1. South Korea Fall Foliage Forecast 2026
2. South Korea's Autumn Timeline 2026: Peak Foliage by Region
3. Top Foliage Destinations in South Korea for 2026
4. Cannot-Missed Experiences for Autumn Leaves Tour South Korea 2026
5. Before You Go: Must-Know Travel Tips for Fall Foliage in South Korea 2026
As the summer heat fades and a crisp breeze sweeps across the Korean Peninsula, nature prepares for one of its most spectacular displays—autumn foliage. South Korea's fall season transforms the country into a living canvas of fiery reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges, drawing travelers from around the globe to witness its fleeting beauty. This guide offers a comprehensive forecast for 2026, blending historical patterns, climate insights, and expert tips to help you plan an unforgettable autumn leaves viewing adventure.
2026 South Korea Autumn Foliage Forecast
In general, South Korea's autumn leaves season moves from north to south and from higher altitudes down to coastal areas. While exact timing depends on the weather, the pattern remains consistent:
Mountains in the north and inland regions begin changing earliest.
The colour wave then sweeps towards central areas and cities.
Finally, the southernmost regions and islands hit their peak.
For past years: for example, in 2025 the first foliage was reported around Seoraksan National Park at the end of September, with peak colours around late October to early November.
So for 2026 you can expect similar timing, though check for updates closer to the season. Whether you're chasing the first red leaves in Seoraksan or savoring late-autumn hues in Jeju, South Korea's 2026 fall foliage season promises to be a feast for the senses. From the snow-kissed peaks of Gangwon-do to the coastal charm of Jeolla, every region offers a unique take on autumn's magic. Plan wisely, stay flexible, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world where nature paints the landscape with unparalleled vibrancy—each moment, each hue, a memory to cherish for years to come.
South Korea's Autumn Timeline 2026: Peak Foliage by Region
South Korea's autumn colors follow a predictable southward progression, driven by altitude and latitude. Based on 2025's patterns—where Seoraksan saw its first snow on October 20 and peak foliage aligned with mid-October to late November—here's our 2026 projection:
| Region | Estimated Start | Peak Viewing | Key Locations | Key Observations |
| Northern mountains, Gangwon-do | Late September | Early to mid October | Seoraksan National Park, Odaesan | Earliest peak in the country; chance of snow-dusted foliage (like 2025's rare display) |
| Seoul & Gyeonggi region | Mid October | Late October | Namsan, Bukhansan, Olympic Park | Urban parks (Namsan, Yeouido) offer accessible views amid city skylines |
| Central & Southeast (Gyeongsang) | Late October | Early November | Gyeongju, Naejangsan National Park | Mountainous areas (Jirisan, Naejangsan) showcase dense, long-lasting colors |
| Southern coast & islands (Busan, Jeju) | Early November | Mid November | Busan's Dalmaji Hill, Jeju's Hallasan | Milder climate extends the season; combine foliage with coastal views |
Note: For real-time updates, monitor the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) and official tourism sites starting in early September 2026, as sudden cold snaps or rainfall can shift peak dates by 3-5 days.
Top Foliage Destinations in South Korea for 2026
As autumn unfurls across South Korea in 2026, the landscape transforms into a vibrant canvas. From fiery red maples to golden ginkgo avenues, these top-tier foliage destinations promise unforgettable views for travellers who love nature, photography, and quiet escapes. Get in touch and let your journey through South Korea's golden autumn begin.
Iconic Spots Not to Miss
Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do): A must-visit for early foliage. Hike the Socheon and Jungcheon trails for views of red maples against snow-capped peaks (a 2025 highlight). The park's annual Autumn Festival features traditional music and local food stalls.
Must See Spots:
1. Gwongeumseong Fortress (Quanjin City)
You can take the cable car to the top and overlook the entire Xueyue Mountain and the coastline of Shucao City.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the summit to reach the scenic spot, and the autumn scenery is excellent.
2. Sinheungsa Temple
Built in the 7th century AD, it is one of the oldest Zen temples in Korea.
The large Buddha statue of Shakyamuni, cast in bronze, stands solemnly and peacefully against the backdrop of red leaves.
