Autumn flowers, trekking, a forestry expo, and healing programs await in Bonghwa, Pohang, and Yeongju with a variety of events.

Gyeongsangbuk-do is hosting a series of forest-themed events throughout October—when autumn colors deepen—allowing visitors to enjoy flowers, foliage, walking tours, hands-on experiences, and local food and culture across regions such as Bonghwa, Pohang, and Yeongju.

It is an ideal opportunity for families, couples, and friends to fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere of Gyeongsangbuk-do.

From October 1 to 11, the 2026 Baekdudaegan Bongja Festival will be held at the National Baekdudaegan Arboretum (note: closed on October 6). Named "Bongja," which stands for native plants of Bonghwa (Bonghwa-san Jasaeng Sikmul), the arboretum will be decorated with approximately 550,000 native plants cultivated by local farmers. Under the theme "Enjoying the World: Sniffing, Touching, and Savoring (Kkeunkeun-bodeul-jjapjjap)," visitors can admire autumn flowers such as golden lace (matari), Siberian chrysanthemum (gujeolcho), and Tatar aster (gaemichi).

From October 9 to 10, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum 25th Anniversary Autumn Festival will take place. Family-friendly programs—including forest games, forest ecology crafts, woodworking experiences, and a tree-name OX quiz—along with celebratory performances, have been prepared.

From October 9 to 11, the Kolon Trail Camp in East-West Trail will unfold around the Dosim 3-ri area in Bonghwa-gun. Participants can walk various routes, including the 30 km Chunyang-Bonghwa course, the 60 km Danyang-Yeongju-Bonghwa course, and the 120 km Uljin-Bonghwa course. The event also features trekking education, equipment trials, local food, live performances, and mountain film screenings.

From October 16 to 18, the 2026 Gyeongsangbuk-do Forestry Expo will open at the Pohang Manindang and Lawn Plaza. With 22 cities and counties in the province as well as forestry enterprises and institutions participating, about 100 booths will showcase forestry-related exhibitions, hands-on activities, promotional programs, and side events. A "Forest Bread Festa" utilizing forest products such as walnuts, chestnuts, and pine nuts will also be operated.

On October 23 and 24, the 2026 Baekdudaegan Regional Symbiosis Forest Healing Expo will be held around the National Center for Forest Healing in Yeongju. It will feature forest healing experiences, programs related to the future healing industry, and a flea market for local forestry and agricultural products. The event is designed to let visitors rest in the forest while enjoying local content together.

Choi Soon-go, Director-General of the Forest Resources Bureau of Gyeongsangbuk-do, stated, "October is the season when Gyeongsangbuk-do’s mountains and forests are dyed in their most beautiful colors. We hope that residents and tourists will participate in these diverse forest events to fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere and experience the rich forest resources and unique charms of Gyeongsangbuk-do."