Discover Korea’s most stunning fall colors and deep Baekje heritage in Jeongeup, the heart of Naejangsan National Park.
🌏 Before You Head Out
Before you head out, make sure to download the Naver Map app — it’s the most accurate navigation app in Korea.
Unlike Google Maps, which often struggles with Korean addresses and routes, Naver Map provides precise walking, driving, and public transport directions in English.
Available on both Android and iOS, it’s your best companion for finding hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies anywhere in Korea.
👉 Download Naver Map (Google Play) | App Store
I. Naejangsan — Korea’s Autumn Masterpiece
🌿 1. Overview of Naejangsan Autumn Foliage
Nestled in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, Naejangsan National Park is Korea’s most beloved autumn destination. The park is often called “the soul of Korean foliage”, attracting travelers from around the world every October and November. Its famous Maple Tunnel, stretching from the Iljumun Gate to Naejangsa Temple, bursts into vibrant shades of red and gold — a breathtaking scene often described as “walking through a living painting.”
Naejangsan’s brilliance lies not only in its beauty but also in its unique diversity: 11 species of native maple trees coexist here — including the Korean maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum), Trident maple, and Painted maple. Thanks to the wide day-night temperature gap and long hours of sunlight, the foliage displays exceptionally vivid colors.
Beyond autumn, Naejangsan remains captivating year-round: cherry blossoms in spring, emerald forests in summer, and snow-covered serenity in winter. But for most visitors, autumn is when the mountain burns brightest.
Credit KTO
Maple Tunnel
Maple Tunnel
Credit – KTO
Naejangsan Autumn Foliage
Lucia’s Tip 🌿 | How to Enjoy Naejangsan’s Autumn Colors — With or Without Hiking!
✅ If you take the shuttle bus and cable car, you can fully enjoy the autumn foliage without much walking! ✅ The most beautiful autumn colors can be found along the paved road between Iljumun Gate and Uhwa Pavilion — even more than on the mountain itself. ✅ For those who want to hike:
Sinsunbong Peak – the highest main peak (certified summit point, round trip about 13 km)
Seoraebong Peak – offers the best panoramic view (round trip about 12 km) ✔
There’s also a popular “9 Peaks Trail” that connects all nine summits of Naejangsan.
🏯 2. Major Sights of Naejangsan –
📍 Naejangsa Temple
👉 View on Naver Map Built in 636 CE by Buddhist monk Yeong’eun during the Baekje Kingdom, Naejangsa Temple stands as one of Korea’s most scenic temples. Though destroyed during the Imjin War (1592–1598) and the Korean War, it was rebuilt multiple times, preserving its spiritual beauty within the folds of the mountain.
The complex includes the Main Buddha Hall (Daeungjeon), Paradise Hall (Geungnakjeon), and the Four Heavenly Kings Gate (Cheonwangmun), surrounded by 11 native maple species. The 300-meter Maple Tunnel leading to the temple is a national treasure of natural beauty.
Naejangsa Temple
Naejangsan Autumn Foliage
📍 Uhwajeong Pavilion
👉 View on Naver Map If you don’t take the cable car, we recommend visiting Uhwajeong Pavilion (a popular photo spot) and Naejangsan Maple Tunnel, a scenic path lined with 108 maple trees stretching from Iljumun Gate to Naejangsa Temple — an easy and flat hiking trail.
The name Uhwajeong means “the pavilion that flew to heaven.” Floating gracefully above a mirror-like pond near Naejangsan’s entrance, this pavilion forms one of Korea’s most photographed autumn scenes. Red maple reflections shimmer across the water, while willow trees, dogwoods, and mountain cherries frame the view. The clear pond even hosts Gobiobotia brevibarba (a freshwater fish that lives only in pure, clean streams).
Uhwajeong
Uhwajeong
Naejangsan Autumn Foliage
📍 Yonggul Cave
👉 View on Naver Map Perched halfway up the mountain, Yonggul Cave holds immense historical importance. During the Japanese invasions (1592), Confucian scholars Oh Hee-gil and Son Hong-rok secretly moved the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and the royal portrait of King Taejo from Jeonju to this cave — protecting them from destruction. This daring act ensured the survival of the Veritable Records, now listed as UNESCO’s Memory of the World.
Climb further past Yonggul to see Geumseon Falls, Sinseonmun Gate, and Sinseonbong Peak (763m) — where panoramic views of crimson ridges await.
📍 1179-11 Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do Operating within the park’s center, the Naejangsan Cable Car runs 688 meters from the visitor center to the Yeonjabong observatory in just five minutes. From inside the glass cabin, a sweeping sea of red leaves, cliffs, and waterfalls unfolds below.
🚌 Autumn Access Tip: From Oct 20 – Nov 16, private vehicles are restricted inside the park. Visitors must park at Lot 4 (Naejangho Parking) and take a free shuttle to the trailhead.
Tel: 063-538-8981 This local favorite serves gourmet set menus featuring barley bulgogi, fermented kimchi trio, and regional specialties known as the “Maple Taste Course.”
Price: ₩10,000~ Reservation: [지역사랑-정읍시] 당일 – 자유여행상품 💡 Tip: Set Korail’s site to Korean language mode, then use Google Translate for English. The English version doesn’t list this local product.
