7-Day Korea Autumn Foliage: Seoraksan, Gyeongju & Naejangsan National Parks

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Seoul

Welcome to autumn in Korea! Airport pickup. Evening at Bukchon Hanok Village — traditional Korean houses with ginkgo-lined lanes. Dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant in the maple-framed alleys. Overnight in Seoul.

Day 2: Seoraksan — Korea’s Autumn Masterpiece

Early drive to Seoraksan National Park (UNESCO Biosphere) — Korea’s most famous autumn destination. Cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress for panoramic views of granite peaks wrapped in crimson maples. Hike the valley trail to Biryong Falls through tunnels of red and gold. Visit Sinheungsa Temple with its giant bronze Buddha framed by blazing maples. Overnight at Sokcho.

Day 3: Nami Island & Garden of Morning Calm

Return to the Seoul region. Afternoon at Nami Island — the half-moon island famous for its tree-lined avenues (made globally famous by K-drama “Winter Sonata”). Ginkgo and metasequoia trees create golden tunnels. Evening at the Garden of Morning Calm — Korea’s oldest private garden, illuminated with thousands of lights among autumn foliage. Overnight in Seoul.

Day 4: Gyeongju — Ancient Capital in Red

Morning KTX bullet train to Gyeongju. Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO) — the stone pagodas and temple halls surrounded by blazing Japanese maples. Tumuli Park — ancient Silla royal tombs covered in golden grass. Anapji Pond — a reconstructed Silla palace with pavilions reflected in water at sunset. Overnight in Gyeongju.

Day 5: Gyeongju to Naejangsan

Morning at Golgulsa Temple — the Sunmudo martial arts temple. Drive west to Naejangsan National Park — Korea’s most famous autumn mountain. Walk the Maple Tree Tunnel — a 1km avenue of Japanese maples forming a crimson ceiling. Hike to Naejangsa Temple — a 1,500-year-old temple nestled in a valley of red maples. Baekyangsa Temple — “Temple of 100 Sheep” with stunning twin ponds reflecting the autumn colors. Overnight near Naejangsan.

Day 6: Seoul Autumn Finale

Morning return to Seoul. Afternoon autumn walk through Changdeokgung Palace’s Secret Garden (UNESCO) — arguably Seoul’s most beautiful autumn spot with lotus ponds, pavilions, and ancient trees. Deoksugung Palace Stone Wall Road — the most romantic autumn walk. Farewell dinner at a Michelin-starred temple food restaurant. Overnight in Seoul.

Day 7: Depart Seoul

Morning at Ihwa Mural Village — street art meets autumn leaves. Airport transfer. Safe travels!

Inclusions

• 6 nights: Seoul 3, Sokcho 1, Gyeongju 1, Naejangsan 1
• Daily breakfast + 3 dinners
• KTX bullet train Seoul→Gyeongju
• Seoraksan cable car, Nami Island ferry, all temple/palace entries
• Private guide and vehicle

Why Korea Autumn

• Korea’s autumn foliage rivals Japan’s — but with half the crowds
• Seoraksan in October — world-class mountain scenery in crimson and gold
• Naejangsan — Korea’s most beautiful autumn mountain, the “Maple Tunnel” is legendary
• Ancient palaces and temples framed by 1,000-year-old ginkgo trees