🍁 Healing Autumn in Yeongju — Where Ginseng, Heritage & Golden Light Meet

When autumn arrives in Korea, Yeongju glows with golden gingko leaves and the earthy scent of ginseng.
This Yeongju travel guide by Lucia’s Travel Studio takes you beyond sightseeing — into a full-sensory journey of learning, healing, and discovery 🌿

1️⃣ Discover the Spirit of Yeongju

Nestled on the southern slopes of the Sobaek Mountain Range, Yeongju is a city where clear rivers — tributaries of the Nakdong River — weave through emerald hills.
This region blends natural beauty with deep cultural heritage, making it a quintessential mountain destination in Korea’s Sobaeksan area.

2️⃣ 3 Days in Yeongju – From Temple Tranquility to Ginseng & Heritage

(💡 Download the Naver Map app before your trip!
It’s fully available in English, with accurate walking and public transport routes — much better than Google Maps in Korea.)

🏞 Day 1 – Finding Calm at Huibangsa Templestay

• 🚆 Seoul → Punggi Station, or Yeongju Station (KTX, 2h 20m)
  Arrive around noon; you can use your Love Local Rail Tour ticket if booked in advance.

• Punggi Station → Huibangsa Temple Stay /  Yeongju Station → Huibangsa Temple Stay

• 🏡 Check-in at Huibangsa Templestay “Dream of the Mountain Temple” (3 PM)
  📍 Address: 278, Jukryeong-ro 1720beon-gil, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
  ☎️ +82-54-638-2400 / ✉️ fx30011@hanmail.net
  💰 Fee (per night): Adult ₩60,000 / Teen ₩50,000 / Child ₩40,000 / Preschool ₩30,000

🕒 Templestay Program Schedule (1 Night 2 Days)

Day 1

• 15:00–16:00 — Check-in & Room Assignment

• 16:00–17:00 — Orientation & Temple Tour

• 18:00–18:40 — Dinner (please be on time)

• 19:00–19:30 — Evening Chanting (optional)

• 20:00–21:00 — Tea & Meditation with the Monk

• 21:00–22:00 — Rest & Lights Out

Day 2

• 05:00–05:30 — Wake Up & Wash Up

• 06:00–07:00 — Morning Chanting (optional)

• 07:00–08:00 — Free Walking Time

• 08:00–08:40 — Breakfast (please be on time)

• 09:00–10:00 — Clean-up & Feedback

• 10:00–11:00 — Departure

🔗 Official Reservation:
👉 Reserve Huibangsa Templestay (“Dream of the Mountain Temple”)

💡 Alternative Stay Option

• “If the temple stay doesn’t suit you, Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort is a great alternative. – — a more conventional hotel/spa style lodging if participants prefer more comfort than a temple stay.
• There are also many other accommodation options in Yeongju and Punggi, including local guesthouses, boutique hotels, and hanok-style stays —
  you can compare prices and availability easily on Booking.com  /  TripAdvisor / Klook / Agoda

🌄 Day 2 – Sobaeksan, Confucian Wisdom & Ginseng Delight

• 🕐 05:00–09:00 Morning Routine & Meditation at Heebangsa
  → Participate in early chanting, communal breakfast, and “mindful rest.”

• 🕚 Check-out by 11:00 AM

• 🏞 Short Hike: Huibangsa → Huibang Falls Trail (1–1.5h round trip)
  → Gentle mountain path with a waterfall viewpoint and forest bridge.

Huibangsa Temple 
Perched at 850 meters in the southern valley of Yeonhwabong Peak, within Sobaeksan National Park, this ancient temple (founded in 643 CE) preserves Korea’s first printed Buddhist scripture, Worinseokbo, a priceless relic from the early Joseon era.

Surrounded by cedar and pine forests, it’s ideal for a serene walk or meditation.
Nearby, the Huibangpokpo Falls plunge 28 meters through misty granite cliffs — one of Yeongju’s hidden treasures.

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
Heebangsa Temple, nestled beneath Sobaeksan’s cliffs, is where monks once meditated beside a roaring waterfall.
Sip mountain tea here after your hike — the echo of the falls will quiet your mind. 🌿

• 🍲 Lunch near Huibangsa, or Buseoksa: tofu stew or mountain vegetable bibimbap.

