Yulgok Botanical Garden and The Hillside Of Chrysanthemums To Find This Fall

If it has “botanical garden” in the name, you can trust that it’s saved on my map to see. If you’re adventuring in the Paju area and heading northwest of Seoul, you’ll want to have it on your list to visit especially in autumn in Korea. Yulgok Botanical Garden (율곡수목원) has one of the most beautiful Siberian chrysanthemum covered hillsides in all of Korea.

Of course there are plenty of other reasons to go, but this was the highlight for us, not to mention the cosmos and reeds waving int the winds. Am I making you ready for a fall escape yet?

Yulgok Botanical Garden definitely demands a spot on a list of the 10 best things to do in Paju. Make sure you visit in the autumn at the very least, though I’m sure other seasons would be beautiful too.

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Basic Info

Address: 392 Jangseungbaegi-ro, Papyeong-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 파평면 장승배기로 392)

Directions: Though I think it’s easiest to get there with a car, if you can’t, there is a bus that gets you right there. Outside of Munsan Station, find bus number 92 which takes you straight to the botanical garden. The trip takes just 15 minutes and you will get right off at Yulgok Botanical Garden bus stop and walk just 15 minutes to the entrance.

Hours: Every day: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm

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Why It’s Worth The Trip

If you’re on the lookout for a picturesque escape in Korea this autumn, Yulgok Arboretum is a must-visit! This botanical garden which is about 50 kilometers north of Seoul is dedicated to preserving and showcasing a diverse array of plant genetic resources, but the reason we went to visit was because of the beautiful hillside covered in Siberian chrysanthemums.

The weather begins to cool but there are still plenty of flowers to see in the autumn in Korea and this hillside is a perfect example of that. We’ve visited twice now and I think it’s worth it every time, just like a trip to the gorgeous Nari Park in Yangju. There’s endless beautiful places to find in Korea, that’s for sure.

This botanical garden offers a beautiful mix of cultivated gardens and forest experiences. Wander through the Four Seasons Garden, Conifers Garden, Rock Garden, and Fruit Tree Garden, or take a leisurely stroll in the Saimdang Forest.

Wear good shoes because there is a lot to explore and because it’s on a hillside, some portions will have you almost hiking. It’s not quite strenuous though. There’s a lovely switchback wooden platform that even strollers can get up and down so it’s very family-friendly.

Yulgok Arboretum is family-friendly as mentioned and they have special forest experience programs tailored for infants and toddlers. Plus, there’s a rejuvenating forest healing program that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. When you’re entering, you’ll see a building near the parking lot that you can inquire about the programs and see what’s going on.

For those who love a good hike and are headed to this park, the Dulle Trail is a fantastic choice. This 5-kilometer trail has views from the observatory, a soothing pine scent path, and the Munbawi Rock to find. As you explore, you’ll catch glimpses of the majestic Imjingang River to the north and the mountains of Papyeongsan and Gamaksan to the east.

If you’re a history buff, be sure to also visit the historical sites of Yulgok Yi I and Hwang Hui as well since they are close by. The Yulgok Arboretum makes for a great addition to a Paju exploration trip.

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