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As the autumn breeze begins to blow, October is the perfect time to head to South Korea for maple leaf viewing!

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 101 views

Last updated 2026-09-24 — Saying goodbye to the sweltering summer, mornings and evenings in Korea start to get a bit cooler. During this seasonal transition, the mountains across Korea are painted in shades of red and yellow. If you want a relaxing and budget-friendly trip abroad, why not go to Korea for some maple leaf viewing? Autumn foliage tours are both...

Saying goodbye to the sweltering summer, mornings and evenings in Korea start to get a bit cooler. During this seasonal transition, the mountains across Korea are painted in shades of red and yellow. If you want a relaxing and budget-friendly trip abroad, then head to Korea for maple leaf viewing!

Autumn maple leaf viewing is a serene and romantic experience. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)

The Korea Meteorological Administration recently released the long-awaited news about this year’s fall foliage. From early October to mid-November, the public can enjoy the beautiful maple leaves, along with a list of the best viewing dates at various local attractions. These serve as helpful references for planning your foliage-viewing trip, allowing you to fully enjoy Korea’s natural beauty.

Early October to mid-November this year is the officially recommended best time for viewing maple leaves in Korea. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)

The timing of peak foliage is determined based on the area covered by colored leaves. The start date is when 20% of the maple trees have changed color, while the full bloom period refers to when 80% of the trees are ablaze in red. To witness the most stunning foliage, choose mountainous areas with little rain, ample sunlight, and significant temperature variations—such as Seoraksan National Park, Songnisan National Park, and Naejangsan National Park. These are among Korea’s most famous maple viewing spots, attracting millions of visitors every year. During your trip, you can also ride a cable car, visit majestic ancient temples, and admire unique peaks and rocks.

Detailed predictions for the foliage season can be found on the Korea Tourism Organization’s official website. (Image provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)

The earliest viewing period will begin on October 3rd at Seoraksan, reaching its full bloom around October 20th. Heading south across the sea to Jeju, the peak period for Hanbando Street and other spots will be around November 12th.