Pink Muhly: The Enchanting Autumn Grass in South Korea
Pink Muhly, also known as pink grass, is a type of ornamental grass that blooms abundantly across South Korea in the fall.
My family and I were fortunate to capture a beautiful moment with Pink Muhly at Cheomseongdae, one of South Korea’s historic landmarks, in October of last year.
In this post, I’ll share a brief history of the popular Pink Muhly trend in South Korea, recommend the best spots to see it, and highlight the best time to visit.
The Origin of Pink Muhly in South Korea
Surprisingly, although Pink Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is widely popular in South Korea, it actually originates from North America. Its soft blooms and vibrant pink color have made it highly popular worldwide, including in South Korea.
In recent years, Pink Muhly became a tourist sensation in South Korea, largely due to Instagram. Its initial popularity began when a café planted it to attract visitors. With its Instagram-worthy appeal, people flocked to take photos and admire its scenery.
Now, nearly every park and public area in South Korea features Pink Muhly to attract tourists. Visit during the right time, and you’ll find this pink grass in many spots across South Korea.
When is the Best Time to See Pink Muhly in Korea?
So, when is the best time to see Pink Muhly in South Korea?
Pink Muhly starts blooming in early autumn but typically reaches full bloom in the first two weeks of October. My Instagram feed was already turning into a sea of pink Muhly in late September last year. When we visited Cheomseongdae in mid-October, the pink grass was in full bloom. A week later, a friend visiting Jeju Island reported that Pink Muhly was still blooming beautifully.
So, October is the ideal month to see Pink Muhly in South Korea. Simply pick a location where it’s still in bloom.
Best Places to See Pink Muhly
Here are some of the top places to experience Pink Muhly, representing different regions across South Korea.
1. Cheomseongdae (Gyeongju)
Our main goal was to capture keepsake photos before returning to Indonesia, specifically at the historic Donggung Palace area. But upon arrival in Gyeongju, our photographer suggested meeting at Cheomseongdae for photos in a pink grass landscape.
We were thrilled to see a sea of Pink Muhly with walking paths perfect for taking pictures. Besides Pink Muhly, other blooming flowers, like sunflowers, yellow daisies, a purple flower field, and striking white grass, added to the beauty. Gyeongju, being South Korea’s first tourist destination, is easily accessible, with one-day travel options from Busan.
2. Anseong Farmland (Anseong)
True to its name, Anseong Farmland is a family-friendly attraction in Anseong City. I was eager to visit but ultimately couldn’t due to transportation challenges. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Seoul, best accessed by private vehicle, as public transportation can be complicated.
3. Daejeo Ecological Park (Busan)
Located outside Busan’s city center, Daejeo Ecological Park is about an hour away by subway from Busan Station. Besides Pink Muhly, the park showcases other seasonal plants, making it worthwhile if you’re already in Busan. Each season offers spectacular blooms and scenic views.
4. Hueree Natural Park (Jeju)
Situated in southern Jeju Island, specifically in Seogwipo, Hueree Natural Park is famous for its Pink Muhly fields.
Ready to visit South Korea in the fall to witness the stunning Pink Muhly?
Oh, and I wonder if there’s a place in Indonesia where we could see Pink Muhly too. Wouldn’t it be amazing if this beautiful grass could grow in our country?