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Plan your 2025 autumn trip to Korea with our fall foliage forecast. Find the best time and places to see peak autumn leaves across the country.
If you’re wondering when the best time is to visit South Korea in autumn 2025, the answer is simple: during the breathtaking fall foliage season. Each year from late September to mid-November, Korea’s landscapes are painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of the most beautiful times to explore the country.
The 2025 South Korea fall foliage forecast predicts that autumn leaves will start in the northern mountains of Gangwon Province in late September and gradually spread southward, reaching peak color in popular destinations like Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Jirisan, and Hallasan through October and early November.
Whether you want to hike along scenic mountain trails, wander through historic Seoul palaces and city parks, or enjoy temple visits framed by fiery maple trees, autumn is the perfect season to experience Korea’s natural beauty. This guide breaks down the 2025 fall foliage schedule by region, so you can plan your trip around the exact dates and places where the colors will be at their best.
Autumn Season in Popular Cities and Mountains in South Korea
From the last days of September to early to mid-November, that’s when you can expect to see the fall in Korea. According to the official reports, it will start on September 30 and will peak late October, and the peak will end on November 6.
What is the Fall Foliage Forecast?
The fall foliage in Korea is defined as the moment when about 20% of the trees at the top of a mountain begin to change color. This marks the start of one of the most enchanting times to visit South Korea, as the landscape transforms from the warmth of summer into a golden season filled with crisp air, vibrant breezes, and breathtaking scenery.
2025 Fall Foliage Forecast South Korea: Popular Cities & Mountains
| Mountain (Region) | First Foliage 2025 | Peak Foliage 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 설악산 Seoraksan (Gangwon Province) | Sept 30 | Oct 23 | Earliest foliage in Korea; very popular for hiking. |
| 오대산 Odaesan (Gangwon Province) | Oct 6 | Oct 17 | Foliage spreads evenly across valleys and ridges. |
| 북한산 Bukhansan (Seoul & Gyeonggi) | Oct 17 | Nov 4 | Easily accessible from Seoul; great for day hikes. |
| 치악산 Chiaksan (Gangwon Province) | Oct 10 | Oct 25 | Known for dense forests and vibrant colors. |
| 월악산 Woraksan (North Chungcheong & North Gyeongsang) | Oct 18 | Oct 28 | Famous for rugged terrain and deep valleys. |
| 속리산 Songnisan (North Chungcheong & North Gyeongsang) | Oct 22 | Nov 3 | Blend of mountain scenery and historic temples. |
| 계룡산 Gyeryongsan (South Chungcheong & Daejeon) | Oct 16 | Nov 1 | Easy access; family-friendly hiking trails. |
| 팔공산 Palgongsan (North Gyeongsang & Daegu) | Oct 18 | Nov 3 | Popular for temple visits during foliage season. |
| 가야산 Gayasan (North & South Gyeongsang) | Oct 17 | Nov 1 | Home to Haeinsa Temple; colors mix well with cultural sites. |
| 내장산 Naejangsan (North & South Jeolla) | Oct 23 | Nov 11 | Famous nationwide for autumn leaves; very crowded. |
| 지리산 Jirisan (South Jeolla, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla) | Oct 13 | Oct 23 | Large area with variation; earlier at higher peaks. |
| 무등산 Mudeungsan (Gwangju & South Jeolla) | Oct 21 | Nov 4 | Known for unique rock formations and fall views. |
| 두륜산 Duryunsan (South Jeolla) | Oct 29 | Nov 10 | One of the latest peaks in the southwest. |
| 한라산 Hallasan (Jeju Island) | Oct 14 | Oct 30 | Jeju’s highest point; scenic crater trails with colorful views. |
Northern & Central Korea (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong)
설악산 Seoraksan Mountain (Gangwon Province)
- First Foliage 2025: September 30
- Peak Foliage 2025: October 23
오대산 Odaesan Mountain (Gangwon Province)
- First Foliage 2025: October 6
- Peak Foliage 2025: October 17
북한산 Bukhansan Mountain (Seoul and Gyeonggi Province)
- First Foliage 2025: October 17
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 4
치악산 Chiaksan Mountain (Gangwon Province)
- First Foliage 2025: October 10
- Peak Foliage 2025: October 25
월악산 Woraksan Mountain (North Chungcheong & North Gyeongsang)
- First Foliage 2025: October 18
- Peak Foliage 2025: October 28
속리산 Songnisan Mountain (North Chungcheong & North Gyeongsang)
- First Foliage 2025: October 22
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 3
계룡산 Gyeryongsan Mountain (South Chungcheong & Daejeon)
- First Foliage 2025: October 16
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 1
Southeast Korea (Daegu & Gyeongsang Provinces)
팔공산 Palgongsan Mountain (North Gyeongsang & Daegu)
- First Foliage 2025: October 18
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 3
가야산 Gayasan Mountain (North & South Gyeongsang Province)
- First Foliage 2025: October 17
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 1
Southwest Korea (Jeolla Provinces & Gwangju, incl. Jirisan & Naejangsan)
내장산 Naejangsan Mountain (North and South Jeolla Province)
- First Foliage 2025: October 23
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 11
지리산 Jirisan Mountain (South Jeolla, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla)
- First Foliage 2025: October 13
- Peak Foliage 2025: October 23
무등산 Mudeungsan Mountain (Gwangju & South Jeolla Province)
- First Foliage 2025: October 21
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 4
두륜산 Duryunsan Mountain (South Jeolla Province)
- First Foliage 2025: October 29
- Peak Foliage 2025: November 10
Jeju
한라산 Hallasan Mountain (Jeju Island)
- First Foliage 2025: October 14
- Peak Foliage 2025: October 30
When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in South Korea?