• 🏛 Buseoksa Temple & Sosu Seowon (30 min drive)
  → UNESCO-listed sites rich in Buddhist and Confucian heritage.
  → Buseoksa’s sunset view from Anyangnu Pavilion is breathtaking.

🏯 Buseoksa Temple (UNESCO)

Founded in 676, Buseoksa Temple rests gracefully on the eastern slope of Sobaeksan Mountain, overlooking valleys wrapped in morning mist. It was originally built to celebrate the Silla Kingdom’s (57 BC – AD 935) triumph over the Tang Dynasty, symbolizing both spiritual and national victory. Over centuries, the temple has been rebuilt and expanded, preserving an extraordinary legacy of Korean Buddhist art and architecture. Its jewel, Muryangsujeon Hall, stands as one of Korea’s most exquisite wooden structures—an enduring masterpiece where timeless serenity meets the elegance of ancient craftsmanship.

📚 Sosuseowon Confucian Academy [UNESCO World Heritage]

Nestled at the foot of Sobaeksan Mountain, Sosuseowon Confucian Academy holds the honor of being Korea’s first state-recognized private Confucian academy. Founded in 1542 by scholar-official Ju Se-bung, it began as Baegundongseowon, dedicated to the revered Confucian master An Hyang. After Ju Se-bung’s departure, the great scholar Toegye Yi Hwang continued his legacy and petitioned the king for royal recognition. The request was granted, and the academy was renamed Sosuseowon, symbolizing the harmony of scholarship, virtue, and royal respect. Today, its serene courtyards and wooden pavilions still echo the quiet pursuit of wisdom that defined Korea’s Confucian spirit.

• 🎉 Punggi Ginseng Festival (10 min from Buseoksa)
  → Try ginseng snacks, honey tea, and red ginseng liqueur.
  → Join the evening local market & live performance area.

• 💤 Stay: Hotel or spa near Punggi Oncheon (Hot Spring Area) or Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
After the calm of Huibangsa, this day is about energy — nature, history, and ginseng all in one loop.
Time your visit to Buseoksa around 5 PM for golden light across the temple roofs.

👉 Directions: Buseoksa → Sosu Seowon 
👉 Directions: Sosu Seowon → Punggi Ginseng Festival

🏡 Day 3 – Morning Walk at Museom Village

• 🚗 Punggi → Museom Village (40 min taxi)

• 🏞 Explore Museom Village & Riverside Trail (1.3 km loop)
  → Walk across the wooden bridge, enjoy the hanok rooftops mirrored on the water.
  → Visit the small pavilion for panoramic photos of the village curve.

• 🍴 Lunch at Museom Sikdang (the only restaurant in the village)
  → Open until 6 PM, last order before 5 PM.
  → Try Cheonggukjang (soybean paste stew), pajeon (green onion pancake), and Sobaeksan makgeolli.

• ☕ Cafés: Choga Café or Namu Café for a final quiet moment.

• 🚆 Return to Yeongju Station 

🏘️ Museom Village

Museom Village, nestled in Munso-myeon, Yeongju, is a tranquil “island village” embraced on three sides by the Naeseongcheon River.

In the old days, a single wooden footbridge connected the secluded village to the outside world—brides crossed it in flower palanquins, and funeral processions passed over it on their final journey. Though modern bridges now span the river, the old narrow bridge remains a poignant symbol of Museom’s past.

About 40 traditional Confucian houses from the late Joseon Dynasty still stand here, preserving the grace of Korea’s scholar-gentry culture.  This was a rare place where nobles and commoners once studied together, and where the spirit of independence burned during Japanese rule.

Today, visitors can stay in centuries-old hanok, taste the local specialty Museom Goldongban (a royal-style bibimbap), and experience the serene rhythm of old Korea.

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
Morning mist over Museom’s twin rivers is unforgettable.
A gentle walk here brings your Yeongju journey full circle — peace, reflection, and simplicity.

