28 Places To See Pink Muhly In Korea In The Fall
Last Updated on October 2, 2026
While most people probably think of deep reds, yellows, and browns in the autumn, pink is sure becoming a standard autumn color in Korea these days. Pink muhly fields are all the rage each fall in Korea ever since Hueree, a nature park on Jeju Island, planted it in 2014. I’m sure they had no idea what they were doing and what they would unleash, but now there are fields and fields of the beautiful pink wispy grasses that make visitors look like they’re floating on pink clouds in the sky.
If you love finding flowers in Korea as much as I do, then read on because this one is for you! Want to know where to go to see pink muhly in Korea? Here’s the list for you!
There are a ton of places to see pink muhly this year. I’m headed out to see some right now. Since I’ve already been to quite a few places and am headed to more, I thought I’d do a quick round up so you can see them this month too! Don’t miss the wispy pink muhly this month in Korea.
- What Is Pink Muhly?
- When Is Pink Muhly Season In Korea?
- All 30 Pink Muhly Spots At A Glance
- Where To See Pink Muhly
- Is Pink Muhly Bad For Korea’s Environment?
- FAQ
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What Is Pink Muhly?
Pink muhly is an ornamental grass native to the United States. In Korean it’s called 핑크뮬리 (pingkeu myulli), though its official Korean name is 분홍쥐꼬리새, which translates to “pink rat-tail grass” because of the shape of its seed heads. It stays green all summer, then puts out clouds of fine pink and purple seed heads in the fall, which is what gives the fields that cotton candy look.
Yes, the plant that took over Korea’s autumn Instagram feeds is an American import. As an American who has lived here since 2006, I find that pretty fun.
When Is Pink Muhly Season In Korea?
Pink muhly season in Korea runs from mid-September to early November. The grass starts turning pink in mid to late September, usually looks its best in early to mid October, and fades to a tan color by November. Jeju and the southern regions tend to hold their color a little longer, and a hot September can push everything back by a week or so. Check a park’s Instagram or Naver blog for a same-week color report before you drive a long way.
| Stage | Typical Timing | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| Starting | Mid to late September | Pink tips with some green |
| Peak | Early to mid October | Full, fluffy, deepest pink |
| Fading | Late October to early November | Soft, dusty pink turning tan |
| Done | Mid November onward | Tan and brown seed heads |
All 28 Pink Muhly Spots At A Glance
| Spot | Korean | Region | Fee | Transit-Friendly? | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eulsukdo Island | 을숙도생태공원 | Busan | Free | Yes | West Busan |
| Daejeo Ecological Park | 대저생태공원 | Busan | Free | Yes | Big field, pampas, airport stop |
| Taehwagang National Garden | 태화강국가정원 | Ulsan | Free | Yes | Garden lovers |
| Dream Park | 드림파크 | Incheon | Free | Hard | Quiet hidden gem |
| Sky Garden | 하늘정원 | Incheon | Free | Hard | Low-flying planes |
| Yangju Nari Farm | 나리농원 | Gyeonggi | ₩5,000–7,000 | Tour | Huge mixed fall flowers |
| Anseong Farmland | 안성팜랜드 | Gyeonggi | ₩13,000–15,000 | Tour | Kids, animals |
| Pyeonggang Land | 평강랜드 | Gyeonggi | ₩15,000 | Car | Gardens, forest giants |
| Herb Island | 허브아일랜드 | Gyeonggi | ₩10,000–12,000 | Tour | Night lights |
| Baramsae Village | 바람새마을 | Gyeonggi | ₩10,000 | Car | Families |
| Organic Cafe | 유기농카페 | Gangwon | Cafe | Car | Cosmos combo |
| Horin Park | 호린파크 | Gangwon | Free | Car | Seaside setting |
