Hwadamsup Gwangju Autumn Foliage 2026: When to Visit & Tips

Hello everyone, this is Hizzy!

It's already September, and I'm starting to scout out where to go for my autumn foliage trip this year... aren't you too?

When it comes to must-visit spots for autumn leaves near Seoul,

Hwadam Botanic Garden in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, definitely tops the list!

I've visited two years in a row,

and I can tell you that **if you want to experience Hwadam Botanic Garden during its peak autumn foliage season, you absolutely need to prepare in advance by booking your tickets.**

So, it's a great idea to start looking into it now!

For those of you wondering when the 2026 Hwadam Botanic Garden autumn foliage season is, and when peak season reservations open,

I'm going to break down everything you need to know about admission fees, how to book, and even parking, all in one go!

When is the 2026 Hwadam Botanic Garden Autumn Foliage Season?

Of course, the most pressing question is always: when exactly is the autumn foliage season and when will it hit its vibrant peak?

The official schedule for Hwadam Botanic Garden's 2026 autumn peak season hasn't been announced yet.

Last year, **Hwadam Botanic Garden's peak autumn season ran from October 24th to November 16th.**

If this year follows a similar pattern,

we can expect late October to mid-November to be the perfect time to witness

Hwadam Botanic Garden's breathtaking autumn colors.

When I visited on November 5th, the foliage was absolutely stunning!

Just a friendly reminder: the peak season can vary depending on the year's temperatures,

so keep that in mind!

Hwadam Botanic Garden Gwangju: Essential Info, Admission, and Monorail Prices

Address	278-1 Docheokwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Operating Hours	09:00 ~ 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Parking Available

Admission Fee
Adults	~$8
Seniors	~$7
Teenagers	~$7
Children	~$5

Hwadamchae is an optional add-on for ~$4.

If you also plan to use the monorail,

you'll need to purchase an additional boarding pass.

Hwadam Botanic Garden itself is quite expansive,

so if you're visiting with parents or children,

I highly recommend booking monorail tickets too!

▶️Check Hwadam Botanic Garden Tickets Here

How to Reserve Tickets for Hwadam Botanic Garden 2026

Hwadam Botanic Garden admission tickets are currently available for reservation on NOL.

Currently, 2026 admission tickets can be selected up to October 22nd,

and the reservation window for the peak autumn foliage season has not yet opened.

We anticipate that autumn peak season reservations

will open around September 20th.

Since the official schedule hasn't been announced yet,

it would be a good idea to check for updates frequently

starting from mid-September!!

Hwadam Botanic Garden during autumn foliage season is incredibly competitive for reservations,

so if you have a specific date in mind,

make sure to sign up for NOL membership and complete identity verification in advance, even before bookings open.

✅ Click Here to Register for Hwadam Botanic Garden in Advance!

Things to Check Before Visiting Hwadam Botanic Garden

At Hwadam Botanic Garden, you'll find convenience stores, cafes,

and even places where you can grab a simple meal.

To the right after entering Hwadam Botanic Garden, there's the

'Beonji Eopneun Jumak' (a traditional Korean pub, though likely serving food here) and the Hwadam Botanic Garden CAFE & SHOP.

And to the right of the ticket booth,

you'll discover the CAFE & BAKERY SEED GREEN.

There are also lockers available for your belongings,

with a usage fee of ~$1.

Please note that pets are not allowed to enter.

Strollers and wagons are permitted, but

as mentioned earlier, they must be folded

when boarding the monorail.

Also, keep in mind that certain items like picnic mats, tents, kick scooters, drones, etc.,

are restricted from entry.

2026 Hwadam Botanic Garden Autumn Foliage Reservations: A Complete Guide!

If you're planning a trip to Hwadam Botanic Garden this autumn,

knowing the exact reservation opening date in September

seems to be the most crucial thing...

The peak autumn foliage season for Hwadam Botanic Garden in 2026 is expected to be

from late October to mid-November.

Currently, reservations for the autumn foliage peak season aren't open yet!

I'm planning to keep a close eye on the NOL reservation window

from around September 20th onwards!!

I really want to visit when the autumn colors are at their most vibrant this time,

but at Hwadam Botanic Garden,

securing a reservation often comes before even planning for the best foliage... haha!

Once the official schedule for the peak season is released,

I'll be sure to inform you all again about the reservation opening dates and the estimated peak foliage period!