ATLEE Blog : October 2025
Autumn Colour An East Coast Road Trip Taebaek · Samcheok · Donghae
Taebaek — The Town Closest to the Sky
Drive east from Seoul and somewhere in Gangwon-do the mountains part, and the East Sea appears like a slow exhale. This is not just a road trip — it is a letter written by autumn, addressed to anyone willing to read it.
Seoul → Taebaek → Samcheok Gorge→ Wondeok → Donghae
At 700 metres above sea level, Taebaek is one of Korea’s highest cities — a place where autumn arrives early and lingers gently. A quiet canal threads through the old town centre, its stone arch bridge half-hidden by fire-red maples and amber ginkgos. Stand still long enough and the mountains of the Baekdudaegan range rise behind the rooftops, close enough to feel personal. Taebaek is not a city you rush through; it is one you sit inside.
PRACTICAL INFO
· 3 hrs by train from Seoul Cheongnyangni (Mugunghwa line)
· Peak foliage: late October – early November
· Recommended: Coal Museum, Gumeonso Geopark nearby
Dongang River Gorge — Where Water Wins
The Dongang River gorge near Samcheok is geology made visible — millennia of limestone slowly
surrendering to water. Blue-grey cliffs drop to a rushing teal river, and a lone pine tree leans out over the
void with what can only be described as confidence.
A cave mouth opens darkly at the gorge’s far end, hinting at the vast hollow network beneath this
landscape. Stand on the overlook bridge and you feel the particular vertigo of deep time.
PRACTICAL INFO
· ~50 min drive from Taebaek
· Pair with Hwanseon Cave — one of Korea’s largest limestone caves
· Gorge overlook is free to access
