2026 Korea Fall Foliage Guide｜Peak Autumn Colors from Seoraksan to Early November
Korea’s 2026 fall foliage season officially began when the first autumn colors were observed at Seoraksan on September 28.
Peak foliage across the country is expected from late October through early November, although the exact timing varies by location and elevation.
Seoraksan’s first fall foliage appeared on September 28, 2026
The first fall foliage of 2026 was officially observed at Seoraksan on September 28.
In 2025, the first foliage appeared on October 2, so this year’s observation was four days earlier. However, September 28 is also the average first-foliage date, meaning the 2026 season began at roughly the usual time.
What is the difference between first foliage and peak foliage?
When planning an autumn trip, the peak foliage period is generally more useful than the first-foliage date.
“First foliage” means about 20% of the mountain has changed color from the summit downward. Peak foliage is reached when about 80% of the mountain has changed color.
So, even when the first foliage has been observed at Seoraksan, it does not mean the entire mountain is already covered in red and yellow leaves.
When will fall foliage peak across Korea in 2026?
In 2026, autumn colors are expected to begin in the northern mountain areas of Gangwon Province before gradually moving toward central and southern Korea.
More regions are expected to reach peak foliage from late October, with the final week of October being one of the key periods nationwide.
Last year, I visited Nami Island too late and most of the leaves had already fallen.
The average predicted peak date is around October 31 for maple and oak species, and around October 30 for ginkgo trees.
Because timing differs by region and tree species, foliage will not peak everywhere in Korea on the same day.
Predicted peak foliage dates for major Korean mountains in 2026
In general, peak colors arrive earlier in northern areas and at higher elevations.
| Mountain | Predicted peak foliage date |
|---|---|
| Seoraksan | October 20 |
| Songnisan | October 28 |
| Naejangsan | November 4 |
| Hallasan | November 6 |
The Korea Meteorological Administration and the Korea Forest Service use slightly different criteria for observing fall foliage, so their announced peak dates may not match exactly.
Actual foliage timing can also shift depending on temperatures, daily temperature differences and rainfall, so it is better not to plan a trip too tightly around a single predicted date.
Is late October a good time for Hwadamsup fall foliage?
The nationwide average peak date for maple species in 2026 is expected to be around October 31, so late October overlaps with a promising period for autumn colors in the Seoul metropolitan area.
Hwadamsup is also operating its autumn peak-season period from October 23 to November 15, making the final week of October through early November worth watching.
You can also check the 2026 Hwadamsup reservation record for the reservation schedule and the actual booking process.
How to check the predicted peak foliage date for a specific area
You can check predicted peak foliage dates not only for mountains and famous attractions, but also for specific places you plan to visit.
From September 29, the Korea National Arboretum began offering its Korean Peninsula Peak Foliage Search Service.
By searching for a park, tourist attraction or road-name address, you can see the predicted peak foliage date for that area.
Search your destination through the Korea National Arboretum Plant Phenology Observation Project to narrow down your travel timing more precisely than using nationwide averages alone.
When is the best time for a 2026 fall foliage trip in Korea?
This year’s foliage season began with Seoraksan on September 28 and is expected to spread more widely from mid-October.
For Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and the wider metropolitan area, start by checking the final week of October. For southern regions, foliage may remain worth checking into early November.
Because foliage conditions are strongly affected by weather changes, check the Korea Meteorological Administration’s mountain foliage updates and local observations shortly before your trip.
My 2026 Hwadamsup fall foliage trip preparation
I am planning to visit Hwadamsup in late October and checked the nationwide foliage season and predicted peak dates while preparing. You can also see my 2026 fall foliage and Hwadamsup trip preparation record.
