Chasing Autumn Foliage in Korea: Head to Where It Turns Red First

The Great Buddha at Sinheungsa Temple stands solemn and majestic against a backdrop of autumn foliage. (Photo: Tatsuji Shinko)

As lush green mountains turn a brilliant shade of red, warm hues herald the official arrival of the romantic autumn season. The maple trees in northeastern countries are often so spectacular they take your breath away—vibrant colors blanketing the hillsides like a palette tipped from the heavens. Want to catch the most stunning autumn scenery this year? Keep an eye on the foliage forecast and chase the “red” leaves.

When it comes to fall foliage viewing, Korea is definitely on everyone’s must-visit list. But do you know where in Korea turns red first? According to the autumn foliage prediction schedule released by Korea’s weather forecasting website Kweather, Mount Seorak in Gangwon Province is the earliest place in Korea where you can see the leaves change. The leaves start turning red in late September, reach their peak in mid-October, and the entire mountain is ablaze with color within just one month. If you want to be ahead of the crowd, this is the place to go.

Mount Seorak is a renowned tourist destination in Korea. (Photo: Tatsuji Shinko)

With its towering peaks and valleys flowing with streams, Mount Seorak has long been one of Korea’s most famous national parks. Its picturesque landscapes attract visitors from both home and abroad. However, when it comes to Mount Seorak, autumn is undoubtedly the most beautiful season. Warm yellow and vivid red maples cover the mountains, adding a poetic charm to the landscape. The maple leaves set against the mountains and waters are said by some to be a heavenly gift.

When visiting Seorak in autumn, aside from enjoying the beautiful mountain foliage, you can also unwind at the hot spring water park. With Mount Seorak as the backdrop, the hot spring facilities here offer endless fun for visitors. Who says soaking in hot springs has to be a quiet, passive experience? Various recreational activities allow you to fully experience the charm of Gangwon Province’s hot springs.