Fall Festival Guide in Korea – Must-See Autumn Destinations & Activities for Foreigners

As autumn arrives in Korea, the country is painted with vibrant fall foliage, and various festivals and cultural events take place in the pleasant weather. From traditional cultural experiences to enjoying the autumn leaves in nature! This guide introduces autumn hotspots and activities that foreigners should definitely experience in Korea.

1. Must-Visit Autumn Festivals in Korea

1) Naejangsan Maple Festival – Korea's Best Autumn Foliage Spot

Naejangsan is one of the most beautiful autumn foliage spots in Korea, and in autumn, the colorful maple leaves create a breathtaking scenery.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Naejangsa Temple – A beautiful landscape where a serene temple and autumn leaves blend together
• Maple Tunnel – Take Instagram-worthy photos while walking along the colorful maple leaf path
• Baekyangsa Temple – A healing spot where a traditional temple and autumn foliage harmonize

Local Tip:
• Visit during the peak foliage season (late October to early November) to witness the most beautiful scenery!
• Staying overnight at a Hanok guesthouse while enjoying the autumn foliage makes for a more special experience.

2) Andong International Mask Dance Festival – Experience Traditional Korean Mask Dance

In Andong, an international festival themed on traditional mask dance is held every year. At this festival, you can experience various mask cultures from around the world and enjoy traditional Korean performances.

✅ Recommended Activities
• Watch a traditional Korean mask dance performance
• Try making your own mask at a workshop
• Explore the traditional Hanok village (Hahoe Village)

Local Tip:
• Wearing Hanbok during the festival makes for a more special experience!
• Be sure to visit Hahoe Village, where you can also sample traditional Korean food.

3) Yeongcheon Wine Festival – Enjoy Wine Culture in Korea

Autumn is the season for grapes! In Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea's representative wine festival is held. Here, you can sample various Korean wines and enjoy food that pairs well with wine.

✅ Recommended Activities
• Korean wine tasting and purchasing
• Grape harvesting experience and wine-making experience
• Wine party with live music

Local Tip:
• Don't miss the limited-edition wines that can only be tasted on-site!
• Enjoy a wine and cheese platter on-site while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

2. Top 3 Autumn Activities in Korea

1) Bukhansan & Namsan Autumn Hiking in Seoul

In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves even in Seoul. Bukhansan and Namsan are spots where you can enjoy stunning autumn foliage while being close to the city center.

✅ Recommended Hiking Courses
• Bukhansan Bogukmun Course – Enjoy the autumn foliage and the view of Seoul
• Namsan Loop Road – The autumn scenery with Namsan Tower is attractive
• Inwangsan Fortress Wall Trail – A historical hiking course along the Seoul Fortress Wall

Local Tip:
• After hiking, enjoy the autumn atmosphere with a cup of warm jujube tea at a nearby cafe!
• Hiking Bukhansan in the morning on weekdays is less crowded, so you can enjoy it more peacefully.

2) Autumn Camping – Warm Healing Time Under the Sunset

Autumn is the perfect season for camping. Enjoy the pleasant weather, heal yourself in nature, and enjoy a relaxing time with a warm cup of tea.

✅ Recommended Camping Spots
• Gapyeong Jarasum Camping Site – Enjoy camping and a romantic atmosphere near the Han River
• Daegwallyeong Forest Camping Site, Gangwon-do – A camping spot with autumn foliage
• Jeju Gotjawal Camping Site – A special autumn camping experience in Jeju nature

Local Tip:
• Temperatures drop at night in autumn, so be sure to bring warm clothes and sleeping bags!
• Enjoy autumn seasonal foods (matsutake mushroom dishes, potato pancakes, etc.) at restaurants near the campsite.

3) Rural Experience – Feel the Joy of Autumn Harvest!

Autumn is the harvest season! In Korea's countryside, there are experiential programs where you can harvest and taste various fruits such as persimmons, pears, and apples.

✅ Recommended Rural Experience Programs
• Apple picking experience – Harvest sweet apples in the Cheongsong region of Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Persimmon harvest and dried persimmon making – Jeollanam-do dried persimmon farm experience
• Rice harvesting experience in the paddy field – Traditional Korean agricultural experience

Local Tip:
• Fruits harvested directly are also very popular as gifts!
• After the rural experience, it is also recommended to enjoy a traditional Korean full-course meal provided by the local farm!

4. Delicious Autumn Treats to Try in Korea

✅ Recommended Autumn Seasonal Foods
• Matsutake mushroom dishes – Exquisitely flavored and fragrant, enjoyed as grilled dishes and hot pot
• Grilled tiger prawns – A top-class delicacy, enjoying fresh autumn prawns as salt-grilled dishes
• Chestnut and pumpkin porridge – Deliciously sweet and savory, a warm autumn dessert
• Persimmon shaved ice – Enjoy the autumn atmosphere with shaved ice using sweet persimmons
• Grilled flatfish – Enjoy the savory grilled flatfish, the best in autumn

Local Tip:
• You can easily find fresh matsutake mushroom dishes in Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do!
• Enjoying grilled tiger prawns and grilled flatfish together at a traditional market in autumn makes for a more special experience.

Which autumn festival in Korea are you most looking forward to visiting? Share in the comments!