TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Autumn remains a favorite season for Indonesian tourists traveling to South Korea. The crisp but comfortable weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities, and the golden-brown landscapes offer a breathtaking contrast rarely seen in tropical, two-season countries.
Beyond the scenery, Korea offers a host of special events and experiences unique to the fall season. For locals, autumn is also a festive period filled with national holidays such as Chuseok, National Foundation Day, and Hangeul Day.
In a written statement, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) shared several attractions and seasonal highlights travelers can enjoy during fall in Korea.
1. Experiencing Korea’s Urban Forests
There are five well-known forests in Korea that are perfect for enjoying the fall atmosphere.
Among them is Seoul Forest in Seongsu-dong, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Once home to a horse racing arena and golf course, this sprawling park transforms into a sea of gold as its metasequoia and ginkgo trees change color.
Another must-visit is Haneul Park, located 98 meters above sea level on a high plateau overlooking Seoul. The park offers sweeping views of both nature and the city. During the day, its silver grasses shimmer under the sun, turning golden as the sun sets.
Every October, Haneul Park hosts the Seoul Silver Grass Festival, featuring light shows, cultural performances, and photo zones.
For travelers willing to venture farther, about 1.5 hours from Seoul, the Hwadam Botanic Garden in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, offers a serene escape. Visitors can stroll among more than 4,300 plant species or take a monorail ride around the park to enjoy panoramic views of the autumn landscape.
In the countryside, Wondae-ri Birch Forest in Inje captivates visitors with its 70,000 neatly lined birch trees surrounded by brilliant fall foliage.
Another must-see spot is Gwanbangjerim Forest, where bright autumn leaves create a postcard-perfect scene.
Hwadam Botanic Garden, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. (dok. KTO)
2. Fall Festivals in Korea
Autumn in Korea also comes alive with cultural festivities. One of the most famous is the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, where colorful lanterns illuminate the Namgang River at sunset.
This centuries-old tradition dates back over 400 years to the Siege of Jinju in 1592, when lanterns were floated as a symbol of prayer and remembrance. Today, the festival continues to enchant visitors with its glowing river of lights.
Yakgwa, traditional Korean snack. (dok. KTO)
3. Seasonal Delicacies for Autumn Holidays
Korean fall holidays are incomplete without their special dishes. A must-try is the Gizzard Shad Fish, enjoyed either grilled as jeoneogui—seasoned lightly with salt to bring out its natural aroma—or eaten raw as jeoneohoe, wrapped in lettuce with wasabi, chili paste, garlic, and paprika.
Autumn also calls for a variety of savory pancakes known as jeon—ingredients are coated with thin flour batter and pan-fried in light oil.
Popular varieties include kimchijeon (kimchi pancake), haemul pajeon (seafood and scallion pancake), dongtaejeon (pollock fillet pancake), and nokdujeon (mung bean pancake).
For something sweet, travelers can sample yakgwa, a traditional Korean cookie made from wheat flour, sesame oil, and grain syrup, molded into decorative shapes and fried until golden brown.
Another classic fall treat is songpyeon, a half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with sweet ingredients, traditionally prepared and shared during Chuseok.
Songpyeon, a typical Korean rice cake. dok. KTO
From golden forests and glowing festivals to hearty seasonal dishes, autumn in Korea offers an immersive experience that delights all senses, a perfect time for Indonesian travelers seeking beauty, culture, and comfort in one unforgettable season.
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