Did you know that, much like the beloved cherry blossoms of spring, both Koreans and tourists eagerly anticipate the arrival of the golden ginkgo trees in autumn?
Typically, these vibrant yellow trees reach their peak in October in places like Nami Island (나미산), Olympic Park (올림픽 공원), Seoul Forest Park (서울숲 공원), Jeonju (전주시), and further south in Gyeongju (경주). However, in 2024, the ginkgo trees (긴고 나무) have shifted their peak bloom to the last week of October and the first weeks of November, creating a unique and stunning sight for those who get to wander amidst their lush golden landscapes.
As mentioned earlier, Nami Island is a fantastic destination to admire ginkgo trees. Located just 2.5 hours from Seoul, it’s an ideal day trip for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without venturing too far. While Olympic Park and Seoul Forest Park are accessible by subway, a trip to Nami Island may require budgeting for transportation tickets. Ultimately, your destination will depend on your time and budget, but all these locations offer breathtaking autumn scenery.
So, how do Koreans celebrate this beautiful season? Primarily by taking long walks, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. This year, temperatures ranged from a mild 10°C to a warm 24°C. Along the way, people often enjoy bungeo-ppang (붕어빵), a fish-shaped pastry commonly sold at food markets like Myeongdong (명동) and Hongdae (홍대). These treats are traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, but modern variations include chocolate, sweet potato, ham and cheese, and more.
And what about autumn fashion in Korea? Renowned for their impeccable style, Koreans make the most of layering during this season. A typical outfit might include a long-sleeved blouse paired with a vest or sleeveless top in a contrasting fabric or print, topped off with a chic coat for the cooler mornings and evenings. For the bottom half, options range from trendy mini-skirts to wide-legged jeans. Stylish sneakers or high boots complete the look, often accompanied by a small purse to elevate the outfit further.With their picture-perfect ensembles and the fleeting beauty of the ginkgo trees, it’s no wonder many take the opportunity to capture photos during this magical season.
There are only few days left for you to experience the autumn in Korea, so definitely get the most out of it and go out for a long walk to picture it yourself!
How about this article?
- Like0
- Support0
- Amazing0
- Sad0
- Curious0
- Insightful0