Autumn Leaves 2012: When and Where
(Published September 28, 2012)
 
No trip in autumn is complete without a visit to a good place to gaze in awe at the beauty of autumn leaves. Autumn may be behind schedule this year, but the autumn leaves will peak around the same period.
The map below marks the best times to visit twenty-seven mountains in Gyeonggi Province to enjoy the autumn foliage.
 
Gyeonggi Province’s autumn leaves are expected to be at their best from mid-October to early November. The Myeongseongsan Eulalia Festival runs for three days from October 12 to 14, along with a few other autumn foliage festivals held in the area during the season.
We have handpicked some of the best places to bask in Gyeonggi’s autumn beauty (see below).
 
Holy Mountain Where the King Spoke to the Gods – Geomdan Mountain

Geomdan Mountain’s most scenic view can be enjoyed from up high overlooking the Paldang Dam, its banks covered in golden flame grass nestled in the range. Located near Seoul, it is an ideal place to visit with family. As you close in on the summit, you will find a large open area on both sides of the track. The very peak of the mountain is covered in flame grass, creating a breathtaking scene.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Seonbeopsa Temple, Dongsa Temple Site in Chungung-dong.
 
North Han River Viewed from Ungilsan MountainUngil Mountain sits to the northwest of Dumulmeori (Yangsu-ri) where the North and South Han rivers meet. The high and low peaks extending along the glimmering river look especially beautiful when viewed from Sujongsa Temple. If you climb Ungil Mountain, don’t forget to look towards Dumulmeori. Sujongsa Temple is also a great place to admire the beautiful autumn colors.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Sujongsa Temple, Namyangju Studio Complex
 
Golden Ginkgo Trees on Yongmun MountainYongmun Mountain is well known for its beautiful valleys formed by the rocky ridges that spread from its peak and its beautiful autumnal colors.
The scenery presents itself as a panoramic view at the summit of the mountain where you can feast your eyes on all sorts of autumnal colors from bright red to golden yellow. You can see as far as Yumyeong Mountain and Jungwon Mountain.
The rocky Baegunbong Peak is located south of Yongmunn Mountain some 900 meters above sea level. It stands alone, piercing the sky, and is often referred to as Korea’s Matterhorn.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Yangpyeong Rail Biking, Sustainable Agricultural Museum of Yangpyeong

Soyo Mountain, Geumgang Mountain’s Little BrotherSoyo Mountain is known as the “little Geumgangsan Mountain in Gyeonggi Province” and is one of a handful of truly wonderful places around the metropolitan capital for admiring the autumn leaves.
The best track to take to fully appreciate the mountain’s beauty is the one-kilometer-long stretch that begins at the entrance. As you travel along the clear stream trickling down the valley, you are sure to be dazzled by the natural burst of colors.
You will see Wonhyodae Rock up in the mountains where the celebrated Buddhist Saint Wonhyodaesa is said to have devoted his life to asceticism, and will come across Jajaeam and Baegunam hermitages as well as the site of a palace where Princess Yoseok once lived.
 
Source: Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (www.ggtour.or.kr)
 
http://blog.ggtour.or.kr/archives/41852