Autumn in Korea Forecast 2026 | 37 Exceptional Places to See Breathtaking Fall Foliage

Spanning the months of September, October, and November, autumn in Korea is the most magnificent of the country’s seasons. This is the time of year when you can count on brilliant blue skies, incredibly comfortable weather, and a country bursting with every spectacular shade of orange, yellow, red, (and pink!) imaginable.

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When is Autumn in Korea?

The autumn season in Korea lasts for approximately 3 months, from September to November. Autumn leaves gradually change colour starting in mid-October, and ending around mid-November.

By the end of November, autumn in South Korea is well and truly over. All of the autumn leaves have fallen from their limbs and it’s time to prepare for a frosty winter and snowfall on the peninsula.

The good news though, is that this gorgeous metamorphosis of leaves is a gradual process that happens over a few months. There’s a big window of time to catch this colourful show during autumn in Korea.

However, if you’re looking for the absolute peak of autumn foliage, I recommend planning a trip to South Korea for sometime between mid-October and mid-November.

When to See Autumn Leaves in Korea

Unlike cherry blossom season in Korea, the window of time to catch the beauty of Korean autumn is a lot bigger. Spanning around a month around the country, there’s a lot more room for error. If you visit in the latter half of October, you’re pretty much guaranteed a colourful spectacle somewhere around Korea.

Fall Foliage Forecast 2026 | Korean National Parks

I’ll be updating this chart with the official 2026 fall foliage forecast for Korea, the second the government meteorological agencies announce them in late September. But if you’re trying to lock down refundable flights or book hotels right now, you don’t actually need to wait until then.

Autumn foliage changes first in the cooler, coastal and northern areas of Korea. From there, a wave of colour spreads inwards, and down south through the rest of the country.

Based on historical tracking data, autumn leaves in Korea will begin changing colour from around September 30th in Seoraksan National Park, wash across the country at the end of October and through the first week of November, and finally peak in Naejangsan Mountain around mid-November.

First Foliage to Peak Foliage

About 20% of autumn leaves have turned by the first fall foliage date. By peak foliage, you can expect that 80% of the trees have changed colour. Peak fall foliage in Korea typically happens about two weeks after the autumn leaves begin to transform, meaning you’ve got a great window of time to catch the most spectacular colours.

You can use my complete 14-park baseline timeline below to start mapping out your autumn in Korea itinerary.

Local Insights on Korea’s Autumn Foliage Forecast

While it’s been one of the hottest summer’s on record temperature-wise, the worst of summer seems to already be practically over. We’re in mid-August right now, and while it’s still pretty muggy during the day, the evening temperatures are definitely starting to break the heat.

The Korean fall foliage forecast for 2026 hasn’t been officially released yet, but looking at current weather patterns, it doesn’t seem like it will be overly different from last year – so I’d expect things to be business as usual.

Gangwon-do, the province east of Seoul is always the first place in Korea to start its autumn metamorphosis, and this year is no different. This area is full of soaring mountains and the country’s best ski resorts, so you can count on spectacular fall foliage in early to mid-October.

Korea’s peak foliage forecast dates typically fall between mid-October and mid-November in different parts of the country. This DOESN’T mean that you’ve missed the whole thing. It just means that 80% of autumn leaves will have changed colour by then.

Don’t worry! There’s still plenty of time to enjoy fall foliage in Korea after the forecasted dates. If anything, in my experience, autumn leaves are richer and deeper in colour AFTER the peak foliage dates. It’s even possible to see autumn leaves in Seoul, as late as the third week of November (and there have even been years with autumn leaves still around in early December!)

Autumn in Korea | Weather Month by Month

After the exhausting heat and humidity of summer, the weather seems to change overnight in September. There’s a collective sigh of relief, because the autumn season in Korea is the one we all look forward to most.

The stunning transformation of autumn leaves in Korea doesn’t truly start until mid-October though, and it’s not until the end of November that trees are totally barren. There’s plenty of time to see fall foliage in Korea at every stage of its colourful transition.

September Weather

After the oppressive humidity and stifling temperatures of summer in Korea, September is wonderfully refreshing, with ideal temperatures, minimal mugginess, and stunning sun-filled days. Average temperatures across the country range from 17°C | 63°F to 27°C | 81°F, and it’s a very, very comfortable time to be outside.

It’s raining more and more in Korea during September, but it’s not really anything to worry about (unless there’s a typhoon in the works). Overall, this is a a great month during autumn in Korea to spend as much time as possible in outdoor pursuits like hiking or biking.

October Weather

With its bright sky, cooler temperatures, and beautiful colours, October is my favourite month of autumn in Korea by far. This is the only time of the year, when you can see both pink muhly grass AND a kaleidoscope of spectacular autumn leaves at the same time.

Average temperatures range from 10°C | 50°F to 20°C | 68°F across the country, with the nights definitely a bit cooler. If you plan to be out exploring for an entire day and night, it’s wise to wear multiple layers of clothing to prepare for the October weather in Korea.

November Weather

It gets a lot colder in Korea in November, with average temperatures ranging between 3 to 11°C | 38 to 53°F across the country. This is definitely the month to pull out thicker sweaters, coats and warmer shoes.

