Jangtaesan Recreational Forest Daejeon Autumn Guide 2026: Metasequoia Magic

The surrounding trees are starting to change colors, announcing the arrival of autumn, aren't they?

When it comes to autumn travel in Daejeon, there's one place you simply can't miss.

A lush Metasequoia forest,

with tall, dense trees stretching far,

creating an exotic landscape.

I recently visited Jangtaesan Recreational Forest.

My visit was on November 6th, and the trees hadn't yet turned fully red.

I expect they'll be vibrant red by late November.

*This photo shows how it looked around November 15th last year.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

Address: 461 Jangan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon

Admission: Free

Parking: Free parking available

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As one of Daejeon's most iconic autumn destinations,

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

is densely packed with Metasequoia trees,

making it one of the places many people visit every autumn.

I usually visit on weekdays,

but on weekends, the crowds make parking quite challenging.

✅ Jangtaesan Recreational Forest Parking Tip

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest has five parking areas.

✔Parking Lot 1

Located at the entrance of Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, it has the most ample parking spaces.

✔Parking Lot 2

It's next to Cafe Interview,

and from here, you'll need a leisurely stroll to the Sky Tower at the main entrance of Jangtaesan.

If you want to experience Jangtaesan more deeply, I recommend it, as a stream flows along the forest path on the way.

✔Parking Lots 3 & 4

Located at the end of Jangtaesan Sky Road, these are convenient for accessing the Skywalk and suspension bridge.

✔Parking Lot 5

This is the parking lot I use most often,

as it's closest to the Sky Tower and the Metasequoia Forest.

However, Parking Lot 5 is quite large, so the entrance side is a bit further; you'll want to aim for the exit side to be closer.

On weekdays, parking here was easy.

Personally, if you want a leisurely exploration, I recommend Parking Lots 1 or 2.

For using the Sky Road, Parking Lots 3 or 4 are best.

And if you're not a fan of walking, I recommend Parking Lot 5, which offers the closest access to the Metasequoia Forest.

If you're visiting on a crowded weekend,

then parking wherever you spot an available space is probably your best bet!

I visited on a weekday, November 6, 2024, and the parking lots were quite empty.

However, it was clear that many more people were visiting compared to spring and summer.

On the day of my visit, the Metasequoia trees were still vibrantly green.

*In my personal opinion, I expect they'll start turning red gradually from next week,

but it could vary slightly depending on the weather.

Until last year, visiting around this time,

you could always encounter the charming red Metasequoias.

This year, however, they're quite late.

Within Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, Metasequoia trees stand densely packed,

making it a truly special place with the unique and beautiful scenery created by these Metasequoias.

Daejeon's Jangtaesan Recreational Forest isn't just for autumn;

it showcases different charms throughout every season.

The Metasequoias, green in all four seasons, transform into a lush forest in spring,

offer a great spot for water play amidst the trees in summer,

display a spectacular red Metasequoia forest in autumn,

and even in winter, they maintain their greenery, allowing you to enjoy a unique, tranquil atmosphere.

Especially in autumn, the vibrant red Metasequoias create an even more breathtaking spectacle,

As you walk through the forest, you can truly feel nature.

Within Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, you can fully enjoy the Metasequoia forest,

which offers not just walking trails, but also the Sky Tower and a suspension bridge.

It's a place where you can blend with nature and truly heal.

Confession time: I'm incredibly timid!

So, I couldn't bring myself to climb the Sky Tower.

I only made it halfway up before feeling utterly dizzy.

It sways ever so slightly as you ascend, you know? My heart couldn't take it!

Consequently, I still haven't

managed to cross the suspension bridge either! Haha!

Even the path leading to the Sky Tower

is beautiful enough to be a perfect photo spot.

Before arriving at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest,

I noticed the Metasequoia trees were quite vibrantly red,

filling me with excited anticipation for my visit.

However, as soon as I pulled into Parking Lot 1 of Jangtaesan Recreational Forest,

I was greeted by lush, green Metasequoia trees! A pleasant surprise indeed!

Currently, the Metasequoia trees are tinged with a delicate yellow.

As you step into the Metasequoia forest of Jangtaesan Recreational Forest,

you'll be enveloped by a serene and mystical atmosphere.

The Metasequoia forest path at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

is beautifully designed for leisurely walks,

making it easy to enjoy without much effort.

The pathways are also wide, making them perfect for strolls with strollers or wheelchairs.

However, please note there are some gentle uphill slopes, so it might be a little challenging.

What's more, you'll find gazebos, benches, and even raised platforms thoughtfully placed along the way,

inviting you to relax and soak in the atmosphere at your own leisurely pace.

Stepping into the forest, the pure, crisp air works wonders, helping to melt away stress and truly refresh your spirit.

For me, especially when I lay back on one of those benches,

with the majestic Metasequoia trees stretching high into the sky, filling my entire vision,

I truly felt like an integral part of nature itself.

These magnificent trees, stretching endlessly upwards, proudly reach for the sky,

and the sunlight streaming through their branches conjures a truly mystical and breathtaking beauty.

You can truly feel the grandeur of nature here,

It's like a scene straight out of a movie,

and its exotic beauty makes you feel as if you've been transported to a foreign land.

Thanks to this magnificent and mysterious atmosphere, it's a popular spot in Daejeon that many people seek out every year.

✅ Photo Spots

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If you hike up for about 20-30 minutes from the parking lot at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest's Metasequoia Forest,

you'll discover a truly prime spot that many visitors seek out.

From atop this rock, the vibrant red metasequoia trees are incredibly captivating.

Unfortunately, my kids found it too challenging, so we couldn't make it up there. ㅠㅠ

Even if it's not the designated photo spot,

the suspension bridge is also a fantastic place to capture some stunning photos.

Sadly, I couldn't cross it either, haha.

Even though I couldn't make it up the mountain or cross the suspension bridge,

the metasequoia forest below is still

plenty beautiful, perfect for capturing some amazing photos.

As you walk along the forest path,

you'll find fun activities like ring toss, target practice, and even a basketball game,

making for an engaging walk with the kids!

The Metasequoia Forest at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is a work of art in itself,

and the tranquility and peaceful ambiance you feel while strolling through the forest

make it an incredibly healing place.

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Even though the metasequoia forest hadn't fully turned red yet, which was a bit of a shame,

a leisurely walk along the forest path

is deeply rejuvenating, making it a perfect spot

to calm your mind and enjoy some precious downtime.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

Highly recommended!