3. Biryong Falls
One of the hiking routes, surrounded by maple leaves and clear streams along the way.
Suitable for family tourists and photography enthusiasts.
4. Ulsanbawi Rock
The iconic rock peak of Xueyue Mountain consists of six connected giant stones, with a spectacular appearance.
Climbing takes about 2-3 hours, and you can enjoy the autumn scenery of the entire valley along the way.
Naejangsan National Park (Jeollabuk-do): Famous for its "golden tunnel" of ginkgo trees and fiery maple valleys. The Naejangsan Fall Festival (late October to mid-November) includes night-time lighting of the foliage.
Top Spots:
1. Naejangsa Temple
Built in the 7th century, located deep in the maple forest at the foot of the mountain, it is an excellent location for taking photos and experiencing the Zen autumn scenery.
The path leading to the temple is lined with maple trees on both sides, making it the most famous maple viewing trail in the park.
2. Baekyangsa Temple
Located between green mountains and lake water, the reflected red leaves are extremely poetic.
The autumn lake reflects temples and maple forests, making it one of the favorite attractions for photographers.
3. Naejangsan Cable Car
You can directly reach the observation deck from the foot of the mountain and overlook the entire maple valley.
The most suitable time to ride is in the early morning or sunset, with clear mountain color layers under the light and shadow.
4. Byeongnyeonam Valley: Known for its serene landscape of streams and red leaves, it is suitable for slow walking and meditation.
Unique Experiences
Naejangsan Maple Festival: Held annually at the end of October, featuring music performances, traditional markets, and night lighting.
Autumn Temple Stay: Tourists can stay briefly at Neizang Temple or Baiyang Temple to experience meditation and tea ceremony.
Photography check-in: From the entrance of Maple Avenue to Neizang Temple, it is one of the most photogenic autumn routes in Korea.
Yeouido Park (Seoul): Perfect for urban travelers. The park's 1,000+ ginkgo trees turn golden in early November, creating a picturesque backdrop for picnics and photos.
Things to Do
Renting bicycles: Riding along the Han River to enjoy autumn, suitable for couples and family tourists.
Picnic&Coffee Takeout: Many Seoul residents bring coffee and sandwiches to watch the sunset on the grass.
Photography: Ginkgo Avenue is a popular location for wedding and Hanbok photography.
Cultural activities: Small concerts or outdoor performances are often held in autumn, creating a relaxed and romantic atmosphere.
Hidden Gems for Serenity
Byeonsanbando National Park (Jeollabuk-do): Coastal hiking trails with panoramic views of autumn cliffs and sea. Less crowded than Seoraksan but equally stunning.
Gapyeong Rail Bike (Gyeonggi-do): Pedal through foliage-lined tracks between Nami Island and Petite France, with stops to capture the season's colors.
Major Festivals
Seoul Silver Grass Festival (World Cup Park): Following 2024's successful 23rd edition, expect laser light shows, healing sound installations, and photo zones amid swaying silver grass fields.
Dates: About October 18-24, 2026.
Highlights:
Silver Grass Ocean: The vast expanse of silver grass on the slope sways in the autumn wind, forming a spectacular natural scenery.
Nighttime lighting and media art: light shows and interactive art installations with themes such as "Light and Silver".
Free admission: Open to the public, no admission required.
Jirisan Mountain Autumn Festival: A showcase of local crafts, traditional dance, and hiking competitions against a backdrop of Jirisan's vibrant foliage.
Dates: Mid-November 2026.
Main Venues and Event Areas:
1. Hwagae Valley
The most classic maple viewing trail, with red leaves extending 6 kilometers along the valley, is very spectacular.
The opening ceremony and cultural performance of the "Zhiyi Mountain Maple Leaf Festival" are held every autumn.
2. Jirisan Hot Spring Area
There are handicraft markets, traditional performances, and food stalls nearby.
Many tourists choose to enjoy maple trees while soaking in hot springs, which is extremely popular.
3. Hwagae Market: Known as the "most beautiful traditional market in South Korea", it is bustling during autumn festivals.
