Experience the breathtaking peak fall foliage at Daejeon's Sangso-dong Forest Recreation Area in 2026. Perfect for scenic drives and autumn strolls, this hidden gem offers vibrant colors. Get insider tips!
In mid-November, as autumn peaked and Daejeon's fall foliage shimmered like a final burst of light, I visited Sangsodong Forest Park, a renowned spot for autumn leaves in Daejeon. Nestled on the outskirts of the city, it’s perfect for a scenic drive in Daejeon, and if you're looking for a must-visit attraction, this place is unbeatable. Especially in autumn, the foliage paints the landscape in such breathtaking colors that it's considered one of Daejeon's top autumn destinations. The long stretches of forest trails, ablaze with red and yellow leaves, make for a perfect autumn stroll! I'll share all the details, from its location and parking to some handy tips for your visit.
⏳ Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
☎ Phone: 042-273-4174
✔ 🚻 Restrooms: Available for men and women.
✔ 🦽 Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly.
✔ 🐕 Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome.
✔🍱 Outside Food: Allowed.
Chapter
1. Location Guide
2. Parking Information
3. Foliage Status
4. My Visit Review
5. Essential Tips for Your Visit
1. Location Guide
📍 Sangsodong Forest Park 714 Sannae-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon
Sangsodong Forest Park is
located in Sangso-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon,
offering an urban forest retreat.
By car, it's just about
20 minutes from downtown Daejeon.
You can navigate by searching for 'Sangsodong Forest Park' or the 'Sangso Auto Camping Site' parking lot.
2. Parking Information
There are two parking entrances for Sangsodong Forest Park.
Officially, there's one main lot,
but you might see a couple of cars parked near the entrance next to Camp Hyanggi.
For official parking,
use the Sangso Auto Camping Site parking lot.
The Sangso Auto Camping Site parking lot
has two entry points: one from the roundabout
and another next to the bridge.
Personally, the one next to the bridge is a bit closer,
the parking lot accessible next to the bridge.
However, this lot often fills up,
so parking attendants sometimes
limit entry.
But even then,
you can usually find one or two spots. Haha!
Parking is free,
and within a 2-minute walk,
you can directly access the forest deck trails.
Bus accessibility is also great.
The 501 bus stop (Sangsodong Forest Park) is right at the entrance of the parking area.
It’s wonderful that you can visit
without any hassle, even by public transport.
3. Foliage Status
Date of Visit (Nov. 16)
As of my visit on November 16th,
the autumn foliage at Sangsodong Forest Park was
at its absolute peak, 100% vibrant!
The maple trees and metasequoia paths throughout the park
were brilliantly painted in crimson hues,
and the ground was thickly carpeted with fallen leaves,
creating an undeniable autumnal ambiance.
However, in some sections,
the leaves had just started to fall.
As the red maple leaves fluttered in the wind,
gracefully falling onto the path,
each moment felt like a breathtaking scene
from a movie.
Right now (mid-November onwards) is
the **tail end of peak autumn colors**.
With the leaves soon to fully descend,
**this weekend, while the foliage still graces the trees**,
could be considered the last golden opportunity to catch them.
4. My Visit Experience
Sangsodong Forest Recreational Area boasts
beautifully maintained wooden deck paths,
perfect for leisurely strolls through the woods.
It’s truly one of Daejeon's top autumn foliage destinations,
where nature comes alive with the distinct, refreshing scent of phytoncides.
It's a place that truly shines in all four seasons!
Beyond autumn's splendor, you'll find charming cherry blossoms in spring,
lush green forests and a refreshing water play area in summer,
and tranquil snowy scenes in winter.
It has appeal in every season.
What really stands out is how popular it is with families.
The walking paths are gentle and easy,
and with benches, charming pavilions, and fantastic photo zones thoughtfully placed throughout,
it's a perfect, stress-free spot to enjoy with kids.
Especially at this time of year,
it's a wonderful destination for everyone –
from families and couples to those seeking a peaceful, solo healing walk.
With every step, the fallen leaves softly crunched beneath my feet,
and each gentle breeze brought a dazzling sparkle of sunlight
through the trees.
It’s a place where simply walking
brings such a profound sense of peace and tranquility.
I also noticed that
the Kkumssi Family had settled in since my last visit! Haha.
