2025 South Korea Autumn Foliage: 12 Best Viewing Spots & Estimated Dates
Want to see the stunning autumn foliage in Korea? Read on to know the best viewing spots and the estimated fall foliage dates.
Though we’ve already been to South Korea during spring and winter, we have yet to experience the autumn season, which usually runs from September to November.
So, on our next visit, we’d definitely love to experience this magical season and witness leaves turning into golden yellow, blanketing scenic pathways and ancient structures.
If you’re like us who’d also want to tick this off your bucket list, here’s our South Korea autumn foliage guide so you can plan your trip accordingly.
South Korea autumn season
When is the best time to travel to South Korea for autumn foliage? If you want to experience the fall season in Korea, time your travel during the yearly estimated Korea fall foliage forecast dates, usually starting from late September in Seoraksan Mountain to mid-November in other areas. The peak foliage typically lasts for about two weeks, from mid-October to early November.
2025 Korea autumn foliage forecast
The official Korea fall foliage forecast is yet to be released by Weatheri, so do watch out for its announcement soon.
To give you an idea, the 2024 Korea fall foliage first started in Seoraksan Mountain on 29 Sep 2024, with the peak foliage throughout Korea from late October to early November. See photo below:
2025 South Korea fall foliage spots & estimated viewing dates
See the popular South Korea autumn foliage spots and their estimated dates based on previous data:
| Popular Areas | Estimated Viewing Dates | |
| Seoul | First | Peak |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | Mid Oct | Late Oct |
| Deoksugung Palace | Mid Oct | Late Oct |
| Seoul Forest | Mid Oct | Late Oct |
| Olympic Park | Mid Oct | Late Oct |
| Outside Seoul | First | Peak |
| Nami Island | Mid Oct | Early Nov |
| The Garden of Morning Calm | Mid Oct | Early Nov |
| Hwadam Botanic Garden | Mid Oct | Early Nov |
| Yeoju Gangcheon Island | Mid Oct | Early Nov |
| Mountains | First | Peak |
| Seoraksan | Sep 29 | Oct 20 |
| Hallasan | Oct 14 | Oct 28 |
| Bukhansan | Oct 16 | Oct 28 |
| Naejangsan | Oct 24 | Nov 5 |
*Estimated dates above are based on last year’s data. This will be updated once the official 2025 Korea fall foliage forecast is released by Weatheri.
Best places in Seoul to see Korea autumn foliage
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the royal palace of South Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, the longest-ruling Korean dynasty lasting over 500 years. Now, it is a top tourist spot in Seoul, which turns into a magical setting during autumn.
While you’re here, rent a hanbok and strike a pose against an ethereal backdrop of red, brown, and yellow leaves, making your Korea autumn experience even more memorable.
Best viewing date: Late Oct
Admission: ₩3,000 (adults); ₩1,500 (kids); FREE with a Discover Seoul Pass
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Ride MRT (Line 3) to Gyeongbokgung Station. Exit 5 to get to the palace’s main gate.
2. Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace used to be the residence of the royal family members during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it is a popular historical site amid Seoul’s bustling city life.
In autumn, the palace’s 900m Stone Wall Path transforms into a romantic spot with ginkgo leaves adding more color to the already beautiful landscape.
Best viewing date: Late Oct
Admission: ₩1,000 (adults); ₩500 (kids)
Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Ride MRT (Line 1 or 2) to City Hall Station. Exit 2 or 12, and walk to Deoksugung Palace’s entrance.
3. Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest is an eco park in Seoul’s Seongdong District. What was once a water treatment facility is now frequented by locals and tourists alike for its expansive area for playing, relaxing, and sightseeing.
Aside from cherry blossoms, the park also has a Ginkgo Tree Forest, making it one of the best places to view autumn foliage in Seoul.
Best viewing date: Late Oct
Admission: Free
Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Ride MRT (Suin-Bundang Line) to Seoul Forest Station. The Seoul Forest entrance is just a short walk from the station.
4. Olympic Park
Built for the Seoul 1988 Olympics, the Olympic Park is now a popular spot for autumn foliage in Korea.
Walk down the Ginkgo Path and see a spectacle of autumn colors, especially with ginkgo leaves falling on the ground.
Best viewing date: Late Oct
Admission: Free
Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Ride MRT (Line 5) to Olympic Park Station. Or, MRT (Line 9) to Dunchon-dong Station. Olympic Park is just a short walk from these stations.
More popular places to see the Korea autumn foliage
5. Nami Island
Nami Island was made popular by the K-drama Winter Sonata (2002) starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo. Many fans come here to recreate the romantic scenes.
We did visit Nami Island in winter, but it sure is still astounding in any season. If you come here during autumn, the ginkgo and maple trees turn into lovely shades of yellow, orange, and red, transforming the area into a picturesque setting.
