South Korea Daegu Gyeongju - Beautiful outdoor attractions during the maple leaf and ginkgo season

During your autumn trip to Korea, there's one trip you absolutely can't miss: the Daegu-Gyeongju maple and ginkgo viewing tour! As you immerse yourself in the rich history and ancient monuments, you'll be enveloped by the mysterious atmosphere of churches and ancient tombs. The natural scenery, blanketed in golden maple leaves and ginkgo trees, is truly captivating! It offers a touch of humanity and tranquility compared to Seoul, and a leisurely stroll is incredibly relaxing.

Recommended Highlights

Daegu: Blending historical and cultural heritage with the vibrant energy of a modern city. The autumn-only Ginkgo Avenue is truly magical; walking along the path covered in golden leaves will have you snapping away!

Gyeongju: Dubbed the "Millennium Capital," it's filled with historical sites, Buddhist temples, and even ancient tomb parks. The churches and ancient tombs in both places offer a sense of history and culture. Compared to the more urban feel of Seoul, this is a place where you can connect more deeply with Korea's past and nature.

Itinerary Highlights

1. Daegu Ginkgo Avenue
Address: Daegu Ginkgo Avenue (Guchabosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu)
Exclusively for autumn, this attraction boasts a vibrant sea of ginkgo trees. Visiting in the morning when there are fewer people is recommended for the fresh, clean air.

2. Gyeongju Daereungwon Tomb Complex
Address: 31-1, Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
This attraction features numerous on-site tomb exhibits, offering insights into the ancient Korean royal funeral tradition. A quiet stroll along the path, where the vibrant red maple leaves interplay with the ancient tombs, creates a truly captivating scene.

3. Gyeongju Church
Recommended: Gyeongju Cathedral
Address: Gyeongju Cathedral (North-dong)
From a close-up, admire the church's spire, while the distant view interweaves with maple leaves and ginkgo trees, creating a truly retro atmosphere.

4. Bulguksa Temple
Address: 385 Bulguksa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
A World Heritage Site! This temple, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by maple leaves and ginkgo trees, offers a truly spiritual experience.

5. Gyeongju's Natural Scenery
Recommended Route: Take the Gyeongju City Train and enjoy the natural forests, lakes, ancient bridges, and autumn leaves along the way. 🍂 Ginkgo trees line the sides, and squirrels occasionally pop out, making it perfect for portraits!

Itinerary Tips

I originally planned to just take a quick tour, but I was deeply moved by the autumn's natural and historical beauty. Key Points:
The temperature difference between day and night in Korea is significant in autumn, so a windproof jacket is essential.
The scenic areas in Daegu and Gyeongju are primarily walking-based, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
There are many cultural and creative cafes near churches and temples, allowing for a leisurely stroll without rushing. A must-try is the Gyeongju specialty, Hwangnam Pancake!
Entrance to the Ancient Tombs Park is approximately 3,000 KRW, and reservations are not required.

Transportation & Food Recommendations

Transportation: Intercity buses are the most convenient way to travel between attractions in Daegu and Gyeongju. You can also check city train and bus schedules on trip.com. Food: Daegu's signature BBQ, Gyeongju's traditional Hwangnam Pancake, and the vegetarian restaurants near Bulguksa Temple are all worth a try. There are also many popular cafes along Ginkgo Avenue, perfect for afternoon tea.

#KoreaAutumnTravel #DaeguGyeongju #GinkgoMapleLeaves #CulturalHistoricalSite #ChurchTempleTourism