Hwadam Botanic Garden Booking Guide 2026: Essential Tips

---

When autumn arrives, one place automatically comes to mind.

That's Hwadam Botanic Garden in Konjiam!

I visited once before with my family,

and it was such a satisfying experience, so beautiful that the word 'gorgeous' just spilled out,

it's still vivid in my memory.

With autumn foliage season just around the corner, many people are searching for Hwadam Botanic Garden as peak season bookings approach.

But when you actually open the booking page,

it's not just about entrance tickets;

you also have to choose monorail sections,

which can be a bit confusing for first-timers.

So today, I'm going to put together everything you need to know:

how to book,

the differences between the monorail sections,

and even my actual visit review, all in one place.

How and where to book Hwadam Botanic Garden?

You can book Hwadam Botanic Garden through the NOL (Yanolja) app.

Even if you visit the official website, you'll be redirected to Yanolja,

so I recommend installing the app and signing up for an account in advance.

The booking process is actually quite simple.

​

Go to the link, select your desired date and time, and you're all set!

However, the challenge is that popular dates during peak season,

especially morning slots, often sell out incredibly fast as soon as bookings open.

If you can't get your desired date,

you'll either need to look for another date without a waiting list

or wait for cancellations.

So, I highly recommend opening the app and being ready before the booking opens on September 16th at 1 PM.

Availability changes constantly by date and time slot, so stay focused...!

What are the differences between the monorail sections?

This is the part that causes the most confusion, so I've put together a separate explanation.

Monorail bookings are based on packages departing from Station 1.

Monorail rides departing from Stations 2 and 3 are

purchased separately at the unmanned ticket machines located at each station.

✅ Section 1 (Station 1 → Alight at Station 2): Uphill section, approximately 5 minutes ride

✅ Section 2 (Station 1 → Alight at Station 3): Uphill + flat section, approximately 10 minutes ride

✅ Loop (Station 1 → Alight at Station 1): Full loop section, approximately 20 minutes ride

Looking at the names, you might wonder if there's a Section 3.

However, the option that goes to Station 3 is Section 2,

and the course that returns to Station 1 is separately listed as the 'Loop' option.

So, it's good to know this in advance to avoid confusion when selecting your section on the booking screen.

How much are the Hwadam Botanic Garden entrance fees and monorail fares?

Entrance fee is ~$8 for adults,

and the monorail is ~$3.

Once you select your date, the entrance ticket,

Hwadamchae (e.g., a special exhibit or facility), and monorail options will appear together,

so you just need to carefully check your desired section.

Should You Definitely Take the Monorail?

This really depends on who you ask!

We opted to walk without the monorail, enjoying a leisurely stroll.

With so many beautifully set-up photo zones,

we found ourselves taking pictures, resting, and walking for about 3 hours in total.

Being able to see the pink muhly grass and the birch forest meant

we weren't just admiring the autumn leaves;

we truly felt immersed in nature's untouched beauty.

We visited a little early, so

the autumn foliage wasn't at its absolute peak,

but my mom still absolutely loved it.

On the other hand, my dad isn't usually a big walker,

so he definitely found it a bit challenging.

So, if you're visiting with parents or young children,

I'd recommend taking the monorail.

But if you're someone who enjoys walking,

I think you'll be perfectly satisfied exploring at a leisurely pace on foot.

Plus, the paths are really well-maintained,

making it easy for those using strollers or wheelchairs

to get around comfortably.

---

Here's how to prepare, depending on your group:

✅ If you're visiting with parents

→ We recommend taking the monorail at least up to Section 1 (Station 2).

✅ Families with children

→ Conserving energy early on is key, so the monorail is practically a must-have.

✅ If you love walking and want to take lots of photos

→ Explore slowly on foot, planning your route around the best photo zones.

Essential Checks Before You Book

After entering, it takes about 15 minutes to walk

to the monorail boarding platform (Station 1).

It's a good idea to leave plenty of buffer time

between your admission time and your monorail boarding time.

You should be waiting for the monorail 10 minutes before your booked time,

as it departs promptly on the hour.

Hwadamsup monorail prices (based on online booking rates):

Adults/Seniors/Youth: ~~$4

Children: ~~$3

For Section 2: Adults/Seniors/Youth: ~~$5,

Children: ~~$4

For Section 3 (Circular Route): Adults/Seniors/Youth: ~~$7,

Children: ~~$5.

Also, make sure to check that prices vary by section!

If you're late, boarding might be difficult, so

I recommend arriving with plenty of time to spare!

What's more, since it's incredibly popular and peak season,

the parking lot is often full unless you arrive for the very first time slot.

In such cases, you can park in the lower parking lot and

take a shuttle bus, so no need to worry too much.

When will the autumn leaves peak in 2026?

Although peak season officially opens on October 23rd,

personally, I believe the true peak will be closer to late October to early November,

rather than right at the beginning of the season.

While I can't be 100% certain, as the progression depends on temperature and weather,

targeting this period seems like a safe bet based on current trends.

If you go too early, there might still be a lot of green, so

if you want to see the autumn leaves at their best,

I recommend checking the Hwadamsup autumn foliage status one more time

right before your visit.

Full refunds available up to 1 day before your visit!

---

Q. Do I have to book Hwadamsup and Hwadamchae together?

A. Since it's a booking method that includes an integrated admission ticket,

if you wish, you can do it together right on the booking screen.

Q. Can I pre-book monorail tickets departing from Stations 2 and 3?

A. No, monorail tickets departing from Stations 2 and 3 are

not available for online pre-booking;

instead, you purchase them on-site at the self-service kiosks located at each station.

Q. If I don't take the monorail, how long will I have to walk?

A. Walking from Station 1 to Station 2 takes approximately 40 minutes (1.9km).

It's definitely a walkable distance.

Q. What if I miss the booking opening time?

A. Don't worry, cancellation tickets often become available, so

even if you're not there right when booking opens, I recommend checking periodically

to snag your preferred date.

---

With peak season booking opening soon,

it's going to be a busy time with many people rushing to book.

To secure your desired date and monorail time slot,

it's best to be prepared right when booking opens!

Before Hwadam Forest bookings open, make sure to save the link,

and get a head start by installing the app and signing up for membership!

As soon as your desired date and time slots open up,

I highly recommend booking right away.

Wishing you an incredible and fulfilling autumn trip!

▼ Go Directly to 2026 Hwadam Forest Ticket Booking ▼