Last Updated on April 11, 2022
It’s that time of year again. The hot, humid days start to mellow out, leading to brisk, cool nights. The shadows become longer. The days become shorter. It must be getting close to fall time again. Scarecrows, fall wreaths, cider mills, apple picking, pumpkin pie, and so much more all come to mind with this wonderful season.
Though, bringing the seasons to life while living abroad in a foreign country can be challenging. There are plenty of days that go by where you miss being home or having normalcy and traditions. In South Korea, it can feel strange to be in a place where locals typically don’t partake in classic American “fall activities”.
…Or do they? It may take a little hunting, but South Korea has some great twists on classic seasonal traditions that Americans love. In fact, now that I’m living back in the States, I’m actually missing the Korean-style of celebrating the seasons. One of my favorite memories was apple picking in South Korea.
Where can I go Wine Tasting and apple picking in South Korea?
Yesan Apple Wine Co. is more than just your average apple orchard. Like the name gives away, it’s also a winery! There are plenty of ways to get there by bus or train, but having a car is easiest. Located about an hour and a half north of Kunsan Air Base and about one hour south of Osan Air Base, it’s a perfect daytrip spot to meet your friends mid-way.
How to get there
As I mentioned above, taking a car is the easiest and most direct way to go apple picking at Yesan Apple Wine Co. You can find directions via Naver and Waze below. If a car is not available to you, check out these other forms of transportation to get there. (Copy and paste the English Address listed below into the destination field).
Naver:
Unlike other Korean destinations, Yesan Apple Wine Co. is easy to find on Naver without copying and pasting a Korean address into the app. Simply type in “Yesan Apple Wine” into the search bar.
Waze:
Same thing goes for Waze. Though, if traveling from a further distance, I prefer to use Naver instead. Waze will sometimes take you weird routes and land you in the middle of a rice field.
Just in case…
English Address:
Yesan Apple Wine
107-25 Daemong-ro, Godeok-myeon, Yesan-gun,
Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
Korean Address:
충남 예산군 고덕면 대몽로 107-25
When can I go apple picking at Yesan Apple Wine Co.?
The orchard is open from October 1st through November 15th every year. Sometimes, the closing date is flexible. It’s best to call to get the most up-to-date information if you’re wanting to stop by near the end of the season. If you are looking to pick a specific variety of apple, note that Gamhong apples are available in October and Fuji apples are available in November.
How much does it cost?
The fee to pick apples is 10,000 won (or about $10). Each person will be given their own basket to pick a certain number of apples and be pointed to a specific part of the orchard to meander through. Once you have selected the ones you want, if you’ve picked more than the allotted amount, you’ll make your way to the store to pay for the apples you’ve picked, where they will also bag them up for you to take home.
What else is at the Yesan Apple Wine Co.?
Note that each activity costs around or under 10,000 won per person. Most activities are also available for large group reservations.
Kid-Friendly Train
There’s plenty to do for the whole family besides apple picking. For the kids, take a little train around the grounds, or walk around to take pictures.
Apple Pie-Making Class
Before apple picking, sign up for an apple pie-making class (also perfect for the little ones). Classes start at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays, though if you have a large group of your own, you can request a group reservation. Upon arriving, go to the check-in counter and let them know you’re there. You’ll be assigned a spot with all of the prepped ingredients to make your own personal pie. While you’re doing a wine tour and/or picking apples afterwards, your pie will be baking and ready to eat (or take home) once you’re done. I’ll just say that my pie didn’t make it home.
Apple Jam-Making Class
If apple pie is not your thing, you can make apple jam instead! This also starts at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Apple Wine Tour
For the adults in the crowd, add the apple wine tour onto your apple picking experience. You’ll head down into the cellars to learn about how Yesan Apple Wine Co. makes apple wine (along with some other spirits), and then get to taste-test a few!
Bottle Your Own Wine
Have a big group of 20 people or more? Learn about the process of bottling wine and have the chance to even bottle your own!
Buy an Apple Tree
No, you can’t take it home with you, BUT it’s a fun opportunity if you’re in the area for a while. This is a program to become the “owner” of an apple tree for the year (without all the work). Owning an apple tree at Yesan Apple Wine Co. is a fun and educational way to show your kids how apples grow – and even better, you can eat as many as you’d like! There is an application period between March and April of the year you’d like to apply for an apple tree. Email chusawine@hanmail.net for the application and more information.
Shopping
Be sure to make a stop by the shop on the way out. Here you can purchase apples (if you choose not to pick your own), wine and spirits (I recommend the Chusa Apple Ice Wine – it’s a perfect dessert wine and has gold flakes in it!), jams, and small trinkets.
Visit during the Apple Wine Festival
Looking for a more-enhanced apple experience? Check Yesan’s website or contact them for information on when in November their Apple Wine Festival will be taking place. The festival includes entertainment, apple and wine-related attractions, tastings and more!
Enjoy a meal
Getting hungry? While you’re waiting to indulge in your apple pie, stop by the cafeteria for a home-style or barbecue meal.
Stay Awhile
Can’t get enough apple-time in one day? Good thing you can stay awhile! Rent out rooms at the Yesan Apple Farm’s guest house. Use the contact information below for more details or to book.
Where can I get more up-to-date information and book my experience?
You can call +82 041-337-9584 from a Korean number, or email at chusawine@hanmail.net
Want to see more?
Check out this short video of the Yesan Apple Wine Co. experience:
Looking for other Fall Activities to do
in South Korea?
Enjoy the stunning colors and views on a hike up Daedunsan Mountain
