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AttractionAutumn Foliage
Jirisan National Park
4.3(35)
·Daeseong-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South KoreaCategory
Attraction
Location
Daeseong-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
South Korea's first national park and home to the Korean peninsula's second-highest peak, Cheonwangbong (1,915m). The mountain spans three provinces with 20+ trails ranging from easy valley walks to multi-day ridge traverses. Nogodan sunrise, Baemsagol valley, and the 25km Jongju Ridge (종주) are the most popular routes. Fall foliage in October is spectacular.
Best Time to Visit
MarAprMaySepOctNov
Tips
- Nogodan sunrise is the easiest highlight — drive to the trailhead and hike 40 minutes. Arrive by 5am in summer.
- The full Jongju Ridge (Nogodan → Cheonwangbong) takes 2-3 days. Reserve mountain shelters at the KNPS website months ahead.
- Hwagae Market at the base is famous for wild green tea and sanchae (mountain vegetables) bibimbap. Good pit stop before or after the hike.
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