When the air turns crisp, Korea’s hills and forests change into red, orange, and yellow. The sky gets high and bright, and every step feels light. Each October I pack a small bottle of hot tea, a windbreaker, and follow the leaves on weekends. When you know the Korean fall foliage season, you meet better colors, avoid crowds, and take calmer photos. This guide uses simple words and hands-on tips so you can plan trips in October–November right away.
When is the Korean fall foliage season?
The Korean fall foliage season usually runs from early October to mid-November. Northern and higher mountains turn first, then color slowly moves south, toward the coast, and last to Jeju. On one mountain, the top changes first, about 5–10 days later the mid-slope, and a few days after that the valleys.
- Mid-October: High peaks in Gangwon (Seoraksan, Odaesan) start to glow.
- Late October: Central inland (Chiaksan, Sobaeksan, Songnisan) and Seoul area look great.
- Early November: Famous peaks in Honam/Yeongnam (Naejangsan, Jirisan, Gayasan, Palgongsan) hit peak.
- Mid-November: South coast and Jeju Hallasan look best.
Weather can shift timing by 3–7 days, but the big picture stays similar. On weekdays, mornings have soft light, fewer people, and clearer colors. On weekends, start before sunrise, reach your viewpoint by late morning, and begin going down before 3 p.m. With this rhythm, the Korean fall foliage season stays easy and fun.
Different peak times by region
Trip planning is half “when,” half “where.” Here is the simple line I use to set dates for October–November. Expect a 3–7 day wiggle room.
- Oct 8–20: Seoraksan & Odaesan tops → mid-slope a few days later → valley soon after
- Oct 15–25: Bukhansan & Dobongsan, plus Chiaksan & Sobaeksan ridges gain color
- Oct 22–Nov 2: Songnisan, Palgongsan, Namhansanseong get very good; Seoul city trees turn yellow
- Nov 1–12: Naejangsan, Jirisan (Piagol), Gayasan at peak; Jeonju, Damyang, Gwangju boulevards turn golden
- Nov 10–22: South-coast hills (Yeosu, Tongyeong) and Jeju Hallasan upper slopes peak
Follow this flow—one week north, next week central, then south—and you will keep meeting great color for about a month of Korean fall foliage season. If it rains, swap high ridges for forest paths and temple walks: safer and often prettier for photos.
Famous fall-foliage mountains by region
Same colors feel different with different backdrops—rocky spines, old temples, lakes, or the sea. These 15 picks balance easy access, good paths, and strong viewpoints.
Gangwon area
- Seoraksan: Sharp rock and red leaves make a bold contrast. The cable car to Gwongeumseong saves energy while still giving big views. Among the earliest to turn in the Korean fall foliage season.
- Odaesan: The Woljeongsa fir road and Seonjaegil are mostly flat—great for families. Water reflections make easy, lovely shots.
Seoul & Gyeonggi
- Bukhansan: Close to the city with many routes. Insubong and Baegundae sides show deep color layers. Subway + bus make day trips simple during the Korean fall foliage season.
- Dobongsan: Color clings to granite ridges. Weekday mornings are quiet and peaceful.
- Namhansanseong: Red leaves flow along the fortress wall. Many loop trails make it beginner- and kid-friendly.
Central inland (Chungcheong & N. Gyeongsang)
- Songnisan: Color starts right at Beopjusa. The Sejo-gil is gentle—good with kids.
- Sobaeksan: On some days, silver grass and leaves share the frame; low wind helps photos pop.
- Palgongsan: Golden ginkgo near Donghwasa. Calm temple scenery fits the season.
Jeolla area
- Naejangsan: The classic name for fall color. Naejangsa–Uhwajeong reflections are famous. Go early; it gets busy in the Korean fall foliage season.
- Byeonsanbando: Sea cliffs at Chaeseokgang with fall color—unusual and beautiful. See sea and forest in one day.
- Damyang (Chuwolsan & Metasequoia Road): Lakes, leaves, and the straight tree avenue for an easy walk.
Gyeongnam & Busan
- Jirisan: Nogodan and Piagol shine. Valleys hold deep, long stretches of color.
- Gayasan: Quiet forest to Haeinsa. Red leaves framing tiled roofs finish your photo nicely.
- Geumjeongsan: Near Busan city; some days you catch sea and color in one frame.
Jeju
- Hallasan: Peaks mid–late November. The Eorimok–Witseoreum line shows strong color layers. Wind can be strong—bring a windbreaker.
String these 15 spots in time order and you will meet new shades every week through the Korean fall foliage season.
See the season like a calendar on a map
Travelers like “at a glance.” Draw a simple grid: regions left to right, weeks top to bottom. Put circles on the weeks when color rises.