Tip: Read our Nami Island guide for travel tips, things to do, and where to stay here.
Best viewing date: Early Nov
Admission: ₩19,000 (adults); ₩16,000 (seniors & high school students); ₩13,000 (kids)
Address: 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: Ride the ITX-Cheongchun train to Gapyeong Station. Take a bus or taxi to Gapyeong Wharf and ride the ferry to Nami Island. For convenience, ride the shuttle bus from Seoul to Nami Island.
6. The Garden of Morning Calm
Opened in May 1996, The Garden of Morning Calm features various themed gardens, from forest paths to flower displays.
In autumn, you’ll see a breathtaking display of fall foliage from the ginkgo and maple trees here. It’s indeed a must-visit for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts.
Best viewing date: Early Nov
Admission: ₩8,000 (adult); ₩6,000 (kid); FREE (kids below 3 yrs old)
Address: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
How to get there: Ride the ITX train to Cheongpyeong Station. Ride city bus no. 30-6/30-7 to The Garden of Morning Calm. For more convenience, why not join a day trip from Seoul to The Garden of Morning Calm?
7. Hwadam Botanic Garden
Hwadam Botanic Garden is one of the best spots for autumn foliage in Korea featuring forest trails, themed gardens, and different species of flora and fauna.
Be sure to hop on the monorail for a scenic ride across a lush field, which turns more surreal in autumn with shades of red and yellow blanketing the surroundings.
Best viewing date: Early Nov
Admission: ₩11,000 (adults); ₩9,000 (teenagers); ₩7,000 (kids); FREE (kids under 2)
Address: Doung-ri, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
How to get there: From Seoul, ride the Shinbundang Line to Pangyo Station. Transfer to the Gyeonggang Line to Konjiam Station. Then, take a taxi to the garden entrance. For more convenience, why not join a day trip to Hwadam Botanic Garden?
8. Yeoju Gangcheon Island
Yeoju Gangcheon Island is not really a typical island, but a nature spot where you can follow walking trails or simply have a picnic.
Come autumn and the ginkgo trees here turn their leaves into golden yellow, making this piece of land one of the most spectacular places for autumn foliage in Korea.
Best viewing date: Early Nov
Admission: FREE
Address: 627 Gangcheon-ri, Gangcheon-myeon, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
How to get there: From Seoul, ride a bus to Yeoju Bus Terminal. You can then take a taxi or bus to Gangcheon Island.
National parks to see fall foliage in Korea
9. Seoraksan National Park
Gangwon’s Seoraksan National Park is a popular place to view autumn foliage in Korea with nature paths passing through a lush area.
For a bird’s-eye view of the vibrant fall foliage here, ride the scenic cable car.
Best viewing date: Late Oct
Admission: FREE
Address: 833 KR, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
How to get there: From Seoul City, hop on a bus to Sokcho. You can then ride the local bus 7 or 7-1 to Seoraksan. Alternatively, you can join a day trip to Gangwon that includes Seoraksan autumn viewing.
10. Hallasan National Park
Hit two bucket list-worthy experiences by hiking up Jeju Island’s Hallasan National Park. It is South Korea’s tallest peak, offering a unique autumn foliage experience as you hike up the mountain.
You can follow several trails, with Seongpanak Trail being the longest and most popular. But if you prefer to see more autumn leaves in full splendor, consider the Yeongsil Trail or the Cheonasoop-gil Trail.
Best viewing date: Late Oct
Admission: FREE
Address: 1100로 2070-61, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
How to get there: From Jeju City, ride Bus 181 or 281 to the Seongpanak Trail entrance.
11. Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park is easily accessible by public transport from Seoul, which is why it is one of Korea’s most visited national parks, if not the most visited.
During the fall season, you’ll be greeted by awe-inspiring landscapes covered by shades of red, orange, and yellow. And while you’re at it, pay a visit to the sacred temples and fortresses here.
Best viewing date: Late Oct
Admission: FREE
Address: 262 Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
How to get there: Take Seoul MRT to Gupabal Station (Line 3) or Gireum Station (Line 4). From Gupabal Station, ride local bus 34 or 704 to Bukhansan. From Gireum Station, take local bus 143 or 110B to Bukhansan.
12. Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan National Park is one of the most scenic mountains for fall foliage in Korea with vivid red maple leaves covering most of the areas.
Aside from the majestic scenery, you’ll also see some waterfalls and endemic species of plants and animals here, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Best viewing date: Early Nov
Admission: ₩3,000 (adults)
Address: 936 Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk State, South Korea
How to get there: From Yongsan Station in Seoul, ride the KTX to Jeong-eup Station. Then, hop on Bus 171 going to Naejangsan. Join a day tour to Naejangsan from Seoul or Busan for a hassle-free trip.
Ready your cameras and autumn outfits, and take lots of photos and memories at these South Korea autumn foliage viewing spots. Have fun!
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