INSIGHT

Most people, when they think of love, would think of the color pink. Because of that, fields of pink muhly grass widely popularized through social media have surfaced as a trendy new dating destination in Korea. They even appeared as the setting for one-on-one dates on the popular Netflix reality show Better Late Than Single. The blushing pink grass can make hearts race and encourage people to open up to one another.

But pink muhly is more than just pretty grass. Walking through the tall, pink reed-like fields naturally draws people closer and focuses their attention on one another. In Korea, it's common for couples and travelers to take picturesque snapshots with pink muhly in the background.

Of all seasons, pink muhly is at its prime in autumn. How about visiting one of the large pink muhly fields across Korea or attending a local pink muhly festival? During one of those trips, you could even recreate romantic scenes you’ve seen in hallyu content. It might just be the most sweetly romantic way to experience a Korean autumn.

The peak of autumn in Korea arrives with warm, glowing trees with leaves in various rich hues of color. The explosion of red, orange, and yellow is like a painting in itself. The drama Our Beloved Summer contains a scene where the main characters walk through a forest path of autumn leaves. In the dating reality show I’m Solo, romance unfolds against the backdrop of Naejangsan Mountain’s autumn foliage. Likewise, you can easily catch glimpses of such beautiful fall leaves in many hallyu content.

What’s truly special about the trees in Korea’s autumn is their wide variety of colors, with red maple foliage, yellow ginkgo leaves, and orange-tinted mountains blending beautifully together in one frame, deepening the quintessential vibe of autumn. That’s why during foliage season, Korea’s major mountains and national parks become pilgrimage sites for people looking to capture the perfect photo. In fact, many international tourists see K-hiking as a must-do activity on their travel bucket list.

The prime location to observe these autumn trees is Naejangsan Mountain in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do Province. Tunnels and several waterfalls are colored with fall leaves, making for truly breathtaking views. Around Seoul, Bukhansan Mountain is by far the most popular. It’s easily accessible as it’s close to the city, and it’s also easily manageable within a short trip, as travelers need simply to walk along the dulle trails to enjoy remarkable views.

If you are worried that the hike might be too challenging or that you might have to purchase tons of gear, note that the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center in downtown Seoul offers hiking clothes, shoes, trekking poles, and hats for rent. Besides, most regional national parks are equipped with cable cars that give you easy access up and down the mountains. If you want to fully take in a Korean autumn, you don’t want to miss one of the country’s beautiful national parks!

In Korea, autumn is not only a season of beautiful colors but it’s also the season of festivals. Many festivals are hosted in the fall months to match the beautiful surrounding landscape.

The most signature autumn festival in Korea also happens to be the setting in the drama Let Me Travel for You. It’s the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, which is set against the Jinju Fortress and Namgang River.

The charm of these local festivals doesn't end with enjoying the surrounding nature. There are many programs on offer, such as writing wishes on the yudeung lanterns and floating them on the water, or enjoying fireworks on board a cruise ship. Experiencing these local festivals on top of the romantic autumn scenery will further enrich your fall travels.