Autumn is one of the best times to visit Korea. Cool air, clear skies and mountains turning red and gold: it’s easy to see why this season is so popular with travelers. The timing matters, though, because the colors move from north to south and from the high peaks down to the cities.
Here is the 2026 peak forecast and how to plan a trip.
Last updated: October 20, 2026. Forecasts change with the weather, so check live foliage updates before you go.
2026 foliage forecast
These dates come from the Korea Forest Service’s 2026 peak forecast. “Peak” generally means that about half of a mountain’s leaves have changed color.
- Seoraksan: around October 20 (oak trees around October 25), the first to peak
- Songnisan: around October 28
- Gyeryongsan: around November 1
- Seoul Botanic Park and Suraksan: around November 2
- Naejangsan and Byeonsan Peninsula: around November 4
- Hallasan (Jeju): around November 6
In general, Seoul’s colors arrive in early November, so you can still catch autumn in the capital after the northern mountains have peaked.
Where to go
- Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho). Dramatic rocky peaks and the earliest colors. It’s a long day trip from Seoul, so many travelers stay overnight in Sokcho.
- Naejangsan National Park (Jeongeup). Famous for maple trees lining the valley. It’s roughly two hours from Seoul by KTX to Jeongeup, then a local bus or taxi.
- Seoul. You don’t need to leave the city. Palaces such as Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung, Namsan, and Seoul Botanic Park are all good for autumn color. Check each palace’s reservation rules for special garden visits.
- Jeju’s Hallasan. Later color, and a good option if you’re traveling in early November.
Planning tips
- Go on a weekday. Weekends at the most famous spots are very crowded. Arrive early in the morning for quieter trails.
- Book early. Accommodation near national parks fills up fast during peak weeks.
- Check live updates. The Korea Forest Service and the Korea National Park Service post real-time foliage reports.
- Dress in layers. Mountain mornings can be cold even when the afternoon is warm.
- Allow travel time. Seoraksan is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Seoul by express bus to Sokcho, depending on traffic.
Photo tips
Soft morning and late-afternoon light makes the reds look richer. Look for spots where leaves reflect in water, such as palace ponds and valley streams.
Where are you heading to see the leaves this year? Share your favorite spot in the community.