Naejangsan Mountain

Address: Naejangsan mountain, North Jeolla Province, South Korea

Website: https://english.knps.or.kr/ (National Park site)

Hours: Park access generally open year-round; cable car and facilities have seasonal schedules (check local park authorities)

Naejangsan is a mountain and the centrepiece of Naejangsan National Park in North Jeolla Province, South Korea, noted nationally for its autumn foliage and temple sites. The park was designated a national park in 1971 and is one of South Korea’s popular seasonal destinations.

Forested valleys, waterfalls and a network of marked trails lead to viewpoints and temple complexes such as Naejangsa and Baekyangsa; the park’s landscapes are particularly visited each October when deciduous trees display autumn colours. Peaks in the park rise to roughly the mid-700 metre range and provide short to moderate day-hiking routes with paved and unpaved sections.

The area was protected and developed as a national park to conserve its forests, temples and scenic values while accommodating tourism infrastructure such as trails, viewing platforms and park amenities. Temple buildings and mountain paths have been part of the site’s cultural landscape for centuries and remain focal points for visitors.

Naejangsan National Park lies in North Jeolla Province in the southwest interior of the Korean Peninsula, reachable by road from nearby cities and by public transport links to the park entrances.

• Autumn foliage season: The park is especially famous for autumn colours when maple and other deciduous trees turn vivid shades; peak foliage typically draws the highest visitor numbers in October.
• Designation and scale: The park was designated a national park in 1971 and contains peaks rising to around 760 metres, with established trails and temple sites within the protected area.

What to See#

• Naejangsa Temple: A temple complex and entrance area that serves as a focal point for visitors entering Naejangsan National Park and is situated on lower slopes with park facilities nearby.
• Baekyangsa Temple: A larger temple further into the park that is accessed via walking trails and is one of several religious sites within the protected area.
• Naejangsan National Park: The national park area encompassing forested valleys and peaks, established as a national park and managed for conservation and recreation.

Naejangsan National Park is reached from towns like Jeongeup and Sunchang. From Seoul, take an intercity bus or train to Jeongeup (about 3-4 hours) and then a local bus or taxi to the park entrances. Local shuttle buses operate during peak foliage season.

• Arrive early morning or late afternoon in autumn to see the maple and zelkova leaves change color with the best light.
• Take the cable car (Naejangsan cable car) for a fast, scenic ascent and combine it with walking trails that explore temples and peaks.
• Visit the small temples dotted along the slopes - they are often quieter and beautifully framed by autumn foliage.