Although autumnal colors can be found wherever deciduous trees are in the northern hemisphere this time of year, the shades can vary a lot depending on climate conditions.

This year, autumn in Korea is coming a bit late, but the show may be well worth the wait. The colors are expected to look much more spectacular than in previous years thanks to timely rainfall and optimum temperatures.

The peak for the foliage is going to be around this weekend (Oct. 13-14), said an official from Korea's national parks.

The coloration usually occurs from North to South on the Korean Peninsula. The popular east coast mountain Seoraksan has already seen its foliage from lacquer, oak and maple trees turn red and yellow, but tourists can still catch the lingering beauty up until the end of October. Jiri, Odae, Chiak mountains will reach their peaks around Oct. 20. Then the most vibrant colors will move to the southern mountains of Worak, Sok Li, Gyeryong and Gaya.

Many consider Naejangsan the most beautiful of all Korean mountains in autumn. Its 30 species of trees are renowned for their 40 beautiful breathtaking colors. The clear blue autumn skies, together with the red mountains, create a spectacular scene.

Naejangsan National Park lies adjacent to Jeongeup-si and Jangseong-gun in Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province). Camping fees differ according to the size of the tent from 3,000 to 6,000 won. Parking fees also vary according to car size and range from 2,000 to 6,000 won per day.

Naejangsan has a 663-meter chair lift from Uhwahjeong and Munpilbong that costs from 1,500 to 3,000 won, depending on age. There is one hotel (104 rooms), 16 inns (342 rooms), and 75 lodging houses (225 rooms) nearby. More information on the mountain is available from the park office (Tel: 82-54-873-0014).

Seoraksan National Park is near Sokcho, Yangyang, and Inje County. In mid-autumn, snow-capped peaks sit atop red and yellow mountainsides. There are about 28 peaks on Seoraksan. The highest -- Daecheongbong, Hwachaebong, Hangyeryeong and Madeungnyeong -- are all clustered together, making for magnificent scenery.

Near the summit of Daecheongbong is Jungcheong shelter (1,600 m). In all, there are five shelters in the park, charging 5,000 to 7,000 won per night. Reservations can be made through the park office (Tel: +82-33-636-7700). Cable car rides between Sogongwon and Gwongeumseong (1,127 m) are 5,000 to 8,000 won (one way).

Seoraksan's deep valleys and waterfalls provide breathtaking scenery that attracts more than 3 million people per year from Korea and abroad.


By Ro Ji-woong
Korea.net Staff Writer