| Goseokjeong Flower Garden | 고석정 꽃밭 | Gangwon | Free | Car | Sprawling fields of flowers |
| Hapcheon Shinsoyang Sports Park | 합천신소양체육공원 | Gyeongnam | Free | Car | Giant spiral hill |
| Cheomseongdae | 첨성대 | Gyeongbuk | Free | Yes | Historic backdrop |
| Bomun Tourist Complex | 보문관광단지 | Gyeongbuk | Free | Yes | Pair with Cheomseongdae |
| Gimcheon Gangbyeon Park | 강변공원 | Gyeongbuk | Free | Car | Riverside |
| Gasan Supia | 가산수피아 | Gyeongbuk | Free garden | Car | Huge private garden |
| Cheongsan Arboretum | 청산수목원 | Chungnam | ₩7,000–12,000 | Car | Pampas + pink muhly |
| Farm Kamille | 팜카밀레 | Chungnam | ₩5,000–11,000 | Car | Kids, fewer crowds |
| Pins Coffee | 핀스커피 | Chungnam | Cafe | Car | Lunch stop |
| Gochang Cheongnongwon | 청농원 | Jeonbuk | Cafe | Car | Hanok + pink muhly |
| National Museum of Naju | 국립나주박물관 | Jeonnam | Free | Car | Off the beaten path |
| Suncheon Bay National Garden | 순천만국가정원 | Jeonnam | ₩7,000–10,000 | Yes | Full day out |
| Udo Garden | 우도정원 | Jeju | ₩5,000–7,000 | Ferry | Quiet island day |
| Hueree Nature Life Park | 휴애리자연생활공원 | Jeju | ₩10,000–13,000 | Bus/car | Where it all started |
| Bakehouse Unpopiu (formerly Cafe Sebil) | 베이크하우스 운포피우 | Jeju | Cafe | Car | Saebyeol Oreum views |
| Cafe Glencoe | 카페 글렌코 | Jeju | Cafe | Car | Year-round gardens |
Tip: Google Maps is weak in Korea, getting better, but weak. Copy the Korean name from this table into Naver Map or Kakao Map for accurate directions and hours.
Where To See Pink Muhly In Seoul
Due to the invasive category that pink muhly was added to in Korea, the city of Seoul decided it was too invasive for most of the parks. Because of that, you’ll see photos of pink muhly at places like Sky Park/Haneul Park in western Seoul and Olympic Park in eastern Seoul online, but those are from previous years. Unfortunately it hasn’t been planted in these parks since 2024. This means it may be a bit further to see it, but still plenty of places near Seoul to find it.
Where To See Pink Muhly In Busan
Busan is a great city to get away to no matter the season. And, it’s easy too. If you want to plan your trip to Busan, check out my guide to Busan with all of the options for how to get there and the other awesome things to see, do, and eat. You could go multiple times and still have more to see and do.
Eulsukdo Island (을숙도생태공원)
This island on the western end of Busan is gorgeous in the autumn. Make sure you note that it’s on the western end because Busan is long as it runs along the coast and you don’t want to stay on the opposite end and trek across the city while you’re there. Stay in the Songdo area to get some beach vibes, a cable car ride, and see the pink muhly while you’re there.
- Address: 1240-2 Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu, Busan (부산 사하구 낙동남로 1240-2)
- Admission: Free
Daejeo Ecological Park (대저생태공원)
Also on the west side of Busan, this is a hot spot to see pink muhly in the autumn in Busan. You could see both spots in one day if you want to and still have all the fun at Songdo or Huinnyeoul Culture Village. Daejeo sits up near Gimhae International Airport, so it also makes an easy stop on your way in or out of Busan. The field is big, with pampas grass and golden cosmos planted nearby, and it’s free.
- Address: 2314-11 Daejeo 1-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan (부산 강서구 대저1동 2314-11)
- Hours: Daily, 6:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Admission: Free (parking too)
- Getting There: Gangseo-gu Office Station (강서구청역), Busan Metro Line 3, about a 10-minute walk. By car, the pink muhly is near parking lots P2 and P3.
