EasyTicket Naejangsan’s fall colors are described in Korea Forest Service data as reaching their peak around late October to early November. This year, don’t just look at the cable-car schedule—check fall-foliage traffic controls and shuttle notices too, then plan your parking.
Naejangsan Fall-Foliage Peak: Check from Late October~Early November
Keep Your Candidate Travel Dates Flexible
The Korea Forest Service’s Naejangsan guide says the foliage peaks in late October~early November. Set your vacation or accommodation dates somewhere in this window first, then choose the exact day based on the latest foliage reports as your departure gets closer.
Cross-Check This Year’s Forecast After It Is Released
The Korea Forest Service released its 2025 Forest Foliage Forecast Map on October 1. Temperatures and rainfall vary each year, so instead of trusting a single date, compare the published forecast map with notices from Naejangsan National Park.
Naejangsan Cable Car Guide: 9 AM~6 PM
Work Out the Fare and Hours First
According to Korea Tourism Organization guidance, the Naejangsan Cable Car operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. An adult round trip costs 8,000 won, while a one-way ride costs 5,500 won.
| Category | Round trip | One way |
|---|---|---|
| Adults, age 13+ | 8,000 won | 5,500 won |
| Children, ages 3~12 | 5,000 won | 3,500 won |
It’s a 300m Walk to the Lookout
From the upper cable-car station to the lookout halfway up Yeonjabong, it’s another 300m on foot. Even if you plan to take a quick look at the view and head back down, comfortable walking shoes are best. Service may stop in bad weather or during a safety inspection.
Fall-Foliage Parking and Shuttle Strategy: From 2,000 Won for Small Cars
Check Parking Fees and Traffic Controls Separately
According to current Korea Tourism Organization guidance, parking is available, with a 2,000-won fee for small cars. Medium vehicles are listed at 4,000~5,000 won, and large vehicles at 6,000~7,500 won. Fall-foliage traffic controls, shuttle routes, and operating hours may be set separately each year, so checking notices before departure is essential.
Compare the Pros and Cons of Driving and Taking the Bus
Jeongeup tourism information puts the drive from Jeongeup Station or the terminal to Naejangsan at about 20 minutes, and the city bus at about 30 minutes. During peak season, when access to the parking lot is uncertain, prepare a bus-transfer option once the shuttle notice is posted so your route doesn’t get tangled.
| Travel mode | Confirmed benchmark | Fall-foliage strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Private car | About 20 min from Jeongeup Station/terminal | Check traffic controls and parking availability before departure |
| City bus | About 30 min from Jeongeup Station/terminal | Check shuttle notices and transfer points together |
The Naejangsan National Park website displays real-time control information. Checking twice—on the day before departure and the morning of your trip—is the most practical approach.
Compare the Cable Car with the 108-Tree Maple Trail
The Lookout Is a Short Walk with a High Vantage Point
The Naejangsan Cable Car runs from near the visitor information center to the lookout halfway up Yeonjabong. It’s a good fit for travelers who want to see the mountain landscape from above instead of hiking; include the 300m walk behind the upper station when planning your route.
Continue Below Through the Maple Tunnel
Jeongeup City introduces the five-color foliage trail lined with 108 maple trees from Iljumun Gate to Naejangsa Temple. If it were me, I’d take the cable car first, then walk around Uhwajeong and the maple tunnel after coming back down. You get to see the same colors differently from above and below.
Jeongeup Food Stops: Add Saemgoeul Market
Extend Your Route to the Market and Ssanghwa Tea Street
Jeongeup City is currently running a 2026 Simkung Tour route linking Saemgoeul Market, Ssanghwa Tea Street, and Naejangsan. If you’re heading back into central Jeongeup after seeing the foliage, you can browse the market’s food stalls and alleyways instead of rushing to choose a specific restaurant.
Check the September, October, and November Activity Dates
The guided Simkung Tour runs on September 19, October 3, and November 7. If the dates work, check whether ssanghwa moju or rice-cake-making activities are available and add local food experiences naturally to your Naejangsan foliage trip.
Pre-Visit Checklist and FAQ: Remember Just 3 Things
- Set a flexible peak-foliage window from late October~early November.
- Confirm cable-car hours 09:00~18:00 and whether weather affects service.
- Check same-day notices for parking, traffic controls, and shuttles.
When Will the 2026 Naejangsan Peak-Foliage Date Be Confirmed?
Check the Korea Forest Service’s Forest Foliage Forecast Map announcement together with Naejangsan National Park notices. The 2025 forecast map was released on October 1, so this year too, it’s best to narrow down your visit date based on the official announcement just before foliage season.
Does the Naejangsan Cable Car Still Close at 6 p.m. During Foliage Season?
Current guidance lists the operating hours as 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, service may be suspended for bad weather or safety reasons, so check the operating notice again on the day you ride.
Can I Take the Shuttle After Entering the Parking Lot?
Use separate notices to determine the fall-foliage shuttle’s operating days, routes, and boarding stops. Don’t lock in your route based only on last year’s information or blog reviews; prioritize that year’s guidance from the national park and Jeongeup City.
Image credits3
- 📷 Ken Cheung / Unsplash
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