After a record-breaking summer and before a cold, windy winter off the coast, fall is the stretch when Busan is at its best. It is also the season when the city packs in the most, from mountain foliage and river flower fields to a festival calendar that barely lets up from the first week of October to the fireworks in November.
The Last Major City to Turn
Color moves south through Korea over about six weeks, and Busan is the last major city to peak, usually around November 5 to 12. If you missed the leaves in Seoul, Busan is your second chance. Mountain temples such as Beomeosa Temple on Geumjeongsan are among the best places to see it, with maple-lined paths and chrysanthemums blooming in the courtyard at the same time. For an easier walk, APEC Naru Park in Haeundae is flat and turns nicely in November.
Pink Muhly Grass Along the Nakdong River
From mid-October to early November, the Nakdong River parks fill with soft pink muhly grass, one of the most photographed sights in the country this time of year. Head to Daejeo Ecological Park or Eulsukdo Island, where cosmos and buckwheat fields are often in bloom nearby as well.
Busan Autumn Events
Busan International Rock Festival: October 2 to 4, Samnak Ecological Park
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF): October 6 to 15, Haeundae and Nampo-dong
Jagalchi Culture Tourism Festival: October 8 to 12, Jagalchi Market
Dongnae Eupseong History Festival: October 16 to 18, Dongnae Eupseong area
Jeonpo Coffee Festival: October 17 to 18, Jeonpo Cafe Street
Busan Choral Festival and Competition: October 22 to 25, Busan Cinema Center and Busan Concert Hall
Busan Ocean Marathon: October 25, BEXCO Outdoor Plaza
Passion and Fashion Busan: October 29 to 31, BEXCO
Yeongdo Bridge Festival: October 30 to November 1, Yeongdo
Busan Biennale: through November 1, multiple sites
Busan Fireworks Festival: November 7, Gwangalli Beach
Dates come from the official Busan city events calendar and can change, so check before you go. If you are planning a trip to the capital as well, there is a Seoul version of this guide too.
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Check out our Seoul Autumn Guide as well
