Gyeongju Ungok Seowon: A Place to Feel the Charm of Autumn
Ungok Seowon in Gyeongju is a wonderful place to experience the beauty of autumn.
I visited Ungok Seowon on Sunday, November 16th, to witness the stunning autumn foliage of the Ginkgo trees. The weather was perfect, with clear, sunny skies that made the golden leaves shimmer.
Gyeongju Ungok Seowon has two reasonably sized parking lots, and parking is free. While it's usually not too crowded, this time of year attracts many visitors. You might have to wait to park, especially on weekend afternoons. Staff are available to guide you.
The autumn light at Ungok Seowon is unique, changing with the movement of the sun throughout the day. Many tourists were eager to witness this spectacle.
The entrance is marked by an old stone wall, leading to a serene lecture hall and shrine. The surrounding mountains fill the air with the subtle scent of pine trees carried by the autumn breeze.
Climbing the stairs on the hill provides a panoramic view of the entire area.
Gyeongju Ungok Seowon was established in 1784, during the 8th year of King Jeongjo's reign. It honors Kwon Haeng, the founder of the Andong Kwon clan and a meritorious subject in the founding of the Goryeo Dynasty, as well as Kwon San-hae, an uncle of King Danjong, and Kwon Deok-rin, a scholar from the reign of King Myeongjong.
As you walk up from the entrance, the first thing that catches your eye is the large Ginkgo tree at Gyeongju Ungok Seowon. This tall, upright tree stands in the middle of the courtyard, serving as a symbol of the Seowon.
On the day I visited, a traditional Korean music concert was held under the 350-year-old Ginkgo tree, adding to the autumn atmosphere. This concert, departing from typical tourism, combined culture, natural heritage, and Korean traditional music to enhance the autumn experience for visitors.
The concert began with a dance performance that depicted the mystical story of the Ginkgo tree and continued with a variety of programs, including the Ungok Festival Madang and jazz and folk song performances. Traditional and contemporary Korean music were harmoniously interwoven, creating a moving experience for the audience through storytelling.
Additional events included traditional printing and tea tasting.
Looking back from Yuyeonjeong, the building directly behind the tree, the view was bathed in yellow hues. Due to the crowds, it was difficult to capture a photo of just the tree.
After taking in the magnificent Ginkgo tree at Gyeongju Ungok Seowon, I spent some time admiring the displayed paintings and pottery.
Listening to music under a centuries-old Seowon and Ginkgo tree is incredibly romantic. If you want to enjoy autumn foliage in a tranquil setting, I highly recommend Gyeongju Ungok Seowon.
*Visited on November 16, 2025.
Written and photographed by Lee Gon-hwa, 2025 Gyeongsangbuk-do SNS Supporters.
* This post was directly covered and written by the Gyeongsangbuk-do SNS Supporters and was posted after confirmation from Gyeongsangbuk-do.
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Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeongbuk_official/224091409585
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