Leaf-peeping season begins at the end of September – Predicted timings for Korea’s famous maple-viewing mountains released

Reported by You t
ru / Compiled report

Korea has entered its maple-leaf season this year. The first signs of red leaves are expected to appear at the end of September on Mount Seoraksan, while central regions and Mount Jirisan are predicted to see them from early to mid-October. Southern areas are expected to reach peak foliage around mid to late October. Travelers interested in enjoying the fall colors in Korea can refer to the predicted timings for its renowned maple-viewing mountains.


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Witnessing the diverse and spectacular maple foliage begins when 20% of the mountain's area is covered in colored leaves, marking the official start of the leaf-peeping season. This stage features green leaves intermingled with the first hints of red, offering a vibrant and beautiful autumnal view. Around two weeks after the initial coloring begins, when roughly 80% of the mountain is ablaze with color, the foliage reaches its full splendor.

Meanwhile, as the weather gradually cools down in autumn, Korea offers a wide variety of festivals. These include the "Geumsan Ginseng Festival" (September 19–28), held in Geumsan, a renowned ginseng cultivation area, where visitors can try their hand at digging for ginseng and sample a range of ginseng dishes. The "Andong International Mask Dance Festival" (September 26–October 5) showcases traditional Korean masked dance performances, some of which are classified as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage. The "South Jeolla Food and Culture Festival" (September 26–28) lets you enjoy delicious dishes from all 22 cities and counties of South Jeolla Province.

Additionally, there's the "Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Culture Festival" (October 1–5), themed around traditional Korean herbal medicine, and the "Suncheon Bay Reed Festival" (October 17–19), which combines culture, art, rural experiences, ecological learning, and local economics. Sports enthusiasts can take part in the healthy "Beautiful Jeju Marathon" on October 5, enjoying Jeju Island’s crisp autumn air, delectable food, and warm hospitality.

The predicted leaf-peeping timings for Korea’s famous maple-viewing mountains in 2014 are: