● OPEN NOW · OCTOBER ONLY
NAE-MYEON · HONGCHEON · GANGWON-DO
Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest
A forest of 2,000 golden trees, planted by one man for his wife — and open to the world just one month a year.
🍂
2,000
Ginkgo trees
🎟️
Free
No ticket needed
⏰
10–5
Open 10 AM – 5 PM
🚗
~3 hrs
Drive from Seoul
THE STORY
A Forest Planted for Love
In 1985, a man began planting ginkgo trees in a quiet valley in Hongcheon, hoping the clean mountain air would help his ailing wife. For 25 years the forest stayed private — until word spread and, in 2010, it opened to visitors for the first time.
Today about 2,000 ginkgo trees stand in neat rows across 40,000 m², and every October they turn a brilliant gold. Over 100,000 people visit each year during the short opening window.
One month a year, one valley turns completely gold.
YOUR DAY TRIP
Plan the Perfect Day
EARLY MORNING
Leave Seoul
It’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive — leave early to arrive close to the 10 AM opening, before weekend traffic builds.
10 AM
Walk the Gold
Stroll the flat dirt paths between rows of golden trees — morning light and fewer crowds make the best photos.
LUNCH
Village Food
Try local snacks from village stalls, then visit nearby Sambong Mineral Spring before heading home.
WHY GO
Highlights
🍂 2,000 golden ginkgo trees
💛 A love story forest
📅 Open October only
🚶 Easy flat walking paths
📸 Golden-carpet photos
🥔 Village food stalls
⛰️ Gangwon mountain scenery
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Getting There & Tips
🚗 Getting There
- Address: 686-4 Gwangwon-ri, Nae-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do
- About a 2.5–3 hour drive from Seoul — a car or day tour is easiest
- No cars inside the forest — park at the temporary roadside parking
- Weekend roads get very busy — arrive by 10 AM
✨ Good to Know
- Free · open 10 AM – 5 PM, no entry after 5 PM
- Open in October only — dates can shift slightly each year
- Leaves usually peak in late October
- It’s in the mountains — bring a warm layer
GOOD TO KNOW
Quick Questions
Is it free?
Yes — entry is completely free. Parking at the temporary roadside lots is also free.
When is the best time to go?
The leaves usually reach their golden peak in late October. Go on a weekday, or arrive right at 10 AM on weekends to beat the traffic.
Can I get there by public transport?
It’s in a remote mountain area, so a car, rental car or organised day tour from Seoul is by far the easiest option.
Is the walk difficult?
No — the paths are flat dirt trails with no steep slopes or rocks, so it’s easy for all ages.
Before You Go
Heading into the mountains? A Korea eSIM keeps navigation and translation working the whole way.
Directions → · More day trips → · More events →
Information checked October 21, 2026 from Hongcheon County tourism information and Korean news reports. Opening dates and leaf colour vary each year — call 033-433-1259 before visiting. This post contains affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.