With a three-day golden holiday running from October 9, Hangul Day, through October 11, attention is turning to autumn outing destinations. This year carries added historical significance, marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangul Day and the 580th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunminjeongeum, making the holiday a good opportunity to enjoy both urban cultural events and natural scenery.

October is a season when rivers, gorges, forests, and flower paths each display their own distinct scenery. Visitors can choose destinations according to taste and travel distance: reflecting on the meaning of Hangul at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, walking along the Hantangang River gorge in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, or enjoying autumn flowers at Bundang Central Park in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

■ Cheorwon Hantangang Columnar Jointing Trail — A Walking Path Along Gorge Scenery

The first destination drawing attention is the Hantangang River columnar jointing trail in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. Located within the Hantangang UNESCO Global Geopark, the trail offers close-up views of a gorge carved by the river over millennia and rock formations created by volcanic activity. From the cliffside walkways, visitors can take in scenes where the river and rocks blend together.

The full walking course is about 3.6 kilometers, taking roughly an hour and a half one way. Viewing rest areas along the path allow visitors to observe the gorge's varied features. Even before the fall foliage reaches its peak, the terrain itself—rock cliffs meeting river water—offers plenty to see, making it a worthy autumn outing destination.

However, since the route travels along cliffs, comfortable footwear is recommended. The trail may be closed depending on weather conditions, so visitors should check its operating status before heading out.

■ Bundang Central Park — An Autumn Stroll Among Waves of Red Spider Lilies

In the metropolitan area, Bundang Central Park in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, stands out as an autumn walking destination. The park is an urban green space where dense trees, walking paths, and ponds come together. In particular, clusters of red spider lilies (kkotmureup) are planted along the walking path stretching from near Huangsaeul Plaza toward the pedestrian bridge. The plant blooms with red flowers at the tips of slender stems, creating a striking color contrast with the green forest. It is advisable to check local conditions before visiting. Even past the flowers' peak, the park remains a place to enjoy autumn forest paths and lakeside strolls, making it an option for family visitors who find long-distance travel burdensome.

■ Incheon Chinatown — From the Original Jjajangmyeon to Mooncakes and Tanghulu

Incheon Chinatown is also worth recommending. With its red paifang gates, the Three Kingdoms mural street, the Jjajangmyeon Museum, and other exotic attractions, it is a popular autumn outing spot. Visitors can enjoy a variety of foods—from the original jjajangmyeon and crispy kongal bread to sweet mooncakes and tanghulu—making it a destination that delights both the eyes and the palate.

■ Gwanghwamun Square — 'Seoul Buzzing with Hangul' Hangul Experience

In downtown Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square offers the most direct way to experience the meaning of Hangul Day. The Seoul city government will hold the 'Seoul Buzzing with Hangul' event at the square's play yard from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 9. The event includes exhibitions examining spellings commonly confused in everyday life and showcasing beautiful Hangul signage. Programs for direct citizen participation are also prepared, such as making Hangul hats, creating postcards with stamps, and Hangul coloring experiences. Korean-language song performances will take place in front of the Statue of King Sejong the Great. Visiting the statue and the adjacent Sejong Story exhibition space at the square together makes for an outing that revisits the historical significance of the creation of Hangul.

■ Seoul Forest — An Urban Stroll in the Early Autumn Woods

For those wanting to enjoy Seoul's autumn at a more relaxed pace, Seoul Forest is worth considering. Located in Seongdong District, it is an urban park with expansive greenery and tree-lined walking paths. Its characteristic open spaces and foliage that changes color with the seasons make it possible to enjoy a stroll without adhering to any special event schedule. Seoul Forest has the advantage of easy downtown access while offering relatively long walking routes. However, in early October, the degree of foliage coloration varies by tree species and temperature, so it is best to enjoy the early-autumn atmosphere rather than expecting peak foliage.

■ Sejong Lake Park and Sejong Central Park — '2026 Sejong Hangul Festival'

In the Chungcheong region, Sejong Lake Park and Sejong Central Park are noteworthy. The '2026 Sejong Hangul Festival' will be held in and around the two parks from October 9 to 11. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangul Day, the festival centers on Hangul-themed performances and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the wide lake and park scenery while participating in Hangul-related programs, making it a good way to combine cultural events with an outdoor outing.

■ Ttukseom Hangang Park — Hangul Day Night Han River Light Show and Drone Light Show

For citizens looking to enjoy Hangul Day night scenery, Ttukseom Hangang Park in Seoul is another option. According to the Seoul city government's event notice, the Han River light show is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on October 9, with the drone light show running from 8:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. As a nighttime performance set against the Han River, it offers an experience different from daytime park strolls.

■ Recommendations by Purpose

For this golden holiday, choosing a destination based on the purpose of the trip is important. Those seeking the grandeur of natural terrain should head to the Cheorwon Hantangang columnar jointing trail; those wanting to enjoy forests and flower paths nearby will find Bundang Central Park suitable; and those desiring historical and cultural experiences will be well matched with Gwanghwamun Square and the Sejong Hangul Festival.

Above all, early October is a time when autumn is still deepening. The state of foliage and flower blooms varies by region and weather, and outdoor events may change depending on conditions. While the three-day holiday can be filled with a long-distance trip, even an hour or two of walking in a nearby park is enough to feel the change of seasons. This holiday, where the historical meaning of Hangul Day meets the beauty of autumn nature, is expected to offer a chance to step away from busy daily life and enjoy rest and culture together.

[Festival schedules and trail operating hours may vary depending on on-site and weather conditions. Natural scenery may differ from actual bloom and coloration states. This article was written based on publicly available event and tourism information, with the assistance of AI.]