South Korea is one of the best places to visit in autumn. The weather’s just about perfect, and the foliage makes every corner look like it could be on a postcard. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family trip, here are some of the best, must-see places in South Korea this fall! 🍂
Picture this — the skies are a gentle hue of blue with wisps of white scattered across the sky. The air is crisp and fresh, with occasional gusts of wind at the perfect temperature that’s neither too hot nor too cold. Autumn leaves are floating and falling around you as you take a walk through endless rows of pink and purple flowers with a nice cup of warm tea in hand.
That sounds like the dreamiest holiday to me. But, who said it only has to be a dream? That’s what exploring South Korea in September felt like to me when I last visited a few years ago. The weather and landscapes were perfect, and it felt quite different from my visit there in December.
If you’re looking for ideas on places to visit while travelling to South Korea in autumn, we’ve got you covered with some of the most raved places so that you can live your K-drama dreams. And what else can make dreams sweeter but great deals and savings even as you travel? Remember to use your YouTrip card while booking your flights and accommodation for cashback and savings with YouTrip perks!
Let’s get to it!
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7 Must-See Places in South Korea During Autumn:
1. For the K-Drama Lover: Nami Island
Image Credits: South of Seoul Blog
Nami Island is the top place to visit during the fall. It’s a small island a stone’s throw away from Seoul and has been the backdrop to multiple dramas and movies like Winter Sonata and My Love from the Star because of just how beautiful it is. Walking along the lanes of metasequoia and ginkgo trees honestly would make you feel as though you were starring in your own Korean drama.
You can just choose to take leisurely strolls around the island, or you could also choose to rent a bike to get around and go on a nice boat ride on the lake. For those feeling a little more adventurous, there is also a zipline for you to enjoy aerial views of the island.
Nami Island makes for an ideal day trip location, and you can also visit Petite France and step into the world of The Little Prince, and go on the Gangchon Rail Bike, which takes you past scenic mountain views along an abandoned train rail. There are many tours available on Klook (psst enjoy up to 5% cashback when making bookings with your YouTrip card) that can take you to all three locations in a day without having to worry about getting from place to place.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM (April to October) and 9 AM – 6 PM (November to March)
Cost: 13,000won (~S$13.40) for Adults | 7,000won (~S$7.20) for Children | Round-Trip Ferry Ticket at 8,000won (~S$8.20)
The Best South Korea Autumn Destinations 2023: For more information, check out Nami Island’s website here
2. For the Tranquil: Jeju Island
Image credits: Korea Travel Post
Located right off the southern coast of South Korea is Jeju Island. Jeju’s landscapes transform into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow during the autumn months which makes the island’s sights even more magical to behold. If you’re looking for a chill kind of holiday with lots of nature, Jeju’s the place for you.
Visit the Jeongbang and Cheonjiyeon waterfalls in Seogwipo, take a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, or take a hike up Seongsan Ilchilbong, also known as Sunrise Peak for panoramic views that will take your breath away. There are also museums like the Jeju Trick Art Museum and the Teddy Bear Museum for more fun and interactive activities for the kids.
Unlike Nami Island, Jeju Island is bigger and makes for a great trip away from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. You’d have to take a flight in order to get there, so remember to book your flights and accommodation with YouTrip Perks merchants like Booking.com and Agoda to get the best deals and cashback!
The Best South Korea Autumn Destinations 2023: Check out some tours around the island here
3. For the History Buff: Gyeongju
Image credits: Travel-Stained
As the ancient capital city of South Korea, Gyeongju is often referred to as the ‘museum without walls’, with multiple historical sites like ancient temples, burial grounds and palaces to visit.
For the history buffs, visit the Gyeongju National Museum to learn more about the region’s history and culture, or make stops along the historical areas in Gyeongju like Mount Namsan, Wolseong, Tumuli, Hwangnyongsa Temple, and Fortress Belt that are under the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
There are also cultural events and the Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village that will let you step into Korea’s traditional architecture and culture. If you’re not that into history, you could also make a stop at Bomun Lake for a nice stroll or boat ride, or stop by Cheomseongdae Observatory, an ancient astronomical observatory that dates all the way back to the 7th century. Don’t forget to make a stop by the muhly field near the observatory that makes for beautiful Instagram-worthy photos.