Best Autumn Experiences in South Korea 2026: What You Can't Miss
Autumn in South Korea is not merely a season—it's a sensory masterpiece where nature's palette blazes in hues of crimson, amber, and gold, and cultural traditions weave seamlessly with the beauty of the outdoors. The 2026 fall foliage season, projected to span from mid-October to late November, offers a treasure trove of experiences that go beyond just admiring leaves. From hiking misty mountain trails to crafting traditional crafts amid fiery maple groves, from savoring seasonal street food to sleeping under a canopy of stars in a mountain shelter, this guide curates the most unforgettable moments to add to your Korean autumn itinerary.
1. Nature's Grand Spectacles: Hiking & Scenic Trails
South Korea's national parks transform into wonderlands in autumn, and 2026's foliage forecast promises vibrant displays across all regions. For beginner-friendly hikes, head to Jirisan National Park's Seongsamjae-Nogodan Trail—a 4.8-mile route with gently sloped paved paths and wooden walkways, perfect for families. The trail winds through golden ginkgo groves and past trickling streams, culminating at Nogodan Peak where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of autumn valleys stretching to the horizon. Reservations for the peak are required via the national park's website, so book early for October-November slots.
For seasoned hikers, the Cheonwangbong via Jungsanri Trail in Jirisan offers a challenging yet unforgettable journey. This 6.4-mile route takes approximately 6 hours and passes by Beopgyesa Temple, where autumn leaves frame ancient pagodas, and the Jangteo Mok Shelter—ideal for an overnight stay to catch the sunrise over a sea of cloud-kissed foliage. The final ascent to Cheonwangbong (South Korea's second-highest peak) reveals a 360-degree vista of red and gold mountains that's worth every step.
If mountains aren't your style, Byeonsanbando National Park blends autumn foliage with dramatic coastal scenery. Hike the coastal trails to see crimson maple trees clinging to cliffs above turquoise seas, or visit the park's inland forests where oak and maple leaves carpet the ground. For a more relaxed experience, Nami Island—a short drive from Seoul—boasts over 300 maple trees in its Baekpungmilwon Garden. Rent a bike (or a pet-friendly bike if traveling with your furry companion) to loop the island, where free-roaming ostriches and chipmunks add a whimsical touch to your foliage photos.
2. Cultural Immersion: Festivals & Traditional Crafts
No autumn cultural experience is complete without the Andong Mask Dance Festival, a vibrant celebration of Korean folk art set against the backdrop of Hahoe Folk Village's autumn colors. In 2026, the festival (typically held in late October) will feature shamanistic-style masked dances, where performers in hand-carved wooden masks tell stories of love, humor, and social commentary. After the shows, take a boat across the Nakdong River to Buyongdae Cliff—hike to the summit for a bird's-eye view of the village, with its traditional thatched-roof houses nestled between fiery maple forests and sandy river beaches.
At Nami Island's Handicraft Studio, trade tourism for creativity with autumn-themed workshops. Learn the ancient art of joomchi (Korean paper-making) to craft a heart-shaped love note using mulberry paper dyed with natural autumn pigments, or try your hand at ceramic painting—decorate a mug with maple leaf motifs to take home as a souvenir. These sessions are family-friendly and require advance booking, so reserve your spot for late October when the island's foliage is at its peak.
3. Culinary Delights: Seasonal Flavors of Autumn
Autumn in Korea is a feast for the taste buds, with seasonal treats that mirror the season's colors. In Seoul's Myeong-dong or Jeonju's Hanok Village, seek out street vendors selling hotteok (sweet pumpkin pancakes filled with cinnamon syrup), songpyeon (glutinous rice cakes stuffed with chestnut or red bean paste), and gamja-ongsimi (creamy potato dumpling soup). For a unique experience, visit a jangteo (local market) in Gangwon-do to sample fresh persimmons—dried into gotgam or served in sweet persimmon tea—or try baekboki (spicy rice cakes with autumn vegetables).
