2026 Gyeongju Autumn Travel: A Guide to Pink Muhly and Silver Grass Spots

Gyeongju Pink Muhly and Silver Grass Hotspots — Just Cheomseongdae and Mujangsan

This page is a guide to Gyeongju-exclusive autumn flowers. It deeply covers only two representative autumn flower spots within Gyeongju: the Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly colony in the city center and the Mujangsan Silver Grass colony on the outskirts. Cheomseongdae peaks from late September to mid-October, and Mujangsan from mid-October to early November, so you can choose based on the timing. For silver grass and pink muhly spots in other regions and the 2026 Silver Grass Festival schedule, see National Silver Grass and Pink Muhly Hotspots, and for a general autumn trip to Gyeongju, continue with Gyeongju Bulguksa Seokguram in Autumn.

Key Hotspots Comparison at a Glance

The Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly colony and the Mujangsan Silver Grass colony, Gyeongju's representative autumn flower spots, each possess distinct charms. We've compared their main features in a table to help you choose the one that suits your visit's purpose and style.

1. Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly Colony

This pink muhly hotspot is located in the heart of Gyeongju, offering excellent accessibility. Since its creation by Gyeongju City in 2017, it has created a spectacular pink wave every autumn. The scenery, especially with the ancient Cheomseongdae observatory, creates a unique atmosphere.

• Location: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (opposite Cheomseongdae)
• Peak Season: Late September ~ Late October. The most vibrant period is from late September to mid-October.
• Operating Hours: Always open. However, night lighting operates until 22:00 during the summer season (March-October).
• Admission Fee: Free
• Parking Information:
  • Joksaem District Temporary Parking Lot: Free to use, about a 5-minute walk to the pink muhly colony.
  • Daereungwon Parking Lot: Paid (as of 2024, 2,000 won for the first 2 hours, then 1,000 won per additional hour), and can be crowded on weekends.

Photography Tips

• Time: It's best to visit in the early morning or at sunset when there are fewer crowds and the light is soft.
• Composition: The most popular composition is capturing the pink muhly with Cheomseongdae in the background.
• Attire: Wearing a hanbok can create more impressive photos, blending well with the tranquil atmosphere.

2. Mujangsan Silver Grass Colony

Famous as a filming location for the drama 'Queen Seondeok', the peak of Mujangsan features a vast silver grass field spanning approximately 440,000 pyeong (about 1.45 million square meters). The shimmering silver grass from mid-October and the expansive views from the summit are captivating.

• Location: San 426 Amgok-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (start hiking from Amgok Trailhead Information Center)
• Peak Season: Mid-October ~ Early November
• Admission Fee: Free
• Hiking Course: A circular course starting from Amgok Trailhead Information Center (approx. 8.9km, 3 hours 30 minutes ~ 4 hours) is common. It is recommended to ascend via the relatively gentle valley path and descend via the ridge path.
• Parking Information:
  • Mujangsa Temple Site Public Parking Lots 1 & 2: Free to use.
  • Weekend Shuttle Bus: During the autumn silver grass season, a shuttle bus operates on weekends and public holidays from Public Parking Lot 2 to the trailhead entrance. The information below is as of 2024, so please check for the latest information before visiting.
    • Operating Period (as of 2024): October 12 ~ December 1 (Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays)
    • Operating Hours (as of 2024): 08:00 ~ 17:30
    • Fare (as of 2024): 1,300 won

Suggested Itinerary

Here's a 2-day itinerary considering the locations and characteristics of both hotspots.

• Day 1: City Historical Sites and Pink Muhly

  1. Afternoon: Arrive in Gyeongju, move to accommodation
  2. Late Afternoon: Visit Cheomseongdae Pink Muhly colony and take photos
  3. Evening: Dinner in Hwanglidan-gil or near Daereungwon
  4. Night: Enjoy the night view of Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

• Day 2: Silver Grass Hike and Departure

  1. Morning: Hike to Mujangsan Silver Grass colony (approx. 4 hours round trip)
  2. Lunch: After descending, eat at a restaurant near Amgok-dong
  3. Afternoon: If time permits, visit Gyeongju Bulguksa Seokguram in Autumn or head to Gyeongju Station

Travel Preparations

• Common: Comfortable shoes, camera, power bank, drinking water, sunscreen
• Additional for Mujangsan Hike: Hiking boots, hiking poles, light snacks, windbreaker jacket, sweat towel
• For Weekend Visits: A relaxed mindset to cope with crowds and a plan for using public transportation
• If you want to do more silver grass hiking, refer to Jeongseon Mindungsan Hiking Guide for a larger scale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When is the best time to visit to see the pink muhly at its prettiest?

It's best to visit between late September and mid-October, on a clear day, before 10 AM or after 4 PM when the sun begins to set. You can avoid crowds, and the soft light allows you to appreciate the more beautiful pink color.

2. Is the Mujangsan hike suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is. Among the courses starting from Amgok Trailhead Information Center, the 'valley path' has a gentle slope, making it suitable for beginners or families. It takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours round trip, so it's important to plan considering time and physical fitness.

3. Is parking crowded at both locations?

Yes, especially on weekends and public holidays during the peak season for pink muhly and silver grass, it can be very crowded. For Cheomseongdae, it's recommended to use the nearby free parking lot (Joksaem District Temporary Parking Lot) or visit early. For Mujangsan, it can be convenient to check the weekend shuttle bus schedule in advance and use it.

Last checked: 2026-09-29 (Introduction revised. Mujangsan shuttle and Daereungwon parking fees are based on the year indicated in the main text)