Fall foliage Korea 2025 guide: Discover the top autumn destinations, including Seoraksan and Naejangsan, with a perfect 6-day itinerary to plan your trip
Table of Contents
- When Is the Best Time to Visit for Fall Leaves?
- Top 5 Fall Foliage Spots in Korea
- Seoraksan vs. Naejangsan: Fall Foliage Comparison
- Suggested 6-Day Fall Foliage Itinerary
- Travel Tips for Autumn in Korea
- Related Guides & Resources
When Is the Best Time to Visit for Fall Leaves?
Fall foliage in Korea 2025 is a truly magical experience. As autumn returns, Korea is painted with clear blue skies, crisp breezes, and brilliant colours from vibrant autumn leaves. This season offers a rare harmony of natural beauty that makes every walk feel like a dream. To help you plan your perfect autumn getaway, we’re sharing the best fall foliage destinations in Korea for 2025—along with a 1-week travel itinerary to catch the autumn colours at their peak.
- Best time: Mid-October to early November
- Foliage progression: Starts in the mountains of Gangwon-do (e.g., Seoraksan), then moves south to Seoul, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island
- Ideal duration: At least 6 days to explore 2–3 key regions
For official foliage forecasts and festival updates, check the Korea Tourism Organisation’s official website.”
Top 5 Fall Foliage Spots in Korea
1. Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan, located in Gangwon Province, is one of Korea’s most iconic travel destinations. In autumn, it transforms into a breathtaking landscape of fall foliage that’s unlike anything you’ll see in any other country. The mountain is vast, offering a variety of hiking trails, and for those who prefer not to hike, there’s even a cable car that takes you straight up to the summit—making it an accessible destination for all types of travellers. After enjoying the stunning fall scenery and a refreshing hike or trek, why not treat yourself to some makgeolli (Korean rice wine) and pajeon (savoury pancake) at a local restaurant near the mountain? It’s the kind of vacation that feels like a slice of heaven.
My first autumn in Seoraksan felt almost spiritual. The morning mist hugged the cliffs, and as the sun rose, the mountains lit up in a thousand shades of red and amber. I remember taking the cable car up, watching hikers share makgeolli and pajeon at the summit restaurant — laughter echoing through the cold air. There’s a quiet pride in every Korean mountain, and Seoraksan wears its beauty like an ancient crown.
For a more detailed hiking breakdown, including Ulsanbawi and the cable car, see our Seoraksan Autumn Travel Guide.
☝️Autumn foliage at Seoraksan National Park, showcasing vibrant red and gold leaves during Korea’s peak fall season.(Source: unsplash.com)
2. Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan, nestled in Jeollabuk-do Province, is a lesser-known but truly enchanting fall destination in Korea. Every year, as October draws to a close, the mountain transforms into a breathtaking canvas of crimson, amber, and gold—offering one of the most romantic autumn scenes you’ll find anywhere in the country. Unlike the dramatic cliffs of Seoraksan, Naejangsan offers a softer, more serene atmosphere. The gently winding forest trails, the iconic maple tree tunnel, and the centuries-old Naejangsa Temple create the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take deep breaths, and let nature reset your soul.
Naejangsan isn’t a mountain you conquer — it’s one you wander through. The forest trails curl gently around you, and the air smells faintly of pine and fallen leaves. When I visited last October, elderly couples walked hand in hand beneath the maple tunnel, and monks’ bells echoed softly from Naejangsa Temple. It’s a place that invites you to slow down — to breathe deeply, take photos without rushing, and simply exist in the moment.
One of the best parts? You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker. Most trails are beginner-friendly, and even a casual walk offers stunning photo opportunities at every turn. It’s a favourite for couples, families, and solo travellers seeking peace and beauty.
After soaking in the autumn colours, be sure to stop by a nearby local eatery for makgeolli (Korean rice wine) and pajeon (savoury pancake)—a beloved Korean tradition during fall outings. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm, crispy bite with a cold cup of makgeolli after a cool-weather forest stroll.
If you’re looking for a fall foliage destination that combines gentle nature, vivid scenery, and a touch of Korean tradition, Naejangsan should be at the top of your list.
3. Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju
📷 Bulguksa Temple in Autumn
☝️Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage — a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Korea’s timeless beauty in fall.(image source: VisitKorea.or.kr)
Bulguksa is one of the most famous temples in Korea. If you drive about five hours south from Seoul, you’ll reach Gyeongju—a historic city known for its abundance of relics from the Silla Dynasty. Bulguksa is located here, and as you walk along the path leading into the temple, you’re greeted by stunning autumn foliage that beautifully surrounds the entire complex. Gyeongju is a city that truly represents Korea’s rich history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Korean culture and heritage.
If Seoraksan is grand and wild, Bulguksa is calm and reflective. The temple’s stone terraces glow orange under the autumn sun, and the reflection of red leaves in the pond feels timeless. I once shared tea with a local monk there, and he said, “Autumn reminds us that letting go can be beautiful.” I’ve never forgotten that. Gyeongju in autumn feels like a city wrapped in memory — peaceful, poetic, and deeply human.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bulguksa’s autumn scenery carries global cultural value — see more on the UNESCO official page.”
4. Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace
A royal garden tucked inside one of Seoul’s most beautiful palaces, the fall colours here are especially enchanting, especially in hanbok (traditional attire).