Where To See Pink Muhly in Ulsan
Taehwagang National Garden (태화강국가정원)
Korea’s second national garden is one of the places that decided to keep its pink muhly after the environmental debate (more on that below). In the fall the garden plants pink muhly alongside pampas grass, cosmos, chrysanthemums, and silver grass, and its autumn festival in 2025 also debuted a naturalistic garden by Dutch designer Piet Oudolf. If you love gardens, this one is a treat. Read my full [LINK: guide to Taehwagang National Garden → Hallie’s Taehwagang article] for more.
- Address: 154 Taehwagang Gukgajeongwon-gil, Jung-gu, Ulsan (울산 중구 태화강국가정원길 154)
- Admission: Free
Where To See Pink Muhly In Incheon
There are some lovely hidden gems for pink muhly in Incheon. See if you can find these two places that aren’t the easiest to get to, but worth the trip.
Dream Park (드림파크)
This is a real hidden gem in Incheon. I’ve gone out there three times and often find the place to myself. Figure out how to get there, and you will be rewarded. Find out more about Dream Park here. Do note that there is a park of the same name very far south so just make sure your location is somewhere in Incheon for this one!
- Address: 61 Geowol-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 서구 거월로 61)
Sky Garden (하늘정원)
Filled with canola flowers in the spring and cosmos flowers and pink muhly in the autumn, there is a giant field of flowers near the airport that isn’t the easiest to park near, but if you can get there, it’s worth the trip. It’s also THE spot if you want to try to get that Instagram spot of a plane flying super low above you because they’re either coming in for a landing or taking off.
- Address: 2848-6 Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 언서동 2848-6)
Where To See Pink Muhly In Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do has some of the most beautiful gardens in Korea and there are some fabulous places to find pink muhly among the other autumn blooms.
Yangju Nari Park (양주나리공원)
This gorgeous park is just 40 kilometers north of Seoul and it’s got everything from pink muhly to globe amaranth and cosmos too. It’s just massive and beautiful. If you’re looking to see all of the wonders of autumn flowers in one place, you must visit Yangju Nari Park. This is one of my favorite gardens in all of Korea.
Nari Farm is best known for having the biggest globe amaranth (천일홍) field in Korea, and the city holds its Cheonilhong Autumn Festa here every fall with performances, markets, and photo zones.
- Address: 814 Gwangsa-dong, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 양주시 광사동 814)
- Hours: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Join a tour: Join a tour to see the flowers at Nari Park as well as Pocheon Art Valley. Book on Klook.
Anseong Farmland (안성팜랜드)
Another massive place to see fields upon fields of beautiful flowers and scenery, Anseong Farmland is a bit of a trek, but worth it. Go early if you can because this is also a park that gets very busy on weekends. The 2026 “Cosmokdong” festival (코스목동 축제) fills the fields with cosmos and pink muhly, with animal programs for kids on weekends. Book online for a discount.
- Address: 28 Daesindu-gil, Gongdo-eub, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 안성시 공도읍 대신두길 28)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Admission: W10,000 ~ W12,000 per person
- Join a Tour: Not sure how to get there? Don’t worry, there are some great tour options that go to the flower fields of Anseong. Join a tour to Anseong Farmland on Klook.
Peace Land (평화의공원)
This park has twelve themed areas with various flower gardens, rock gardens, moss and wetlands and fields of even more. It’s a pretty substantial area and really beautiful in every season for one reason or another. The park has been designated as a habitat for preservation and houses various native and non-native plants including pink muhly in the autumn. Another really cool aspect of this park are the giants you can find hiding in the forest. Trust me, Peace Land is cool!
- Address: 171-18 Umulmok-gil Yeongbok-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 포천시 영북면 우물목길 171-18)
- Hours: Every day 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Admission: Adults: W7,000, Children: W5,000
Herb Island (허브 아일랜드)
Herb Island is beautiful throughout the year so check back in again and again to see what’s in bloom. Right now it’s pink muhly, so don’t miss it. Pocheon has some beautiful places for quick getaways from Seoul. Head north and see what else you can find. The pink muhly covers the “Sky Farm” hill, and you can ride a tractor wagon up instead of walking. Stay until dark because the park’s light festival runs every night of the year.
