Naejangsan National Park National Park

Address: Naejangsan National Park, North Jeolla Province, South Korea

Website: https://english.knps.or.kr/

Hours: Park open year-round; facilities and cable car operate on seasonal schedules (check park notices)

Admission: Entrance fees for national parks apply (modest; check park authority); cable cars and special facilities may have separate charges

Naejangsan National Park is a protected mountain park in North Jeolla Province, South Korea, established as a national park in 1971. It is widely known for its forested slopes and seasonal maple and ginkgo colours.

The park’s main attractions are its forested hiking trails, temple sites, and viewpoint routes that showcase autumn foliage. Trails lead up to the summit at about 763 metres and link lower temples and waterfalls; many routes have stair sections and viewpoints spaced at set intervals for photography. Park facilities include a cable car and several well-marked entrance areas that concentrate visitor services and parking.

The area has long been used for religious sites and mountain walking; Buddhist temples such as Naejangsa and Baekyangsa have served pilgrims and local communities for centuries. The national park designation in 1971 formalised conservation of the mountain forests and visitor infrastructure.

The park sits in the mountainous interior of North Jeolla Province, centred on Naejangsan (Mount Naejang) and accessible from nearby towns and cities in the province. Forested ridges and valleys dominate the surrounding landscape.

• Autumn foliage peak: Peak autumn colours typically occur from mid-October into early November, when access and trails can be very busy.
• Access options: A cable car and a network of stair-and-path trails provide alternatives to the steeper footpaths for reaching higher viewpoints.

What to See#

• Naejangsan Summit (peak): A mountain summit reaching about 763 metres that is the park’s highest point and the end point for several marked trails.
• Naejangsa Temple: A historic Buddhist temple set on the lower slopes, commonly visited as part of short walking routes through maple and pine forest.
• Baekyangsa Temple: Another major temple within the park located near popular trails and viewing points for autumn foliage.

Intercity buses and trains to Jeongeup are the usual route from Seoul (3-4 hours). From Jeongeup, local buses, taxis or park shuttle services connect to the main park entrances; check park schedules for cable car operation.

• If visiting during peak foliage season book accommodation in nearby Jeongeup or use the park's shuttle services to avoid parking congestion.
• Combine the cable car ride with one of the quieter side trails that lead to temples for a less crowded experience.
• Avoid national holidays (Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving) when the park can be unbearably busy.