At the End of Autumn, Shall We Head to Gwangju Along Paths Colored by Foliage and Art?

From Mudeungsan Foliage Trails and Yeongsan River Silver Grass to Hong Kong Alley
Urban Destinations for the "2025 Year of Visiting Gwangju"

Late autumn scenery of the Mudeungsan mountain trail, where red-colored autumn leaves form a tunnel. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju is imbued with the sentiments of late autumn and the sensibility of art. In anticipation of the "2025 Year of Visiting Gwangju," Gwangju Metropolitan City is offering travel programs throughout November that blend nature and culture across the city, including autumn foliage, silver grass, exhibitions, and night markets. From the autumn foliage trails of Mudeungsan to the Jeonil Building 245 exhibition and the Hong Kong Alley in Chungjang-ro, visitors can experience Gwangju’s unique charm at the end of the fall season.

At the End of Autumn, Gwangju Colored by Foliage and Silver Grass

In November, Mudeungsan reaches the peak of autumn with its vibrant foliage and shimmering silver grass. The summit area connecting Ipseokdae and Seoseokdae offers a spectacular view of columnar joints interwoven with red autumn leaves, attracting both locals and tourists. The Gwangju Tourism Organization is running a "Challenge Event" until December 31, offering souvenirs to those who complete designated sections of Mudeungsan and the Yeongsan River.

Gwangjuho Lake Ecological Park and Cheongpung Rest Area in the Mudeungsan area are also renowned spots for autumn foliage. At Gwangjuho Lake Ecological Park, visitors can enjoy the scenery of autumn leaves and the lake along six walking trails, while Cheongpung Rest Area offers panoramic views of both Mudeungsan and Gwangjuho Lake. These locations are popular for family outings and drives, as they allow people to enjoy the autumn atmosphere without hiking up the mountain.

The sun setting over the silver grass fields stretching along the Yeongsan River. Photo by Gwangju City

In the city, the Jungoe Park area in Buk-gu is considered a prime spot to enjoy the autumn atmosphere while visiting art museums and museums. The monorail and lift at Jisan Amusement Park offer simultaneous views of the cityscape and mountains adorned with autumn leaves.

The Seochang Silver Grass Field cycling path, where silver grass waves along the Yeongsan River, is also popular. The Yeongsan River Bicycle Information Center offers free rental of shared bicycles, and at sunset, the Seochang Sensibility Observatory provides breathtaking views of the river, silver grass fields, and the setting sun.

Gwangju, a City of Artistic Reflection and Contemplation

In late autumn, Gwangju transforms into a city where art and contemplation reside. Wolbong Seowon in Gwangsan District, a historic Confucian academy dedicated to Go Bong Gi Dae-seung, hosts various experiential events such as "A Day in the Life of a Scholar," "Salon de Wolbong," and "Wolbong Romance." Visitors can enjoy moments of rest and healing in a tranquil atmosphere.

A serene view of Wolbong Seowon in Gwangsan District with the sunset settling behind the quiet Seowon. Provided by Gwangju City

Located between the Cheomdan and Suwan districts, "Hyusimjeong," Gwangju's first private garden, is an urban healing space themed "A Garden Where Flowers Never Wilt Throughout the Four Seasons."

On the first floor of Jeonil Building 245, the exhibition "Repose (Re;Pause) - Things You Don’t Have to Do" runs until the 13th. This exhibition, which reexamines the value of pause and rest, offers visitors a calm moment of introspection. The Lee Lee-nam Media Art Studio in Yangnim-dong is also a complex cultural space where art and contemplation coexist, allowing visitors to experience a journey of emotion and thought through media art.

Unique Urban Spots Blending Culture and Sensibility

The "Hong Kong Alley" in Chungjang-ro, which opened in October, evokes the night streets of Hong Kong with neon lights and retro-style buildings. Remodeled from long-vacant shops, the area attracts young people with exotic foods such as lamb skewers and Hong Kong-style street food stalls.

On the 8th, the "Dongmyeong Coffee Walk" event will be held around the Dongmyeong-dong caf? street and the parking lot annex of the Asia Culture Center (ACC), offering a sensuous journey where coffee and culture come together.

Scene from the Daein Art Night Market held at Dong-gu Daein Market. Provided by Gwangju City

In addition, the Daein Art Night Market will be held every Saturday throughout November in the Daein Market area, featuring a variety of food and performances.

From the 13th to the 15th, the Asia Culture Center (ACC) will host the "Remapping Asia" project to commemorate its 10th anniversary. This production, jointly created by directors from Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, explores the theme of "connection within Asia's diversity," offering a fresh perspective on the boundaries of culture.