Busan In The Fall: 8 Best Places To See The Fall Foliage

Fall may be the spooky season, with the famous Halloween, but to be honest, there’s something I look forward to even more in autumn: the shimmering colors of the fall foliage.

Whether it’s shades of red, yellow, orange, or purple, this time of year when the trees dress in vibrant colors is not only beautiful but also kind of poetic. So if you’re planning a trip to Busan in the fall, here are my 8 favorite places to enjoy a pleasant and beautiful autumn!

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Why visit Busan in the fall

While Busan and Korea in general are pretty popular during cherry blossom season, the city is also more crowded and often more expensive, whereas in the fall it’s just as beautiful, especially if you love spiced pumpkin lattes and vibrant colors, but without the cold.

Here’s a quick list of pros and cons to help you understand why fall is a great season to visit Busan.

⁎ Pros:

• less crowded and less expensive than in the spring
• pleasant temperatures
• fall foliage
• ideal for outdoor activities

⁎ Cons:

• risk of rain and cloudy days
• major national holiday (Chuseok) that may disrupt 2 to 3 days of your trip

Overall, fall is not only an ideal time to visit Busan, but it also offers a few additional advantages, whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who simply want to avoid the scorching heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter.

↪ See also: 8 Places To See The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms In Busan!

When is the best time to see the fall foliage in Busan?

Although autumn in Busan is worth visiting throughout the season, if your main goal is to enjoy the fall foliage, then your best bet is to plan your trip for late October through mid-November.

Weather & What to pack for Busan in the fall

As the weather is rather pleasant (at least until the beginning of November), you don’t need to pack any bulky clothing.

If you intend to stay until the end of autumn, then a lightweight but padded jacket paired with a beanie will do the trick, especially in Busan, where it can get quite windy.

↪ See also: What You Really Need To Pack For South Korea – From A Minimalist Traveler!

And for a smaller, printable version, download it as a PDF 👇

Best places to see Busan in the fall

1. Hwamyeong Eco Park (화명생태공원)

Address: 1718-17 Hwamyeong-dong, Buk-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 06:00-21:00 every day
How to get there: you can take line 2 (green) and get off at Hwamyeong station.

Less well-known than most popular and centrally located parks in Busan, Hwamyeong Eco Park deserves more than just a short detour.

Beautiful year-round, it takes on an incomparable charm when autumn arrives. Whether you like silvergrass, colorful tree-lined paths, or vibrant kochia, the park is adorned with a multitude of colors during this special season, making it the perfect spot to relax.

And that’s not even counting its fiery sunsets along the Nakdong river: another reason to take a walk through this tranquil park and breathe in the crisp autumn air.

↪ See also: The Best Places To Watch The Sunset In Busan!

2. Beomeosa (범어사)

Address: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 every day
How to get there: from Busan station, you can take the subway (line 1, orange) until Beomeosa station, then hop on bus 90 for 5 stops and get off at Beomeosa Parking Lot (범어사주차장).

I couldn’t put together such a list without mentioning my favorite temple in Busan: Beomeosa.

Historic, beautiful, and bathed by natural beauty, it’s no surprise than when fall comes, the temple is dressed with scarlet and golden fall foliage, offering visitors a peaceful yet magical setting nestled in the mountains.

↪ See also: Beomeosa Temple: A Unique Place To Visit In Busan!

3. Busan Citizens Park (부산시민공원)

Address: 73 Simingongwon-ro, Busanjin District, Busan
Opening hours: 05:00-00:00
How to get there: you can take the Donghae line (grey) and get off at Bujeon station.

Another park and one easily accessible from the city center, is Busan Citizens Park. With its 470,000 square meters of space and more than 1,000,000 different species of trees, it’s the ideal spot for nature lovers looking to escape the concrete jungle.

It’s also my favorite park for reading a book in the shade of a tree or having a picnic on sunny days, thanks to its vast expanse of grass.

Surrounded by tall buildings, the park remains a sweet haven of peace, as if enclosed in its own bubble of peace and quiet.

↪ See also: 10 Best Parks To Chill And Unwind In Busan!

4. Geumgang Park (금강공원)

Address: 175-146 Ujangchun-ro, Dongnae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: all day
How to get there: you can take line 1 (orange) and get off at Oncheonjang station.

Flying under the radar in Busan, Geumgang park has actually become my go-to hiking spot thanks to its many trails available, its tranquility, and its panoramic views of the city.

But before it became the place where I come to recharge my batteries in nature, I actually discovered it in the fall, when its lush forest is covered with shades of red and orange.

