Daejeon National Cemetery: Golden Ginkgo Trees & Autumn Beauty 2026

A Must-Visit Spot Before Autumn Fades Away!

A captivating destination where golden ginkgo trees create a breathtaking spectacle, drawing countless visitors.

Daejeon's Must-Visit Attractions, Daejeon's Famous Ginkgo Tree Spot

I recently explored Daejeon National Cemetery.

Daejeon National Cemetery

Address: 251 Hyeonchungwon-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon

Visiting Hours: Daily 06:00 ~ 18:00

Phone: 042-718-7114

Parking: Free parking available

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The ginkgo trees at Daejeon National Cemetery are a popular autumn destination,

renowned as a top ginkgo spot and autumn travel destination.

It's a wonderful place to reflect on historical significance with your children

and enjoy the beauty of nature while spending some leisurely time. Highly recommended!

Location of Daejeon National Cemetery

Daejeon National Cemetery is where those who dedicated their lives to our nation rest.

Walking among the ginkgo trees, you can reflect on historical significance with your children while immersed in nature.

Daejeon National Cemetery is located in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon.

While public transportation is available,

the cemetery grounds are quite expansive,

so we recommend using a car to get around and explore.

The parking lot is very spacious,

and street parking is also an option,

making parking hassle-free.

Even novice drivers can visit without any difficulty.

Moreover, the ginkgo tree-lined road is so beautiful

that it's perfect for a scenic drive.

Best Time to See the Ginkgo Trees

The ginkgo trees at Daejeon National Cemetery

showcase their most stunning beauty in autumn.

The period when the ginkgo trees turn golden

is from mid-to-late October to early-to-mid November.

On my visit on November 3rd, the ginkgo trees were beautifully colored, a sight to behold.

Daejeon National Cemetery Ginkgo Tree Spots

The ginkgo trees at Daejeon National Cemetery are a quintessential autumn attraction,

with several locations where you can admire them.

The top three spots are:

1. Near the Veterans' Equipment Exhibition Hall

2. General's Cemetery Area 1

3. Independence Activists' Cemetery Area 3

Among the ginkgo tree spots at Daejeon National Cemetery, the area near the Veterans' Equipment Exhibition Hall

is the most popular and offers the largest 'golden wave' of trees.

Beyond this spot, you can also find ginkgo trees scattered around General's Cemetery Area 1 and Independence Activists' Cemetery Area 3,

making it ideal for a leisurely stroll and appreciation.

Near the Veterans' Equipment Exhibition Hall

When people talk about the ginkgo trees at the National Cemetery, they are often referring to those near the Veterans' Equipment Exhibition Hall.

The ginkgo trees near the Veterans' Equipment Exhibition Hall, which attract the most visitors,

are quite old and possess an impressive grandeur.

The yellow ginkgo forest

unfolds like a golden sea, offering a truly magnificent view.

The fallen ginkgo leaves blanket the expansive garden and ginkgo tree path,

covering everything in a stunning golden hue.

It's highly recommended as the perfect spot for photography!

While it's a bit disappointing that many ginkgo leaves near the road have already fallen,

the deeper you go, the more abundant and vibrant the ginkgo trees become.

On weekdays, it's relatively less crowded, allowing for a peaceful and leisurely visit.

However, weekends tend to be busy with many visitors, so capturing your desired photos might be a bit challenging.

As one of Daejeon's most renowned attractions,

on weekends, you'll find families, couples, friends, and seniors alike

gathering here, making it the perfect outing spot for all ages.

The ginkgo trees at the National Cemetery

change their colors subtly depending on the time of day.

I visited in the middle of the day, and while they glow yellow in the morning,

in the late afternoon, they take on a reddish-yellow hue.

If you visit at this time, you can capture the most beautiful photos.

Looking up at the sky from under the ginkgo trees,

the vibrant yellow hues against the blue sky create a truly stunning sight.

Standing beneath the ginkgo trees, as the gentle autumn breeze rustles,

you'll witness a shower of ginkgo leaves falling one by one, feeling like you've stepped into a fairytale.

Near the Generals' First Burial Area

The ginkgo tree path near the Generals' First Burial Area,

while smaller than the ginkgo trees near the Veterans' Equipment Storage,

offers its own ample beauty with its path bathed in yellow.

Here, both those out for a drive and those enjoying a stroll can immerse themselves in the scenery together.

However, it's important to be especially careful with vehicle traffic and when walking.

Since fewer cars pass through here, you can enjoy a more peaceful viewing experience.

If the ginkgo trees at the Veterans' Equipment Storage were bathed in bright sunshine,

this area, nestled among lush surrounding trees, provides a refreshing respite from the late summer heat,

making it a comfortable place to explore.

