Where Mountains Glow and Rivers Flow: Autumn Colors Fill Yangpyeong

Yangpyeong County: Three Top Autumn Foliage Destinations Near Seoul
From Yongmunsan’s Vibrant Leaves to Mulsorigil and Sanasa
Stroll, Walk, and Pause at Yangpyeong's Best Fall Spots
"Yangpyeong, A Place You'll Want to Return To"... Welcoming Autumn Visitors

As autumn deepens, the first places to be immersed in the season's colors are undoubtedly where mountains and rivers meet. Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province, a long-time retreat for residents of the Seoul metropolitan area, is welcoming the full arrival of autumn as it is draped in vibrant red and yellow foliage.

You don't have to travel far to experience the richness of autumn. Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi is home to Yongmunsan Tourist Site, where you can enjoy both fall foliage and local delicacies; Mulsorigil, a walking trail that traces rivers, forests, and villages; and the tranquil temple surroundings of Sanasa and Sangwonsa. To welcome fall visitors, Yangpyeong County has been inspecting its tourist attractions and walking trails and maintaining the surrounding environment. Here are three autumn destinations in Yangpyeong that you can choose based on your preferences and walking pace.

Autumn Foliage at Yongmunsa Temple. Provided by Yeongpyeong County

Yongmunsan... Walk the Foliage Trail and Savor Mountain Vegetables

The most representative autumn destination in Yangpyeong is, without a doubt, Yongmunsan. As autumn deepens, the entire mountain becomes a magnificent landscape of vibrant colors, completing a vast natural painting that symbolizes Yangpyeong itself.

The trail connecting Yongmunsan Tourist Site to Yongmunsa Temple, a millennium-old temple, has a gentle slope, making it an easy walk for people of all ages. Even without a strenuous hike to the peak, simply strolling leisurely around the tourist area offers ample opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the deep forest and vibrant foliage.

Culinary delights are another highlight of a Yongmunsan visit. The area hosts the annual "Yangpyeong Yongmunsan Wild Greens Festival" and is lined with restaurants serving regional specialties such as mountain vegetable bibimbap and grilled deodeok set meals. After soaking in the beauty of autumn along the foliage trail, enjoying a wholesome meal of mountain vegetables provides the perfect finish to your autumn outing.

Jeon Jinseon, head of Yangpyeong County, walking along the Water Sound Trail. Provided by Yangpyeong County

Mulsorigil... The Art of Slow Walking That Connects Rivers, Forests, and Villages

For those who prefer a more leisurely walking trip over mountain hiking, "Mulsorigil" is the ideal choice. This renowned trail in Yangpyeong allows you to walk close to rivers, forests, fields, and village roads, immersing yourself fully in nature.

For walkers who prioritize the act of walking itself over racing toward a destination, Mulsorigil is the best way to feel the changing seasons with your entire body. Accompanied by trees changing color and rivers flowing parallel to the path, you naturally regain peace of mind as you walk.

With the arrival of the autumn foliage season, Yangpyeong County is clearing weeds along the entire length of Mulsorigil while also focusing on inspecting and repairing any damaged or hard-to-use sections to prevent accidents and ensure visitors’ safety.

Ginkgo tree. Provided by Yangpyeong County

Sanasa & Sangwonsa... Autumn Embraced by Valleys and Ancient Temples

For those seeking a quiet escape from crowded tourist spots, Sanasa in Yongcheon-ri is an excellent alternative. At Sanasa, where mountains, valleys, and an ancient temple blend naturally, visitors can enjoy scenery that harmoniously fuses autumn foliage and cultural heritage in a tranquil atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for travelers who wish to slow their steps and linger over the fall colors.

If you crave an even deeper mountain solitude, Sangwonsa, nestled in a valley of Yongmunsan, is the place to visit. Less frequented by crowds, this temple offers the unique, serene autumn scenery of a secluded mountain temple rather than flashy attractions. As you quietly follow the foliage-covered forest path upward, you can embrace not only the vibrant view but also the profound tranquility that the season provides. This is a fall experience in Yangpyeong distinct from the lively atmosphere at Yongmunsan Tourist Site.

Grilled Deodeok. Provided by Yangpyeong County

Yangpyeong County is making thorough preparations for the influx of autumn foliage seekers by maintaining tourist site environments and implementing safety measures. The county is fine-tuning flower beds and the surrounding landscape at Yongmunsan Tourist Site and is preparing to deploy dedicated parking management and safety personnel to efficiently handle the expected crowds.

This autumn, rather than just visiting one spot in Yangpyeong, consider connecting several destinations that suit your preferences. Start with the foliage at Yongmunsan, slow your pace along Mulsorigil, and enjoy a moment of rest at Sanasa or Sangwonsa. Together, these three distinct landscapes complete the autumn of Yangpyeong.

An official from Yangpyeong County said, "Each location—Yongmunsan, Mulsorigil, Sanasa, and Sangwonsa—offers a different flavor of autumn," and added, "We will ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience for visitors through close attention to the environment, parking, and safety management at all tourist sites."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.