Enjoy Naejangsan National Park in Autumn

Naejangsan National Park in Jeollabuk-do region is famous for the Naejangsan mountain. It is one of the best mountains in South Korea to observe the gorgeous autumn colors. The park itself is quite larger, with around 76,000 sq. km. area. This particular National Park is well known all over Korea for its diversity in fauna and flora. This is located in Jeongeuo, the southeastern part of South Korea. This is a very well famed location during the Autumn for its lush vegetation, making it the city’s main attraction. In 1971, it received the designation of the eighth national park. It bears the name of Naejangsan mountain. There are 919 plant species and 1,880 animal species in the park altogether. Twelve of these species are critically endangered.

Its beautiful crimson color verdure, waterfalls, and 600-year-old nutmeg trees are particularly well-known. The national park has 31 square kilometers of land (81 sq km). Visitors to the national park can experience Korean culture in addition to the vibrant vegetation. Even though fall is unquestionably the park’s prime time of year, other beautiful times of year include spring, when azaleas and cherry blossoms bloom; summer, when the mountain becomes greener; and winter, when the rock cliffs are covered in snow.

The magnificent vegetation and landscapes that surround Naejangsan mountain were protected when Naejang was designated as a national park. The park also safeguards the cultural legacy present in the temples found inside its bounds.

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What to see in Naejangsan National Park?

Naejangsan Mountain

The park’s main attraction is Naejangsan mountain, which is visible from any nook and corner of the Park. It reaches up to a great height of 2,503 feet (763m). It also offers a distinctive viewpoint. One of the simplest ways to see the fall colors without exerting yourself on the trails is to take a cable car up the mountainside.

This park has the attractiveness of the three most appealing places in the whole National Park they are:

Naejangsa Temple

Naejangsa Temple is one of the two popular temples in the park, which can be seen after casually walking for around 5 mins from the park’s entrance. You can use the provided plastic cups for drinking the fresh, potable water that the wells here produce.

Uhwajeong Pavilion

As you walk downhill along the long path called ‘Five Colours Danpoong Path’ (Danpoong is Korean is autumn leaves) you will see the Uhwajeong Pavilion. The various trees, greenery, flowers, and vegetation surrounding the pavilion almost look like an art that is drawn, the water here is so clear that you can see the fish swimming around.

Sinsun Waterfall

Downwards the pavilion along the same path, you will find the Sinsun Waterfall. This famous river bank was where Korean and Japanese soldiers engaged in combat. Natural stones were arranged in an attempt to rebuild the river because it is an old one.

Apart from these, there are a few trails wherein each gives you a glimpse of the extraordinary features of the park.

Nature Observatory Trail

This hike, considered easy, offers a great chance to see the fall foliage and the 108 Danpung Tunnel. The one-way trail is approximately 1.01 miles long (1.63 km).

Baekyangsa Walking Trail

This path, rated as intermediate, is approximately 5.28 miles long (8.5 km). Baekyangsa Temple, Yaksaam Temple, Yeongcheongl Cave, and a breathtaking vista of Baekamsan Mountain round out the sights.

Ridge Hiking Trail

This full-day hike is considered to be more challenging. The trail travels 6.83 miles (11 km) and accumulates a height between 2,172 and 2,503 feet to reach each summit (662 m to 763 m). The trek offers breathtaking panoramas of the surroundings.

How to reach Naejangsan National Park?

You can reach this place by car or train or by tour package. The three options are given below:

By train: Board the KTX from Yongsan Station to Jeong-eup Station, then to reach Neajangsan National Park take the local bus available near the station. First-time passengers may find this to be rather confusing, and KTX train tickets can be pricey at roughly 40,000 KRW. Additionally, given that the fall is a busy season in Korea, train tickets can sell out quickly.

By car: It takes about 3 hours from Seoul. However, it could take longer on weekends or at the busiest times of the year. Access to the summit during the fall season might be challenging, especially if you arrive late. The ideal time to visit is early in the morning, and take your time exploring.

By tour: You won’t have to worry about getting to the park or directions if you sign up for any autumn foliage tour. The tour also includes a little admission cost, English-speaking tour guides, a bottle of water, and a light breakfast.

In Naejangsan, the foliage typically peaks between late October and mid-November. It is, therefore, ideal for visiting Naejangsan National Park between late October and mid-November if you intend to see the fall leaves.