Recommended Travel Spots for the Autumn Season
Autumn Getaway SpotsRecommended Travel Spots for the Autumn Season
The roads leading to rivers, lakes, and seas are crowded with vacationers in the summer, but in the fall, the roads leading to the mountains become quite busy. Korea’s best autumn travel destinations are the mountains colored with autumn foliages. Korea has four distinct seasons, and the autumn’s colored leaves are a magnificent sight to see. The sky becomes the bluest ever, and the crimson leaves create a beautiful color in contrast with the autumn sky. The leaves change colors at slightly different times each year, but it usually begins in the northern regions in late September and moves south.
The best time to see the autumn leaves change color is from mid-October to mid-November. In 2006, the autumn leaves began showing their crimson colors at Geumgangsan National Park on Sept. 21, and reached its peak in mid-November. Koreans enjoy the autumn foliage during this season with their friends, families, and loved ones usually by organizing hiking trips.After taking in the beauty of the autumn scenery, why not try soaking in some hot springs! Although this can be enjoyed all year round, the best time to visit the hot springs are in the fall and winter. The warmth of the hot springs in the chilly air offers an experience you don’t want to miss. The various minerals in the hot springs are good for your health and skin. Let’s take a journey to some of Korea’s best hot springs offering entertainment facilities and a taste of Korea’s bathing culture.
Journey in Search of Korea’s Most Beautiful Autumn Scenery
Seoraksan Mountain
When Korean’s think of autumn leaves, Seoraksan Mountain is the first thing that comes to most people’s minds. Seoraksan is called Korea’s “Cleopatra” because of the beautifully colored autumn leaves, and is also where Fall’s seasonal changes can be first seen. Seoraksan is beautiful in all four seasons, but without a doubt autumn is the best time to visit. The major Seoraksan peaks are Daecheongbong Peak, Jungcheongbong Peak, Socheongbong Peak, etc., Here, the leaves begin to change color, and the crimson color goes all the way to Gongnyongneungseon Ridge. As the crimson leaves spread to Misiryeong, 12 Fairies Falls, Baekdam Falls, etc., the entire Seoraksan Mountain looks as if it is on fire.
You can choose from many hiking paths as well, but the path going through Cheonbuldong Creek, Osaek (5 colors) Springs, Jujeongol, and Baekdam Creek is the most scenic. The Daeseung Falls, also known as the longevity valley and the Jeombongsang Jujeongol, which reaches from the Osaek (5 colors) Springs offers the best view. If you enjoy mountain climbing, try the 9-hour course from Osaek – Seorak Falls – Daecheongbong – Socheongbong – Hoeungak – Cheongbuldong – Biseondae – Sogongwon – Seorakdong.
Seoraksan takes about 5 hours by bus from Seoul, and is not recommended for a one-day trip. Seoraksan Mountain itself takes at least 2 that is if you do not plan to explore everything Seoraksan has to offer you in which it will take longer. It is recommended you visit Seoraksan’s surrounding areas, which offer many famous tourist sites. You can stop by Naksan Beach and Gyeongpodae, and Yongpyong Resort. Seorak Waterpia is the ideal place to stop by and enjoy the hot springs where you can rest your tired body after a day of mountain climbing and sightseeing.Seoraksan’s best cuisine is of course fresh seafood. The Ojingeo Sundae is a local specialty, made of squid stuffed with diced sprouts, onions, tofu, peppers, etc, and wrapped in eggs and fried to perfection. The fried half-dried Walleye Pollack is also a nice specialty.
[Accommodations]
Seoraksan is a famou therefore there are many hotels, motels, condos, and hostels to choose from.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Sokcho from East Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Subway Line No. 2, Gangbyeon Station) (Operating Hours: 06:25~23:00, 49 Buses Daily / Travel Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes / Bus Fare: 18,600 won) →Take the city bus No. 7 (bound for the entrance of Seoraksan) from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal and get off at Seoraksan Mountain entrance →Walk about 10 minutes to Sinheungsa Temple ticket box.
