Gochang in Autumn: Timeless Scenery and Quiet Charm
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Gochang’s autumn turns the county into a living painting, from fiery maple leaves at Seonunsa Temple to the tranquil ramparts of Gochang-eupseong, the nostalgic Japanese-era inn Joyanggwan (조양관), and the vivid sunsets at Dongho Beach. Seonunsa, a thousand-year-old temple on Dosolsan, becomes a ‘red carpet’ of fallen maples along the path through its gates and halls; a short hike leads to Dosolam and a large carved stone Buddha. Gochang-eupseong, well-preserved from the early Joseon period, offers gentle walks along 1.7 km of walls, restored government buildings inside, and a dramatic bamboo grove (maengjongjukrim) whose rustling sounds like waves; the site hosts the traditional “dapseongnori” (답성놀이) ritual of circling the fortress. Nearby Joyanggwan, a 1930s wooden Japanese-style inn turned cultural cafe, preserves its original rooms and serves regional specialties like bokbunja latte. Finish at Dongho Beach for a peaceful shoreline and a spectacular sunset color display, then stroll the pine forest trails and stargaze. Suggested timing: morning for Seonunsa, afternoon for the fortress, a relaxed weekday afternoon at Joyanggwan, and arrive an hour before sunset at Dongho to enjoy the “magic hour.”
