In the crisp autumn of 2026, hands-on harvest experiences like picking chestnuts, plucking apples, or digging sweet potatoes are popular family outings. This guide compiles the latest information for 2026 on chestnut, apple, and sweet potato harvest farms conveniently located near the Seoul metropolitan area. Compare each farm's features, fees, and reservation methods, and check the essential items to prepare before your visit.
Harvest experience farms vary in crops, location, and operational style. To help you easily find a farm that fits your visit plans, we've summarized key information in the table below.
| Farm Name | Location | Main Crops | 2026 Main Experience Period | Pricing Method (Includes 2024 information) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyesu Chestnut Farm | Siheung, Gyeonggi Province | Chestnuts, Sweet Potatoes | Late September ~ Early October | Payment by Harvested Weight (Chestnuts 1kg 10,000 KRW) (Based on 2024) |
| Darae Farm | (Location information not available) | Apples | Late August ~ Early November | Base Fee (includes 5kg) 25,000 KRW, additional payment for excess |
| Hwanggeum Apple Farm | Gapyeong | Apples | Late August ~ November | Payment by Harvested Weight (per kg fee, subject to change) |
| Seungan-dong Village | (Location information not available) | Sweet Potatoes | September ~ October | Participation Fee per Person (Adults 12,000 KRW) |
| Gaeuliyagi | Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province | Chestnuts | Early September ~ Early October (Weekends & Public Holidays) | Participation Fee per Person (net provided, up to 2kg) |
Please note: Some farm fees and operational information are based on 2024 and may be subject to change depending on conditions in 2026.
Your visit timing and preparations will vary depending on which crop you wish to harvest.
This experience involves picking up fallen chestnuts from under chestnut trees and removing them from their burrs with tongs. Chestnuts typically fall in the early morning, so visiting in the morning is advantageous for gathering more. Since chestnut burrs are sharp and may harbor insects, long-sleeved clothing, gloves, and tongs are essential.
This experience involves picking ripe, red apples directly from the trees, and children particularly love it. The harvesting period varies by apple variety, starting with Hongro in late August and continuing to Fuji until November. Some farms also offer related programs such as apple tasting or apple jam making. If you're planning other autumn outings, be sure to check out Autumn Foliage Spots or the Autumn Festival Calendar.
This activity involves digging up sweet potatoes buried along their vines with a hoe. It's a great experience for the whole family to enjoy, as it allows you to connect with nature while working with the soil. Harvested sweet potatoes, with soil still attached, can be wrapped in newspaper and stored in a well-ventilated, shaded area to keep them fresh longer.
Farm experiences are mostly outdoor activities, so thorough preparation is essential. Refer to the list below to ensure you haven't forgotten anything.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government operates 'Seoul Farms' experience programs for Seoul citizens, in conjunction with various regions such as Goesan, Yeongwol, and Buyeo. Unlike regular farms, participants are selected by lottery, and new users are often given priority.
In addition to harvest experiences, various Autumn Flower Festivals and Local Festivals are held in September, so you can refer to them for your weekend outing plans.
Q. Can I visit without a reservation for the experience? A. It varies by farm. While some places like Gyesu Chestnut Farm in Siheung allow walk-ins on weekdays, most farms require advance reservations, especially due to crowds on weekends and public holidays. Popular farms can fill up quickly, so it's essential to confirm reservation availability by phone or website before your visit.
Q. Is the experience possible even if it rains? A. Some farms may proceed with the experience in light rain (e.g., Darae Farm), but most outdoor farms cancel activities in case of rain. Operational status due to weather conditions varies by farm, so if the weather is bad, the most accurate approach is to contact the farm directly on the morning of your visit. Some places, like Hwanggeum Apple Farm, automatically cancel in case of rain.
Q. Could you recommend a good place to visit with children? A. Most harvest experiences are great for children. Apple picking and sweet potato digging, in particular, are intuitive activities involving touching soil and harvesting fruits directly, allowing even young children to participate joyfully. Chestnut picking, due to the sharp burrs, is more suitable for older children. Checking beforehand if the farm has amenities like a lawn or picnic area (e.g., Darae Farm) or other facilities such as animal feeding can make your outing even more enjoyable.