[Hiking Course]
o Gwongeumseong Course – Sinheungsa Temple District
Take the 10-minute ride on a cable car from Sinheungsa Temple, and climb about 1 hour. This is an ideal course for those traveling with young children and elders.
(One way is 1.5km/ Takes 30 minutes to climb up and 25 minutes to go down)
o Biryong Falls Course – Sinheungsa Temple District
After purchasing admissions tickets at the Sinheungsa Temple ticket box, take a 1 and half hour course (roundtrip) where you can pass by valleys and falls. If you are short of time, it’s recommended to take the 2.4km course.(One way is a distance of 2.4km/ Upward-bound takes 50 minutes / Downward-bound takes 40 minutes)
o Ulsanbawi Rock Course – Sinheungsa Temple District
The course up to Heundeulbawi Rock offers the most magnificent view of Seoraksan’s beauty, which is rather easy, but the 30-minute climb up to Ulsanbawi is somewhat difficult. However, the climb is worth the effort because from Ulsanbawi you can see all of Seoraksan as well as a vast view of the Pacific Ocean. (one way 3.8km/ Upward-bound 2 hours 20 minutes / Downward-bound 1 hour 40 minutes)
o Daeseung Falls – Jangsudae Course
One of Korea’s top 3 falls, the Daeseung Falls course is accessible from Inje-gun Jangsudae District. The rich forest surrounding the waterfalls can be enjoyed without too much difficulty for the course is rather easy. (One way is a distance of 0.9km/ Upward-bound takes 50 minutes / Downward-bound takes 35 minutes)
To Jangsudae District Box Office: Take the bus bound for Inje from East Seoul Express Bus Terminal (1st bus at 06:00, last bus at 19:50, 26 buses daily / Travel time: 2 hours, 50 minutes / Fare: 13,800 won) → Take the bus bound for Yangyang from Inje Bus Terminal and get off at Jangsudae (takes 50 minutes)
[Inquiries] +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Odaesan Mountain
Odaesan Mountain is especially famous for its beautiful autumn season compared to the rest of the four seasons. Its leaves begin changing colors as soon as Seoraksan Mountain leaves change. Although not quite as brilliant, the view from the top of Odaesan fills its viewer with a feeling of serenity. The soft crimson of the leaves set against the autumn blue sky creates the most exquisite harmony. The Odaesan autumn scenery reaches its peak in mid-October, and many visitors seek the mountain during this time, so it may be better to climb Odaesan from Myeonggaeri, its northern region.
The course from Sangwonsa Temple to Birobong as well as the course from Woljeongsa Temple to Dongdaesan to Sogeumgang offers such beautiful scenic routes, that any choice you make you won’t regret. Also, the 1 km walking route from Iljumun Gate to the inside of Woljeongsa Temple has 100 year old fir trees and crimson colored trees all lined up on either side of the roads. The road to Woljeongsa Temple lies along a creek, which makes the walking path even more beautiful.
Odaesan’s surrounding attractions include Samcheok and Yangyang’s Hajodae Pavilion and Naksansa Temple, the film locations of the movie ‘April Snow’. Other attractions include Gyeongpodae and Seoraksan. Odaesan is famous for Hanjeongsik (traditional Korean table d’hote) and Bibimbap served with wild herbs found on Odaesan Mountain.
In addition, because of its close location to Gangneung, Odaesan offers fresh seafood restaurants.
