# Korea Autumn Foliage 2026: Official Peak Dates by Week and Region
Korea autumn foliage 2026 peaks at Seoraksan around October 20, in Seoul from October 31 to November 2, and on Jeju between November 6 and 19. Pick the region that matches your travel week.
Two questions decide an autumn trip to Korea. What if the leaves are already past their best when you arrive? And how do you find the date for your own destination when the official forecast pages are in Korean? This guide answers both with the 2026 forecasts from the Korea Forest Service, the Korea National Arboretum and the Korea Tourism Organization, grouped by week, plus a step-by-step way to check any spot yourself. National park entry is free, and English help is one phone call away (1330, or +82-2-1330 from a foreign phone).
Contents Plan ahead: Key facts · Staying in Seoul? | By week: Late October · Early November · Mid-November | Help: Check your exact spot · Help in English · FAQ · Checklist
Korea autumn foliage 2026: key facts at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What "peak" means | At least half of the leaves of the main tree species have turned color (50%) |
| First to peak | Seoraksan, around October 20, 2026 |
| Seoul | About October 31 to November 2 (five city spots, official search service) |
| Last to peak | Jeju: Hallasan around November 6, Halla Arboretum around November 16 to 19 |
| Who publishes it | Korea Forest Service (September 22), Korea Tourism Organization with the Korea National Arboretum (2026 foliage map) |
| Cost | National park entry is free; some temples and facilities inside parks charge separately |
The Korea Forest Service set the national picture on September 22, 2026:
Starting in the northern mountains of Gangwon in early October, the leaves are expected to reach their peak (50% turned) nationwide in late October. By mountain, the forecast is Seoraksan October 20, Songnisan October 28, Naejangsan November 4 and Hallasan November 6. Original (Korean): 10월 하순에는 전국적으로 절정(단풍 50%)에 이를 것으로 전망된다 … 산지별로는 설악산 10월 20일, 속리산 10월 28일, 내장산 11월 4일, 한라산 11월 6일 등으로 예측됐다. — Korea Forest Service · 2026 foliage peak forecast map
In plain terms, the color moves from north to south over about four weeks. The Forest Service adds that this is about 0.8 days later than the peak dates of the last five years. If you have seen other dates elsewhere, such as Seoraksan on October 25 or Naejangsan on November 11, those are not the dates in the Korea Forest Service release; this guide uses the government forecasts only.
Two ways to read this guide. Staying in Seoul the whole trip: read Staying in Seoul? next, because the city peaks within days of this guide. Free to travel: jump to the week of your trip (Late October, Early November or Mid-November).
Staying in Seoul? The city peaks around October 31 to November 2
The five Seoul spots we checked all peak within the same three days, so you do not need to leave the city to see peak color. We looked up five well-known spots in the Korea National Arboretum's official peak search on October 20, 2026:
| Seoul spot | Expected peak |
|---|---|
| Namsan Park | October 31 |
| Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden area | November 1 |
| Bukhansan, Ui-dong entrance | November 1 |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | November 2 |
| Seoul Forest | November 2 |
The forecast comes from a statistical model based on weather data and may differ from what is actually observed, so please use it for reference only. The confidence level (hit rate) of the peak date is about 70%. Original (Korean): 예측은 기상자료 기반 통계 모델(QRF)의 결과입니다. 실제 관측치와 차이가 발생할 수 있으며 참고용 으로만 사용하시기 바랍니다. 단풍 절정일 신뢰수준(적중확률)은 약 70%입니다. — Korea National Arboretum · 2026 peak search
A 70% hit rate means the date can slip by a few days with the weather. Check the same service again three or four days before you go: open knpn.nature.go.kr/record/autumn.html, tap 주소 검색 ("Address search") and type 남산공원, or tap the spot on the map. The palaces charge their own admission, so check the palace website for tickets before you go.
