Korea Fall Foliage Timing — Expected Peak by Mountain
Last updated: 2026-06-25
Foliage starts in late September to early October on northern, high mountains like Seoraksan and moves toward the south and lowlands; most mountains peak in mid to late October. City-center foliage lasts into early/mid November.
In the tables below, check the foliage start and expected peak by mountain plus spring cherry-blossom and azalea bloom timing to set your hike date.
Expected peak fall foliage by mountain
The foliage start is when the summit is about 20% colored; the expected peak is when roughly 80% of the mountain has colored and looks best. These are typical-year estimates and may shift a few days with that year's temperature. Sorted from earliest foliage.
| Mountain (region) | Foliage start | Foliage peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoraksan (Gangwon) | Late Sep–early Oct | Mid-October | Earliest in Korea, summit late Sep |
| Odaesan (Gangwon) | Early October | Mid-October | Fir-tree trail and foliage |
| Chiaksan (Gangwon) | Early October | Mid-October | Foliage around Guryongsa |
| Taebaeksan (Gangwon) | Early October | Mid-October | Gentle-ridge foliage |
| Sobaeksan (Chungbuk/Gyeongbuk) | Early–mid October | Mid–late October | Birobong ridge silver grass + foliage |
| Songnisan (Chungbuk) | Mid-October | Late October | Foliage around Beopjusa |
| Woraksan (Chungbuk) | Mid-October | Late October | Rock ridges vs. foliage contrast |
| Juwangsan (Gyeongbuk) | Mid-October | Late Oct–early Nov | Jusanji and crag foliage |
| Palgongsan (Daegu/Gyeongbuk) | Mid-October | Late October | Foliage around Gatbawi |
| Bukhansan (Seoul) | Mid–late October | Late Oct–early Nov | Metro-area foliage spot |
| Jirisan (Gyeongnam/Jeonnam/Jeonbuk) | Mid-October | Late October | Piagol and Baemsagol foliage |
| Deogyusan (Jeonbuk/Gyeongnam) | Mid-October | Late October | Summit foliage by gondola |
| Gayasan (Gyeongnam/Gyeongbuk) | Mid–late October | Late October | Hongryudong valley foliage |
| Mudeungsan (Gwangju) | Late October | Late Oct–early Nov | Silver grass and foliage |
| Naejangsan (Jeonbuk) | Late October | Early November | Korea's signature foliage mountain |
| Duryunsan (Jeonnam, Haenam) | Late October | Early–mid November | Latest foliage in the south |
| Hallasan (Jeju) | Mid-October | Late October | Summit foliage, island climate |
Foliage timing is typical-year estimate. It varies with that year's temperature and rainfall, so before heading out, check the official foliage/leaf-fall forecast and each national park's notices.
How to use
- Check latitude/altitude — Check whether your mountain is northern/high or southern/low. The more northern and high, the earlier the foliage.
- Check the expected peak — In the table, find the foliage start and expected peak for that mountain.
- Set a date around the peak — Set your hike within about ±5 days of the peak; aim for the summit early in the window and the lower slopes near the end.
Spring bloom timing (cherry blossoms, azaleas, royal azaleas)
Unlike foliage, spring flowers bloom first in the south and lowlands. They start in Jeju and the south coast and move north, and mountain azaleas and royal azaleas bloom a bit later than lowland flowers. These are typical-year estimates.
| Region / mountain | Flower | Bloom start | Peak (full bloom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeju | Cherry blossom | Late March | Early April |
| South coast (Busan, Yeosu) | Cherry blossom | Late March | Early April |
| Daegu, Gwangju | Cherry blossom | Early April | Early April |
| Seoul, central | Cherry blossom | Early–mid April | Mid-April |
| Gangwon (Yeongseo) | Cherry blossom | Mid-April | Late April |
| Yeosu Yeongchwisan | Azalea | Late March | Early April |
| Changwon Muhaksan | Azalea | Early April | Mid-April |
| Ganghwa Goryeosan | Azalea | Mid-April | Late April |
| Hapcheon Hwangmaesan | Royal azalea | Late April | Early–mid May |
| Jirisan Baraebong | Royal azalea | Early May | Mid-May |
| Sobaeksan Yeonhwabong | Royal azalea | Mid-May | Late May |
| Hallasan Witseoreum | Royal azalea | Mid-May | Late May–early June |
How foliage works and hiking tips
Foliage begins when the daily minimum temperature drops to about 5°C or below, the chlorophyll breaks down and pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids show. Temperature falls about 0.6°C per 100 m of elevation, so even on the same mountain the summit colors first and it moves down. To time peak foliage precisely, also consider the elevation of your route.
Foliage hiking tips: peak weekends are very crowded, so aim for weekdays or early mornings. When the summit is at peak, the lower slopes are still green; when the lower slopes peak, the summit has already dropped its leaves, so choose your route's elevation for the scenery you want. Autumn mountains have big temperature swings and early sunsets, so bring warm layers and a headlamp for safety.
Once you've picked a foliage mountain, check height, difficulty and route in the mountain info, and gauge the effort with the hiking calorie calculator. Autumn hiking gear is covered in the beginner hiking guide.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When is peak fall foliage?
Foliage starts in late September to early October on northern, high mountains like Seoraksan and usually peaks at the summit around mid-October. It gets later toward the south and lowlands, so Naejangsan, Jirisan and others peak in late October to early November, while city-center street foliage lasts into early/mid November.
Why does foliage move from the top of the mountain downward?
Foliage starts when the daily minimum temperature drops to about 5°C or below. Temperature falls about 0.6°C per 100 m of elevation, so the summit cools first and turns color, then it moves down the mountain. That's why the summit colors early and the lower slopes late on the same mountain.
How do foliage start and peak dates differ?
The start date is the first day the summit is about 20% colored; the peak (full foliage) is when roughly 80% of the mountain has colored and looks best. The peak is usually about two weeks after the start.
Is this foliage table an exact forecast?
This table is expected timing based on typical-year averages and can be a few days earlier or later depending on that year's temperature. A hot summer means later foliage; an early autumn cold snap means earlier. Check the official foliage forecast for exact dates.
When is spring bloom (cherry blossoms, azaleas)?
Unlike foliage, spring flowers bloom first in the south and lowlands. Cherry blossoms in Jeju and the south coast come in late March, the central region in early April, and mountain azaleas and royal azaleas bloom in April–May. See expected timing by region and flower in the spring bloom table above.
Related tools & guides
Last updated: 2026-06-25