The first time I entered the Secret Garden in hanbok, I felt like I’d stepped into a Korean painting. The reflection of red and yellow leaves in the lotus pond, the wooden pavilions, and the faint rustle of silk in the breeze — it’s beauty that doesn’t need to announce itself. The quiet corners of this royal garden hold a certain nostalgia, like whispers from another century.
5. Namsan Park or Seoul Forest
If you don’t want to travel far to see autumn leaves, don’t worry—there’s a great solution! Namsan Park and Seoul Forest in Seoul may not offer the grand scale of places like Seoraksan or Naejangsan, but they still provide a charming dose of fall colours right in the city. These spots are perfect for those who want to explore other attractions in Seoul while enjoying the beauty of autumn foliage as a quick and romantic bonus. Highly recommended for travellers short on time!
Sometimes the best autumn moments aren’t far away. A walk through Namsan Park at sunset, or a coffee under the turning leaves at Seoul Forest, reminds me that even in a city of neon, nature still finds a way to speak. Locals jog past couples taking selfies, and street vendors sell roasted chestnuts nearby. It’s Seoul’s way of saying: you don’t have to leave the city to feel the season.
Seoraksan vs. Naejangsan: Fall Foliage Comparison
| Category | Seoraksan | Naejangsan |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Sokcho, Gangwon Province (Northeast coast) | Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do (Southwest region) |
| Best Viewing Time | Early to mid-October (one of the earliest in Korea) | Mid to late October (peak: late Oct to early Nov) |
| Landscape Style | Majestic rocky mountains with high-altitude foliage | Gentle forest trails with temple and lake scenery |
| Hiking Difficulty | Medium to high (e.g., Ulsanbawi is a steep trail) | Low to medium (many easy and scenic walking paths) |
| Top Highlights | Ulsanbawi Rock, Gwongeumseong Cable Car, Biryong Falls | Maple Tree Tunnel, Naejangsa Temple, Naejang Lake |
| Vibe/Atmosphere | Dynamic, dramatic natural grandeur | Calm, serene, traditional Korean atmosphere |
| Accessibility | About 2.5–3 hours from Seoul by express bus | About 2.5–3 hours from Seoul via KTX + local bus |
| Recommended For | Adventurers, hikers, landscape photographers | Adventurers, hikers, and landscape photographers |
Choosing between Seoraksan and Naejangsan is like choosing between adventure and peace. Seoraksan demands your breath — its rugged cliffs and wide vistas feel cinematic. Naejangsan, on the other hand, gives it back — its soft trails, temples, and calm lakes invite quiet reflection. I’ve visited both, and each time I go, I find a new kind of stillness. Whichever you choose, Korea’s autumn will leave an imprint on your heart that no photograph can capture.
Suggested 6-Day Fall Foliage Itinerary
Day 1–2: Explore Autumn in Seoul
- Visit Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden
- Hanbok rental + Namsan fall walk
- Traditional teahouse or street market dinner
I always recommend taking your time — six days is just enough to feel the rhythm of Korea’s autumn. Start in Seoul with hanbok photos at Changdeokgung and a warm cup of tea overlooking Namsan. Then take a bus or train east to Seoraksan or south to Naejangsan, letting the scenery change as you go. By the time you reach Gyeongju or Jeju, the colours mellow into soft gold, and you’ll understand what Koreans mean when they say fall is “the season of the heart.”
If you want to combine foliage with traditional culture, Bukchon is a perfect stop — explore our Bukchon Hanok Village Travel Guide for hanbok rentals, cafés, and historic alley
Day 3–4: Head East or South
- Seoraksan: Hiking at Ulsanbawi or Gwongeumseong Trail
OR - Naejangsan: Temple walks + photo spots
Day 5: Gyeongju
- Explore Bulguksa Temple, ancient ruins, and cultural cafés
Day 6: Optional Extension – Jeju Island
- Hallasan base trails, silver grass fields, or pink muhly gardens
Travel Tips for Autumn in Korea
If you’re visiting in October, dress in layers — mornings are chilly, but afternoons glow with gentle warmth. Always book accommodations early; locals love fall trips as much as tourists do. Don’t rush your photos — sometimes the most beautiful moments happen when you simply look up. And if you have time, end your day by walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream — the water mirrors the city lights, and the sound feels almost like a lullaby after a long, colourful day.
- Dress in layers: Mornings and evenings get chilly
- Book early: Accommodations and tours fill up quickly in fall
- Photo tip: Hanbok + temple + foliage = the perfect Instagram shot
- Apps to download: KakaoMap, Naver Map, Klook
Related Guides & Resources
Looking for more inspiration to plan your Korea trip?
Here are a few hand-picked guides to help you explore more destinations, culture, and travel tips across the country 👇
- Seoraksan Autumn Travel Guide 2025 – My detailed route from Seoul, hiking tips, and what to eat after your trek.
- Bukchon Hanok Village Travel Guide: Wander the alleys of old Seoul and discover hanbok rentals, tea houses, and cozy cafés.
- Seoul Taxi Guide 2025 – Tips for navigating late-night rides and scenic routes between palaces and markets.
- Seoul Subway Guide 2025 – The easiest, cleanest way to explore Seoul’s major attractions.
- Gangnam Travel Guide 2025 – Where modern Seoul shines brightest with food, music, and luxury streets.
- Seongsu Café & Design District Guide 2025 – Creative energy, indie fashion, and the city’s best coffee spots.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream Night Walk – A peaceful finale to any Seoul itinerary, especially in autumn.
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