When Sangsodong Forest Recreational Area comes to mind,
you absolutely can't overlook its **exotic stone pagoda landscape**!
The stone pagodas, nestled deep within the forest,
evoke the feeling of Korea's very own mini Angkor Wat,
creating a truly unique and captivating atmosphere.
While it's beautiful in all four seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter –
it's especially when the autumn sunlight hits just right,
that the stone pagodas and vibrant foliage blend together
to create a **truly picture-perfect scene**.
The **Metasequoia path** was also
bathed in gorgeous crimson, looking absolutely breathtaking.
No matter where you point your camera,
you're guaranteed to capture a 'shot of a lifetime!'
There are many benches along the walking path,
making it great for a visit with kids,
or simply sitting quietly with a cup of coffee
and enjoying the scenery.
I visited on a weekend,
and it was quite crowded.
If you visit on a weekday, I think you'll be able to enjoy it
with a bit more peace and quiet.
Another thing that stood out to me was
that the path thoughtfully blends both wooden decks and natural earth trails,
making it easy and comfortable for anyone
to complete the loop.
It took
approximately 30-40 minutes to complete the loop,
and the entire path is gentle,
so it was perfectly suitable for a walk with parents
or anyone looking for an easy stroll.
Since it was autumn, I also spotted children
collecting maple leaves and playing with pinecones,
which was a truly lovely sight.
Inside the forest bathing area,
there's also a Forest Experience Zone for infants,
making it perfect for kids to play and explore in nature.
Especially popular with kids is the Net Adventure, which opened this year.
It's an absolute hit!
It operates until this month (November),
and we've heard it will not operate during the winter season (December to March 15th),
so make sure to visit before it's too late!
5. Visitor Tips
✔️ Recommended Visiting Hours
On weekends, I recommend visiting in the morning! On weekdays, 10 AM to 3 PM is ideal.
This timeframe offers the most beautiful sunlight, making the autumn leaves truly glow.
✔️ Attire Tips
Since it's autumn, it gets chilly after sunset, so a jacket is essential!
✔️ Photo Zones
- With maple trees by the valley
- In the center of the Metasequoia path
- Against the backdrop of the exotic stone pagodas
✔️ Other Information
– Pets allowed (leash required)
– No snack bars or cafes inside the forest bathing area (Hotteok, eomuk, and beverages are sold at Daejeon Kkumkkuneun Nongbu Camping, towards Camp Hyanggi)
Embracing the last glow of autumn,
Sangso-dong Forest Bathing Area
was a place where simply walking
brought immense peace to the heart.
Although the autumn foliage has already passed its peak,
even the fallen leaves piled on the ground became a beautiful part of the scenery,
allowing me to fully soak in the charm of late autumn.
This is truly
Daejeon's ultimate autumn leaf destination.
It's wonderful to be able to enjoy such a picturesque autumn stroll here.
It's a perfect spot to walk with family,
with your loved one,
or to simply enjoy a leisurely solo walk.
For an unforgettable autumn experience in Daejeon,
make your way to Sangso-dong Forest Bathing Area this weekend.
When do the autumn leaves at Sangsodong Forest Park reach their peak?
As of the reporter's visit on November 16th, the autumn foliage was at 100% peak. Currently (from mid-November onwards), it's the very end of the peak season, and this weekend is said to be the last golden opportunity to see the autumn leaves.
How can I use the parking at Sangsodong Forest Park, and what are the parking fees?
You can use the parking lot of Sangso Auto Camping Site for Sangsodong Forest Park, and parking is free. The parking lot next to the bridge often gets full.
Is Sangsodong Forest Park accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and are pets allowed?
Yes, Sangsodong Forest Park has well-maintained deck paths that allow for wheelchair and stroller access. Pets are also welcome, but leashes are mandatory.
Until when is the Net Adventure at Sangsodong Forest Park open?
The Net Adventure, which opened this year, operates until November. It will be closed for the winter season from December until March 15th of the following year.
Are there any convenience stores or cafes available inside Sangsodong Forest Park?
There are no convenience stores or cafes inside the forest park. However, Daejeon Kkumkkuneun Nongbu Camping Site, located towards Camp Hyanggi, sells hotteok, fish cakes, and beverages.