In autumn, the Pocheon Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival is an ideal getaway for families with children, parents, or couples, thanks to its convenient accessibility from Seoul. Particularly at Pocheon Herb Island, which offers attractions throughout the year, the Pink Muhly Festival—only available for a short time in fall—provides a wealth of sights, delicious food, and numerous photo spots for capturing memories.
Having visited towards the end of the Pink Muhly season in 2023, I vowed to return in 2024 when the muhly grass would be at its peak color. Even though it was beautiful at the tail end of the season, I couldn’t capture the vibrant pinks in my photos, so I noted down early October as the best time to visit for a day trip from Seoul and eagerly anticipate my next visit while reflecting on last year’s experience.
Overview, Pocheon Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival
While the Pink Muhly Festival is one of the main attractions, Pocheon Herb Island offers sights and activities all year round. The accessibility by car is great, and walking through the spacious grounds allows for exercise and plenty of opportunities to take lovely photos.
Pocheon Herb Island Opening Hours
- Thursday to Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed on Wednesdays
more info in Korean (Official Website)
During the Pink Muhly season, many families visiting with children often opt for a package that includes pink ice cream and pink sledding, which is quite reasonable. However, if you’re a couple visiting, the basic admission ticket is sufficient! That said, the pink ice cream we eventually bought was so delicious that it’s worth checking out if you’re in the mood for a treat.
Since we received discount tickets from the Pocheon Pension Cozy 11 where we stayed, we timed our visit perfectly. As of autumn 2023, the adult ticket price was 9,000 won (the price for the 2024 Pink Muhly Festival will likely change and be updated soon).
For those looking to enjoy the view of Sangjung Lake, relax, sleep well, and explore Herb Island the next day, I highly recommend the newly built couples’ pension where we stayed!
Related post about Pocheon Pension: Couples Pocheon Pension Cosy 11 by Sangjung Lake, Private Terrace Barbecue, Honest Review: Autumn Day Trip Near Seoul
First Stop: The Indoor Space of Pocheon Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival
The first area to explore is an indoor garden featuring a variety of herb products arranged market-style. From drinkable herbs to those for topical use,
the variety is impressive, and there are numerous photo spots scattered throughout, making it perfect for capturing memories. However, to see the Pink Muhly, a short hike up a small hill is necessary, so if you’re more into shopping, I recommend visiting on your way down.
Second Stop: The way to the Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival
As you pass through the indoor hall and step outside, you’ll finally feel like you’re at an amusement park, complete with flying balloons and a huge tractor shuttle service for those who may have difficulty walking. I hesitated a bit before climbing due to reviews mentioning the hike, but I noticed many older guests were using the tractor, and I felt that the bumpy ride could be a bit jarring. So, we chose to walk.
Although the weather was slightly overcast, the gentle slope made for an enjoyable walking distance. We took photos along the way and took breaks when needed.
the spot of Herb Island Pink Muhly Festival
I expected to be greeted by vibrant pink muhly, but since I visited toward the end of the season, I was met with a more muted hue, a blend of the original silver grass and pink. While photos could be edited for enhancement, I still felt a sense of longing for brighter colors. This made me determined to visit the 2024 Pink Muhly Festival right at the start for the full experience.
Despite being at the top of a small hill, the area is quite spacious with various photo spots amidst the pink muhly. The innermost “Pink Sand” area was perfect for children under five and their parents. Every so often, staff would come by to rent out sleds for use, and during other times, sand play was permitted in the pink sand area. It felt like a vivid pink paradise, complete with pink sleds and helmets, which made me truly admire the parents managing their little ones in such a whimsical environment.
The charmingly decorated photo spots looked even more stunning in pictures than in real life, so don’t be shy about capturing the fun.
After exploring the entire area, the last stop—and the first place we encountered—was the pink cafe.
Though it was a simple container setup, the vivid pink color and outdoor tables, along with indoor seating, made it a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
Inside, we hesitated before deciding to order pink soft serve ice cream, which surprisingly tasted amazing. Additionally, there was a sensory play area prepared for children with pink sand, making it a fantastic spot for family visits from Seoul.
As we made our way down, it began to lightly rain, but the beautifully decorated spaces we passed became cherished memories from that day.
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Final Thoughts
With its easy accessibility and the chance to walk along exercise-friendly trails while enjoying the vivid pink muhly, delicious pink ice cream, and cute photo spots, I highly recommend Pocheon Herb Island for anyone looking to create wonderful memories.