- Address: 51 Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 포천시 신북면 청신로947번길 51)
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm (Saturdays until 10:00pm). CLOSED Wednesdays, except when a Wednesday is a public holiday.
- Admission: Adults ₩10,000 weekdays, ₩12,000 weekends and holidays
- Join a tour: Join a day trip that stops at Herb Island as well as Sanjeong Lake and an apple farm to embrace autumn. You can book on Klook.
Baramsae Village (바람새마을)
This area seems to be popular with the Pyeongtaek folks. Want to head a bit south of Seoul to a nice park? This could be a good spot for you. Baramsae runs a paid pink muhly festival called “The Pink Wave” each fall, with experience booths and food stalls, which makes it an easy family outing.
- Address: 43-62 Saeak-gil, Godeok-myeon, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 평택시 고덕면 새악길 43-62)
Where To See Pink Muhly In Gangwon-do
Organic Cafe (유기농카페)
I just went to this lovely area a few weeks ago. The pink muhly wasn’t quite vibrant then but they had a field of cosmos calling me. If you go this month, you can probably see both the cosmos AND the pink muhly! That’s a win win if you ask me.
- Address: 184 Jinaegotan-ro, Sinbuk-eub, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원 춘천시 신북읍 지내고탄로 184)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm
Horin Park (호린파크)
On the coast near Sacheon Beach in Gangneung, Horin Park is a nature-themed park where the pink muhly runs along the seaside, so you get ocean and pink in the same view. There are paid experience facilities on site too. I haven’t been yet, but it’s a great addition if you’re already headed to Gangneung for the coffee and the beaches.
- Address: 1119-51 Haean-ro, Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원 강릉시 사천면 해안로 1119-51)
- Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 8:00pm
Goseokjeong Flower Garden (고석정 꽃밭)
Harder to get to on your own, but worth the trip for vast sprawling flower fields. Cheorwon is the place to head if you want to escape the crowds and see something completely different. Cheorwon has all kinds of interesting things to see including a DMZ visit that’s completely different from the ones you usually hear about. It’s also where to go for some very exciting birdwatching.
- Address: 184 Jinaegotan-ro, Sinbuk-eup, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 신북읍 지내고탄로 184)
- Admission: Adults: W10,000; Children: W4,000
Where To See Pink Muhly In Gyeongsangnam-do
Hapcheon Shin Soyang Sports Park (합천신소양체육공원)
This park is amazing. It’s just massive with a field of pink muhly as well as a riverside of cosmos and other flowers too. Plenty of space to spread out. You’ll see pictures of this park over and over in the autumn in Korea because it will take your breath away. The signature shot here is the spiral hill of pink muhly, with a path that winds up to the top. It’s on the Hwanggang River and entry is free.
- Address: 898 Yeongchang-ri, Hapcheon-eub, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 합천군 합천읍 영창리 898)
- Admission: Free
Where To See Pink Muhly In Gyeongsangbuk-do
Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju (첨성대)
One of the numerous historical sites in Gyeongju, Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia. It’s set in a park with other beautiful sites and in the autumn, you guessed it, there’s a substantial field of pink muhly. It’s the perfect time to visit this super interesting city in Korea. Gyeongju, in it’s hey-day, was the fourth largest city in the world! Plan your trip to Gyeongju now.
The pink muhly field is in the flower gardens of the Dongbu Historic Site Area (동부사적지대), with Cheomseongdae and the big royal tombs behind it. It’s free, and it’s only about a five-minute walk from the parking lot.
- Address: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 경주시 인왕동 839-1)
- Admission: Free
Bomun Tourist Complex (보문관광단지)
Since you’re already headed to Gyeongju to see the beautiful historical scenery and pink muhly at Cheomseongdae above, then you should certainly visit the tourist complex too. With plenty of other things to do, it’s packed with pink so you’ll have a blast.