Practical info: Namsan Park
| Item | Namsan Park |
|---|---|
| Korean name | 남산공원 (show this to taxi drivers) |
| Address | 231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (postcode 04628) |
| Nearest station | Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), Exit 4, about 930 m; Myeong-dong Station (Line 4), Exit 3, about 850 m |
| Admission | Free for the park |
| Cable car | Round trip KRW 15,000 for adults; runs 10:00 to 23:00 (as of October 2026) |
| Expected peak | October 31, 2026 (official search, reference only) |
| Official site | Visit Seoul · Namsan Park |
There is no admission fee for Namsan Park. — Visit Seoul · Namsan Park
Visit Seoul lists accessible pathways, elevators and wheelchair rental for the park. The cable car and the N Seoul Tower observatory are paid extras; you can walk the park without either.
Late October: Seoraksan foliage and Gangwon turn first
Seoraksan was forecast to peak on October 20, 2026, the day this guide was written. If your trip starts after that, the mountain itself is past its forecast peak. For a trip between October 27 and November 2, the arboretums below in Gangwon, the capital region and Chungcheong are the better target.
The 2026 foliage map from the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea National Arboretum gives Gangwon's provincial arboretum these dates: maples October 28, oaks October 31, ginkgo October 27. In the capital region, the Korea National Arboretum itself has maples on October 29, ginkgo on October 31 and oaks on November 2. In the Chungcheong region, Midongsan Arboretum has maples on October 27, ginkgo on October 29 and oaks on October 31.
Standard: when at least 50% of the leaves of the main tree species have turned. (Information: Korea National Arboretum, Korea Forest Service.) Original (Korean): ※기준 : 주요 수종의 단풍이 50% 이상 물들었을 때 (정보 제공 : 산림청 국립수목원) — Korea Tourism Organization · 2026 foliage map
Practical info: Seoraksan (Seorak-dong entrance)
| Item | Seoraksan National Park |
|---|---|
| Korean name | 설악산국립공원 설악동 (Seoraksan, Seorak-dong side) |
| Address | 833 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 속초시 설악산로 833) |
| Local bus | Sokcho city bus 7 or 7-1 to the last stop, Seoraksan Sogongwon (설악산소공원) |
| Visitor Center | 10:00 to 17:00 (break 12:00 to 13:00), closed Mondays |
| Admission | Free (Visitor Center listing) |
| Phone | +82-33-801-0900 |
| Expected peak | October 20, 2026 (Korea Forest Service) |
| Official site | VisitKorea · Seoraksan National Park Visitor Center |
Sokcho's bus information system lists routes 7 and 7-1 running to Seoraksan Sogongwon, the park entrance area (Sokcho City · Bus information system). For the trip from Seoul to Sokcho itself, call 1330 (+82-2-1330 from a foreign phone) for current intercity bus options. Some older listings show an adult fee of KRW 3,500. National park entry fees in Korea were abolished in January 2007, and the separate heritage fee at temples inside parks was waived from May 4, 2023:
Cultural heritage viewing fees, collected together with national park entry fees since 1970, stayed in place even after national park entry fees were abolished in January 2007. Original (Korean): 1970년부터 국립공원 입장료와 통합 징수되던 문화재 관람료가 2007년 1월 국립공원 입장료 폐지 이후에도 계속 유지되면서 — Korea Heritage Service · Heritage fees waived from May 4, 2023
If someone at a gate asks for money, it is a temple or facility fee, not park entry.
Early November: Naejangsan and the central south peak
Naejangsan was forecast to peak on November 4, 2026, and Songnisan on October 28 (Korea Forest Service). On the same 2026 map, two arboretums in this belt land in the first days of November: Geumgang Arboretum in the Chungcheong region (maples November 2, oaks November 3, ginkgo November 4) and Daea Arboretum in the Jeolla region (maples November 1, oaks November 4, ginkgo November 2).
