Autumn in Korea: foliage dates and the best places
Mid-October in the mountains, early November in Seoul. Seoraksan, Naejangsan, palace courtyards and ginkgo streets.
Autumn is the best season to visit Korea: clear skies, dry air, 10–20 °C days, and foliage that moves from the northern mountains down to Seoul over about a month.
Typical timing
| Place | Peak (typical) |
|---|---|
| Seoraksan (Sokcho) | mid-October |
| Odaesan, Chiaksan | mid–late October |
| Naejangsan, Songnisan | late October – early November |
| Seoul (palaces, Namsan, Bukhansan) | late October – first week of November |
| Ginkgo streets (Seoul) | early–mid November |
Where to go
- Seoraksan National Park: the classic. Ulsanbawi hike or the cable car to Gwongeumseong; stay in Sokcho.
- Naejangsan: the maple tunnel at the entrance; a day trip from Jeonju or Gwangju, or a tour from Seoul.
- Seoul: Changdeokgung Secret Garden (reservation required), Deoksugung stone wall road, Samcheong-dong, Namsan, Seoul Forest; ginkgo at Gyeongbokgung's west wall and Asan Hospital.
- Nami Island: metasequoia and ginkgo avenues; very crowded on weekends.
- Gyeongju: ginkgo at Donggung and the tomb park.
See tickets & tours on KlookSearch Klook for autumn foliage
Klook →Practical
- Hiking trails close at set times; start early. Trail maps are on Naver Map.
- Chuseok (the harvest holiday) falls in September–October; trains and highways are packed for three days — check the dates.
- Evenings drop near 5 °C in the mountains by late October.
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