When do the leaves change in South Korea?

Maple and ginkgo set Korea's granite mountains ablaze each October, with Seoraksan traditionally first to turn before color sweeps south to Naejangsan and Jeju.

Naejangsan National Park in South Korea
📍 Naejangsan National Park, South Korea· Photo: Tung Thanh Dang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Forecast coming soon

Weather data for South Korea lands with the next model run. Meanwhile, explore the map.

Known for

  • Seoraksan National Park
  • Naejangsan maple valleys
  • Seoul ginkgo-lined streets

Things to do in fall in South Korea

3 iconic stops, including scenic drives, farms, haunts, and the views locals plan their October around.

South Korea's most famous foliage destination: a natural amphitheater of ridgelines packed with native maples, plus a planted maple-tunnel…

Korea's fall color starts here in late September, working down bare granite peaks and the jagged Ulsanbawi ridge.

A half-moon island in the Han River planted with tree-lined avenues.

Understand the season in South Korea

Short explainers on why and when the color arrives here.

Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in fall in South Korea?
The iconic stops: Naejangsan National Park, Seoraksan National Park, Nami Island. Every one is mapped on this page with its peak-color timing.

Nearby & similar

Cities in South Korea

Local peak timing and things to do in fall, computed for each city.