I am planning to visit Hwadamsup in 2026 to see the autumn foliage. When should I make a reservation, and can I ride the monorail if I buy just the admission ticket? I will summarize the autumn peak season schedule, foliage timing, admission fees, and how to use the monorail all in one go.
This year's autumn peak season at Hwadamsup runs from October 23 to November 15, 2026, and reservations began at 1:00 PM on September 16. While the foliage is expected to peak between late October and early November, what you need to prepare before your visit date is Preparing online admission tickets and monorail reservations separatelyno see.
Please check the 2026 Hwadamsup reservation schedule first.
The autumn peak season is from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, November 15. Tickets can only be purchased through official online reservations, and tickets are not issued on-site without a reservation.
Reservations for the peak season opened on Wednesday, September 16 at 1:00 PM, and you can purchase up to 6 tickets per person. Since you select your visit date and entry time during the reservation process, it is recommended that families decide on their group size and schedule in advance to ensure a smooth process.
As this is a period of high traffic, it is more efficient to complete registration and identity verification in advance. Booking an admission ticket does not automatically include the monorail; the monorail must be selected as a separate product.
Admission tickets must be reserved online in advance, and you must book the monorail separately for your desired time slot.
The peak of autumn foliage is from late October to early November.
The peak autumn foliage season at Hwadamsup in 2026 is expected to be from late October to early November. However, since autumn colors are influenced by sunlight, temperature, and precipitation, the scenery on the first day of the peak season and in early November will not change color at the same pace.
In terms of autumn foliage alone, the key visiting period is between October 23 and early November. When choosing a reservation date, refer to the estimated peak period; however, rather than designating a specific day as the definitive peak, it is more realistic to check the operational updates from official channels and the condition of the foliage just before your visit.
Hwadamsup consists of 17 themed gardens and exhibits approximately 4,000 species of native and introduced plants. The Bonsai Garden features about 550 bonsai trees, allowing visitors to encounter different sights along the way while strolling through the autumn foliage.
Admission fees and free eligibility are divided as follows.
Based on the Spring/Autumn 2026 schedule, admission fees are 11,000 won for adults, 9,000 won for seniors and youth, and 7,000 won for children. Adults are defined as those aged 19 to under 65, seniors as those aged 65 and older, and youth includes middle school to high school students.
Monorail tickets are separate from the admission fee.It is sold as follows. Even if you are eligible for free, you must check whether to use the monorail as a separate reservation item, so you should not consider the admission ticket and the boarding ticket as the same thing.
Choose a monorail that suits your travel needs.
The monorail is a circular transportation facility that starts from the entrance of the Moss Garden on the west side of Hwadamsup and passes between the summit and the Bonsai Garden. With a total length of 1,213 meters and a full loop taking approximately 20 minutes, it is useful for families or visitors accompanied by the elderly who find uphill climbs challenging.
You can book the monorail in advance online, and tickets can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at on-site ticket offices and automatic ticket machines at each boarding station only if seats are available. Therefore, if you wish to use your desired time slot on a weekend when the autumn foliage is expected to be at its peak... A method of including the monorail in the itinerary when choosing tickets.This is safe.
If you want to reduce the burden of walking, you can consider using the circular route; if you only want to minimize the uphill climb, a route that involves taking the monorail and walking down the trail works well. You must manage your entry time and monorail schedule separately to avoid missing the designated boarding time.
Preparations Easy to Overlook on the Day of the Visit
Hwadamsup is an arboretum located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, established and operated by the LG Sangrok Foundation as part of its public service initiatives. An elevator operates between the parking lot and the entrance, helping to reduce travel distances.
During peak season, there is a concentration of visitors with reservations, so it is best to plan your itinerary based on the entry time selected on the reservation screen. In particular, since the monorail has a separate boarding time unlike the admission ticket, having one person in your party save both reservation details can help minimize scheduling errors.
You can purchase up to 6 tickets per person, and new tickets cannot be purchased on-site. The key to visiting Hwadamsup in 2026 is to set a date and book the admission ticket and monorail separately.And you should plan for the autumn foliage mainly from late October to early November.
| division | Target | entrance fee |
|---|---|---|
| adult | Ages 19 and older but under 65 | 11,000 won |
| channel | 65 years of age or older | 9,000 won |
| youth | Middle school students to high school students | 9,000 won |
| children | 24 months and older to elementary school age and younger | 7,000 won |
| free | Grade 1 National Merit Person and infants under 24 months | free |