It’s autumn foliage season, which means festival vibes are in the air! I was excited about this trip as it was a chance for a special date, and Hwadam Forest exceeded all my expectations. I totally understand why people rave about it so much!
Located in Dochuk-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi Province, Hwadam Forest is a beautiful arboretum and a popular spot during autumn foliage season, drawing many visitors.
2024 Fall Foliage Festival Schedule:
Dates: October 18 (Fri) – November 17 (Sun), 2024
Operating Hours: October 18-31: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM), November 1-17: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)
Closed: October 7 (Mon), October 14 (Mon)
Ticket Reservations:
Reservation Opening: September 23, 2024, from 1:00 PM
Reservation Method: Online reservations available on the official Hwadam Forest website
Note: Due to high demand during foliage season, reservations are required in advance, and visitors must arrive at their reserved time.
Parking Information:
Parking Location: Parking is available near Hwadam Forest, including at the Gonjiam Resort parking area.
Parking Fee: Free
Tip: On weekends and holidays, parking can be limited due to the large number of visitors, so consider using public transportation or arriving early.
Recommended Viewing Course: Hwadam Forest offers various themed walking trails. For a full tour, choose the ‘Hwa Course,’ or for a quicker visit, select the ‘Dam Course.’ You can also enjoy a scenic ride on the monorail, which offers different routes and fares. Be sure to check the official website for detailed fare information.
Estimated Tour Duration:
Hwa Course: Approximately 120 minutes
Dam Course: Approximately 90 minutes
With Monorail: Tour time varies by route, and additional waiting time may be necessary for the monorail. Plan accordingly to allow enough time for your visit.
Arriving at Hwadam Forest! First Impression: “Wow, it’s beautiful!”
As soon as we arrived at the entrance, we were greeted by a panorama of red and yellow leaves. We were lucky to arrive early on a weekday, so it wasnโt too crowded, although there were still plenty of people around. The Autumn Foliage Trail, Hwadam Forestโs signature path, is lined with a variety of colorful trees, making the walk a delight for the eyes. Many people were busy taking photos, and we spent quite a bit of time here ourselves. The mix of red and yellow leaves was so enchanting; it truly felt like we were surrounded by autumn.
Picture-Perfect Moments on the Cloud Bridge
The Cloud Bridge is a popular photo spot at Hwadam Forest, and many visitors were busy capturing memories there. My spouse and I joined the line, eager to snap a shot with the forest in the background and the valley below. The view was so breathtaking that the photos we took here could easily be called โlife shots.โ The bridge surrounded by the vibrant autumn colors looked like a painting. To avoid crowds, consider arriving early in the morning.
Peaceful Time on the Valley Trail
After leaving the Cloud Bridge, we headed to the Valley Trail, which was quieter and more serene. Walking along the stream, surrounded by autumn leaves and the sound of water, felt like being completely immersed in nature. My spouse kept saying how relaxing it was. The sound of the water was refreshing, and with the colorful leaves gently falling in the breeze, it was a romantic and calming experience.
A Little Disappointment with the Monorail Reservations
We were hoping to take a ride on the monorail this time, but reservations were already full. Riding the monorail is a convenient way to reach higher areas, but taking our time to explore on foot had its own charm. Although I had taken the monorail on a previous visit, seeing the views while walking offered a new perspective. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to book your monorail tickets in advance!
Hwadam Forest Visiting Tips & Recommended Course
Visit Timing: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. If you arrive early in the morning, you can enjoy the Autumn Foliage Trail at a leisurely pace.
What to Bring: The forest can be quite chilly, so warm clothing is essential. A windbreaker is particularly useful, especially in the morning.
Recommended Route: Autumn Foliage Trail – Cloud Bridge – Valley Trail is the best route to enjoy the full scenic experience.
This fall foliage trip was a joyful escape, bringing a light-hearted feeling as I enjoyed nature’s peaceful beauty. Be sure to visit Hwadam Forest at peak foliage โ it will leave you with unforgettable memories.