The Best South Korea Autumn Destinations 2023: Check out some tours around the historical sites here
4. For the Tea-Lover: Boseong Green Tea Fields
Image credits: Thereshegoesagain
For all you green tea lovers out there, a visit to Boseong Green Tea Fields is a must for you! Unlike the other tea plantations, the tea is planted on terraces in neat rows that make it a beautiful site to behold.
There are different trails for you to take that will take you to the top of the mountain which ends with the Ocean Observatory, giving you an unobstructed view from the top. There are also other stops to make like the juniper tree forest, the cedar tree forest and many others that make for beautiful pictures and tranquil strolls. I’m not too big a fan of nature, but the thought of walking along these trails makes me feel at ease.
Besides the green tea ice cream that you can get for about 2,000 won, you can also visit the cafeteria to try more of the teas and other food items. There is also the actual town of Boseong with other food options if you’re not that big a fan of green tea. Remember to pop by the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Boseong makes for an ideal day trip, and you can choose to take a trip from either Seoul or Busan.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM in summer and 9 AM – 7 PM in winter
Cost: Entrance Fees cost 4,000won (~S$4.10)
The Best South Korea Autumn Destinations: Find out more about Boseong Green Tea fields here
5. For the Family: Hongcheon
Image credits: HaB Korea Tours and Activities
Located in the Gangwon Province, Hongcheon is a place that’s full of activities and fun for the whole family. Surrounded by mountains, lush forests and rivers, it is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities and is also known for great seafood meals and buckwheat products.
Hongcheon is more commonly known for its ski resorts in the winter, but there’s plenty to see and in autumn too. The Hongcheon River is the main river that flows through the county, and you can take time to go fishing, kayaking and have leisurely boat rides and picnics along the river.
There are attractions like Alpaca World and the Vivaldi Park Ocean World in Hongcheon that you can visit for some cuddly fun or a splashing great time, depending on when you go and what you like to do. In October, the Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest comes alive with vibrant colours that are a must-see for anyone in the area.
Hongcheon is also a stone’s throw away from Nami Island, so it’s a good place to stay and make day trips if you’re looking for somewhere else to stay outside of Seoul.
The Best South Korea Autumn Destinations 2023: Find out more about Hongcheong-gun here
6. For the Artsy: Andong
Image credits: League of Historical Cities
Andong is known for the marrying of beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage that makes it a beautiful place to explore in the fall. Besides the autumn foliage that paints the city with hues of red, orange and yellow, there are also cultural activities and festivals to visit to make your trip worthwhile.
There is the Hahoe Folk Village, one of the more well-preserved traditional Korean villages, known for thatched-roof houses and ancient trees. Stepping into the village takes you back in time into the lives of the Ryu family who lived together for more than 600 years. There is also the Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, a historic Confucian academy that will give you a glimpse into the lives of classical scholars, many of whom dedicate their lives to the study of Confucianism. Both the Folk Village and the Academy have been marked as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attesting to their cultural and historical value and prominence.
Autumn is also when the city hosts the annual Andong Mask Dance Festival, a cultural event with performances like the mask dance and traditional music. It’s a great way to take one step further into traditional Korean culture. And if you need a break from all the cultural activities and just want to take a leisurely stroll, there are the Woryeonggyo Bridge and the Bongjeongsa Temple — one of Korea’s oldest temples — that make for a beautiful scenic respite.
Andong makes for a great day-trip location, but there are homestays and hotels available if you choose to stay the night too. And you get to enjoy up to 10% cashback via YouTrip Perks if you make your reservation via Booking.com using your YouTrip card.
The Best South Korea Autumn Destinations: Find out more about Andong here
🇰🇷 More Guides to South Korea
For more tips and tricks on travelling in South Korea, here are some articles you might want to check out:
- YouTrip’s Budget Guide: Free Things To Do In Seoul 2023
- How To Capitalise On The South Korean Won Right Now
- YouTrip’s Guide To Theme Park Hopping Around Seoul
- Seoul Through A Different Lens: 10 Unique Things To Do In Seoul 2023
- YouTrip’s Ultimate Saving Guide: Unveiling Brands That Are Cheaper In Korea Than Back Home
Fall for the beauty of South Korea this Fall!
South Korea is one of those places that can never get old. It offers the best of both worlds from the exciting city life in Seoul and Busan to the scenic outskirts, there’s just something for everyone. For transportation and those unavoidable expenses, don’t forget to use your YouTrip card while making purchases to make full use of favourable foreign exchange rates and snag the best deals!
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Happy travels!
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