Autumn Hues of Naejang-san
Photographed by Aline Verduyin.
After reading an article of the top five spots in Korea to visit for fall foliage, and realizing that I lived very close to one of them – Naejang-san (내장산), a mountain with a temple in Jeong-eup (정읍) – I booked myself a train ticket to witness the 500-year-old beauty myself.
I decided to go on a Monday, thinking everyone would then be at work or school, so I could avoid the crowds. Despite the gray sky, I had high hopes as I boarded an empty early-morning train at Gwangju Station. As per my expectations of a rural area, there was only one hourly bus from the station to Naejang-san. Having arrived at what looked like a major meeting point for hikers – I realized how naïve I was. Perhaps the Koreans were all at the office, but there were guides everywhere waving the Thai and Hong Kong flags and calling out to their groups. I heard multiple languages being spoken. Overwhelmed by the crowd, I decided to follow the signs to the national park instead. True to autumn nature, the dull sky only added to the vibe. Trees were at different stages of yellows, oranges, and browns. Long walks along winding roads and a short shuttle bus took me closer to the beautiful temple, Naejang-sa (내장사). The area was well accustomed to tourists, as there were busking concerts, street vendors, and a rich festival vibe as I walked around. Riding the cable car, I could see the gradation of colors as I soared above the trees. Views from the pagoda, a rocky climb back down to the temple, and then the pièce de résistance – the featured blue-roofed pavilion in the center of the lake. Even the travel articles didn’t manage a picture of this pavilion without tourists in it, but I did! I took my shot, savored the moment, and decided that was the best part of this day – which had been a constant feast of nature. They say a picture says more than a thousand words, but that day, a picture did not do justice to what I saw with my own eyes. If you live in Korea, I urge you to experience the myriad of autumn shades at Naejang-san.
The Photographer
Originally from Belgium, Aline Verduyn has lived in Korea for four years. She is currently mastering in Korean language education at Chonnam National University. She has previously lived in Busan, Suwon, and Daegu but has found Gwangju to be her favorite city. Her goal is to visit every notable site in Korea. Instagram: @gwangjumiin
