Ginkgo Gold: 5 Must-Visit Spots for November Leaves in Korea
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
As November turns Korea golden, the Korea Tourism Organization highlights five top ginkgo (은행나무) sites to catch peak autumn color before you must wait a year. 1) Wonju Bangyeri Ginkgo — an 800-year-old single tree designated a natural monument, towering about 33m with a 16m trunk circumference and famed as an "insta" photo spot; weekdays recommended due to weekend crowds. 2) Buseoksa Temple (Yeongju) — a UNESCO World Heritage temple where ginkgo-lined paths form a golden tunnel from the gate to the main hall, offering framed views of the Sobaek Range. 3) Myeongnyundang at Sungkyunkwan (Seoul) — two 400+-year-old ginkgo trees (Natural Monument No.59) in front of the historic Confucian lecture hall add a scholarly, seasonal atmosphere amid the city. 4) Jeonju Hyanggyo — a provincial Confucian school with a 400+ year-old tree and rows of ginkgos that complement traditional hanok (한옥) roofs and earthen walls; pair with nearby Jeonju Hanok Village. 5) Gwaneumsa Temple (Jeju) — set on Hallasan’s slope at 650m, its ginkgo planted in 1911 turns yellow against clear mountain air; known as a filming site for the drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” and offering temple-stay and meditation programs. Each site offers a distinctive blend of history, architecture or mountain scenery framed by vibrant ginkgo leaves — now is the time to visit.