Finally, from the above Fall Foliage forecast schedule, let us recommend the best time to visit South Korea in the 2025 Fall season.
2025 Best Time to See Fall Foliage in South Korea (By Region)
| Region | Best Viewing Period (2025) | Key Mountains & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| North & Central (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong) | Oct 13 – Nov 4 | Seoraksan (peak Oct 23), Odaesan (Oct 17), Chiaksan (Oct 25), Bukhansan (Nov 4), Woraksan (Oct 28), Songnisan (Nov 3), Gyeryongsan (Nov 1). |
| Southeast (Daegu & Gyeongsang Provinces) | Oct 17 – Nov 3 | Palgongsan (Nov 3), Gayasan (Nov 1). Famous for temples and cultural sites. |
| Southwest (Jeolla Provinces & Gwangju, incl. Jirisan & Naejangsan) | Oct 13 – Nov 11 | Jirisan (peak Oct 23), Mudeungsan (Nov 4), Naejangsan (Nov 11), Duryunsan (Nov 10). Known for brilliant late-season colors. |
| Jeju (Hallasan) | Oct 14 – Oct 30 | Hallasan (peak Oct 30). Autumn hiking with panoramic views of Jeju Island. |
Northern and Central Korea (Gangwon, Seoul, and Gyeonggi)
- Ideal time to visit: Mid-October to early November.
If you’re planning to visit the northern and central parts of South Korea, the best time to travel is between October 13 and November 4. This is when fall foliage is at its peak across iconic mountains like Seoraksan, Odaesan, Bukhansan, Chiaksan, Woraksan, Songnisan, and Gyeryongsan. From Seoul city hikes in Bukhansan to the dramatic ridges of Seoraksan, you’ll find plenty of variety within this window.
Southeastern Korea (Chungcheong and Gyeongsang)
- Ideal time to visit: Late October.
If your trip takes you to the southeastern regions of Korea, the best time to visit is from October 17 to November 3. Mountains like Palgongsan and Gayasan burst into shades of red, orange, and gold during this period. These areas are also home to famous temples, making it easy to combine cultural exploration with breathtaking autumn scenery.
Southwestern Korea (Jeolla and Jirisan)
- Ideal time to visit: Mid October to early November.
For those traveling to the southwest, the ideal time to enjoy fall colors is between October 13 and November 11. Mountains such as Jirisan, Naejangsan, Mudeungsan, and Duryunsan showcase some of the country’s most spectacular foliage displays. Naejangsan, in particular, is famous nationwide for its fiery autumn scenery, while Jirisan offers a range of trails with both early and late-season views.
Jeju Island
- Ideal time to visit: Late October.
If you’re heading to Jeju Island, plan your trip between October 14 and October 30. Hallasan Mountain, Korea’s highest peak, transforms into a canvas of vibrant autumn colors during this time. Hiking trails around the crater and mid-mountain areas provide sweeping views of both the foliage and the surrounding island landscape, making this one of the most unique fall experiences in Korea.
Travel Tips for Visiting Korea in Fall 2025
- Dress in Layers: Temperatures can swing from warm afternoons to chilly evenings, especially in the mountains.
- Comfortable Footwear: Many foliage spots involve hiking or walking; sturdy shoes are a must.
- Plan for Crowds: Popular places like Naejangsan and Seoraksan get busy at peak foliage. Visit early in the day or on weekdays if possible.
- Book Early: Hotels and transport sell out fast during the foliage season, especially in scenic regions.
- Check the Weather: Autumn is generally clear, but sudden rain or wind can affect leaf viewing.
- Photography Tip: Early morning and late afternoon (“golden hour”) offer the best light for capturing the vibrant colors.
- Local Snacks & Festivals: Try seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes, and look out for autumn festivals near major parks.
While each region has slightly different times of peak foliage, to get the best of all of South Korea, plan a trip somewhere in the last week of October in 2025. This way, you’ll be able to catch the gorgeous fall foliage colors of South Korea.
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