[WEEKEND GETAWAY] See Korea's stunning foliage before the colors fade

As autumn colors fade, explore Korea's top destinations like the Korea National Arboretum and Nami Island for vibrant foliage experiences, guided tours, and unique seasonal festivals through mid-November.

The Korea National Arboretum opened its “Secret Garden” to the public. [KOREA NATIONAL ARBORETUM]

With global warming gradually shortening autumn, the opportunity to experience the vibrant foliage of red, orange and yellow is becoming more limited each year. Before these rich hues begin to fade, explore some of Korea’s top destinations to fully immerse yourself in the season's scenery.

From expansive forests to intimate garden trails, here are some locations that each offer a unique way to appreciate the season’s stunning colors and natural charm.

Located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, the Korea National Arboretum has opened its “Secret Garden” to the public. [KOREA NATIONAL ARBORETUM]

Korea National Arboretum포천 국립수목원

Located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, the Korea National Arboretum, also known as Gwangneung Forest, opened its “Secret Garden” to the public for the first time on Oct. 18. By passing through a wooden gate, visitors can access a 300-meter (328-yard) path lined with various trees, including hornbeams, Japanese oaks, Japanese maples and a remarkable 350-year-old chestnut.

Access to the garden is limited to 15 people per entry on a first-come, first-served basis, with registration available at the forest commentary center. An hourlong guided tour will take place once on weekdays at 10 a.m. and twice on weekends at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

415 Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon City, Gyeonggi (031)-540-2000 https://kna.forest.go.kr

Seoul National University's Gwanak Arboretum is temporarily open to visitors from Oct. 19 to Nov. 17. [ANYANG CITY GOVERNMENT]

Seoul National University's Gwanak Arboretum서울대 관악 수목원

Seoul National University's Gwanak Arboretum — Korea’s oldest arboretum — is temporarily open to visitors from Oct. 19 to Nov. 17. Established in 1967 for research and education purposes, this 15.5-square-kilometer (6-square-mile) arboretum offers a stunning maple tree-lined path, a water plant garden, guided tours and activities such as forest healing and woodcraft. The Anyang City Government and Seoul National University are currently in discussions to set dates for possible opening of all areas.

280 Yesulgongwon-ro, Manan-gu, Anyang City, Gyeonggi (031)-473-0071 https://arbor.snu.ac.kr

Beartree park in Sejong is holding its autumn leaves festival until Nov. 10. During this time only, visitors can stroll along a vibrant foliage-lined trail. [BEARTREE PARK]

Beartree Park베어트리파크

Beartree park in Sejong is holding its autumn leaves festival from Oct. 19 to Nov. 10. During the festival time period, visitors can stroll along a vibrant foliage-lined trail, which is typically closed for the preservation of the forest. The trail is about a 20-minute walk and features photo zones as well as hands-on activities like woodcraft. A jazz performance by Lee Joo-mi will take place on Nov. 3.

217 Sinsong-ro, Jeondong-myeon, Sejong (0507)-1414-7971 https://www.beartreepark.com

Known for its wide variety of maple trees, Hwadam Botanic Garden is one of Seoul’s prime spots for autumn scenery. Visitors must make online reservations. [KONJIAM RESORT]

Hwadam Botanic Garden화담숲

Hwadam Botanic Garden is also hosting its autumn leaves festival until Nov. 17. Known for its wide variety of maple trees — around 400 species — the forest is one of Seoul’s prime spots for autumn scenery. During the festival period, entry is limited to 1,000 visitors per hour and 10,000 per day, all of whom must have completed online reservations. Pop-up exhibits will be set up at te newly opened complex cultural space Hwadamchae, where acorn-shaped madeleines and the Korean-style rice cookie jeonbyeong will also be on sale.

278 Docheogwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju City, Gyeonggi (031)-8026-6666 https://www.hwadamsup.com

A cruise will be available on Nami Island on Thursdays and Fridays until Nov. 8, offering a 50-minute foliage-viewing experience from the water. [NAMI ISLAND]

Nami Island남이섬

Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon, is a popular destination year-round, but it’s especially beloved in autumn. Among its many trails, the “Songpa Ginko Tree Trail” stands out, with ginko leaves gathered from Songpa District, southern Seoul. The island is accessible only by boat or zip line. Boat hours have been extended until Nov. 17, with the first boat departing at 7:30 a.m. and the last at 9:30 p.m. An autumn leaves cruise will also be available on Thursdays and Fridays until Nov. 8 offering a 50-minute foliage-viewing experience from the water. 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon City, Gangwon (031)-580-8114

BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]