Practical info: Naejangsan (Naejangsa Temple side)
| Item | Naejangsan National Park |
|---|---|
| Korean name | 내장산국립공원 내장사 (Naejangsa Temple); pond pavilion 우화정 (Uhwajeong) |
| Address | Naejangsa: 1253 Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk (전북특별자치도 정읍시 내장산로 1253) |
| Local bus | Bus 171 from Jeongeup Station or Jeongeup Bus Terminal, low-floor bus every 30 minutes |
| Wheelchair, stroller | Rental at the Naejang Visitor Support Center and the Visitor Information Center |
| Phone | +82-63-538-7875 |
| Expected peak | November 4, 2026 (Korea Forest Service) |
| Official site | Korea National Park Service · Naejangsan barrier-free trail |
For public transport users: bus 171 runs from Jeongeup Station and Jeongeup Bus Terminal (low-floor bus, every 30 minutes). Original (Korean): 대중교통 이용자: 정읍역, 정읍버스터미널 경우 171번 버스 운행(저상버스, 30분 간격) — Korea National Park Service · Naejangsan barrier-free trail
The park service warns that the parking area inside the park is a temporary lot and fills up early, so the bus is the easier choice in peak week. The barrier-free trail loops back to the parking area, and wheelchairs and strollers can be borrowed at the Naejang Visitor Support Center. A government travel feature from November 2024 says buses from Jeongeup Station to the Naejangsan Sculpture Park are infrequent: about 45 minutes by bus or about 20 minutes by taxi (Korea.kr · Naejangsan walking course).
Mid-November: the south coast and Jeju finish last
If your trip falls between November 6 and 19, head south. The 2026 map puts these arboretums last:
| Arboretum (region) | Maples | Oaks | Ginkgo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daegu Arboretum (Gyeongsang) | Nov 6 | Nov 14 | Nov 4 |
| Gyeongsangnam-do Arboretum (Gyeongsang) | Nov 8 | Nov 16 | Nov 5 |
| Wando Arboretum (Jeolla) | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 12 |
| Halla Arboretum (Jeju) | Nov 19 | Nov 16 | Nov 16 |
On Jeju the mountain and the city differ by about two weeks. Hallasan was forecast for November 6 (Korea Forest Service), while Halla Arboretum, in Jeju City, peaks around November 16 to 19 on the tourism map.
Practical info: Halla Arboretum, Jeju City
| Item | Halla Arboretum |
|---|---|
| Korean name | 한라수목원 |
| Address | 72 Sumogwon-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju (제주특별자치도 제주시 수목원길 72) |
| Outdoor gardens and trails | Open all year; the arboretum says the outdoor trails can be visited until 23:00 |
| Indoor halls | 09:00 to 18:00 (March to November), closed on Seollal and Chuseok days |
| Admission | No admission fee is listed on the official visitor page; parking is charged |
| Phone | +82-64-710-7575 |
| Expected peak | Maples November 19, oaks and ginkgo November 16, 2026 (tourism map) |
| Official site | Halla Arboretum · Visitor information |
Outdoor exhibition gardens and walking trails: always open (open all year round); indoor facilities keep separate hours. Original (Korean): 야외전시원 및 산책로 : 상시개방(연중무휴), 실내시설은 별도 운영시간만 운영됨. — Halla Arboretum · Visitor information
The arboretum is in the city, so it suits travelers who do not want a mountain hike. Passing through Busan on Saturday, November 7? Our Busan Fireworks Festival 2026 guide covers that evening.
Check your exact spot with the official foliage peak search
The Korea National Arboretum's search gives an expected peak date for any point on its map. The page is in Korean, but you only need two buttons.
- Open knpn.nature.go.kr/record/autumn.html (title: 2026 한반도 단풍절정일 조회, "2026 Korean Peninsula foliage peak date lookup").
- Tap 주소 검색 ("Address search") and type a Korean address or place name, or simply tap the spot on the map.
- A label appears on the map: 단풍절정일 : 2026-11-01 means "foliage peak date: November 1, 2026".
- Tap 초기화 ("Reset") to try another place. 시·군 단풍지도 shows a city and county map.
Copy a Korean name such as 남산공원, 설악산, 내장사 or 한라수목원 into the address box. If the page does not respond, call 1330 (+82-2-1330 from a foreign phone) for help in English. Remember the hit rate of about 70%: check again a few days before you go.
Help in English: the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline
1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) — VisitKorea · Seoraksan National Park
From a Korean phone number, dial 1330; from a foreign phone, dial +82-2-1330. Keep it for the moments this guide cannot cover, such as a bus that does not come or a Korean-only page. Three phrases help on the trail: 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida): thank you; 화장실 어디예요? (hwajangsil eodiyeyo?): where is the restroom?; 버스 정류장 (beoseu jeongnyujang): bus stop.