[Accommodations]
There are many accommodations near the entrance of Odaesan, but if you want more options, you can try Gangneung’s downtown area that offers hotels, condos, motels, and hostels near the bus terminal and Gangreung Namdaecheon district.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Jinbu from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Subway Line No.2, Gangbyeon Station) and get off at Jinbu Bus Terminal (1st bus at 6:32, last bus at 20:05, 31 buses daily / Travel Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes / Bus Fare: 11,800 won) → Take the bus bound for Odaesan from Jinbu Bus Terminal (12 Buses Daily / Jinbu
Woljeongsa Temple: a 15 minute ride, Jinbu
Sangwonsa Temple: a 40 minute ride)
[Inquiries] +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
[Hiking Courses]
o Mt. Dongdaesan Course – Woljeongsa Temple Zone
This hiking course offers you the chance of enjoying the beautiful scenery of Mt. Odaesan that is bountiful in fir trees. In particular, you can fully enjoy fir forests at an entrance to Woljeongsa Temple. In addition to famous cultural properties such as Woljeongsa Temple and Gwaneumam Rock (hermitage or monk’s cell), you can watch the fine view of a ridge connecting the mountain peaks stretching out like a folding screen. (One way is a distance of 2.7㎞ / Upward-bound takes 1 hour and 30 minutes / Down-ward bound takes 1 hour and 10 minutes)
o Birobong Peak Course- Woljeongsa Temple Zone
This hiking course provides you with the scenery of many famous cultural properties including Sangwonsa Temple which is famous for Sangwonsa Dongjong (iron bell) and Jeokmyulbo Gung (palace) where a relic of the Buddha rests in peace, as well as some scarlet maple leaves. (One way is a distance of 3.5㎞ / Upward-bound takes 1 hour and 40 minutes / Downward-bound takes 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Jirisan Mountain
Seoraksan is known to be the more feminine looking mountain with its softer lines, whereas Jirisan Mountain, Korea’s most famous mountain, is considered the more masculine mountain with its larger and rougher lines. Jirisan’s autumn scenery begins in mid-October, and by the end of October, its crimson colors become more vivid than the red sunset. The valleys are connected from north to south, and the Piagol Valley and Baemsagol Valley are especially well-known for their colorful leaves in the fall.
The vertical path across Jirisan which goes through Namwon - Jeongnyeongchi - Seongsamjae - Silsangsa Temple has the highest latitude of Korea’s mountain paths of 1,130m above sea level, and has a beautiful view of autumn’s crimson leaves. At the peak of Jirisan, the crimson leaves are barely visible through the thin layer of clouds but are a must-see.
The Piagol Valley’s autumn scenery is noted as one of the top ten things to see at Jirisan. During the peak of the fall season, the Piagol Valley Crimson Leaves Festival is held. Jirisan offers accommodations on its mountain slopes, allowing visitors a convenient several-days stay.In the spring, various wild herbs grow on Jirisan, and the local inhabitants pick them and dry them for yearly side dish ingredients. Jirisan area is known to be one of Korea’s cleanest natural environments, therefore the herb from the slopes are especially famous for their high quality. Therefore, many restaurants around Jirisan’s surrounding areas serve Hanjeongsik (traditional Korean table d’hote) with Jirisan herbs. Also, the Jirisan area’s pork is very famous. Most of the accommodations consist of hostels and motels, and are located around the entrance of the mountain tracks and Gurye Bus Terminal.
[Accommodations]
You can stay at Spa Land located at Gurye-gun on the foot of Jirisan Mountain. The hot spring waters at Spa Land are made of germanium, calcium, and other minerals, which are good for your skin and health.
* Most people visiting Jirisan take the last train to Gurye on a Friday night, and share a taxi to the mountain track entrance. If you want to go camping on Jirisan, you have to make reservations in advance at the mountain shelter, but the campsite is usually fully booked. Therefore, a majority of people who come thoroughly prepared for camping spend the night at a shelter dining hall. If you have to do this, you should layer your sleeping mat and sleeping bag over a thick vinyl sheet to prevent dampness. You can purchase camping materials at Namdaemun Market or Dongdaemun Market.