Touching, feeling, and tossing the ginkgo leaves,

immersed in a world painted entirely in shades of yellow,

it was a time when both children and adults could return to their childlike wonder.

I even tried to capture one of those fun photos that many people take, but I guess I didn't quite nail it! Haha.

Near the Patriots' Third Burial Area

Located at the furthest end from the National Cemetery entrance,

this is a spot many people don't know about.

Here, a beautiful ginkgo tree path unfolds,

making it perfect for a scenic drive.

While the ginkgo trees aren't huge, as you pass along the long, stretching ginkgo path,

they gradually become dyed in vibrant yellow.

Near the Patriots' Third Burial Area,

another incredibly beautiful ginkgo tree path stretches out.

Though the trees are smaller than those near the Veterans' Equipment Storage,

fewer visitors come here, making it a wonderful place to enjoy in peace.

I highly recommend coming here for a scenic drive.

Surrounded by monuments and graves,

you can appreciate both nature and historical significance here.

Daejeon National Cemetery in Autumn

Beyond its stunning ginkgo trees, Daejeon National Cemetery also boasts other autumn attractions:

must-visit spots to experience autumn at the cemetery,

the best places to truly feel the season.

These include the magnificent Metasequoia Path and

Hyunchungji Pond, where the autumn leaves glow brightly.

The Metasequoia Path at the National Cemetery

The Metasequoia-lined road, stretching far on both sides,

is a delight to behold year-round.

But it truly shines brightest in autumn.

When autumn arrives, the Metasequoias transform into a canvas of yellow and orange,

making it the perfect place to soak in the autumn ambiance.

On my visit on November 3rd, I hadn't quite encountered the fully crimson Metasequoias yet,

but starting this weekend, I anticipate you'll gradually begin to see them turn a brilliant red.

When you walk this path in autumn,

the Metasequoia trees create a crimson tunnel that unfolds like a painting,

perfect for capturing atmospheric and memorable photos.

Hyunchungji Pond

When you think of Hyunchungji Pond at the National Cemetery, it's renowned as the place with the most magnificent autumn scenery.

The pavilion and trees reflected in the water are like a painting come to life.

Hyunchungji Pond, from around November when the ginkgo leaves begin to fall,

turns a vibrant red, and I highly recommend visiting during this period.

You can also spot schools of carp gracefully swimming in the pond,

which captivates children with their curiosity.

Don't forget to capture a memorable shot at the Hyunchungji photo zone too!

Hyunchungji Pond also features a small, naturally formed waterfall, whose refreshing stream evokes the feeling of gazing upon a traditional landscape painting.

Hyunchungji Pond is a quintessential autumn spot,

and while this year's foliage might not be as vibrant as last year's,

it was still more than enough to fully immerse myself in the spirit of autumn.

Because this year's summer was exceptionally hot and long,

the autumn foliage started a bit late,

and progressed rapidly,

making the time to truly savor autumn feel all too brief.

With every corner of the National Cemetery bathed in autumn colors,

you're guaranteed to enjoy magnificent scenery wherever you go.

Furthermore, the National Cemetery boasts extensive and well-maintained walking paths,

making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Beyond the Ginkgo Tree Path, you can revel in the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere throughout the entire grounds.

However, given the vast size of the grounds, it can be challenging to explore everything on foot,

so utilizing a car for your visit is also a great option.

The roads are also very wide, so there are no difficulties with vehicle traffic,

and since almost all the roadsides are marked with white lines, parking and stopping are freely permitted.

If you're visiting with children, the Veterans' Equipment Exhibition Hall is an absolute must-see.

It showcases fighter jets, armored vehicles, light aircraft, and more that kids will love – and these are all actual pieces of equipment that defended the Republic of Korea.

By seeing the real combat equipment used before and after the Korean War,

it's a place to honor the sacrifices of our national heroes and, I believe, a powerful hands-on educational experience for children.

Also, within Daejeon National Cemetery, you'll find the Hoguk Railway Memorial Museum, which I highly recommend visiting with your children.

Many people visit the National Cemetery as a picnic spot, bringing their mats and packed lunches.

But don't worry if you haven't prepared anything!

There's a veterans' convenience store located within the cemetery, selling drinks, simple snacks, and memorial flowers.

Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the grounds, so you can use them with ease.

The ginkgo trees at the National Cemetery have become an iconic symbol, drawing many visitors.

It's a renowned spot where countless tourists flock in autumn to witness the stunning golden ginkgo leaves.

Beyond the ginkgo trees, you'll find other beautiful paths, like the Metasequoia road, with long stretches of golden hues.

It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while also reflecting on the sacrifices of our fallen heroes.

Daejeon National Cemetery

Highly recommended!

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