Autumn Foliage in Korea 2026: Best Palaces, Parks & City Spots

Autumn in Korea is like watching a painting come to life. From late September to mid-November, mountains, parks, and city streets transform into a breathtaking mix of red, orange, and yellow. 

This autumn season is the perfect time to book your flights to Korea and hotels in Korea, as the country transforms into a breathtaking landscape of golden ginkgo and fiery maple trees.

The cool breeze, soft sunlight, and colorful leaves create the perfect setting for travelers to slow down and enjoy nature.

Whether wandering through Seoul’s royal palaces or hiking in Gangwon Province, the autumn foliage season in Korea brings a unique kind of magic.

The Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Korea

Autumn starts earlier in the north and at higher altitudes. The colors usually begin to appear in late September around Seoraksan National Park, then move south to places like Naejangsan and Jirisan by early November.

For most travelers, the best time to visit for peak colors is between mid-October and early November. During this period, the air feels crisp, the skies are clear, and the landscapes glow with warm, fiery tones.

Expected Dates for Autumn Foliage Forecast

Top Places to See Autumn Foliage in Korea

Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho

Seoraksan is one of Korea’s most famous mountain parks. Its rugged cliffs and maple trees turn into a fiery masterpiece every October. Cable car rides offer panoramic views of red peaks and misty valleys. The park’s easy trails make it a top choice for both casual visitors and hikers.

Highlights:

• See vibrant foliage covering the dramatic mountain slopes
• Enjoy stunning autumn views of rugged peaks, valleys and forest trails
• Take the cable car or hiking trails for different views of the autumn scenery

Naejangsan National Park, Jeolla Province

Known as the “temple of autumn leaves,” Naejangsan is a dream destination during the fall season. The mountain trails are surrounded by golden ginkgo trees and red maples. Temples like Naejangsa and Baekyangsa appear even more beautiful under a canopy of colors.

Highlights:

• Scenic walking trails surrounded by colourful maple trees
• Famous for spectacular red, orange and yellow autumn foliage
• Beautiful views around Naejangsa Temple and the park's valleys

Namsan Seoul Tower, Seoul

You do not need to leave the city to enjoy autumn. The slopes of Namsan Mountain in central Seoul burst into red and yellow during October. A short walk to Namsan Tower rewards visitors with panoramic city views framed by colorful foliage.

Highlights:

• Enjoy colourful foliage in heart of Seoul
• Combine the seasonal scenery with panoramic city views from N Seoul Tower
• Scenic walking paths around Namsan Mountain are perfect for autumn photos

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

History meets autumn beauty inside this royal palace. The courtyards, ancient walls, and ponds reflect the golden hues of fall. Locals often visit wearing hanbok, creating the perfect photo opportunity with both tradition and nature.

Highlights:

• Enjoy a unique mix of historic buildings and seasonal foliage
• See colourful autumn trees framing the palace's traditional architecture
• Great spot for photos, especially with palace gates, courtyard and mountains in the background

Odaesan National Park, Gangwon Province

For a more peaceful experience, Odaesan offers gentle walking trails lined with old pine and maple trees. The area is also home to Woljeongsa Temple, where monks walk quietly among falling leaves. The atmosphere feels calm and spiritual.

Highlights:

• Known for peaceful mountain scenery and vibrant autumn colors
• Forest trails offer a beautiful walk beneath golden and red foliage
• A great choice for experiencing Korea's autumn scenery away from busy cities

Top Korean Autumn Foods That Taste Like Home

Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

A steaming bowl of samgyetang brings comfort on chilly days. The tender chicken stuffed with ginseng, jujube, and garlic is known to restore energy after a long day exploring the mountains. Locals often enjoy it during hiking trips or family gatherings as the temperature drops.

Hotteok (Sweet Pancake Snack)

Street vendors fill the air with the smell of sizzling hotteok during autumn. These golden pancakes, filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts, are best eaten hot while walking through colorful streets or park trails lined with falling leaves.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes and Chestnuts

Autumn nights in Korea feel incomplete without the smoky scent of roasted goguma (sweet potatoes) and gunbam (chestnuts). Vendors set up small stalls in busy areas, and the simple act of peeling a warm sweet potato while watching the evening lights feels perfectly cozy.

Persimmons (Gam)

Nothing says Korean autumn like the sight of bright orange persimmons hanging from trees or drying in the sun. Eaten fresh, dried, or even frozen, they represent good fortune and abundance. Many locals gift boxes of persimmons to families during the season.

Makgeolli and Pajeon Pairing

After a day of hiking through colorful forests, many Koreans relax with a plate of savory green onion pancake (pajeon) and a bowl of milky rice wine (makgeolli). It is a tradition that blends perfectly with the gentle rain and crisp air of the season.

How Locals Enjoy Autumn Evenings

Koreans love evening walks in autumn. Parks like Olympic Park in Seoul and Daejeon Hanbat Arboretum become lively with couples, families, and friends enjoying the crisp night air. Some bring snacks and sit under trees to watch the sunset turn the sky into shades of amber.

As night falls, cafes light up their terraces, offering cozy spots for hot coffee or tea. Travelers can join the locals, sit by the window, and watch the city glow softly beneath the red leaves. It feels simple, peaceful, and beautiful.

Top Stays for Experiencing Autumn the Best

Travel Tips for Autumn in Korea

Pack Layers 🧤

The weather can shift from cool mornings to sunny afternoons. A light jacket and comfortable shoes are essential.

Book Early✈️

Autumn is a popular travel season. Hotels near famous parks like Seoraksan or Naejangsan fill up fast, so it is best to book early through reliable sites like Trip.com for better deals.

Catch the Colors on a Scenic Train🚈

The V-Train and O-Train routes through the mountains offer one of the most picturesque rides in the country. Watching colorful valleys roll by from your window feels like a movie scene.

Fall in Love with Korea’s Autumn

Every leaf in Korea tells a story in autumn. The sound of footsteps on crisp leaves, the sight of mountains glowing in sunset light, and the taste of roasted chestnuts all come together to create a memory that stays long after the trip ends. For travelers who love beauty, peace, and color, autumn in Korea is a season worth experiencing again and again.

Book your fall escape with Trip.com, and let Korea’s autumn foliage paint your journey in the brightest shades of the season.