- Address: 484-16 Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsanbuk-do (경북 경주시 보문로 484-16)
Gimcheon Gangbyeon Park (강변공원)
There is pink muhly everywhere this year so you don’t have to travel far. Just find the nearest place to you. This looks like an epic park full of pink muhly along a riverside in Gimcheon if you’re in that area.
- Address: 169 Gangbyeon Park-gil, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 김천시 강변공원길 169)
Gasan Supia (가산수피아)
Tucked at the foot of Yuhaksan Mountain in Chilgok (about 30 to 40 minutes from Daegu, Gasan Supia is registered as Korea’s largest private garden, at more than 130,000 square meters. In the fall the garden takes on a whole different mood when the pink muhly fills in. Even better, garden admission became free in July 2025. The alpaca area charges separately (₩7,000) and is closed on Mondays. I haven’t been yet, but it’s high on my list.
- Address: 105 Hakhadeuran 2-gil, Gasan-myeon, Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 칠곡군 가산면 학하들안2길 105)
- Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Admission: Free garden entry
Where To See Pink Muhly In Chungcheongnam-do
Cheongsong Botanical Garden (청송수목원)
This garden is a bit more famous for the gorgeous and huge pampas that are there right now, but they also have beautiful pink muhly too. I took a tour group out to this garden a few years ago and it is absolutely worth the trip. Stop at Ami Art Museum on the way for some art and a coffee and you’ll have a great daytrip or stay the whole weekend in Taean-gun. We love that area.
The pampas festival season here runs from mid-August through the end of November, and the garden is dog friendly with a large parking lot.
- Address: 70 Yeonggot-gil, Nam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 태안군 남면 연꽃길 70)
- Hours: Opening times vary by season (8:00am in summer through October); last entry one hour before sunset
Farm Kamille (팜카밀레)
Another beautiful garden in Taean-gun we visited last year to enjoy the pink muhly, pampas, and globe amaranth, Farm Kamille is a little less popular than Cheongsong Botanical Garden so you might like that option more. It’s also great if you have kids because there are some activities you can do with them and animals to feed too.
- Address: 56-19 Uun-gil, Nam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 태안군 남면 우운길 56-19)
- Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 6:30pm
Pins Coffee (핀스커피)
We just tacked this café stop on our itinerary when we were driving back into Seoul this weekend and it was great. Pasta for lunch with a side of pink muhly fields can’t be beat.
- Address: 27-29 Haesol 1-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 천안시 동남구 해솔1길 27-29)
- Hours: Every day 10:30am ~ 9:30pm
Where To See Pink Muhly In Jeollabuk-do
Gochang Cheongnongwon (청농원)
Gochang is better known for its spring green barley fields, but in the fall Cheongnongwon turns into one of the biggest pink muhly gardens in the country, with roughly 16,500 square meters of pink paired with white buckwheat flowers and a traditional Hanok house on the grounds. That Hanok is what makes it different from almost every other spot on this list. I haven’t been to the pink muhly festival here, but if you’re already exploring Gochang, it’s an easy add.
- Address: 41-27 Cheongcheon-gil, Gongeum-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전북 고창군 공음면 청천길 41-27)
Where To See Pink Muhly In Jeollanam-do
The National Museum Of Naju (국립나주박물관)
I love the Jeolla area. There are just beautiful areas to explore and Naju is off the beaten path but has so much to see and explore in the vicinity. Want to get away to someplace a bit different, check this field of beauty out.
- Address: 747 Gobun-ro, Bannam-myeon, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do (전남 나주시 반남면 고분로 747)
Suncheon Bay National Garden (순천만국가정원)
Korea’s first national garden is so big you really need a full day, and in the fall the pink muhly (along with cosmos) is planted in the Nanum Forest area. Park at the East Gate lot to get closest to it. Your ticket also gets you into Suncheon Bay Wetland on the same day, which is perfect timing because the reeds there turn gold from October into mid November. Suncheon is another place that kept its pink muhly after the environmental debate.