After a day of hiking in Seoraksan National Park, unwind at a mountain pension (lodge) for a hanjeongsik (Korean set meal) featuring seasonal ingredients. Feast on sanchae bibimbap (mixed rice with wild mountain greens), nokdu jeon (mung bean pancakes), and dongchimi (radish kimchi) made with crisp autumn radishes. Pair your meal with makgeolli (rice wine) infused with ginseng or chestnut for a truly local flavor.
4. Unique Accommodations: Sleep Among the Leaves
For an immersive experience, book a night at a jangteo mok shelter in Jirisan National Park. These well-stocked mountain huts offer basic but comfortable accommodations, with bunk beds and heating—perfect for escaping the city lights. Wake before dawn to hike to a nearby peak and watch the sunrise paint the autumn valleys in hues of pink and gold. Reservations open 30 days in advance via the national park's website, so secure your spot for mid-November when the foliage is still vibrant.
In Jeonju's Hanok Village, stay in a traditional Korean house with a madang (courtyard) filled with ginkgo trees. Fall asleep to the rustle of golden leaves and wake to a breakfast of jeonju bibimbap served on a heated ondol floor. For a modern twist, try glamping at Gapyeong's Maple Valley Resort—your luxury tent will overlook a valley of red maples, with amenities like private fire pits where you can roast chestnuts under the stars.
5. Unforgettable Views: Beyond the Trails
The Gapyeong Rail Bike offers a leisurely way to enjoy autumn foliage, with routes that wind through leaf-lined tracks between Nami Island and Petite France. Pedal at your own pace, stopping to capture photos of maple trees arching over the tracks like a fiery tunnel. Opt for the sunset tour to see the leaves glow in the warm evening light, with the distant Bukhansan Mountain as a backdrop.
Don't miss the Naejangsan Night Lighting Festival (late October to mid-November), where the park's maple valleys and ginkgo tunnels are illuminated after dark. Walk along the lit trails to see the leaves shimmer in shades of orange and red, creating a magical atmosphere that's vastly different from daytime views. The festival also features traditional music performances and food stalls, making it a perfect evening activity.
Pro Tip: For 2026, check the Korea Meteorological Administration's (KMA) foliage forecast starting in early September for real-time updates on peak dates. Sudden cold snaps or rainfall can shift peak foliage by 3-5 days, so stay flexible with your itinerary!
South Korea's 2026 autumn leaves season is more than just a visual experience—it's a chance to connect with nature, culture, and local life in ways that will linger in your memories long after the leaves fall. Whether you're hiking a mountain peak, crafting a traditional souvenir, or savoring a warm bowl of soup on a crisp afternoon, these experiences will make your autumn tour truly unforgettable.
Practical Tips for 2026 Travelers
What to Pack
Layered clothing: Mornings can be frosty (4-6°C in Seoul, -2°C in Seoraksan), while afternoons warm up to 15-18°C.
Waterproof hiking boots: October-November can bring light rain; trails may be slippery.
Camera gear: Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a macro lens for close-ups of leaves.
Travel Logistics
Book accommodations early: Popular areas like Seoraksan and Naejangsan fill up 2-3 months in advance.
Use public transport: Intercity buses from Seoul to national parks are frequent and affordable. Consider a Korea Rail Pass for scenic train rides (e.g., Seoul to Gangneung).
Avoid weekends: Peak crowds on Saturdays and Sundays; visit on weekdays for quieter trails.
Climate Trends & Their Impact
2025's unexpected cold snap in late October—bringing snow to Seoraksan while foliage was still vibrant—highlights the need to stay flexible. Climate experts note that rising global temperatures may lead to shorter, more intense foliage seasons, with earlier snowfalls in northern regions. Travelers in 2026 should check 10-day weather forecasts before their trip and be prepared for rapid temperature changes.
South Korea's autumn is a fleeting masterpiece—each year's display is unique. The 2025 snow-dusted foliage was a reminder of nature's unpredictability, making every leaf-viewing trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whether you're chasing the first red leaves in Seoraksan or savoring late-autumn hues in Jeju, South Korea's 2026 fall foliage season promises to be a feast for the senses. Plan wisely, stay flexible, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of color. Let's plan your perfect autumn getaway — reach out and begin your maple adventure today.