FAQ
How accurate are the peak dates? About 70%, by the Korea National Arboretum's own account. Use the date to pick the week, then check the search again three or four days before you go.
Do I need a ticket for national parks? No. National park entry has been free since January 2007 (Korea Heritage Service). Temples and facilities inside parks may charge, and Jogye Order temples waived their heritage fee from May 4, 2023.
Can I visit with a wheelchair or a stroller? Yes, at least at Naejangsan and Namsan Park. Naejangsan lends wheelchairs and strollers at its Visitor Support Center and Visitor Information Center, and the Korea National Park Service runs a barrier-free trail there. Visit Seoul lists accessible pathways and wheelchair rental at Namsan Park.
I arrive after Seoul's peak. Is the trip wasted? No. The wave keeps moving south: Naejangsan November 4, Hallasan November 6, Wando Arboretum November 9 to 16 and Halla Arboretum November 16 to 19.
Is there an English version of the peak search? Not on the page we used on October 20, 2026. Follow the four steps in Check your exact spot, or call 1330 (+82-2-1330 from a foreign phone).
Before you go: checklist
- Pick your region by week: Gangwon late October, Seoul October 31 to November 2, Naejangsan November 4, the south and Jeju November 6 to 19.
- Re-check your exact spot on the arboretum search three or four days before you go (hit rate about 70%).
- Save the Korean names: 남산공원, 설악산, 내장사, 한라수목원.
- Plan buses, not parking: Sokcho bus 7 or 7-1 for Seoraksan, bus 171 from Jeongeup Station for Naejangsan.
- Carry a little cash or a card for temple or facility fees; park entry itself is free.
- Save 1330 (+82-2-1330 from a foreign phone) for English help.
Official sources
Forecasts
- Korea Forest Service · 2026 foliage peak forecast map: mountain and species peak dates, 50% definition (press release September 22, 2026; checked October 20, 2026)
- Korea Tourism Organization · 2026 foliage map: arboretum peak dates by region and species (checked October 20, 2026)
- Korea National Arboretum · 2026 peak search: Seoul spot dates, 70% hit rate (looked up October 20, 2026)
Places
- Visit Seoul · Namsan Park: address, stations, fees, accessibility (checked October 20, 2026)
- VisitKorea · Seoraksan National Park Visitor Center: address, hours, admission, phone (checked October 20, 2026)
- VisitKorea · Seoraksan National Park: 1330 hotline languages (checked October 20, 2026)
Transport, fees and access
- Sokcho City · Bus information system: routes 7 and 7-1 to Seoraksan Sogongwon (checked October 20, 2026)
- Korea Heritage Service · Heritage fees waived from May 4, 2023: park entry fee history (checked October 20, 2026)
- Korea National Park Service · Naejangsan barrier-free trail: bus 171, parking, wheelchair and stroller rental (checked October 20, 2026)
- Korea.kr · Naejangsan walking course: Naejangsa address, taxi and bus times (feature dated November 12, 2024; checked October 20, 2026)
- VisitKorea · Naejangsan National Park: park phone number (checked October 20, 2026)
- Halla Arboretum · Visitor information: opening hours, parking fees, phone (checked October 20, 2026)
- Visit Jeju · Halla Arboretum: address (checked October 20, 2026)
Facts in this guide were checked against the official pages above on October 20, 2026; the peak dates are forecasts and can move with the weather.
Photo credits
Photos
- Changdeokgung Palace (body-1): Photo: KIMDAEJEUNG via Pixabay (Pixabay Content License)
- Seoraksan (body-3): Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons source
- Naejangsan (body-4): Café Bene, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons source
- Jeju forest road (body-5): Photo: soramang via Pixabay (Pixabay Content License)
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (thumbnail): Photo: huongnguyen123 via Pixabay (Pixabay Content License)
Illustrations and cards
- Namsan path (body-2): Image: AI-generated illustration
- Arboretum trail in Jeju (body-6): Image: AI-generated illustration
- Weekly peak card (body-7): made for this guide from the official sources above
This article was researched and drafted with the help of AI tools. Every fact was checked one by one against the official sources listed above.