Autumn trips in Korea: 6 small cities that are great right now (2026)
From autumn leaves, silver grass and pink muhly to fresh chestnuts, blue crabs and pine mushrooms. We picked small cities that are at their best this autumn.
This autumn, we recommend Gongju · Cheonan · Taean · Boryeong · Goesan · Yangyang.
| City | This autumn |
|---|---|
| Gongju | Fresh chestnuts · chestnut snacks at Sanseong Market |
| Cheonan | Maple Tree Forest Trail at the Independence Hall of Korea |
| Taean | Pink muhly · blue crab gegukji |
| Boryeong | Silver grass on Oseosan Mountain · in-season blue crabs |
| Goesan | Mungwang Reservoir Ginkgo Tree Road |
| Yangyang | Pine mushrooms · Namdaecheon Stream salmon |
How we picked
We picked them by checking whether they have views and seasonal foods you can only enjoy in autumn, and whether those are real places in our city guide. We update this same page every season.
6 cities that shine in autumn
Gongju
Fresh chestnuts · chestnut snacks at Sanseong Market: a city that gets prettier the closer you look
Old sites like Gongsanseong Fortress and the Royal Tombs of King Muryeong, plus the hanok of Gongju Hanok Village, are still here. You can walk through the times you've only read about.
Festival: Baekje Cultural Festival, Gongju (Edition 72) (10.03 – 10.11)
Cheonan
Maple Tree Forest Trail at the Independence Hall of Korea: a city at the crossroads where people and stories meet
The Independence Hall of Korea and the Yu Gwan-sun Historic Site are still here. You can walk through the times you've only read about.
Festival: Cheonan Heungtaryeong Dance Festival 2026 (10.01 – 10.05)
Taean
Pink muhly · blue crab gegukji: a land of great peace
Wander around Anmyeondo Fisheries Market, then have a meal of pajeon kalguksu at Seobu Market and at Anheung Sikdang, a long-running local favorite.
Boryeong
Silver grass on Oseosan Mountain · in-season blue crabs: a treasure of the west coast
You can try paragliding, a zip line and a sky bike that rides along the coastline.
Goesan
Mungwang Reservoir Ginkgo Tree Road: the clearest rest the mountains allow
Dramas and movies were filmed at Yeonpung Martyrs' Shrine, Mokdo Brewery and Suok Falls. You can walk in the footsteps of the scenes on screen.
Yangyang
Pine mushrooms · Namdaecheon Stream salmon: a city that's beautiful even if you don't surf
Festival: 2026 Yangyang Pine Mushroom & Salmon Festival (10.16 – 10.18)
How to dodge the crowds on an autumn trip
- Weekday daytimes are much more relaxed than a festival's first or last day.
- Pink muhly, silver grass and ginkgo trees look their best in the light around sunset.
- The sun sets early in autumn. If you're taking public transportation, check your ride back first.
FAQ
Where should I go for an autumn trip in Korea?
We recommend Gongju (fresh chestnuts · chestnut snacks at Sanseong Market), Cheonan (Maple Tree Forest Trail at the Independence Hall of Korea), Taean (pink muhly · blue crab gegukji), Boryeong (silver grass on Oseosan Mountain · in-season blue crabs), Goesan (Mungwang Reservoir Ginkgo Tree Road) and Yangyang (pine mushrooms · Namdaecheon Stream salmon).
- Randomtrip app season picks (autumn) · Confirmed 2026.09.29
- Randomtrip city guide place data
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