[Transportation]
Take the train bound for Gurye at Yongsan Station (Subway Liine No. 1, Yongsan Station)(Operating Hours: 06:50~22:50, 13 Buses Daily / Travel Time: Saemaeul takes 4 hours, 10 minutes, Mugunghwa takes 4 hours, 30 minutes / Fare: Saemaeul: 32,400 won, Mugunghwa: 21,800 won) → Get off at Gurye Station → Take the bus bound for Gurye Bus Terminal from Gurye Station
1. Hwaeomsa Temple : Take the bus bound for Hwaeomsa Temple from Gurye Bus Terminal (Bus runs every 30 minutes, 30 buses daily, travel time: 20 minutes)
2. Yeongoksa Temple : Take the bus bound for Yeongoksa Temple from Gurye Bus Terminal (Bus runs every hour, 14 buses daily, travel time: 50 minutes)
3. Piagol Valley : Take the bus bound for Piagol Valley from Gurye Bus Terminal (Bus runs every 2 hours, 9 buses daily, travel time: 40 minutes)
4. Ssanggyesa Temple : Take the bus bound for Ssanggyesa Temple from Gurye Bus Terminal (5 buses daily, travel time: 1 hour)
[Inquiries] +82-55-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
[Hiking Courses]
o Nogodan Course – Jungsanri Ticket Office Zone
After you hike about 700 meters from Munenggi that overlooks Seomjingang River, you will come to a fork in the road: one is a stair road and the other a dirt road. If you take the stair road, it will save you 10 minutes than if you take the dirt road. However, the dirt road will show you Piagol Valley, Munsuri Valley, Wangsirubong Peak, and Seomjingang River. (One way is a distance of 4.7㎞ / Upward-bound takes 1 hour / Downward-bound takes 50 minutes)
- How to get to Jungsanri Ticket Office:
At Nambu (Southern part) Terminal (Get off at Nambu Terminal Station of Seoul Metro line number 3), take a bus bound for Wonji (1st bus at 6:20, last bus at 21:00, 20 buses daily / travel time: 3 hours and 10 minutes / Fare: 18,400 Won). At Wonji Terminal, take a long distance bus bound for Jungsanri (It takes approximately 40 minutes.) and then walk to a Visitors Support Center (It takes approximately 30 minutes.).
o Guryong Valley Course –Guryong (Yukmojeong) Ticket Office Zone
Guryong Valley is famous for the legend that nine dragons descended down on the earth, enjoyed nine different waterfalls of the valley, and then rose to the heavens one by one. Gugok fall is so famous for its beautiful scenery that it has been considered a favorite hiking course. (One way is a distance of 3㎞ / Upward-bound takes 1 hour / Downward-bound takes 40 minutes)
- How to get to Guryong (Yukmojeong) Ticket Office:
Central City Terminal (Express Bus Terminal Station of subway line no.3, Exit 2) → Take a bus to Namwon (1st bus at 6:00, last bus at 19:00, 17 buses operating daily, travel time: 3 hours and 40 minutes, Fare: 13,900 Won) → At Namwon Terminal, take a taxi to Guryong Ticket Office.
(It costs 12,000~15,000 won and takes approximately 15 minutes.)
Naejangsan Mountain
The autumn leaves begin to change color around Seoraksan and make its way down south until it reaches Naejangsan Mountain around late October. Naejangsan is the second most sought out mountain in the fall season following Seoraksan, with its crimson beauty reaching its peak in late October. If you haven’t seen the autumn leaves at Naejangsan, you haven’t seen the real beauty of autumn leaves. That is how famous Naejangsan’s autumn scenery is in Korea.
Naejangsan has nutmeg trees of more than 600-years-old and colonies of the natural treasure Daphniphyllum, which add to the beauty of the mountain scenery.
The Naejangsan ticket office to the temple gates is lined with crimson leaves creating a colorful natural tunnel, which is 200m in length, 6m in width, and the trees stand 5m apart from each other, creating a spectacular view. Also, inside the Baegyangsa Temple, the baby crimson leaves from the smaller leaved trees is a must-see. The path from Baegyangsa Temple to Naejangsan is so dense with autumn leaves that it almost creates a ceiling over your head, hiding the sky from your eyes. It is a heaven of crimson leaves.
