Bottom line: In 2025, South Korea's fall foliage will peak in early October at Mount Seoraksan and last until early November, creating a spectacular display of golden and red hues in famous mountains and city parks across the country.
1. A rundown of when foliage will peak in 2025
This year's fall foliage in South Korea is expected to be about five days later than usual due to the effects of climate change. This is because the average temperature from July to September was 1.3 degrees above normal, according to the Korea Forest Service.
| Region | When to expect first foliage | Peak times | Top attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangwon-do | October 3rd | October 20th | Seoraksan, Odaesan |
| Central Region | Mid-October | Late October | Bukhansan, Soklisan |
| Jeolla | Mid-October | October 29th | Built-in mountains, unclimbed mountains |
| Mild | Late October | October 31st | Jirisan, Gaya Mountain |
| Jeju Island | Late October | November 1 | Hallasan |
1) The time of first foliage: When the mountain top starts to color above 20%
2) Peak time: When 50% or more of the total foliage is fully colored
3) Foliage duration: Viewable for approximately 2-3 weeks after the climax
2. 10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage Across the Country
Here are some of the top fall foliage spots in South Korea, with regional variations. For each spot, find out the best time to visit and what to expect.
🏔️ Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon Province)
Peak time: Around October 20
Features: It's one of the first places in the country to see fall foliage, and the views from Ulsanbawi and Gwongeumseong Fortress are stunning.
Recommended courses: Sopark → Gwongeumseong Cable Car → Cheonbuldong Valley
Transportation: Take a bus to Seoraksan from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal
🍁 Jangnamsan National Park (Jeong-eup, Jeollabuk-do)
Peak time: Before and after October 29
Features: It is known as the "Kumgangsan of Honam" and is especially beautiful for its red fall foliage.
Recommended courses: Bujusa → Wuhwajeong → Baekyangsa Course
Entry: Free admission (parking not included), cable car 10,000 won for adults
🌄 Jirisan National Park (Gyeongnam / Jeonbuk / Jeonnam)
Peak time: Before or after October 31
Features: The foliage in Piagol and Bamsagol is particularly famous and is known as the "Holy Land of Foliage.
Recommended courses: Piagol Maple Valley → Nogodan → Cheonwangbong
4) Odaesan National Park: Woljeongsa Temple Fir Forest Trail and Sangwonsa Temple course are popular
5) Bukhansan National Park: Seoul's most accessible neighborhoods: Insaebong and Baekwoon University
6) Soklisan National Park: Beopjusa Temple and Maltijae Observatory
7) Kayasan National Park: Autumn colors at Haeinsa Temple's Palman Daejanggyeong
8) Hallasan National Park: Baekrokdam Course, Jeju Island's only fall foliage spot
9) Zhuwangshan National Park: An exquisite blend of rock formations and fall foliage
10) Gyeryongsan National Park: A quiet autumn road of bachelors and warriors
3. Accessible autumn leaves near Seoul
We've rounded up some of the best fall foliage spots in the Capital Region that are easy to reach by public transportation without a car, and are perfect for a day trip.
1) Seokchon Lake (Jamsil Station, Subway Line 2): View of the autumn leaves around the lake and Lotte Tower
2) Seoul Forest (Ttukseom Station, Subway Line 2): Ginkgo Grove, an urban nature park
3) The circumference of Namsan: NAutumn Leaf Walk with Seoul Tower
4) Yangjae Citizen's Forest (Sindang Line Yangjae Citizen's Forest Station): Popular with families
5) Soyosan (Soyosan Station, Subway Line 1): Access to the festival directly from the station
4. Tips for a successful fall foliage trip
We've compiled a list of practical tips for making the most of the short foliage season, from planning to the actual trip itself.
1) Timing strategy: One week before to two weeks after peak is optimal
2) Schedule transportation: Peak weekend accommodations and transfers must be booked at least two weeks in advance
3) Schedule: Leave early in the morning to avoid peak hours
4) Check the weather: Leaves are at their most vibrant 2-3 days after a rainfall
5) Prepare your outfit: Layers are recommended in the fall, when the weather is more variable
5. Tips for photographing fall foliage
Here's how to take fall foliage photos that will be the talk of Instagram and social media. Even your smartphone is good enough to capture these stunning photos.
1) Capitalize on golden hours: 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset is optimal
2) Compose: Full landscape + close-up maple leaf combination
3) Utilize backlighting: Maple leaves glow transparently
4) Take a reflection: Use fall foliage reflected in lake or stream water
5) Harmonize with people: Emphasize the grandeur of nature by making people smaller
6. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1. The foliage is later than usual this year, how long will I be able to see it?
A1. You can still enjoy the colors for 2-3 weeks after the peak season. You can enjoy fall foliage in the south until mid-November.
Q2. What are some fall foliage spots I can get to without a car?
A2. Seokchon Lake, Namsan Mountain, and Seoul Forest are easily accessible by subway, and Seoraksan Mountain is also connected by bus from Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal.
Q3. When is the best time to take photos of fall foliage?
A3. 9-10 am and 4-5 pm are optimal. The sunlight comes in at an angle, making the maple leaves look their best.
Q4. How much does a foliage trip cost?
A4. For a day trip, you can expect to spend around 20,000 to 50,000 won for transportation, most entrance fees are free, and 2-3,000 won for food. Expect to pay an additional 10,000 won for the cable car.
7. related reading
We'll provide additional information to accompany your fall foliage trip.
1) Guide to Korean Winter Festivals 2) A beginner's guide to mountaineering 3) The Complete Guide to Fall Photography 4) 15 Best Things to Do in Seoul in Fall 5) National Fall Festival Calendar8. references
2) Fall Foliage Attractions Festival 2025 - Details on major fall foliage spots, including Mount Seoraksan, Mount Jajusan, and Mount Jiri.
3) Transportation information for fall foliage spots near Seoul - A guide to transit-accessible fall foliage destinations in the Capital Region
4) Official Autumn Colors Guide from the Korea Tourism Organization - Nationally recognized fall foliage attractions and travel information
5) 2025 National Parks Fall Foliage Information - Peak fall foliage and hiking trail information for each national park
9. Read along
2) Hidden gems of Korean wellness tourism: Healing in the mountains of Gangwon Province and Healers' Sun Village
3) Jjimjilbang Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know About a Foreigner's Favorite Korean Experience (2025)
4) The Ultimate Guide to Healing on Jeju Island - 4 Days and 3 Nights of Wellness in Nature
🎥 Videos to watch together
Here's some video content to help you get the most out of your fall foliage trip:
📺 Seorak Mountain Fall Foliage Drone Shot 4K 🎬 Highlights of the Jangbu Mountain Autumn Leaf Festival 📱 TikTok Korea Autumn Travels📸 Instagram hashtags: #Korea_autumn #autumn_foliage #Fall_foliage_spot #Seoraksan_autumn #Naesangsan_autumn #Korea_autumn #fall_foliage
💡 Fall Foliage Travel Key Takeaways 2025
1) Optimal travel duration: Mid-October to early November
2) Best timing: Seoraksan (10/20), Jangjusan (10/29), Jirisan (10/31)
3) Recommended courses: Overnight Mount Seoraksan → Day trip Seoul suburbs → Weekend Mount Jejusan
4) What to bring: Warm clothes, hiking boots, camera, snacks, transportation card
5) Budget: 5-8K for a day trip, 15-20K for a 2-night stay (per person)
6) Traffic tips: Public transportation recommended on peak weekends, early morning departures required
If you found this article helpful, please share it with the people you care about. We hope you'll join us on a journey to see the most beautiful autumn colors in Korea in the fall of 2025.
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