👉 Directions: Punggi Ginseng Festival → Museom Village  
👉 Directions: Museom Village → Yeongju Station, or Museom Village → Punggi Station→ KTX to Seoul (2h 20m)

✨ Trip Summary

📍 Lucia’s Travel Studio Notes

This 3-day Yeongju itinerary balances stillness and liveliness:
temple mindfulness, mountain air, ancient culture, and the earthy scent of ginseng.
It’s perfect for travelers seeking a quiet Korean countryside escape — no car required.

📍Extra Tips: KORAIL “Jiyeoksarang (Love Local) – Yeongju 50% Rail Tour”

For a more convenient and cost-effective way to explore Yeongju, consider booking the KORAIL “Love Local – Yeongju 50% Rail Tour”. This package includes a round-trip train ticket, Yeongju city tour bus, and a ₩10,000 local voucher, making it a perfect option for weekend travelers.

👉 Book here:
Love Local – Yeongju 50% Rail Tour (KORAIL Gyeongbuk Office)

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
The “Love Local” rail package covers both your train ride and local transport —
no need to rent a car or worry about schedules.

📍Alternative Option: Yeongju Private Taxi Tour

If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, the Yeongju Private Taxi Tour is a great option. Ideal for small groups or couples, this tour allows you to efficiently visit Buseoksa Temple, Sosu Seowon, Punggi Ginseng Festival, and more.

👉 Book here:
Yeongju Private Taxi Tour (Klook Official, 10%)

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
Taxi tours are surprisingly affordable —
you’ll get a local driver who knows the area, photo spots, and even great restaurants! 🚖🌿

3️⃣ 🎉 Punggi Ginseng Festival 2025 — Main Events & Highlights

📅 Festival Period: October 18–26, 2025 (9 days)
📍 Location: Namwoncheon Riverside & Ginseng Culture Popup Park, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si

🎎 Governor Ju Sebung Parade — A Grand Historical Reenactment

📍 Route: Punggi Station → Downtown Street → Main Festival Stage (Ginseng Culture Park)
🕑 Time: October 18 (Sat) 2:00 PM
🪶 Watch the majestic march reenacting the journey of Governor Ju Sebung from the Joseon era.
Dancers in traditional attire, percussion troupes, and local students join the parade to recreate the spirit of Korea’s scholar-official culture.

🥇 Premium Ginseng Contest & Ceremonial Ginseng Ritual

📍 Venue: Main Stage, Ginseng Culture Park
🕒 Time: October 18 (Sat) 3:00 PM

The “King of Ginseng” competition honors the finest locally grown roots.
Farmers display their best ginseng, judged by appearance, aroma, and healing quality.
Followed by the Ginseng Ritual (InSam Daeje) — a traditional ceremony praying for health and prosperity.

🎤 KBS National Singing Contest — Yeongju Edition

📍 Venue: Main Stage, Namwoncheon Riverside
🕑 Preliminary Round: October 19 (Sun) 1:00 PM – Yeongju Citizen’s Hall
🕓 Main Filming: October 21 (Tue) 2:00 PM – Festival Main Stage

This annual event brings laughter and excitement as citizens and visitors perform on stage.
Guest artists include Hyeonsook, Kang Moonkyung, Shin Seungtae, Yoon Taehwa, and Seong Minji.
Broadcast nationwide on KBS 1TV in January 2026.

🏆 Golden Ginseng Hunt — Daily Treasure Challenge

📍 Throughout the Festival Grounds
🕓 Time: Twice daily — 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

Find the hidden golden ginseng markers to win a real 0.5-don gold bar (worth ₩400,000).
A thrilling adventure for families — follow clues and enjoy the hunt among market stalls!

🍶 Family Workshops & Experience Zones

📍 Venue: Small Stage & Experience Zone, near Ginseng Museum
🕓 Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun activities for all ages:

• Ginseng liquor brewing (InSam Byeongju)

• Ginseng cutting contest

• Injeolmi rice cake pounding

• Ginseng doughnut making

• DIY herbal soap & craft corner

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
The Ginseng Museum, right next to the main gate, offers interactive sessions on ginseng history and wellness — perfect for families and wellness travelers alike.
Join the 11 AM tour for live demonstrations of ginseng processing!

