Autumn and Spring in Korea have a special kind of explosive magic to them: the vibrant colors of the forests alongside ancient monasteries and fortresses are sights you can’t see anywhere else. Unlike the freezing winters or the summers which can reach sweltering temperatures thanks to dense humidity, the weather this time of year is nearly perfect.

Getting away from the crowds can be a struggle, though. Visitors flock from the cities during the precious few weeks when the colors can be seen. However, that makes succeeding all the more rewarding! Being alone or with just a few good friends in places like these is completely serene.

Magoksa Temple, located near the city of Cheonan, is one of Korea’s best examples of how stunning Autumn is here. It is also one of my favorite places to go regardless of season. If you manage to avoid the crowds, seeing the eruption of colors here at the right time is mesmerizing.

Colors that can’t be missed

While Japan is more well-known for its cherry blossoms, Korea is also a can’t-miss for seeing the beginning of Spring. Entire forests turn gleaming white and countless petals drift towards the ground when the wind blows, making for scenes that are straight out of a storybook. I grew up in a place where this simply didn’t happen, so seeing it never ceases to be a magical experience for me.

In Korea, these two seasons capture lightning in a bottle like nowhere else.