Located around Naejang Lake in Jeongeup, this eco-friendly leisure complex offers a perfect mix of nature, relaxation, and light entertainment. Visitors can stroll along forest trails and lakeside paths, enjoy musical fountain shows, and explore facilities such as an outdoor stage and youth plaza. In summer, children love playing at the ground fountains, while in the evening, colorful light displays create a romantic atmosphere. Hop on the red sightseeing train to easily visit nearby attractions like Jeongeup City Museum and Yongsan Lake with the Mirsam Bridge.
Red Train
Yongsan Lake
City Museum
2️⃣ From Naejangsan Tourism Theme Park → Jeongeupsa Cultural Park Move from nature to history — visit the park dedicated to Jeongeupsa, Korea’s oldest love song. 🔗 View Route on Naver Map
Dedicated to Korea’s oldest surviving Baekje song, Jeongeupsa, written by a wife waiting for her husband’s return. The park houses a stone monument engraved with the song, a shrine, and forest trails illuminated at night.
“Oh moon, rise high and shine bright—guide my love home safely.” This ancient melody remains a timeless symbol of love and devotion.
Jeungeupsa Music Note
Media Art
View from the Park
3️⃣ From Jeongeupsa Cultural Park → Saemgoeul Market Head downtown and experience local life through traditional snacks and Jeongeup’s famous street foods. 🔗 View Route on Naver Map
A century-old traditional marketplace — once known as Jeil Market — now thriving with over 280 stores and 500 vendors. It’s famous for handmade rice cakes, vintage metal shops, blacksmith stalls, and warm bowls of sundae soup. Here, Jeongeup’s everyday life continues to pulse with color and sound.
Saemgol Market
Saemgol Market
4️⃣ From Saemgoeul Market → Ssanghwatang Street Take a short walk to the cozy Ssanghwatang Tea Street, known for its traditional herbal teas and retro cafés. 🔗 View Route on Naver Map
Korea’s only street dedicated to herbal tea, home to 16 teahouses along a 350m stretch. Ssanghwatang is a traditional wellness drink brewed with over 20 medicinal herbs, nuts, and dates — served hot in stone cups with crispy rice crackers. Dasoni Teahouse is a must-visit for its atmospheric decor and seasonal dessert pairings.
Ssanghwacha Street
5️⃣ From Ssanghwatang Street → Engelberg European Village End your journey at Jeongeup’s hidden gem — a small European-style village inspired by Switzerland’s Engelberg. 🔗 View Route on Naver Map
Named after a Swiss alpine town, Engelberg is a wellness retreat complex blending European-style chalets and cafes. Enjoy afternoon tea (reservation required via Naver) or stroll through its photogenic wooden alleys that evoke Interlaken or Bavaria.
Commemorating the 1894 Donghak Peasant Revolution, which ignited Korea’s first mass movement for social equality and anti-corruption. Exhibits include weapons, relics, and multimedia displays that narrate the uprising and its key leaders, including General Jeon Bong-jun.
1️⃣ From Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Hall → Pihyangjeong Pavilion Visit the memorial hall dedicated to the 1894 Donghak Peasant Revolution, then continue to Pihyangjeong, a traditional pavilion built during the Joseon Dynasty, beautifully overlooking the lotus pond. 🔗 View Route on Naver Map
Known as “the finest pavilion in Honam,” it was once surrounded by twin lotus ponds. The open wooden structure from the Joseon Dynasty exudes serenity — where scholar Choi Chi-won is said to have written his poetry centuries ago.
Pihyangjeong
Pihyangjeong
2️⃣ From Pihyangjeong Pavilion → Museong Seowon Confucian Academy A serene UNESCO World Heritage site commemorating Choi Chiwon, a revered scholar of the Silla Kingdom. 🔗 View Route on Naver Map
Built to honor scholar Choi Chi-won during the late Silla era, Museong Seowon later became a major Confucian academy. It survived the 1868 Great Confucian Purge and was one of only 47 seowons spared nationwide. Recognized by UNESCO in 2019, it symbolizes Korea’s enduring educational and moral traditions.
Museong Seowon
📍 Sangchun Park
Located near Museong Seowon, this park celebrates poet Jeong Geuk-in, author of Korea’s first lyrical poem Sangchun-gok (Ode to Spring). Visitors can walk the Sangchun Trail, reading engraved verses along the way.
3️⃣ From Museong Seowon → Kim Myeong-gwan’s Historic House End your journey at this well-preserved late-Joseon aristocratic residence, showcasing traditional Korean architecture and lifestyle. 🔗 View Route on Naver Map
A rare surviving 99-room aristocratic residence from the late 18th century. Built during King Jeongjo’s reign, the structure features symmetrical courtyards and elegant woodwork typical of high Joseon architecture.
Korail’s “Love Local” trains are affordable and convenient but only bookable in Korean language. If you’re visiting from abroad, ask a Korean friend to help with the booking or use English-friendly options on Klook or GetYourGuide. Most locals are incredibly kind — even if you don’t speak Korean, they’ll do their best to assist you once you’re there. 🌸
🔜 Next Destination: Jangsu‑dong Ginkgo Tree
Discover the 830-year-old Jangsu-dong Ginkgo Tree in Incheon. With its golden leaves at their peak, it’s a must-see autumn spot. For more hidden gems, check out the full guide: Hidden Autumn Spots in Incheon
After exploring Incheon’s hidden autumn gems, continue your golden journey into Seoul’s mountains. Gwanaksan and Namhansanseong Fortress offer breathtaking fall trails, temple views, and peaceful forest paths — a perfect blend of nature and history.
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