2026 Gyeongju Autumn Travel: A Guide to Pink Muhly and Silver Grass Spots

2026 Gyeongju Autumn Journey: A Guide to Pink Muhly and Silver Grass Hotspots

Come autumn, Gyeongju is painted in a palette of vibrant colors. In particular, the pink hues of Pink Muhly and the silvery waves of eulalia (silver grass) are iconic autumn landscapes that draw countless travelers. To help you plan your trip during this beautiful season, from mid-September to early November, we've compiled detailed information focusing on two key autumn flower spots in Gyeongju. These are also excellent recommended travel destinations for September.

Key Attractions at a Glance

Gyeongju's representative autumn flower spots, the Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly colony and the Mujangsan Silver Grass colony, each possess distinct charms. To help you choose the spot that best suits your travel purpose and style, we've compared their key features in the table below.

1. Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly Colony

This Pink Muhly spot is conveniently located in Gyeongju's city center, offering excellent accessibility. Since its creation by Gyeongju City in 2017, it has become a spectacular sea of pink every autumn. The scenery, particularly with the ancient Cheomseongdae observatory in the background, creates a unique atmosphere.

• Location: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (opposite Cheomseongdae)
• Peak Season: Late September ~ Late October. The most vibrant period is from late September to mid-October.
• Operating Hours: Open year-round. However, night lighting operates until 22:00 during the summer season (March to October).
• Admission: Free
• Parking Information:
  • Jjoksaem District Temporary Parking Lot: Free to use, about a 5-minute walk to the Pink Muhly colony.
  • Daereungwon Parking Lot: Paid (as of 2024, first 2 hours ₩2,000, then ₩1,000 per additional hour), and can be crowded on weekends.

Photography Tips

• Time: It's best to visit early in the morning or at sunset when there are fewer crowds and the light is soft.
• Composition: The most popular composition is capturing Cheomseongdae with the Pink Muhly in the foreground.
• Attire: Wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) can create even more memorable photos, harmonizing with the serene atmosphere.

2. Mujangsan Silver Grass Colony

Famous as a filming location for the drama 'Queen Seondeok', the summit of Mujangsan features a vast field of silver grass spanning approximately 440,000 pyeong. From mid-October, the silvery waves of silver grass and the expansive views from the summit make this a captivating destination.

• Location: San 426 Amgok-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Hiking starts from Amgok Trail Information Center)
• Peak Season: Mid-October ~ Early November
• Admission: Free
• Hiking Course: A circular course starting from the Amgok Trail Information Center (approx. 8.9km, 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours duration) is common. It's recommended to ascend via the relatively gentle valley path and descend via the ridge path.
• Parking Information:
  • Mujangsaji Public Parking Lot 1 & 2: Available for free.
  • Weekend Shuttle Bus: During the autumn silver grass season, a shuttle bus operates from Public Parking Lot 2 to the hiking trail entrance on weekends and holidays. The information below is as of 2024, so please check for the latest updates before your visit.
    • Operating Period (as of 2024): October 12 ~ December 1 (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
    • Operating Hours (as of 2024): 08:00 ~ 17:30
    • Fare (as of 2024): ₩1,300

Suggested Itinerary

Here's a 2-day, 1-night itinerary considering the locations and characteristics of both spots.

• Day 1: City Center Historical Sites and Pink Muhly

  1. Afternoon: Arrive in Gyeongju, check into accommodation.
  2. Late Afternoon: Visit Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly Colony and take photos.
  3. Evening: Dinner at Hwanglidan-gil or near Daereungwon.
  4. Night: Enjoy the night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

• Day 2: Silver Grass Hike and Departure

  1. Morning: Hike up Mujangsan Silver Grass Colony (approx. 4 hours round trip).
  2. Lunch: After descending, eat at a restaurant near Amgok-dong.
  3. Afternoon: If time permits, visit Gyeongju Bulguksa Seokguram in Autumn or head to Gyeongju Station.

What to Pack

• Common Items: Comfortable shoes, camera, power bank, water, sunscreen.
• Additional for Mujangsan Hike: Hiking boots, hiking poles, light snacks, windbreaker jacket, sweat towel.
• For Weekend Visits: A relaxed mindset to cope with crowds, and a plan for using public transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is the best time to visit to see Pink Muhly at its most beautiful?

It's best to visit between late September and mid-October, on a clear day, either before 10:00 or after 16:00 when the sun begins to set. This allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful pink hues in soft light.

2. Is the Mujangsan hike suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is. Among the courses starting from the Amgok Trail Information Center, the 'Valley Path' has a gentle slope, making it suitable for beginners and families. As it takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours round trip, it's important to plan considering your time and physical condition.

3. Is parking crowded at both spots?

Yes, especially on weekends and public holidays during the peak season for Pink Muhly and silver grass, parking can be very crowded. For Cheomseongdae, it's recommended to use the nearby free parking lot (Jjoksaem District Temporary Parking Lot) or visit early. For Mujangsan, checking the weekend shuttle bus schedule in advance and using it can be more convenient.