You know? They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I couldn’t agree more. When trying to find the right words to describe the beautiful autumn colors of the Korean mountains, I realized (after 5 edits) that I just couldn’t do this place justice.

So, without further ado, I present to you:

Korea in Fall, Through the Lens

When I lived in Korea, I spent every weekend exploring the various parts of the peninsula. I have to admit that fall was my absolute favorite time of the year while I was stationed there, hands down!

Korea’s fall colors are some like I’ve never seen, and I’m from Colorado! Yes, the changing aspens are unbelievably gorgeous, especially set to the backdrop of something like the San Juan mountains or the famous Maroon Bells. However, Korea’s quantity of changing leaves gives even Colorado a run for its money

I’ve narrowed the best locations for taking ‘insta-worthy’ photos to the following three locations; use these photos as inspiration, chart your own map, and go see for yourself!

1. Songnisan National Park

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked where I took the bridge photo below, I could easily quit the military and retire lol. Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating, but Songnisan National Park is by far the best spot in Korea for taking authentic, unique fall photos.

• Peak leaf changing: 19 Oct – 2 Nov
• Best time to go: Shoot for the last week in October. Weekdays are always less crowded!
• Best route to take:
  • Park in the town just outside the Beopjusa Tourist center on the southwest side of the park
  • Enter through the south of the park and make your way to the Beopjusa temple, but don’t go into the Beopjusa Temple
  • Continue on the trail which will bring you past the small lake
  • Look for signs pointing to Mun-jang-dae Terrace and take that route, you’ll pass the Yong-ba-wi-gol Rest Area
  • After summiting the Mun-jang-dae Terrace, look for signs to Sinseondae to make a loop. Make sure to stop by the cooles rest stop ever (신선대 휴게소) for a potato pancake and beer!
  • Finish by either heading back to the trailhead, or cotinue to Cheon-wang-bong Peak to make sure you see the Sanghwan-Am Buddhist Temple on your descent

This National Park was one of only two National Parks I visited twice while in Korea, that’s how awesome it is! For some truly unique shots, stop by the Sanghwan-Am Buddhist Temple on your way up/down, I promise you won’t regret it!

2. Odaesan National Park

Next up is Odaesan National Park, a random choice I made on my way back from an overnighter in Gangneung! I had no real intentions on hiking this day but, after seeing one beautiful sight after another, I couldn’t resist!

To reach the temple pictured below (오대산 중대 사자암), it’s actually a rather short hike. You can easily tackle this one in a half-day’s trip, or stay the whole day, basking in the amazing beauty!

• Peak leaf changing: 19 Oct – 2 Nov
• Best time to go: Shoot for the last week in October. Weekdays are always less crowded!
• Best route to take:
  • Park at the parking lot right near the Sangwonsa Temple
  • Look for signs to the Sangwonsa Jeokmyeolbogung Temple (상원사 적멸보궁) and take that route
  • You’ll pass directly by a temple, spelled 오대산 중대 사자암. You won’t want to miss taking at least 30 photos here lol

3. Pinnacle 4

Last but certainly not least, a hike called “Pinnacle 4“. The trailhead is about 10 minutes outside of Camp Humphreys, and about 30 minutes south of Osan Air Base. Click here for the route I took!

The reason I loved this spot enough to put it in the top 3 over places like Buhaksan and Seoraksan National Parks is because of how peaceful it is. A lot of what you’re going to see on social media right now is going to be overcrowded and full of selfie-takers

The Pinnacle 4 route had absolutely nobody around the day I went. You can have this entire peak to yourself without having to hear other folk’s conversations, or worry that you’re going to ruin somebody’s attempt at a new profile pic lol.

Do you know of an even better spot? Comment below and share your story!