Korea Fall Foliage 2026: Peak Dates & 7 Best Spots (From a Local)
Hi friends, it's Hee from Seoul! 🍂 The mornings here have finally turned crisp, and that can only mean one thing: autumn leaves are coming. Every year my friends abroad ask me the same question — "When is the best time to see fall colors in Korea?" So I put together this guide with the official 2026 forecast and my favorite spots. 🗓️ 2026 Peak Foliage Forecast According to the Korea Forest Service's 2026 forecast, the first leaves started turning on September 14 in Gangwon Province. Colors will spread south from early October and reach their peak nationwide in late October . Seoraksan: around October 20 Songnisan: around October 28 Ginkgo trees (nationwide): around October 30 Maple trees (nationwide): around October 31 Naejangsan: around November 4 Hallasan (Jeju): around November 6 💡 Tip: "Peak" here means about 50% of the forest has changed color. Actual timing can shift a few days depending on weather, so check again right before...