- Address: 47 Gukgajeongwon 1ho-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전남 순천시 국가정원1호길 47)
- Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 8:00pm (Closed the 5th Monday of the month)
Where To See Pink Muhly On Jeju Island
Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Jeju Island and while you might not be able to swim, there’s still plenty to see and do. Just figure out how you want to travel to Jeju, find a place to stay on Jeju Island, and get going. Even for just a weekend is so relaxing.
Most of these spots are easiest by car. Here’s where they are on the island: Udo Garden is on Udo Island off the east coast, Hueree is in Namwon on the southeast side, Cafe Glencoe is inland on the northeast side, Bakehouse Unpopiu is on the west side next to Saebyeol Oreum, and Manor Blanc is in the southwest near Sanbangsan. How to rent a car in Jeju.
Udo Garden (우도정원)
We were recently down on Jeju Island and took the opportunity to head to nearby Udo Island where we found the most gorgeous field of pink muhly and only a few other people there.
While most people to Udo Island take the requisite circle around the island following the coast, if you head in just a bit, you can find the Udo Gardens which are gorgeous right now. Don’t miss this hidden gem if you’re down on Jeju Island and want a fun daytrip option.
- Address: 1964 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주 제주시 우도면 연평리 1964)
- Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Hueree Natural Life Park (휴애리자연생활공원)
If you don’t have time to take a daytrip off of Jeju Island, there are still spots to see pink muhly like Hueree Park which is also known for having beautiful hydrangeas earlier in the summer. Keep this park on your must see in every season.
This is where it all started. Hueree planted Korea’s first pink muhly in 2014, and it now runs a pink muhly festival every fall with pink muhly spread through several gardens, including a hilltop “sky garden.” I live just down the road in Namwon, so this is my local pink muhly. You can also pick tangerines here in the fall. Check out my guide to Hueree Park to see more of what to do there.
- Address: 256 Sillyedong-ro, Namwon-eub, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주 서귀포시 남원읍 신례동로 256)
- Hours: During the festival, 9:00am ~ 7:00pm, last entry 5:30pm
- Tickets: Get your tickets online via Trazy before you go to get a discount on entrance.
Bakehouse Unpopiu (Formerly Cafe Sebil) (베이크하우스 운포피우)
I visited the pink muhly at this beautiful cafe on Jeju Island when it was still Cafe Sebil (카페새빌) and it was lovely. The sort of dilapidated looking cafe (it’s a remodeled old resort building) has a strange ambiance about its huge space, but has pink muhly and views out over the nearby hills that are stunning. Stop here if you want a coffee with a view.
Heads up: the cafe is now under new management and has been renamed Bakehouse Unpopiu. The field right next to Saebyeol Oreum has been one of Jeju’s most popular autumn photo spots for years, so I’d expect the pink muhly to stay, but I haven’t confirmed it under the new owners yet.
- Address: 1529 Pyeonghwa-ro, Aewol-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주 제주시 애월읍 평화로 1529)
- Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 7:00pm
Cafe Glencoe (카페 글렌코)
This cafe in Jeju is a spot you should save to visit year round. They have curated gardens and plant flowers throughout the year so any season you visit, there is sure to be something blooming from pink muhly and cosmos in the autumn to hydrangeas in the spring and beyond.
- Address: 1202 Bijarim-ro, Gujwa-eub, Jeju-si (제주 제주시 구좌읍 비자림로 1202)
- Hours: Every day: 9:30am ~ 6:30pm
Is Pink Muhly Bad For Korea’s Environment?
Pink muhly isn’t banned in Korea, but it is being watched. In December 2019, Korea’s National Institute of Ecology (국립생태원) gave pink muhly a Grade 2 ecological risk rating. That means no harm to Korean ecosystems has been confirmed yet, but it needs ongoing monitoring because each clump produces a huge amount of seed and it grows easily almost anywhere. Grade 1 is the category for species that are officially designated as ecosystem disturbing, which can’t be imported, sold, or grown.
