Autumn in Naejangsan National Park, South Korea
© Twenty47studio/Getty Image
Still waters, vivid colours. Autumn in Naejangsan National Park, South Korea
Few places in South Korea capture the magic of autumn quite like Naejangsan National Park, where mountainsides glow in brilliant shades of scarlet, orange, yellow and gold. Located in the country's southwest, the park is particularly famous for its vivid maple colours, making it one of Korea's premier destinations for autumn scenery. Its name, meaning 'many secrets in the mountains,' reflects the varied landscapes found throughout the region.
Naejangsan rises to about 760 metres at Sinseonbong Peak, with nine distinctive peaks surrounding its valleys. Visitors can follow hiking trails through woodlands and mountain passes, while the Naejangsan Cable Car offers elevated views of the colourful ridgelines. The park is also home to the historic temples of Naejangsa and Baegyangsa, adding a rich cultural dimension to the landscape.
Other highlights include Geumseongyegok Valley and the Dodeokpokpo and Geumseonpokpo waterfalls. With around 760 species of native plants, Naejangsan offers rich biodiversity beyond its celebrated autumn colours, making it a destination worth exploring in every season.
Cork tree forest
Grapes on the vine in Mendoza, Argentina, for the National Grape Harvest Festival
Jardin des Tuileries in autumn leading to the Louvre Museum in Paris, France
Highbush blueberry plants in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
A grove of American elm trees in Central Park's Mall, New York City
Haaga Rhododendron Park, Helsinki, Finland
Beavers Bend Resort Park near Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Forest near the village of Invergarry, Scotland
