Experiencing Autumn in South Korea

This is my second fall season in Korea and I wish I could enjoy this season more. Last year it came so late after a second summer hit the peninsula, but this year it seemed to come just in time. Leaves began changing as cold mornings require a jacket that you end up discarding once the afternoon heat hits. Green trees faded to yellow then orange and red.

A visit with family meant chasing the fall foliage both in the countryside outside of Seoul and in the southern part of the country in Jeollanamdo. We ended up taking a car and driving out of the city in a direction we thought would have views, and despite the long drive with no final destination, we ended up seeing some beautiful countryside views. Once you reach the mountains all your worries are taken away by the soothing sounds of creeks and rivers flowing past giant boulders as the sun shines majestically during golden hour; reflecting off the yellow and orange trees, it feels as though time has slowed or you’ve stepped in a fall painting.

Experiencing Autumn in South Korea

Fall back home meant apple picking before sipping warm apple cider and baking apple pies. It means pumpkins and drives through the changing forests. Fall is that gentle change of seasons before plunging into the bitter chill of winter. Not every place has such a variety of seasons, but Korea proudly claims all four seasons and autumn is no exception. Forests quickly turn, farms are full of apples and persimmons and hotteok stands begin to show up along the streets. It has its little differences for the season, but I love fall in Korea because it is a comforting feeling.

I recently asked my class to list different things that make them think of fall, my question being: “if you cannot see, how do you know it is fall?” their answers played off of the sound of crunching leaves, squirrels eating acorns, and the taste of maple syrup and chestnuts. If I would add to the list I would say the heat of evening fires and the sound of crackling flames as the wood shifts under the heat, and the scent of decaying leaves.

What is one thing you love and always remind you of fall?