Here’s your ultimate guide to autumn in Korea!

Read on to find out when and where to see the beautiful autumn leaves across Korea.

In Korea, autumn falls in the months of September, October, and November.

Offering clear cool and crisp weather and the beautiful autumn foliage, autumn is the best time to visit Korea.

The best times to see the autumn leaves in Korea are October and November, and the peak season only lasts up to two weeks.

So if you don’t want to miss out on the incredible fall colors in Korea, it is best to plan your leaf-peeping getaway early!

Autumn in Korea – Weather & What to Wear

| Weather: Mostly sunny with warm afternoon highs. Huge difference in day and night temperatures.

| Temperatures:

September – Average 20°C (68°F); High 26°C (78°F); Low 15°C (59°F)

October – Average 13°C (55°F); High 19°C (66°F); Low 7°C (44°F)

November – Average 5°C (41°F); High 11°C (51°F); Low 0°C (32°F)

※Check the weather forecast regularly for accurate weather information and the indication of rain.

| What to wear: A warm, lightweight jacket, or thick winter coat (in November), boots, long-sleeved T-shirts or sweatshirts, cardigans, thick socks, and an umbrella in case of rain.

※Dress in multiple layers for changing temperatures.

2020 Korea Fall Foliage Map & Forecast

Typically, Korea’s autumn foliage season starts from mid-September to mid-November and reaches its peak usually after two weeks.

In 2020, the first autumn foliage will start in the northeast regions, at Seoraksan National Park around September 26, followed by the central and southwest regions around mid-October. The autumn foliage will arrive in the southern regions between mid-October and early November.

In Seoul, the autumn foliage is planned to reach its peak mostly in October.

Mountain First Foliage Peak Foliage Seoraksan National Park September 26 October 18 Jirisan National Park October 10 October 23 Naejangsan National Park October 18 November 8 Odaesan National Park October 1 October 16 Chiaksan National Park October 7 October 23 Songnisan National Park October 16 October 29 Palgongsan National Park October 18 October 30 Gyeryongsan National Park October 19 October 30 Gayasan National Park October 16 October 27 Bukhansan National Park October 16 October 30 Mudeungsan National Park October 22 November 6 Woraksan National Park October 12 October 26 Hallansan National Park October 17 November 1

*Foliage forecast information provided by K Weather

Top 6 Autumn Foliage Destinations in Korea

One of the best ways to experience autumn foliage in Korea is through hiking. Korean mountains and national parks offer spectacular fall foliage and worthwhile hiking experiences.

Here’s our pick of the 6 best destinations for fall foliage viewing and hiking.

Take a closer look at each destination below and start planning your trip!

1. Seoraksan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October

▲ Where: Sokcho, Gangwon-do (northeast of Korea)

Seoraksan National Park, home to the third highest mountain in Korea, Seoraksan, is the first place to see the autumn foliage.

Blessed with dramatic mountain peaks, unique rock formations, and gorgeous valleys, Seoraksan is stunning year-round, but the autumn views are truly spectacular.

By mid-October, most of the hiking trails should be covered in deep red and yellow leaves at Seoraksan National Park.

|Seoraksan Autumn Foliage 1 Day Tour from Seoul – Cancelled in 2020

|Seoraksan National Park Autumn Foliage & Wondae-Ri Birch Tree Forest 1 Day Tour from Seoul – Cancelled in 2020

It’s the perfect time for hikers and sightseers to flock to Seoraksan and walk the hiking trails, as they watch the scenery of leaves fall all around them. If you’d like to challenge yourself hiking up Seoraksan while enjoying the autumn foliage unfold, click the link below!

| Sign up for the Seoraksan National Park Hiking Tour

2. Naejangsan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Late-October ~ Mid-November

▲ Where: Jeong-eup, Jeolla-do (southwest of Korea)

Another popular autumn foliage destination in Korea is Naejangsan National Park. The park is particularly famous for its vivid crimson foliage, 600-year-old nutmeg trees, and waterfalls.

There are two famous Buddhist temples at Naejangsan National Park, Baekyangsa Temple, and Naejangsa Temple.

The tree-lined path from the Hiking Information Center to Naejangsa Temple, densely packed with 108 trees, offers a breathtaking canopy of colorful autumn leaves!

|Sign up for a day trip from Seoul to Naejangsan National Park – Cancelled in 2020

|Naejangsan Mountain Autumn Foliage & Jeonju Hanok Village 1 Day Tour from Seoul

3. Jirisan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: Namwon, Jeolla-do (southwest of Korea)

Looking for a leaf-peeping getaway from Busan? Head out to Jirisan National Park, Korea’s oldest and biggest national park, home to the second tallest mountain in South Korea, Jirisan (1915m).

