Autumn Foliage Is Here
Danpung ― Beckoning of Autumn Colors
By Kim Ji-soo
Staff Reporter
The virile green of summer lingered longer than usual this year because of warmer temperatures, delaying the appearance of the autumnal tint.
But that glorious season in Korea ― when the sky is high, the horses grow fat and the warm yellowish-reddish hues wash away the summer fatigue ― has arrived.
In Seoul, only glimmers of autumn foliage are detectable. Thus, Koreans in their hordes, dressed in colorful mountain gear, are heading to the mountains for a mixture of their favorite pastime: mountaineering and viewing autumn foliage.
Nothing beats looking at the foliage up in the mountains. Colorful leaves gently sway in the wind, as sunrays intermittently penetrate between them. At times, the wind can be so strong as to shake one's head from left to right, injecting fresh mountain air into one's body and mind.
In Korea, leaves first start coloring on Mt. Seorak in eastern Gangwon Province, where the temperature dips quickly. Trees start coloring when the lowest daily temperature falls below 5 degrees Celsius. As the day's sun shortens, meaning less sunlight, the yellow pigment carotenoid, the red pigment anthocyanin and the beige/brown tannin surfaces in the leaves.
The foliage then continues downward. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast peak foliage time to be around mid-October or through November, depending on the region. (See Table)
Because the foliage burst prettier when the daily temperature gap is wide and the region is without much humidity, avid foliage lovers count Mt. Seorak and Mt. Naejang as the most beautiful places. But these destinations can also be the most crowded on weekends, making other mountains better alternatives.
Mt. Seorak
Various routes are offered here. For a novice visitor, one instant-easy way to sample the foliage is to get aboard the cable car. The car will take you to Gweongeumseong, which is similar to a small observatory. From there, you can climb up to the bare rock top, Bonghwadae for a higher altitude view. You can also get a glimpse of Seorak Falls from Bonghwadae. The cable car costs 8,500 won for adults and 5,500 won for children. If you are a more experienced mountain climber, you can trek through Cheonbul-dong, Osaek Springs, Jujeongol and Baekdam Creek. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, try Daeseung Falls, one of Korea's most renowned waterfalls.
There are no direct buses or trains to Mt. Seorak. By train, one can leave from Cheongnyangni Station in northeastern Seoul and get off at Gangneung if you can afford to spend some time on the road. By bus, one can take the bus from East Seoul Terminal and get off at Sokcho and then hop on local bus No. 7 which will take you directly to Mt. Seorak. By car, one can take the Yeongdong Expressway, get off at the North Gangneung Interchange and head towards Sokcho (about 30 minutes), there will be signs guiding you to Mt. Seorak. Call (033) 636-7700 or visit https://seorak.knps.or.kr.
Mt. Naejang
Foliage at Mt. Naejang was considered one of the eight most beautiful vistas during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910); and it still is to many people. The mountain is home to eleven different types of maple trees, and rocks of interesting shapes and sizes. Commensurate with its reputation, there are more options to traveling to Mt. Naejang. A KTX train will be available daily from Oct. 18 through Nov. 19. Also, special train trips to Mt. Naejang are planned for Oct. 25, 26 and 30. From Nov.1 -5, the slower Mugunghwa trains will travel there. Call (063) 538-7875. or visit https://naejang.knps.or.kr
Mt. Juwang
Mt. Juwang boasts of rocky peaks that form a ``stone folding screen,'' scenic valley, falls and mineral springs and temples. You can trek from Daejeon Temple to Mt. Juwang peak, the Galdeung Ridge, Second Falls and then back to Daejeon Temple, which will take about four hours. This place is less crowded than Mt. Seorak and Mt. Naejang, so it's ideal for those who want some peace among the foliage. From East Seoul Bus Terminal, a bus leaves to Mt. Juwang National Park six times a day. Call (054) 873-0014/5 or visit https://juwang.knps.or.kr
Not to be missed is Mt. Odae, in Gangwon Province and more. Visit www.knps.or.kr for information on other foliage sites.
Group Tours
Tour companies around this time of the year provide group excursions. The national train service, KORAIL, is offering a number of trips at www.korail.com. By the time this article goes to print, KORAIL's tours will mainly be available toward the southern region such as Mt. Jiri and Mt. Naejang in southwestern Jeolla Provinces, and Mt. Juwang in Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang Province. Two tour companies ― Hongik Travel (02-717-1002) and Cheongsong Travel (02-853-7787) ― deal extensively with autumn foliage train trips.
Online shopping malls also have extensive trip offerings. Auction (www.auction.co.kr) is offering trips priced around 30,000 won to 40,000 won through mid-November. G-market (www.gmarket.co.kr) offers tours to various destinations through Nov. 14. The price ranges from as low as 20,000 won to 100,000 won. Another online shopping mall, www.lotteimall.com offers tours as well. These sites however are all in Korean.