Surrounding attractions within a 1-hour radius of Naejangsan are Hanok Villages in Jeonju, Soswaewon and Sigyeongjeong in Damnyang. There are many traditional folk restaurants in the surrounding areas of Naejangsan. The prices are very affordable for a Hanjeongsik that comes with numerous side dishes.
[Accommodations]
There are about 10 accommodations mostly motels and mountain villas clustered together near Naejangsan including the well-known Naejangsan Tourist Hotel. Also, in downtown Jeongeup there are many motels and hotels for you to choose from.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Jeongeup from East Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Subway Line No. 2, Gangbyeon Station) (Operating Hours: 07:30, 09:30, 12:10, 14:20, 17:00, 19:00 / Travel time: 3 hours, 20 minutes / Bus Fare: 21,300 won)→ Take the bus No. 171 bound for Naejangsan National Park at Jeongeup Bus Terminal (runs every 20 minutes) and get off at Naejangsan National Park.
[Inquiries] +82-63-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
[Hiking Courses]
o Seoraebong Peak Course – Seorae
(Village of Poets) Visitors Support Center Zone
This hiking course is the most frequently visited course of Mt. Naejangsan. This course starts at the Visitors Information Center, passes by Seoraebong Peak and Bulchulbong Peak, and ends back at the Visitors Information Center. On the hiking road is a mineral spring where you can taste Byeongnyeon mineral waters and Seorae mineral waters. (One way is a distance of 5.65km, Upward-bound/downward-bound takes 4 hours)
o Observatory (Jeonmangdae) Course – Seorae (Village of Poets) Visitors Support Center Zone
This hiking course makes use of a cable car to bring visitors to the observatory nestled halfway up Yeonjabong Peak. Because of its easy access and of the beautiful vistas of scarlet maple leaves of Mt. Naejangsan that can be seen at the observatory, the elderly and children favor this hiking course. (One way is a distance of 1.63㎞, Upward-bound / Downward-bound takes 50 minutes)
- How to get to Seorae Visitors Support Center:
At Jeongeup Terminal, take the city bus route No. 171 or 171-1. Then get off at Ssangam-dong (located in front of 4 and 5 parking lot) and walk to Seorae Visitors Support Center (only a 5 minute walk).
Chase Away Your Fatigue at A Hot Spring
Seorak Waterpia
Seorak Waterpia consists of various convenience facilities and hot springs, making it the ideal place to visit during your outing to the autumn mountains. Seorak Waterpia uses only 100% natural hot spring water at a temperature of 49 degree Celsius, and also features unique spas such as jasmine spas, herb spas, and fruit spas. The outdoor wave pool along with the numerous spa facilities, and the outdoor sauna are highly recommended.
The Seoraksan tour of the beautiful autumn crimson leaves, wrapped up with a dip in the hot springs at Seorak Waterpia is the best getaway for the fall season. A dip in the hot spring is also a great health care method for one’s well being especially for the fall and winter seasons when the temperatures begin to drop. So, come and enjoy the hot springs, entertainment facilities, and Seoraksan’s beauty all at once.
Sokcho is famous for fresh seafood cuisines, and many restaurants are clustered together for you to choose from. Also, Gangwon-do’s famous dish, Ojingeo Sundae made of squid stuffed with diced sprouts, onions, tofu, peppers, etc, and wrapped in eggs and fried to perfection. The fried half-dried Walleye Pollack are a must-try while visiting the area.
[Accommodations]
Seoraksan is a famou therefore there are many hotels, motels, condos, and hostels to choose from.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Sokcho from East Seoul Bus Terminal (Subway Line No. 2, Gangbyeon Station) (Operating Hours: 06:25~23:00, 49 Buses Daily / Travel Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes / Bus Fare: 18,600 won) → Take bus No. 7, 9, or 1 from Sokcho Bus Terminal and get off in front of Sokcho Fire Station → Take bus No. 3 or 3-1 from across the street of Sokcho Fire Station → Get off at Seorak Waterpia of Hanhwa Resort.
