A Complete Guide to Autumn in Korea: Autumn Foliage Forecast 2019

October 23, 2019 Amy C

Say farewell to the hot sweltering days of Summer and welcome Autumn! In Korea, September, October and November are considered the months of Autumn and also one of the best times to visit. The cool, crisp weather of Autumn makes Korea a very pleasant destination for travels. However, the weather isn’t what is attracting flocks of tourists yearly but the magnificent crimson gold foliage that graces the lands all over.

If you’ve yet to plan your Autumn trip to Korea, now is the time! Have your pens and paper ready as we spill the beans to some of the best places to visit in Korea this Autumn!

Autumn in Korea – Weather & What to Wear

| Weather:

Mostly sunny with warm afternoon highs. A big difference in temperatures during the day and night.

| Temperatures:

September – Average 20°C (68°F); High 26°C (78°F); Low 15°C (59°F)

October – Average 13°C (55°F); High 19°C (66°F); Low 7°C (44°F)

November – Average 5°C (41°F); High 11°C (51°F); Low 0°C (32°F)

※Check the weather forecast regularly for accurate weather information and any indication of rain.

| What to wear:

A warm, lightweight jacket, or thick winter coat (in November), boots, long-sleeved T-shirts or sweatshirts, cardigans, thick socks, and an umbrella in case of rain.

※Dress in multiple layers for sudden changes in temperature.

2019 Korea Autumn Foliage Forecast Map

The Autumn foliage season usually starts around mid-September and lasts until mid-November with it reaching its peak around mid-October to early November. So, remember to clear out your calendars during these few weeks to make the most of Autumn in Korea.

As predicted, the first Autumn foliage of 2019 appeared on September 27th at Seoraksan National Park, the northeast region of Korea, where altitudes and latitudes are the highest. The red-orange hues have already started to take over most of the Korean Peninsula and are said to reach its peak near the end of October. Autumn foliage has already been spotted in Seoul, 8 days earlier than last year!

Mountain	First Foliage	Peak Foliage
Seoraksan National Park	September 27	October 16
Jirisan National Park	October 11	October 22
Naejangsan National Park	October 17	November 3
Odaesan National Park	October 1	October 14
Daedunsan Provincial Park	October 19	October 25
Songnisan National Park	October 15	October 30
Palgongsan National Park	October 18	October 26
Juwangsan National Park	October 28	November 1
Gayasan National Park	October 14	October 27
Bukhansan National Park	October 14	October 29
Hallasan National Park	October 15	October 30

*Foliage forecast information provided by Weatheri

Top 6 Autumn Foliage Destinations in Korea

Admiring the golden leave whilst taking a stroll is one way to experience the Autumn foliage in Korea. However, nothing beats hiking when it comes to Autumn foliage. Not only does hiking up the mountains of Korea offer spectacular views of nature but also a worthwhile hiking experience!

Here’s our pick of the 6 best destinations for Autumn foliage viewing and hiking!

1. Seoraksan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: Sokcho, Gangwon-do (northeast of Korea)

Home to the third highest mountain in Korea, Seoraksan National Park offers strikingly sensational views. With towering mountain peaks and beautifully formed valleys creating the most scenic view, Seoraksan National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations visited by people from all over in Korea.

The Autumn foliage is said to reach its peak during the third week of October, signaling the true start of Autumn in Korea!

| Sign up for Seoraksan Autumn Foliage 1 Day Tour from Seoul

| Sign up for Seoraksan National Park Autumn Foliage & Wondae-Ri Birch Tree Forest 1 Day Tour from Seoul

What better time than now to enjoy a hike up in the mountains for a breath of fresh air as you watch the beautiful amber leaves twirl around. If you’re up for a bit of hiking this Autumn, head to Seoraksan to enjoy the magnificent Autumn foliage unfold before your very eyes!

| Sign up for the Seoraksan National Park Hiking tour

If you want to explore Seoraksan National Park with other attractions. Check out the items below!

| Sign up for the Seoraksan National Park & Naksansa Temple 1 Day Tour

| Sign up for the Seoraksan National Park & Nami Island 1 Day Tour

2. Naejangsan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Late-October ~ Mid-November

▲ Where: Jeong-eup, Jeolla-do (southwest of Korea)

Next on the list is Naejangsan National Park another popular destination for Autumn foliage viewing. It has been chosen as a go-to destination for foliage year after year and a visit there will have you understanding why. Know for its vivid Autumn foliage that turns the whole park into an orange-yellow wonderland, it is home to 600-year-old nutmeg trees as well as cascading waterfalls.