🍎 Yeongju Jangnal Market Festival (Same Week Event)

📍 Venue: Ginseng Culture Popup Park & Buseoksa Lawn Plaza
🕒 Time: October 18–26, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Local farmers gather to sell Yeongju’s best agricultural products — apples, honey, dried persimmons, herbs, and rice.
Spend ₩50,000 or more at on-site booths and get a ₩5,000 coupon to use on Yeongju’s official online mall, yjmarket.com.

💡 Don’t miss the afternoon time-sale events at 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM, and Check the LED board for surprise deal times — you might catch limited-time apple or honey bundles!

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
Chat with local vendors — you’ll hear old stories about ginseng traders, farmers, and mountain monks who shaped Yeongju’s spirit.

🎵 Evening Folk Performances & Powerful Dance Festival

📍 Venue: Main Stage by Namwoncheon Riverside
🕕 Time: Every Evening, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

A lively mix of samulnori drumming, folk dances, and youth performances under the autumn sky.
The festival concludes with the Sobaeksan Ginseng Music Gala (Oct 26, 7:00 PM) featuring local musicians and fireworks over the river.

🎵 Experiences & Highlights

• 🌿 Ginseng & herbal wellness tasting zones
• 🎨 Traditional crafts and pottery painting workshops
• 🎵 Evening folk performances & Powerful Dance Festival
• 🏞️ Huibangsa Temple & Yeongju Lake stroll at sunset
• 🍎 Apple Tasting Booth — Yeongju’s signature produce!”

4️⃣ Nearby Heritage & Cultural Gem – ⛰️ Sobaeksan National Park

Designated as Korea’s 18th national park in December 1987, Sobaeksan National Park is a realm where the seasons paint their own masterpieces. In spring, the slopes burst into color with wildflowers and royal azaleas, while winter cloaks the peaks in shimmering snow. Straddling three provinces and four cities, the park is a haven of diverse landscapes—majestic peaks, ancient temples, and cascading waterfalls. Every May, hikers flock here to walk through a breathtaking tunnel of blooming azaleas, nature’s own pink corridor. At its crown, Birobong Peak, blanketed in snow for half the year, is lovingly known as the “Alps of Korea,” a summit where tranquility meets awe.

Sobaeksan Mountain, Yeongju’s crown jewel, dazzles with vibrant autumn foliage that blankets its ridges and valleys each November. The mountain’s trails, lined with crimson and golden leaves, wind beside crystal-clear streams, creating a perfect harmony of color and sound. Walking through its ancient forests feels like stepping into a living painting, where every path reveals new shades of autumn beauty. From the sweeping views at the summit to the tranquil valleys below, Sobaeksan captures the very essence of Korea’s fall season.

5️⃣ Local Food & Dining

• 🍲 Punggi Ginseng Set Menu — ginseng fritters, ginseng stew, herbal rice wine
• 🥩 Yeongju Hanwoo BBQ — premium Korean beef near Punggi Station
• 🍵 Traditional Tea Alley — jujube, citron, and ginseng teas around Sosu Seowon

💡 Lucia’s Tip:
After your evening walk, head back to the Ginseng Night Market for late-night snacks — grilled ginseng skewers, honey rice cakes, and chestnut wine are crowd favorites!

6️⃣Lucia’s Travel Essentials

• 🧥 Pack a warm jacket — crisp mornings and cool evenings
• 🥾 Wear hiking shoes for temple stairs and mountain trails
• 💳 Bring some cash (some market stalls are cash-only)
• 📱 Use Yesim eSIM for seamless data during travel
• 🎟 Spend ₩50,000+ at booths to get a ₩5,000 coupon for yjmarket.com

7️⃣ 🍂 For More Autumn Adventures, Check Out This Post!

If you’re looking for more stunning autumn hikes near Seoul, be sure to explore the Seoul Autumn Hiking Series on Bukhansan and Achasan!
These trails offer breathtaking views of the fall foliage and are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the season while staying close to the city.

👉 Seoul Autumn Hiking: Bukhansan & Achasan

• What’s Inside: Detailed trail maps, tips for beginners, and local food recommendations around the hiking spots.

• Highlights: Stunning panoramic views of the city, crisp mountain air, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may contain affiliate tracking.
Purchases made through these links may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you 💜 — Lucia’s Travel Studio