Famous for its wild beauty and vibrant fall colors, Jirisan National Park is one of the most popular foliage destinations near Busan. The drive from Busan to Jirisan takes about 2 hours, which is close enough for a day trip.

One of the best viewing spots in Jirisan is the Baemsagol Valley, a 9-km long valley with small streams and rock beds set against a backdrop of vibrant fall colors.

|Sign up for a day trip from Busan to Jirisan National Park – Cancelled in 2020

4. Odaesan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do (northeast of Korea)

Odaesan National Park Known for its beautiful thick forest of fir trees,was used as a location of the hit Korean drama, “Goblin,” starred by Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun.

The nearby Woljeongsa Buddhist Temple, located in the valley east of Mount Odaesan, founded in 643, is another stunning site to take in the autumn foliage.

|Sign up for a day trip from Seoul to Odaesan National Park – Cancelled in 2020

5. Daedunsan Provincial Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do (central Korea) & Wanju, Jeollabuk-do (southwest of Korea)

Daedunsan Mountain, at 878 meters, is known for its steep and rocky landscapes.

The main attraction at Daedunsan Mountain is a hair-raising Suspension Bridge (Geumgang Gureumdari), which hangs over a deep ravine 300 meters above sea level. Cross it if you dare! We can assure you that it’ll add an element of thrill and excitement to your hiking.

If you are not a fan of hiking, you can opt for the cable car instead. From the cable car, you can appreciate a sea of blazing maples in Daedunsan National Park.

|Sign up for a day trip from Seoul to Daedunsan Provincial Park – Cancelled in 2020

6. Gyeongju

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: North Gyeongsang Province (southeast of Korea)

Whilst all sites mentioned are in the mountains of national parks, Gyeongju is a city, in the corner of North Gyeongsang Province, which means you don’t have to hike up any steep mountains.

Gyeongju is much more than a spectacular autumn foliage scenery. This place is filled with historical heritage sites, and other magnificent places to visit, so you get the entire package! These are are some of Gyeongju’s hottest spots to visit.

Seokguram Temple – This place is worth a visit as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, you won’t be disappointed!

– This place is worth a visit as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, you won’t be disappointed! Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond) – Known for its dazzling view at night, you can catch the reflection of the moon and palace shining on the surface of the pond. a Night scene you don’t want to miss.

Cheomseongdae Observatory – The oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. This extravagant structure still remains well preserved as Korea’s 31st National Treasure.

– The oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. This extravagant structure still remains well preserved as Korea’s 31st National Treasure. Gyeongju Folk Craft Village – This place consists of 40 thatched and tile-roofed houses, home to many Korean artisans of traditional arts and crafts. Not only can you purchase the products made by them, but even offer you hands-on programs for you to experience!

– This place consists of 40 thatched and tile-roofed houses, home to many Korean artisans of traditional arts and crafts. Not only can you purchase the products made by them, but even offer you hands-on programs for you to experience! Hwangnidan-gil – Wear traditional Korean Hanbok and explore every nook and cranny of alleys full of hip places to check out, from cafes to bakeries, antique shops and more!

Bulguksa Temple – Explore the exquisite architecture of one of Korea’s most well-known temples in Gyeongju.

So act now and plan a trip to Gyeongju to experience the autumn foliage along with an exploration of numerous historical sites and more!

|Book Gyeongju Autumn Foliage 1 Day / 2D1N Tour – from Seoul

|Join Gyeongju Autumn Foliage 1 Day Tour – from Busan

|Enjoy Gyeongju Pink Muhly 1 Day Tour – from Seoul

|Gyeongju Pink Muhly Habitat Fields & Gyeongju Historic Sites 1 Day Tour – from Busan

If you want to thoroughly explore Gyeongju and learn about Korean history, book these hassle-free tour packages!

|Explore the Old & New of Gyeongju in a Day – from Busan

|Book Gyeongju City 1 Day Private Tour – from Gyeongju/Busan

|Join Gyeongju Culture & Heritage Sites 1 Day Tour – from Busan

|Gyeongju & Andong 3D2N Tour – from Busan

Photo Credits

Saturday Out at Bomoon KyongJu 20090502 509 via Flickr

#도깨비명당 via Facebook

For more ideas for your perfect autumn trip to South Korea, make sure you visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!