other autumn flowers adds to the charm. A relaxing walk along the scenic trails offers a peaceful escape, and the well-equipped facilities like cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops make for a convenient visit.
Other famous pink muhly grass locations in Jeju include Hueree, Café Saebil, and Manor Blanc, so choose the one closest to your travel route.
Jeju's Swaying Silver Grass Hotspots
Our next recommendation is the Canola Flower Plaza. In spring, it bursts with yellow canola flowers, but in October and November, it transforms into a dazzling field of silver grass, captivating travelers' hearts.
The panoramic view of wind turbines and the ocean beyond the vast silver grass field offers a refreshing sense of openness and an exotic atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression.
The swaying silver grass in the wind is visually therapeutic, making it a highly recommended spot to visit in Jeju during October and November.
Other silver grass spots in Jeju include Eoeum-ri Silver Grass Colony, Sangumburi Crater, and Saebyeol Oreum (volcanic cone).
Whispering Pampas Grass
Lastly, I'd like to introduce you to the Pampas Grass Reed Garden. Located in front of the National Tax Service Training Institute, this place begins to bloom with pampas grass in mid-September, reaching its peak from October to early November.
Since this spot is not as well-known, you can enjoy it relatively peacefully. A stroll along the short path lined with softly swaying pampas grass creates a special feeling, like stepping into a scene from a movie. This makes it a perfect spot to visit in Jeju during October and November.
Other locations to see pampas grass in Jeju include Father's Garden and Songdang Pampas Farm.
I've shared my recommendations for autumn travel in Jeju, with top spots to visit in October and November. Most of these destinations are free to enjoy, making them budget-friendly options for your trip. I hope this helps you plan your itinerary!
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