South Korea's autumn transforms every corner into a palette of crimson, gold, and amber—and its foliage spots cater to all travelers: city dwellers seeking quick escapes, hikers chasing mountain vistas, and culture lovers pairing leaves with temples or historic villages. From iconic national parks to hidden urban oases, here are the best spots to experience South Korea's fall foliage. This guide features both popular maple-viewing spots where you can fully immerse yourself in the autumn atmosphere, and off-the-beaten-path locations that let you escape the crowds to enjoy serene maple scenery—helping you unlock numerous ways to experience South Korea's maple season.
Table of Contents
1. Mountain National Parks: For Panoramic Foliage Vistas
2. Temple & Cultural Spots: Foliage with a Side of Heritage
3. Urban Parks & City Spots: Quick Foliage Escapes
4. South Korea's Seaside Autumn: Foliage and Hidden Spots in Jeju
Explore Mountain National Parks for Stunning Autumn Foliage Views
Mountains cover most of South Korea, turning its national parks into a living canvas every autumn. Fiery red maples spill down the valleys, golden birches shimmer along the ridges, and every trail leads deeper into a world painted in color. From easy day hikes to multi-day journeys, these parks capture the soul of South Korea's fall.
Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do):
Known as South Korea's "fall foliage crown jewel," it's the first to peak (late September–mid-October). Don't miss the Cheonbuldong Valley—crystal streams cut through a tunnel of maple trees—or the cable car ride to Gwongeumseong Fortress, where you'll overlook a sea of red and orange peaks.
Jirisan National Park (Jeolla-do/Gyeongsang-do):
South Korea's largest national park offers quieter, more diverse scenery (late October peak). Hike the Cheonwangbong Trail to pass waterfalls framed by leaves, or visit Ssanggyesa Temple—its wooden halls blend with surrounding oak and maple trees.
Bukhansan National Park (Seoul/Gyeonggi-do):
Perfect for Seoul day trips (mid-October–early November peak). The Gukchae-bosang Trail is easy for beginners, with views of Seoul Tower peeking through autumn forests; for a challenge, hike to Baegundae Peak to see the city skyline paired with foliage.
Discover Autumn Foliage at South Korea's Historic Temples and Cultural Spots
South Korea's ancient temples nestle in dense forests—autumn turns their surroundings into a "red-and-gold frame" for stone pagodas, wooden halls, and quiet courtyards. These spots aren't just for viewing leaves; they let you mix nature with Buddhist rituals, traditional architecture, and slow, mindful travel. Below are 3 top temple spots with step-by-step fall foliage tours route and hidden photo options:
1. Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do) – UNESCO Heritage with "Bridge & Maple" Magic
Peak Time: Late October–early November (maples turn deep red, ginkgoes in the temple yard turn gold)
Best Route (2–3 hours):
Start at the Entrance Gate (Iljumun): Walk through the stone gate, and you'll immediately see the first photo op—Cheongungyo Bridge (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo Bridge (White Cloud Bridge) arching over a small stream, with maple leaves dropping into the water. Shoot here at 9–10 AM: sunlight hits the bridges' stone railings, making the red leaves behind them pop.
Explore the Main Courtyard: Visit the Dabotap Pagoda (a UNESCO icon) and Seokgatap Pagoda—the pagodas' sharp stone edges contrast with the soft, colorful leaves around them. Sit on the stone benches nearby for 10 minutes: you might hear monks chanting from the nearby hall, adding to the calm vibe.
Hike to Seokguram Grotto (Optional, +1 hour): Take the shuttle bus (10 mins) from Bulguksa to Seokguram, a hilltop grotto with a giant Buddha statue. The path to the grotto is lined with oak trees—their bronze leaves create a "tunnel" effect. At the grotto's viewing platform, you can see the East Sea in the distance, with autumn fields below—this is the best spot for wide-angle photos of "sea + foliage + Buddha."
Bonus: Stop at the temple's tea house (near the main courtyard) for ssanghwa tea (a warm herbal tea with honey)—sip it while watching leaves fall into the courtyard.