And while the mountain may be less famous than others in the city, it’s full of beautiful secrets, such as temples, gardens, and even a cable car.

5. Daejeo Eco Park (대저생태공원)

Address: 2314-11 Daejeo 1(il)-dong, Gangseo-gu
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 3, brown), stop at Gupo station and walk for 5 minutes before reaching the park.

While the park is as its most pretty pink hues in the spring, in the fall, bright colors and cute little flowers replace the delicate, ephemeral cherry blossoms.

Lose yourself in its fields of greenery or take a stroll through a maze of soft and fluffy silvergrass.

6. Oncheoncheon Citizens Park (온천천시민공원)

Address: 39 Oncheoncheonnam-ro, Yeonje-gu, Busan
Opening hours: all day
How to get there: you can take the Donghae line (grey) and get off at Allak station.

Another park that’s just as beautiful during cherry blossom season as it is in autumn.

Quieter than in the spring, the place, loved by everyone and especially by sports enthusiasts thanks to its numerous fitness equipments and long cycling lanes, is also the ideal spot for a leisurely walk along the stream.

Offering a striking contrast between the imposing buildings reflected in the water and the calm that reigns as you stroll through the park, Oncheoncheon is a delightful area in Busan.

7. Yongso Well-Being Park (용소웰빙공원)

Address: San 7-2 Seobu-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Opening hours: all day
How to get there: you can take the Donghae line (grey) and get off at Gijang station. You’ll then have to walk about 30 minutes to get to the park.

Probably not the closest or most accessible place to downtown, but if you’re looking for lush forests bursting with vibrant colors, and a lovely walk around a reservoir, then you’ll fall in love with Yongso Well-Being Park.

Even if Gijang may not be on your Busan itinerary, the district actually offers much more than just this beautiful park, thanks to its nearby beach and fun amusement park. So if you’re in the area or looking for a spot away from the crowds, this reservoir is one of the city’s best attractions.

8. Dadaepo Beach (다대포해수욕장)

Okay, fall foliage isn’t the main attraction here, but if you’re visiting Busan in the fall, a stop at Dadaepo beach won’t hurt, on the contrary.

If only for its breathtaking sunset, nearby coastal walk, and its pretty reeds and silvergrass gently swinging in the breeze, you shouldn’t miss Dadaepo, especially during the golden hours where the contrast between the blue of the ocean and the spectacular fall colors make for quite a show.

Busan in the fall – Map

Top tips for visiting Busan in the fall

Ready to explore Busan in the fall? Don’t leave or plan your trip without these 4 simple tips!

🍂 Check peak fall foliage times: generally, the period doesn’t vary much, but you never know how the weather will change from one year to the next. So if you want to make sure you don’t miss the vibrant fall colors, remember to check the exact peak fall foliage forecast.

🎒 Pack accordingly: don’t pack your entire wardrobe. Busan enjoys a fairly pleasant climate almost all year round, so don’t overpack and skip the winter clothes.

🥾 Enjoy the outdoors: fall is undoubtedly, along with spring, the best season in South Korea for hiking and all kinds of outdoor activities. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the allergies that spring can bring.

🥢 Indulge in seasonal dishes: at each season its delicacies, so don’t miss out on hearty stews, persimmons, rice cakes and more.

↪ See also: Food Guide To Busan: My 20 Must-try, Delicious Restaurants!

FAQ

How long does the peak of fall colors typically last?

If you want to see the leaves at their most vibrant, I’d say the peak usually lasts about 10 days, but it also depends on the weather.

What’s the temperature like in Busan in the fall?

It can get as warm as 25°C, but it can also be as cold as 8°C in November (in the morning and at night).

Will the weather be sunny or rainy?

There may be a few rainy days, but the weather is generally quite sunny with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Will it be crowded during this time?

Much less so than in the spring, even in a big city like Busan. You can also opt to visit lesser-known cities like Miryang or Daejeon, for example.

How can I avoid the crowds at the most popular places during peak fall foliage?

These parks won’t be crowded, but if you want to have them all to yourself, your best bet is to visit on a weekday, since Koreans are all out and about on the weekends.

Are there any festivals in Busan in the fall?

Yes, the city is always bustling with energy, but if you’re in Busan in the fall, there are a few festivals worth checking out, such as the BIFF or the Busan International Rock Festival. For a more complete list, you can visit Korea.net.

Need inspiration for choosing where to stay in Busan?

Unsure where to book your fall vacation? Check out: The Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Busan – A Complete Guide!