Fall in Korea, Your 2025 Guide to Autumn Leaves & Foliage

🍁 When and Where to See the Best Fall Colors in Korea This Year

 

In Korea, the fall season has a certain charm. The sky turns blue and clear, the air gets crisp, and nature bursts into rich amber, crimson, and gold hues everywhere you look. Fall is an ideal season for a trip to Korea, whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or just someone who enjoys taking leisurely strolls and eating warm, seasonal dishes.

You don’t need to worry about the logistics, as KoreaTravelEasy has carefully chosen the best fall foliage tours for 2025. Get ready to fall in love with Korea again by packing your layers and camera!

 

🍂 Why Travel to Korea in the Fall?

Depending on the location, Korea’s short but intense fall foliage season lasts from late September to mid-November. The whole nation becomes a painting during this period. Because of Korea’s 70% mountainous terrain, there is fall foliage everywhere, including in parks, cities, areas surrounding temples, and most notably, national parks.

 

In addition to the scenery, fall in Korea offers the following:

• Mild weather: Bid farewell to summertime humidity and welcome sunny, windy days.
• Seasonal foods: Persimmons, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and more.
• Festivals: There are many photo-worthy events and cultural festivals in the fall.

 

🏞️ Our Top 8 Must-Visit Fall Foliage Destinations in Korea (2025)

We know choosing where to go can be difficult. There are just so many beautiful places! That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 foliage spots across Korea, paired with exclusive tours from Seoul and Busan to make your trip seamless and unforgettable.

 

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🍁 1. Naejangsan National Park (내장산)

📅 Tour Dates: Oct 26 – Nov 20 | Departure: Daily

When it comes to Korean autumn destinations, Naejangsan is without a doubt the best. The most vivid and fiery colors in the nation can be found in this national park in Jeolla-do province, which is well-known for its red maple trees.

Among the main attractions are:

• Naejangsa Temple, nestled within the foliage—built during the Baekje Dynasty in 636
• Uhwajeong Pavilion, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a watercolor painting
• Over 760 native plant species and unique wildlife

💡 Perfect for: Photography lovers, first-timers, and those looking for the classic “Korea in Autumn” experience.

 

🍂 2. Odaesan National Park (오대산)

📅 Tour Dates: Oct 14 – Oct 23 | Selected Dates Only

Located in Gangwon-do, Odaesan is known for its peaceful forests, spiritual energy, and beautiful fall colors. It is also home to Woljeongsa Temple, which appeared in the popular K-drama Goblin (도깨비).

What makes Odaesan special:

• Wide, accessible walking trails lined with colorful leaves
• The soothing ambiance of a forest temple far from the city’s hustle

💡 Great for: Nature-seekers, K-drama fans, and couples looking for a romantic fall escape.

 

 

🍁 3. Seoraksan National Park (설악산)

📅 Tour Dates: Oct 16 – Oct 31 | Departure: Daily

Seoraksan is Korea’s most famous national park. Its name means “Snow Rock Mountain.” In fall, the park turns into a landscape of gold, scarlet, and orange, with rugged peaks and striking rock formations.

Highlights:

• Take the Seorak cable car for an aerial view of the foliage
• Enjoy light hiking or just walk the base paths
• Perfect blend of majestic nature and easy access from Seoul

💡 Perfect for: Active travelers, photographers, and bucket-listers.

 

🍂 4. Daedunsan Provincial Park (대둔산)

📅 Tour Dates: Oct 27 – Nov 7 | Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri

Daedunsan is a hidden gem known for its impressive suspension bridge and unique rock formations. The trails are exciting, and the views are breathtaking.

What to expect:

• Hike the mountain trails that weave between glowing forests
• Cross the Geumgang Suspension Bridge, 81 meters high!
• Marvel at Imgeum Rock and Ipseokdae—natural wonders shaped over centuries

💡 Ideal for: Adventurers, thrill-seekers, and hikers.

 

 

🍁 5. Jangtaesan Recreational Forest (장태산)

📅 Tour Dates: Nov 10 – Nov 26 | Mon/Wed/Fri

If you want a relaxed foliage trip, Jangtaesan in Daejeon offers a peaceful and refreshing autumn day. It features Korea’s only metasequoia forest in a mountain setting.

Your itinerary includes:

• Scenic walks through the forest
• A soak in Yuseong Hot Springs Public Foot Bath
• A visit to the Daejeon Hanbat Arboretum, a botanical garden in full autumn bloom

💡 Great for: Families, senior travelers, and wellness lovers.

 

🍂 6. Jirisan National Park (지리산)

📅 Tour Dates: Oct 27 – Nov 21 | Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri

Jirisan is Korea’s largest mountain national park and a true hidden treasure for fall colors. It spans three provinces, offering remote trails and stunning views.

What makes Jirisan special:

• Its biodiversity and peaceful ambiance
• Less crowded than Seoraksan or Naejangsan
• An ideal spot for those looking to truly connect with nature

💡 Recommended for: Experienced hikers, nature photographers, and travelers looking to avoid crowds.

 

 

🍁 7. Juwangsan National Park (주왕산)

📅 Tour Dates: Nov 3 – Nov 23 | Tue/Thu/Sun

Juwangsan looks like something out of a film. Begin at the enchanted Jusanji Reservoir, with waters as still as the river mirrors the golden forest, and hike into the heart of Baekseoktan Pothole Valley.

Why it’s special:

• Secluded beauty with mystical vibes
• Unique rock formations and valleys
• A lesser-known but deeply rewarding destination

💡 Best for: Off-the-beaten-path explorers and nature lovers.

 

🍂 8. Gyeongju (경주)

📅 Tour Dates: Oct 27 – Nov 16 | Daily

Imagine walking through UNESCO World Heritage sites surrounded by golden leaves. Gyeongju combines natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it one of the most unique places to enjoy autumn.

Top sights include:

• Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, and Anapji Pond
• Autumn gardens, palace ruins, and peaceful forest trails
• A living museum wrapped in fall colors

💡 Perfect for: History buffs, culture lovers, and couples.

 

 

🧡 Why Travel with KoreaTravelEasy?

We take care of everything—so you don’t have to worry about buses, maps, or language barriers. Our tours offer:

• ✅ Comfortable roundtrip transportation
• ✅ Carefully selected dates for peak foliage
• ✅ Easy online booking and multilingual support

Whether you’re in Seoul or Busan, we’ve got a fall foliage tour that fits your itinerary.

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🍁 Make 2025 Your Most Beautiful Autumn Yet!

The fall colors of South Korea are fleeting—but the memories last forever. Let us take you to the most beautiful spots at just the right time.

 

🎟️ Ready to book?

Spots are limited and peak season fills fast.

👇Don’t miss your chance to experience Korea in its most beautiful season. 👇