* When you take a taxi from Sokcho Bus Terminal, the fare will be about 10,000 won.
[Inquiries] +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Asan Spavis
Located 2-hours away from Seoul, Asan Spavis has various water facilities including pools, outdoor hot springs, an indoor Bade Pool, a full body massage service, and much more. The spas include a jasmine bath, a strawberry bath, a ginseng bath, a bokbunja (mountain berries) bath, a yellow earth sauna, and more for families, friends, and loved ones to enjoy together. A train ride away from Seoul at Onyangoncheon Station offers not only Asan Spavis, but also Korea’s major hot springs area where a large variety of hot springs await you.
Onyangoncheon Spa is a popular hot springs spot, and is very different from Asan Spavis. However, if you feel uncomfortable being nude in front of many strangers, the Asan Spavis is a recommended destination where swimsuits are a must in the spa. Also, Asan Spavis is ideal for a one-day getaway.Nearby Asan Spavis are the Hyeonchungsa Temple and the Oeamni Folk Village. Oeamni Folk Village is made up of old-style houses, and served as the film location for movies such as ‘TaeGukGi: Brotherhood of War’, ‘Chihwaseon- Strokes of Fire’, etc. People actually live in the village, so you can experience the actual village lifestyle.
If you want to visit other tourist attractions along with Asan Spavis, you may want to go on a 2-day trip. First visit Hyeoncheungsa Temple as soon as you get off the train from Seoul, then enjoy all the water facilities at Asan Spavis, and afterwards you can call it a day. Before leaving for Seoul the next day, stop by the Oeamni Folk Village. There are many restaurants in the surrounding area of Asan Spavis, but it doesn’t have any unique local foods, so it’s best to choose the most conveniently located restaurants to dine in.
[Transportation]
Take the train bound for Onyangoncheon from Yongsan Station (Subway Line No. 1, Yongsan Station) (Operating Hours: 05:30~20:55, 17 Trains Daily / Travel Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes / Fare: Saemaeul: 9,600 won, Mugunghwa: 6,500 won) → Get off at Onyangoncheon Station and take the bus No. 100-1 from across the street to Asan Spavis (travel time: 30 minutes / bus runs every hour)
* A taxi from Onyangoncheon Station is about 10,000 won (travel time: 10 minutes / current fare from Aug. 2006)
[Inquiries] +82-41-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Bugok Hawaii
Bugok Hawaii is a sulfuric hot spring resort, which is Korea’s best hot spring for water temperature and top quality, and is also known as a general leisure town equipped with five tourism functions such as training, studying, recreation, entertainment, and sports. Bugok Hawaii has various facilities for all sorts of ages and seasons including a 1st class tourist hotel, a great jungle bath center, a Hawaii land, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wave pool, Hawaii Park, a botanical garden, and a stuffed specimen exhibit hall. The hot springs prevent you from catching a cold i therefore many people come for a dip in the hot springs, which are filled with 20 different healthy minerals including calcium, iron, chlorine, and more. Bugok is 5 hours from Seoul, and the transportation doesn’t come so frequently to Bugok, therefore it is recommended that visitors stay at least 1 or 2 nights there.
The surrounding attractions at Bugok include Eoreumgol (an Ice Valley) where water naturally freezes in the summer and melts in the winter. The apples harvested near Eoreumgol are famous for their taste. If you haven’t tried them already, you don’t want to miss the chance to try them. Also, the Junam reservoir is famous for attracting migratory birds. The Upo Wetlands hold more than 350 rare plants, and is a designated Ecological Conservation Area.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Bugok from Nambu Bus Terminal (Subway Line No. 3, Nambu Terminal Station) (Operating Hours: 09:45, 14:45, 16:00, 17:05 / 3 Buses Daily / Travel Time: 5 hours / Bus Fare: 21,200 won) → Get off Bugok and walk for 5 minutes.
[Inquiries] +82-55-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
07/09/2008
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