2. Haeinsa Temple (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do) – "Leaf & Scripture" Serenity
Peak Time: Mid-October (pine trees stay green, maple and zelkova trees turn orange and red—great for color contrast)
Best Route (3 hours, with a short hike):
Visit the Tripitaka Koreana Hall First: Haeinsa is famous for housing the Tripitaka Koreana—81,258 wooden printing blocks (a UNESCO Memory of the World). The hall's wooden exterior is surrounded by zelkova trees—shoot the hall's roof (curved, traditional Korean style) with leaves piled on the eaves. Go here at 1–2 PM: the sun is low enough to cast soft shadows on the blocks inside (you can peek through the windows).
Hike the Naesosa Valley Trail: From the temple's back gate, take the 1km trail into Naesosa Valley. The path is flat, so it's easy for all ages—you'll walk alongside a stream, with maple trees leaning over the water. Look for the small Yeonhwadae Pavilion halfway: sit here to watch leaves float downstream, or shoot the pavilion's wooden pillars with leaves framing them.
End with a Temple Stay (Optional): Haeinsa offers 1-night temple stays—you'll wear a monk's uniform (gray hanbok), do morning meditation at 6 AM, and eat vegetarian temple food (sanchae jeongsik). The meditation hall has large windows: during autumn, you'll meditate while looking at red leaves outside—this is a once-in-a-lifetime "mindful fall" experience.
3. Beopjusa Temple (Songnisan National Park, Chungcheongbuk-do) – "Pagoda & Mountain Foliage" Grandeur
Peak Time: Mid-October–late October (the temple is in Songnisan National Park, so you get "temple + mountain foliage" in one spot)
Best Route (4 hours, with a moderate hike):
Start at the 10-Story Wooden Pagoda: Beopjusa's Palsangjeon Hall has Korea's only 10-story wooden pagoda—its dark brown wood stands out against the bright red maple trees around it. Shoot here at sunset (5–6 PM): the setting sun turns the pagoda's edges golden, and the leaves behind it look like they're glowing.
Hike to Cheonwangbong Peak (Optional, +2 hours): From the temple, take the trail to Songnisan's highest peak (Cheonwangbong). The trail goes through dense forests—you'll pass Yonghyeon Falls, where water cascades over rocks covered in orange leaves. At the peak, you can see 360° views of the national park: every mountain in the distance is covered in a mix of red, gold, and green—this is the best spot for panoramic photos of "temple + mountain foliage."
Pro Tip: Bring a light jacket—Songnisan's mountain air is 3–5°C cooler than the city, so even if it's warm in Hapcheon, the trail will feel crisp.
Find Your Fall Moment: Urban Parks and City Foliage Spots
You don't have to leave the city to enjoy autumn's charm which is different from Japan— South Korea's major cities transform into vibrant canvases, with parks and tree-lined streets glowing in shades of red and gold, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Yeouido Park (Seoul):
Famous for its ginkgo avenue (late October peak). The 1.7km path is lined with 1,400+ ginkgo trees—when they turn gold, the avenue looks like a sunlit tunnel. It's busy on weekends, so visit weekday mornings for quiet photos.
Olympic Park (Seoul):
A sprawling green space with maple, zelkova, and ginkgo trees (mid-October–early November peak). The Sculpture Garden is a highlight—modern art pieces stand amid autumn leaves, and there are plenty of grassy areas for picnics.
Daejeon O-World (Daejeon):
A mix of amusement park and botanical garden (late October peak). The maple grove near the lake has benches to sit and watch leaves fall, and the night view—with leaves illuminated by warm lights—is magical.
Coastal & Island Spots: Foliage with Sea Views (New Details on Lesser-Known Jeju Spots)
For a unique twist, head to coasts or islands in South Korea—autumn leaves pair with ocean breezes and blue waters, creating a striking contrast of red, gold, and sea blue. Beyond popular spots like Busan and Andong, Jeju Island's lesser-known coastal foliage locations let you escape crowds and savor the serene beauty of "mountains and seas in harmony":
1. Seogwipo Agricultural Technology Center (Seogwipo City) – "Citrus Grove + Maple" Coastal Blend
Peak Time: Late October–early November (maples turn vivid red, while surrounding citrus trees remain lush green—their contrasting colors make for stunning photos)
Why It's Special: Unlike typical forest-based foliage spots, this is a Jeju-exclusive combination of "orchard + coast." Walk along the coastal road, and you'll see golden Jeju citrus hanging from trees on one side, and red maples swaying in the wind on the other. In the distance lies the azure South Sea—every casual snapshot captures a comforting scene of clashing colors.