The two famous Buddhist temples at Naejangsan National Park, Baekyangsa Temple and Naejangsa Temple, are also worth dropping by!

The tree-lined path from the Hiking Information Center to Naejangsa Temple, densely packed with 108 trees, offers a canopy of colorful Autumn leaves!

| Sign up for a day trip to Naejangsan National Park from Seoul

| Sign up for Naejangsan Mountain Autumn Foliage & Jeonju Hanok Village 1 Day Tour from Seoul

3. Jirisan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: Namwon, Jeolla-do (southwest of Korea)

Looking for an Autumn foliage getaway down to Busan? Jirisan National Park is just the place to visit! Home to the second-tallest mountain, after Jeju Island’s Hallasan, it is the oldest and biggest national park in South Korea. It certainly lives up to its reputation, offering one of the most splendid views you’ll ever lay eyes on.

Being only a 2-hour drive away from Busan, Jirisan National Park tops the list for the most popular day trips destinations. Make your way down to Jirisan National Park to feast your eyes on the glorious views that Autumn has to offer!

*Baemsagol Valley is the best spot to view the foliage during your hike!

| Sign up for a day trip from Busan to Jirisan National Park

4. Odaesan National Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do (northeast of Korea)

If you’ve watched the hit Korean drama, “Goblin”, starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, you might find this place a bit familiar. Not only is Odaesan National Park famous for being the filming location of the “Goblin”, but it is also known for its lush forests of fir trees that line the hiking trails in red and yellow hues. Within the park lies Woljeongsa Buddhist Temple, a definite must-go, that coexists in harmony with the surrounding nature.

| Sign up for a day trip from Seoul to Odaesan National Park

5. Daedunsan Provincial Park

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do (central Korea) & Wanju, Jeollabuk-do (southwest of Korea)

Daedunsan Mountain, reaching up to 878 m, is one of the steeper and rockier mountains around. Though not for the faint-hearted, the Suspension Bridge (Geumgang Gureumdari) is one of the best spots to take in the spectacular view of the Autumn foliage. However, it hangs over a deep ravine, 300 m above sea level, so cross if you dare! It will definitely be an unforgettable hiking experience!

If you aren’t really up for some bridge crossing, you’re in luck as they do actually offer another way of crossing the ravine. There is a cable car that will take you across safely while also offering a spectacular aerial view of the blanket of maples covering Daedunsan Mountain!

| Sign up for a day trip from Seoul to Daedunsan Provincial Park

6. Gyeongju

▲ Best time to see the autumn foliage: Mid-October ~ Early November

▲ Where: North Gyeongsang Province (southeast of Korea)

Though Gyeongju doesn’t offer aerial views of mountains covered in a sea of blazing maple leaves, it is as magnificent a place to view the Autumn foliage. Located in the corner of North Gyeongsang Province, it’s just the place for you if you aren’t too fond of hiking!

Filled with historical and cultural heritage sites to visit, Gyeongju is visited by many throughout the year. Nevertheless, it becomes a paradise for Autumn foliage lovers especially in the months of October and November, attracting people by the thousands!

Seokguram Temple– As one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, it is definitely worth a visit!
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (Anapji Pond)– Known for its dazzling view at night, you can catch the reflection of the moon and palace glimmering on the surface of the pond!
Cheomseongdae Observatory– The oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. This spectacular structure remains well preserved as Korea’s 31st National Treasure.
Bulguksa Temple– Explore the exquisite architecture of one of Korea’s most well-known temples in Gyeongju.

Plan a trip to Gyeongju to experience the stunning Autumn foliage as you explore the many things it has to offer:

| Book Gyeongju 1 Day Tour – from Busan

| Book Gyeongju City 1 Day Private Tour – from Gyeongju/Busan

| Book Gyeongju Autumn Foliage 1 Day Tour – from Busan

| Gyeongju Culture & Heritage Sites 1 Day Tour from Busan