● TURNING GOLD NOW · PEAK LATE OCT – EARLY NOV
MUNMAK-EUP · WONJU · GANGWON-DO
Wonju Bangye-ri Ginkgo Tree
Korea’s oldest tree — 1,300 years of history, crowned in gold every autumn.
⏳
~1,300
Years old (estimated)
🌳
33 m
Tall · 16 m around
🏛️
No. 167
Natural Monument
🎟️
Free
Entry & parking
THE TREE
Korea’s Oldest Living Giant
Standing alone in the fields of Bangye-ri, this ginkgo was designated Natural Monument No. 167 in 1964. Wonju City now estimates its age at around 1,318 years, making it the oldest tree in Korea.
At about 33 m tall with a trunk over 16 m around, its perfectly balanced branches make it one of the most beautiful ginkgos in the country. Local legend says that if all its leaves turn gold at once, the next year will bring a good harvest.
Thirteen centuries old — and still putting on Korea’s best autumn show.
YOUR VISIT
Plan the Perfect Visit
STEP 1
Time It Right
The tree peaks in late October to early November — check recent photos before you go, as the leaves change fast.
STEP 2
Arrive Early
Use the new Ginkgo Plaza car park and come in the morning to beat weekend crowds and get soft light for photos.
STEP 3
Explore Wonju
Combine your visit with Wonju favourites like Museum SAN or the Sogeumsan Grand Valley.
WHY GO
Highlights
⏳ Korea’s oldest tree
🏛️ Natural Monument No. 167
🍂 Golden carpet of leaves
🌾 Harvest legend
🅿️ New plaza & parking
📸 Drone-worthy views
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Getting There & Tips
🚗 Getting There
- Location: Bangye-ri, Munmak-eup, Wonju, Gangwon-do
- Search “반계리 은행나무” in Naver Map or KakaoMap
- Free car park at the new Ginkgo Plaza
- A car or taxi from Wonju is easiest — weekend roads get busy
✨ Good to Know
- Free to visit
- Peak: late October to early November
- The tree is protected — stay behind the barriers
- Weekday mornings are the quietest
GOOD TO KNOW
Quick Questions
How old is the tree?
Older sources said 800+ years, but Wonju City now estimates it at about 1,318 years old — making it the oldest tree in Korea.
When is it most golden?
Usually from late October to early November. The colour changes quickly, so check recent photos or news before making the trip.
Is there parking?
Yes — Wonju City opened a new Ginkgo Plaza in 2025 with an access road and a car park, making visits much easier than before.
Is there a festival?
Wonju held a Bangye-ri Ginkgo Festival on November 2 in 2025, with music and family activities. The 2026 date hasn’t been confirmed yet — check Wonju City’s announcements.
Before You Go
Road-tripping out of Seoul? A Korea eSIM keeps maps and translation working all the way.
Directions → · Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest → · More events →
Information checked October 21, 2026 from Wonju City announcements, Korea Tourism Organization and Korean news reports. Leaf colour varies each year — check recent updates before visiting. This post contains affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.