From late September through October, pink muhly grass is a fixture of autumn travel in Korea. Its color comes in a little before the fall foliage, which makes it perfect when you’re looking for places to visit in early to mid-October.
That said, the timing of the color varies a bit with the weather. This time, I’ve focused on pink muhly spots where you can combine nearby attractions for a full day trip, rather than just snapping photos and leaving.
1. Cheomseongdae, Gyeongju
The classic spot that doubles as a history trip.
Of all the pink muhly spots in Korea, if I had to pick just one, the Cheomseongdae area in Gyeongju is still at the top.
Gyeongju’s official tourism site says the pink muhly in the flower garden east of Cheomseongdae starts looking good from mid-September and lasts about a month through October, with late September to late October generally being the main viewing season.
Best of all, it doesn’t end with pink muhly.
You can fit Cheomseongdae and the pink muhly into one frame, and a short walk takes you on toward Gyerim Forest, Wolseong and Daereungwon. With kids, it’s a natural way to link flower viewing with a trip into Silla history.
For parking, Gyeongju tourism recommends Jjoksaem Parking Lot, about a 5-minute walk from Cheomseongdae.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Cheomseongdae → Gyerim Forest → Woljeonggyo Bridge
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex
- Hwangnidan-gil street
Woljeonggyo Bridge looks completely different once its night lights come on, so seeing the pink muhly in the afternoon and staying into the evening works well. According to Gyeongju tourism, the bridge is currently open 09:00–22:00 and free to visit.
Recommended time: about 1–2 hours.
Allow half a day if you’re seeing the surrounding historic sites.
2. Sinsoyang Sports Park, Hapcheon
A top pick if photos are the goal.
If you’re after sweeping, large-scale scenery among Gyeongnam’s pink muhly spots, head to Hapcheon’s Sinsoyang Sports Park.
In autumn you can see pink muhly along with yellow cosmos, Korean chrysanthemums (gujeolcho) and other mums. The Korea Tourism Organization lists it as open year-round, accessible at all times, with parking available.
It’s less a sightseeing spot with historic sites to tour and more a place to wander wide open spaces enjoying autumn scenery.
With kids, there’s no long explanation needed, so it’s low-pressure. Think of it as seeing the pink muhly and then strolling through the other autumn flowers.
Note that programs such as the early-October Pink Market featured by the Korea Tourism Organization may or may not run depending on the year.
Recommended time: about 1 hour.
3. Akyang Ecological Park, Haman
A pink muhly spot that feels like a family picnic.
If you’d like a walk as well as photos, Haman’s Akyang Ecological Park is a good choice.
This ecological park was built on the riverside and wetlands along the Namgang River. Inside are eco-ponds, a lawn, an observation deck and a children’s play area, and in autumn the pink muhly adds even more to see.
That’s why I think it’s worth a look if you’re searching for pink muhly spots to visit with kids.
It’s not a place where you snap a few photos in front of the grass and leave — it’s great for walking around the park and relaxing on the lawn.
The address is 208-49 Hagi 2-gil, Daesan-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do.
The park is fairly large, so with kids, see the eco-pond and viewing areas too, not just the pink muhly section.
Recommended time: about 1–2 hours.
4. Dongjeongho Lake, Hadong
Pink muhly that pairs well with a Jirisan trip.
For pink muhly spots with a different feel, there’s Dongjeongho Lake in Hadong.
Dongjeongho isn’t a flower field dedicated to pink muhly; it’s a place where a lake, walking paths and autumn flowers come together. A roughly 1 km trail circles the lake, and in early autumn you can see panicle hydrangeas and pink muhly together.
The loop isn’t too long, even for kids.
There are photo spots such as a heart-shaped suspension bridge and a wooden ferry boat, so children have more to enjoy than just flowers.
Above all, if you’re traveling to Hadong, combine Dongjeongho with nearby attractions rather than seeing it alone.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Choe Champan House
- Pyeongsa-ri fields
- Hwagae Market
You can also take in Hadong’s signature autumn fields, which gives it a different feel from a photo-focused pink muhly trip.
Recommended time: about 1 hour.
5. Cheongsan Arboretum, Taean
If you want pink muhly and pampas grass together.
If you’re in the Chungcheong region, Taean’s Cheongsan Arboretum is worth adding to your autumn list.
What makes it special is that it’s an autumn garden where you see pampas grass and pink muhly together. Ponds, a metasequoia-lined path and viewing areas connect throughout, making it lovely for a walk with your camera. The Korea Tourism Organization also features it as an autumn pink muhly and pampas destination.
With kids, plan to walk a slow loop around the whole arboretum rather than just one flower field.
And once you’ve made it to Taean, it’d be a shame to stop at one place.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Sinduri Coastal Sand Dunes
- Chollipo Arboretum
- Kkotji Beach
Time it for sunset at Kkotji Beach and you can make a day of it: autumn flowers in the morning, the sea and a West Sea sunset in the afternoon.
Opening hours and admission at Cheongsan Arboretum can vary by season, so check the official website on the day you visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Pink Muhly Spots?
Pink muhly generally starts showing color in late September, and most places look their best in October.
For Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju, official tourism information also lists late September to late October as the main viewing period. Another characteristic is that the color gradually fades from vivid pink to a softer dusty pink over time.
That makes the first to third weeks of October a fairly safe window for planning a pink muhly trip in Korea.
Actual conditions in 2026 can vary with local temperatures, rain and typhoons, though. The most reliable check is to look at recent photos on the local government’s or attraction’s official social media right before you leave.
Which Pink Muhly Spots Are Best With Kids?
It’s easy to choose by purpose:
- Pink muhly + history: Cheomseongdae, Gyeongju
- Wide pink muhly photos: Sinsoyang Sports Park, Hapcheon
- Walks and park time with kids: Akyang Ecological Park, Haman
- Lake and autumn scenery: Dongjeongho Lake, Hadong
- Pink muhly + pampas grass: Cheongsan Arboretum, Taean
For an autumn trip in Korea with kids, my personal picks are Gyeongju and Haman.
In Gyeongju you can follow the pink muhly with a Silla history trip, and Haman’s big park is great for spending time at a relaxed pace. If photos matter most, Hapcheon or Taean will suit you better.
Rather than traveling far just for one pink muhly field, it’s more efficient to pair it with nearby sights: Daereungwon and Woljeonggyo in Gyeongju, Pyeongsa-ri in Hadong, and the sand dunes and sea in Taean.
If you’re looking for October trips in Korea, starting your autumn with pink muhly before the fall foliage really kicks in makes for a rewarding itinerary.
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Schedules and prices can change, so check the Korea Tourism Organization (VISITKOREA) before you go.