Transportation: From downtown Jeju City, take Airport Bus No. 600 (toward Seogwipo City) and get off at the "Agricultural Technology Center Station." It's a 5-minute walk from there (the whole journey takes about 1.5 hours, with a fare of approximately 4.2 USD). Driving is more flexible—navigate to "서귀포농업기술센터" (Seogwipo Agricultural Technology Center), where free parking is available.
Recommended Stay Duration: 1.5 hours (10:00–11:30 AM is optimal; the sunlight is gentle, allowing you to capture the reflection of maple leaves on the sea surface).
Hidden Gem Activity: The center has a small citrus experience hall where you can sample fresh seasonal Jeju citrus for free. Pick up a jar of citrus jam as a souvenir—its sweet-tart flavor perfectly complements the autumn season.
2. Jeju Olle Trail Route 17 (Udo Island) – "White Sand Beach + Red Maple" Island Romance
Peak Time: Early November (as Jeju's southernmost island, Udo has slightly warmer temperatures, so its maple leaves turn red about 1 week later than those on Jeju's main island)
Why It's Special: Udo Island is known as Jeju's "Little Maldives" for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Olle Trail Route 17 is the only spot on the island where you can see both "beaches + maple leaves" together. The trail runs along Udo's eastern coast—on one side is the white seashell-sand Woljeongri Beach, and on the other, low hills covered in red maples. When you get tired, sit on the beach and watch maple leaves drift onto the sea surface—pure romance.
Transportation: First, take a ferry from Jeju Port (downtown Jeju City) to Udo Island (ferries depart every 30 minutes, with a 15-minute journey; round-trip fare + admission fee is approximately 12.6 USD). Once on the island, rent an electric bicycle (around 7 SUD per hour) and ride to the "Start of Olle Route 17 (near Woljeongri Beach)," then walk 2 km along the trail.
Recommended Stay Duration: 3 hours (it's best to arrive on the island after 2:00 PM to avoid the midday heat. Around 4:00 PM, take photos of "maple leaves + sunset" on the beach—the sea turns golden, creating a dreamy atmosphere).
Notes: Udo Island is windy, so bring a windproof jacket even in autumn. Some sections of the trail are gravel paths, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
3. Sanbangsan Mountain Coastal Trail (Seogwipo City) – "Sacred Mountain + Sea-View Maple" Quiet Retreat
Peak Time: Late October (maple leaves at the foot of the mountain turn red first, and the maple forests halfway up the mountain reach their full vibrancy by the end of October)
Why It's Special: Sanbangsan Mountain is Jeju's "sacred mountain," famous for its natural cave at the summit and coastal cliffs. The coastal trail at its foot hides a lesser-known foliage gem—hike up the trail, and you'll see red maples growing from the cracks of black volcanic rock. Paired with Sanbangsan's unique rock formations and distant fishing boats, it exudes a "wild natural" beauty. Crowds are minimal, making it ideal for those who prefer quiet foliage viewing.
Transportation: From downtown Seogwipo City, take Bus No. 782 and get off at "Sanbangsan Entrance Station." It's a 10-minute walk to the trailhead (the whole journey takes about 30 minutes, with a fare of approximately 1 USD). For driving, navigate to "산방산해안길" (Sanbangsan Coastal Trail)—there's a paid parking lot at the trailhead (1.4 USD per hour).
Recommended Stay Duration: 2 hours (9:00–11:00 AM is optimal; the morning mist has lifted by then, and you can see sunlight filtering through maple leaves onto the volcanic rock, creating layered photo effects).
Nearby Stop: There's Sanbangsan Hot Spring near the end of the trail. After viewing the foliage, spend an hour soaking in the outdoor hot spring (admission fee around 10.5 USD) while gazing at the distant sea—it's warm and relaxing.
Practical Tips for Visiting These Spots
Timing: Check the Korea National Park Service's weekly foliage report (August–November) for real-time peak dates—weather can shift times by 1–2 weeks.
Transport: Most mountain spots are accessible by train/bus (e.g., Seoul to Seoraksan is 3hrs by KTX to Sokcho Station, then local bus). Urban parks are reachable by subway.
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes (for parks), layers (10–20°C in autumn), and a camera—many spots have "photo zones" (like Seoraksan's Cheonbuldong Valley) for great shots.