Maple Forest Trail Healing Festival
Oct 15 – Nov 15, 2026 · Happening now · Chungcheongnam-do
Overview
The Maple Forest Trail at Independence Hall of Korea is Cheonan's representative autumn attraction, a walking path where thousands of maple trees form a tunnel over a stretch of about 3.2km. Running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 16 to November 15, the Independence Hall Maple Forest Trail Healing Festival is a cultural festival that combines the autumn natural scenery around Independence Hall with its history. During the festival, a walking course centered on the maple forest trail in vivid autumn colors is open for visitors to enjoy nature, along with a variety of cultural events. Night tour programs are held at the Exhibition Park for the Demolished Remains of the Government-General of Joseon Building, conveying historical lessons and the spirit of independence. Special nighttime landscape lighting is installed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kim Gu (Baekbeom), and a media facade combining cutting-edge media art is displayed against the backdrop of the Gyeorye Tower, offering visitors a distinctive nighttime spectacle. Beyond daytime healing walks along the forest trail, it offers a cultural space where nighttime lighting, media art, and historical commentary come together. In this way, it is a multifaceted healing festival that combines rest in nature with a space of historical significance, allowing all generations to enjoy it together.
Why go
This festival turns the roughly 3.2km maple-lined walking trail at the Independence Hall of Korea into an autumn showcase, pairing vivid fall foliage with reflection on Korean independence history. After dark, special landscape lighting (marking the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth) and a media facade on the Gyeorye Tower add a nighttime spectacle, alongside night tours of the Exhibition Park for the Demolished Remains of the Government-General Building.
Getting there from Seoul
Take a KTX or ITX train from Seoul Station or Yongsan to Cheonan-Asan or Cheonan station (roughly 40-60 minutes), then continue by taxi or local bus to the Independence Hall of Korea in Mokcheon-eup, which is some distance outside central Cheonan. An intercity express bus from Seoul's bus terminals to Cheonan is also an option, again followed by a taxi or local bus for the final stretch to the site.
Tips
- The festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only (mid-October to mid-November), so check the day before visiting.
- Come in the early evening if you want to see both the daytime foliage and the nighttime lighting and media facade.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 3.2km trail and allow extra time to also see the main Independence Hall exhibits.
Best for: nature walkers, photographers, history enthusiasts, night views.
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site