Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Korea, as the leaves of various trees turn into vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. For this phenomenon, there is a Korean term called “Danpoong,” colorful fall foliage or autumn colors.
Danpoong is also an important cultural moment, inspiring traditional events, festivals and excursions to beautiful destinations to celebrate the passing beauty of nature in autumn. This seasonal spectacle usually happens from mid-October to early November.
During my visit to Korea (Nov 1-8) with the “Fam Tour” organized by MCST and KOCIS, I had the opportunity to see various trees whose leaves had transformed into shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Below are the trees I saw that are widespread across Seoul and Danyang.
Gingko biloba
Its leaves are large, broad, and distinctively fan-shaped. Its golden leaves I saw in Seoul and Danyang, were absolutely breathtaking, creating a stunning and serene atmosphere that felt magical. Often referred to as a "living fossil," this tree is one of the oldest species on earth and even survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, Japan. Every time I saw this tree in Korea, I couldn’t resist taking many pictures. It has become one of my favorite trees because of its golden leaves.
Red maple
The red maple is known for its striking red foliage in the autumn, which can also display shades of orange and yellow. There are different types of maple trees, and you can distinguish them by the shape of their leaves. This tree is the dominant tree at Bobaljae Pass, a mountain pass in Danyang. From the observation deck, we could see a vast valley of these trees, planted along the road, almost as if they were guiding the drivers. The rich red created an impressive view, adding a beautiful touch to the landscape and making it one of the highlights of my visit.
Crimson queen
At the hotel where we stayed in Danyang, I noticed this tree: Acer palmatum “Garnet,” also known as “Crimson Queen.” This variety of Japanese maple it stood out thus caughting my attention with its deep purple and orange color. I found its deep purple foliage unique, creating a striking contrast with other trees in the yard of the hotel. It also added a touch of elegance to the hotel’s yard and perfectly complemented Danyang’s natural scenery.
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