A quiet fall foliage course healing trip
Source: Uljin-gun
Early November is the time when the entire country reaches its peak with a wave of autumn leaves. Unlike well-known attractions, autumn foliage driving is attracting attention as a healing travel destination because you can enjoy quiet and leisurely scenery.
People who don’t want to miss the short but intense fall foliage season are already looking for driving courses.
Famous autumn foliage driving courses that are already known include Maltijae, Bobaljae, and Sanjeong Lake, creating a beautiful autumn atmosphere.
Source: Getty Image Bank
However, other than the well-known fall foliage driving courses, we introduce three places where you can enjoy a wonderful fall drive outside the metropolitan area.
If you want to fully enjoy the fall foliage, pay attention to this driving course.
Inje Hangyeryeong
Hangyeryeong, located in Inje, Gangwon-do, is a representative course where you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage of Seoraksan Mountain up close while driving.
Source: Getty Image Bank (Juyoung Yoo)
This is a road that runs along National Highway 44 at an altitude of 1,004m, and the view of autumn leaves beyond the window of Seoraksan Mountain is especially spectacular.
The beauty of Hangyeryeong Drive is driving along the winding road along the colorful autumn leaves. This pass, which belongs to Seoraksan National Park, connects Yangyang and Inje and is a gateway through which you can enjoy the scenery of Inner and Outer Seorak.
In particular, the view of the ridge and valley of Seorak Mountain while taking a break at Hangyeryeong Rest Area gives the impression of a red carpet being spread out. The scene of autumn leaves crossing the hill and surrounding the valley is a spectacle that can only be seen during this time of year.
Small observatories located along the road offer views of the area’s mountains and fall foliage, making it popular with photography enthusiasts. It is located about 2 and a half hours away from Seoul, so it is sufficient for a day trip.
Jeokseongsan Mountain
Jeoksangsan Mountain, located in Muju, Jeollabuk-do, is a mountain with impressive rock walls covered in autumn leaves. The autumn leaves here are particularly characterized by their vivid red color.
Source: Getty Image Bank
The 15 km long access road leading to the summit of Jeoksangsan Mountain, 1,030 meters above sea level, is a driving course boasting spectacular views. Jeoksangsan Mountain boasts such outstanding scenery that it is included in the top 100 famous mountains in Korea, and as its name suggests, the entire mountain looks as if it is dyed with red autumn leaves.
In particular, this mountain has the Anguksa Temple from the Goryeo Dynasty and Jeoksangsanseong Fortress, which stored the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, so it has a special charm where you can feel history and nature at the same time.
The beauty of the autumn leaves seen from here is especially maximized at sunrise or sunset. Additionally, you can climb to the top by car and enjoy the scenery comfortably.
Hiking trails with steep cliffs in the background are popular, but the autumn foliage road enjoyed by a slow drive from the bottom of the mountain offers another charm.
Wangpi-gil
Wangpicheon, located in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is an area with good ecological preservation, unlike other tourist destinations, and the nearby Wangpi-gil can be said to be an ecological driving course that preserves its pristine nature.
Source: Uljin-gun
The area near Wangpicheon, which stretches for 65.9km, is covered with maple leaves in fall, creating an enchanting scenery. Wangpicheon forms the natural green axis of Uljin and is also a habitat for various wild animals, including endangered mountain goats.
Wangpicheon is designated as an ecological tourist site, so a reservation-based tour program is also operated to preserve the ecological landscape within the protected area.
This driving course crosses the valley of Wangpicheon, and you can enjoy a close view of the surrounding mountains and valleys colored with autumn leaves.
The valley trekking course with the mountains in the background allows you to experience the clean nature of Wangpicheon, enjoy the leisurely drive and enjoy the fun of ecological exploration.
