Every autumn, Hwangmaesan mountain in South Gyeongsang Province becomes one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Korea â the summit ridge covered in silver grass (eokpul) that turns the entire mountain pale gold in October and November. The trail through the grass plateau above the treeline, with views across the surrounding mountain ranges, is among the most celebrated autumn walks in the country.
Your driver handles the 90-minute journey from Busan into the South Gyeongsang countryside and delivers you to the trailhead, waiting while you complete the ridge walk.
The summit ridge of Hwangmaesan (1,108m) is covered in eokpul silver grass that reaches full color in mid-October â a vast pale gold plateau above the treeline that stretches across the ridge in every direction, with folded mountain ranges visible beyond in every direction
The main trail from Hapcheon ascends through forest before emerging onto the open grass plateau â the transition from enclosed woodland to the open silver ridge is one of the great moments of the Korean autumn hiking calendar
The fortress wall ruins (sanseongsong) running along the ridge add a layer of historical interest to the natural spectacle â the stone fortifications follow the contours of the mountain in a pattern visible from a considerable distance
What to eat
Jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork) and doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) at one of the restaurants in Hapcheon town near the trailhead â simple, warming Korean mountain food before or after the ascent
Take note
The silver grass peaks in mid to late October â visiting outside this window significantly reduces the spectacle; the trail is well-maintained, but the ridge is fully exposed; bring layers as the summit temperature is considerably cooler than Busan. The park is extremely popular during peak autumn color weekends â an early start is strongly recommended.
The main trail from Hapcheon ascends through forest before emerging onto the open grass plateau. The full ridge walk takes roughly three to four hours depending on pace, with steady uphill sections requiring moderate fitness. The summit sits at about 3,635 feet (1,108 meters), and the ridge is fully exposed to weather. The transition from forest to open grass is one of the great moments of Korean hiking.
Hwangmaesan County Park sits about 75 miles (120 km) northwest of Busan, in South Gyeongsang Province. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half each way through the South Gyeongsang countryside. The journey passes through rural Korean landscapes, with rice fields and small towns leading toward the dramatic mountain ranges that surround Hwangmaesan and the historic town of Hapcheon.
Hwangmaesan works well for families with older children comfortable with longer hikes. The ridge trail is well-maintained, and reaching the silver grass plateau is highly rewarding for kids. Younger children may find the full ascent tiring, so a shorter route or just visiting the lower trails is an option. Bring plenty of snacks, water and warm layers, and plan for frequent rest stops on the climb.
The Hapcheon area offers classic Korean mountain cuisine. Jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork) and doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) are local favorites and ideal for warming up before or after the hike. Several restaurants near the trailhead in Hapcheon town serve traditional Korean dishes in casual settings. Look for fresh banchan side dishes and locally grown vegetables that highlight the region's farming heritage.
The fortress wall ruins (sanseong) running along the Hwangmaesan ridge date back centuries and are part of Korea's long tradition of mountain fortresses built for defense during periods of conflict. The stone fortifications follow the natural contours of the mountain in patterns visible from a considerable distance. They add a fascinating historical layer to the natural wonder.
Bring sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, a daypack, plenty of water, snacks and a packed lunch. Layers are essential as the summit is cool and windy even when Busan is warm. A windproof jacket, hat and gloves are recommended in autumn. Trekking poles help on steeper sections, and a camera is a must for the silver grass scenery. Sun protection matters even on cool days.
Mid-October to early November is the peak time for silver grass, when the entire summit ridge glows pale gold. Visiting outside this window significantly reduces the spectacle, though spring and summer offer green mountain scenery and azaleas. The park gets very busy during peak autumn weekends, so an early start is strongly recommended. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends during peak season.
Hwangmaesan is famous for its silver grass plateau on the summit ridge, which turns the entire mountain pale gold in October and November. The grass (eokpul) covers a vast plateau above the treeline, creating one of the most breathtaking autumn landscapes in Korea. The trail through the open ridge offers views of folded mountain ranges in every direction, making it a celebrated autumn walk.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! Youâre free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youâll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.