After the rating, the Ministry of Environment asked local governments to stop planting more pink muhly. Reactions varied. Jeju removed the pink muhly that government offices had planted in 2020, while privately run gardens and cafes (like Hueree) kept theirs. Some other public gardens, including Suncheon Bay National Garden and Taehwagang National Garden, kept their fields too, pointing out that no harm has actually been confirmed. So if you’re wondering why some pink muhly spots from a few years ago have disappeared, that’s why.
FAQ
When is pink muhly season in Korea?
Pink muhly turns pink in mid to late September, peaks in early to mid October, and fades by early November. A hot September can delay the color by a week or so.
What is the best place to see pink muhly in Korea?
There isn’t one best spot. Look for places with large, dense plantings, since pink muhly only has that cloud-like effect when there’s a lot of it together. Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju, Hapcheon Shinsoyang Sports Park, Hueree on Jeju, Yangju Nari Farm, and Gochang Cheongnongwon all have big fields.
Where can I see pink muhly in Seoul?
Haneul Park (Sky Park) at World Cup Park, Jamwon Han River Park, and Olympic Park all have pink muhly and can be reached by subway. Haneul Park pairs it with Seoul’s biggest silver grass field.
Where can I see pink muhly on Jeju?
Hueree in Namwon (where pink muhly was first planted in Korea), Manor Blanc near Sanbangsan, Cafe Glencoe, Udo Garden on Udo Island, and Bakehouse Unpopiu (formerly Cafe Sebil) next to Saebyeol Oreum.
Where did pink muhly in Korea come from?
Pink muhly is native to the United States. Hueree Natural Park on Jeju is widely credited with planting the first field in Korea in 2014, and it spread across the country after it took off on social media.
Is pink muhly invasive in Korea?
It isn’t officially classified as an invasive or ecosystem-disturbing species. In 2019 the National Institute of Ecology gave it a Grade 2 ecological risk rating, which means it’s being monitored, and the government asked local authorities not to plant more.
What does 핑크뮬리 mean?
핑크뮬리 is simply “pink muhly” written in Korean. The plant’s official Korean name is 분홍쥐꼬리새, which means “pink rat-tail grass.”
Is it free to see pink muhly in Korea?
Many spots are free, including Haneul Park, Olympic Park, Cheomseongdae, Daejeo Ecological Park, Hapcheon Shinsoyang Sports Park, and the garden at Gasan Supia. Private gardens like Hueree, Herb Island, and Cheongsan Arboretum charge admission, and cafes usually expect you to buy a drink.
Can I see pink muhly without a car?
Yes. In Seoul, Haneul Park and Olympic Park are near subway stations. In Busan, Daejeo Ecological Park is a short walk from Metro Line 3, and Cheomseongdae is right in central Gyeongju. For Yangju, Pocheon, and Anseong, a day tour from Seoul is the easiest option.
Can you walk into a pink muhly field?
Usually not. Most parks rope off the fields or ask visitors to stay on the paths because crowds have damaged the plants in the past. Photo paths and decks are built in so you can still get the shot.
What’s the best time of day to photograph pink muhly?
Early morning or the hour or two before sunset, when the light comes through the seed heads. Overcast and rainy days make it look flat.
What’s the difference between pink muhly and silver grass?
Pink muhly is a shorter, pink-purple grass from the United States. Silver grass (억새, also called eulalia) is native to Korea, taller, silver to gold in color, and peaks a little later in the fall.
Is pink muhly still pretty in November?
Early November can still have some soft color, especially on Jeju and in the south, but by mid November most fields have turned tan.
What other fall flowers bloom with pink muhly in Korea?
Cosmos, globe amaranth (천일홍), kochia (댑싸리), pampas grass, and buckwheat flowers are often planted in the same parks from late September through October.
I hope you get out this year to enjoy the beauty of pink muhly in Korea. With so many places to see the wispy cloud of pink, you can’t miss it!
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