- Northern high peaks (Seorak, Odae): circle mid-October
- Seoul & central (Bukhan, Dobong, Chiak, Sobaek, Songni): circle late October
- Southern (Naejang, Jiri, Gaya, Palgong): circle early November
- South coast & Jeju (Halla): circle mid- to late November
Key move: when the current area hits peak, book the next week in the next area south. That way the Korean fall foliage season keeps flowing with no gaps.
Easy day hikes near Seoul
Great transit means no car needed. Here are simple routes I use a lot in the Korean fall foliage season:
- Bukhansan Bibong ridge → down to Dongnimmun (3–4 hrs): City opens beyond red forest. Early light looks clean and crisp.
- Namhansanseong East Gate loop (2–3 hrs): Leaves pour below the wall like a waterfall. Loop means easy with kids.
- Dobongsan Wondobong valley walk (under 2 hrs): Water sound, yellow reflections; some parts allow strollers.
- Achasan sunrise path (1–2 hrs): Short climb, then Han River view. Early light makes leaf veins glow.
- Gwanaksan Nakseongdae → Lake Park (2–3 hrs): City park to mountain path, gentle for beginners.
On weekends, enter before 7 a.m. This rhythm often gives you quiet trails even in the Korean fall foliage season.
Easy ways to see it prettier
Don’t stare at one leaf only. Step back and read the layers: red on the top, orange in the middle, green in the valley. Near water, reflections double the color.
- Front light shows true colors; backlight makes veins sparkle.
- 8–10 a.m. brings soft light and vivid tones.
- Calm mornings at lakes, ponds, and pavilions are golden hours for mirror shots.
With these three, Korean fall foliage season pictures look like postcards.
Stay safe on the trail
Pretty forests can still be risky. In the Korean fall foliage season, wet leaves are slippery and sunset comes early.
- Go up early, come down early: start down before 3 p.m.
- Moderate path up, easier path down: save your knees.
- If rain is likely, switch to Plan B: forest paths and temple zones instead of high ridges.
- Keep space: 3–5 m gaps so people behind you can stop when you pause for photos.
- Rest cycle: walk 40–50 minutes, rest 10. Don’t stand long in windy shade.
Keep these basics and the Korean fall foliage season stays safe and happy.
What to pack, simple list
Small things matter; forget one and you feel it right away.
- Shoes: trail shoes with grip, spare socks
- Clothes: thin warm layer, windbreaker, light gloves
- Water & snacks: hot tea in a flask, chocolate/nuts, electrolyte candy
- Devices: offline map app, 10,000 mAh power bank, small torch
- First aid: bandages, elastic wrap, pain patch
- Other: small bags (trash/wet clothes), light rain poncho
With kids, think warmth first. Choose round-trip paths under 2 hours, cut snacks into bite sizes so they can nibble while walking. That way even during the Korean fall foliage season, the little ones finish smiling.
Easy photo tips
- Lenses: wide angle for whole mountains; telephoto to compress dense color groups.
- Angles: hold the camera low and shoot upward for a “leaf carpet” feel.
- Tripod: short and light in crowds; or rest the camera on a rail or rock as a quick support.
- After rain: colors get washed and look richer—just slow down on wet roots.
With good light and gentle wind, anyone can make strong Korean fall foliage season photos.
Money and getting around, simple
- Transport: KTX (Seoul–Gangneung/Busan) round trip ₩60,000–120,000; express bus ₩20,000–40,000. Weekend tickets sell fast in the Korean fall foliage season—book 1–2 weeks early.
- Stay: weekdays ₩90,000–130,000; weekends ₩140,000–200,000. Small inns near trailheads with breakfast are good value.
- Food: local meals ₩10,000–15,000. Hot tea and snacks help between meals.
Use trains for long jumps, then bus or taxi for the last 20–30 minutes. Rental cars are handy for chaining southern peaks, but parking can be slow during the Korean fall foliage season.
Good manners in the forest
Leaving the path hurts soil and roots. Stay on marked trails and decks. Pack out all trash and tissues. Check park rules before flying drones. These basics keep next year’s Korean fall foliage season beautiful.
Walk slowly with kids
Choose stroller-friendly paths like Seonjaegil at Woljeongsa, Seoul Forest, or Wondobong valley. Play simple games: find red/orange/yellow leaves, trace leaf veins, or “color bingo.” Warm cocoa and bite-size fruit make it cozy. Short and happy—that’s the heart of a Korean fall foliage season family trip.
One-page cheat sheet
- Flow: north → central → south → Jeju
- Timing: weekday mornings best; on weekends, start at dawn
- Safety: early descent, layered clothes, slow on wet leaves
- Photos: front light for true color; backlight for sparkle; calm-water reflections in the morning
- Transport: train/bus first, taxi for the last stretch
- Family: loops under 2 hours, snacks and warmth first
Keep these and you will catch the core of the Korean fall foliage season even on a tight schedule. The season returns every year, but tones and light change each time—one more reason to come back.