Autumn in Korea is at full peak at the beginning of November, with rocky slopes and grey streets painted in vivid crimsons, burnt oranges and mellow yellows. By the third week of November though, there’s only a bit of hardy colour hanging on, so be sure to get out as early in the month as possible.

What to Wear & Pack for Korea in Autumn

Packing for autumn in South Korea is all about mastering the art of layering. While September starts out beautifully balmy, the weather shifts rapidly by mid-October, bringing schizophrenic temperature swings. You will often experience warm, sun-drenched afternoons hovering around 20°C (68°F) that quickly give way to crisp, single-digit chills as soon as the sun dips.

By November, northern regions and mountainous national parks like Seoraksan plunge straight toward freezing, requiring a much heavier approach to staying warm. To stay comfortable from day to night, your golden rule is to avoid heavy, single-layer items and instead pack flexible layers, like mid-weight sweaters, cozy hoodies, and wind-resistant outer shells – that you can strip off or pile on as you navigate the changing microclimates.

Because an incredible autumn itinerary in Korea involves extensive walking through tree-lined urban city streets and uneven park trails, broken-in sneakers, sturdy walking shoes, or comfortable hiking boots are an absolute necessity rather than a suggestion. Here’s what I recommend packing for your fall foliage trip to Korea.

My 6 Favourite Fall Foliage Spots in Korea

While there are a gazillion and one stunning places to visit during autumn in Korea, these are the 6 spots that left me gawking at the undeniable beauty of nature.

Hwadam Botanic Garden | 화담숲

I FINALLY got to check this gorgeous autumn in Korea hotspot off my list last year… and it was as stunning as I expected it to be (check out my complete guide here). Watching that monorail peek through Korea’s fall foliage was like the best game of hide and seek ever.

It’s notoriously difficult to reserve tickets for Hwadam Botanic Garden, but as a foreign passport holder, you don’t have to worry about it. Simply show up at the entrance with your passport, buy a ticket, and enter. Tickets are limited to 1 ticket per passport.

If you happen to have a local number, you can reserve advance tickets here, and avoid the line-ups by entering with a QR Code instead.

Nami Island | 남이섬

It took me nearly 10 years to visit Nami Island in autumn, but it was worth the wait. Between the lights strung up on its Metasequoia pathway, and the stunning forest full of fallen red leaves, I felt like I’d stepped into some fairytale wonderland too pretty to be real.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest | 장태산자연휴양림

Wow! Wow! Wow! Jangtaesan Recreational Forest in Daejeon is literally one of the most unique and beautiful places I’ve seen during autumn in Korea.

Jangtaesan isn’t just home to the largest metasequoia forest in Korea, there’s also a bridge, tower, and children’s playground. To see the fall foliage in this unbelieveable shade of burnt orange, head to Daejeon in early to mid-November. Don’t hesitate – just GO!

Asan Ginkgo Tree Road | 아산은행나무길

Ginkgo leaves turn a glorious shade of golden yellow as they fall, and the Asan Ginkgo Tree Road in Chungcheongnam-do is one of the most revered places to see them in Korea in autumn. This street took my breath away. Literally.

Hyangiram Hermitage | 향일암

Getting to Hyangiram Hermitage in Yeosu requires a short hike up Geumosan Mountain. During autumn in Korea, the towering trees and gorgeous fall foliage render the landscape simply extraordinary. Being enveloped by nature this incredible will stay in your memory, long after you’ve left.

It’s easiest and most convenient to get to Yeosu via KTX high speed train. It travels at 300-km per hour, so you’ll be there before you know it.

Olympic Park | 올림픽공원

There’s gorgeousness to be found in Olympic Park in every season, but autumn in Korea might just be the best. This huge park in Jamsil has thousands of trees shedding their autumn leaves in spectacular fashion, and a garden full of orange cosmos.

The huge field of pink muhly grass was taken away last year (details here), but Olympic Park is still worth a visit. Don’t miss it.

Best Autumn Tours in Korea

Many of the best fall foliage spots in Korea are located in rural areas, or nestled deep inside provincial and national parks. Trying to do it independently using public transport is often time-consuming and more expensive, so joining a day tour is the easiest and most affordable way to see them.

Best Places to Visit in Korea during Autumn

Korea is a small country that’s nearly 80% mountainous. That means that national and provincial parks are some of the best places to see autumn foliage in the country.

There are national parks to discover near every major city, with hiking trails of varying difficulty, hidden temples, and some of the most stunning landscapes to be found during autumn in Korea. Research all the national parks in Korea here.

However, I bet you’d be surprised by just how many gorgeous autumn spots there are in cities too. And of course, you must include a stop at one of the many cafes in Korea – some of which take such advantage of their natural surroundings, they look like a painting.

I’ve organized this section by province, to make it easier to plan your autumn itinerary around Korea. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to map out your route on Naver or Kakao Maps before finalizing your stops. Some places might be close geographically on a map, but take a lot longer to get between using trains and buses.

Autumn in Korea | Seoul

The reality is that you do not actually have to travel deep into the countryside to see some of the best autumn scenery in Korea. Seoul might be one of the biggest cities on earth, but it’s still full of tree-lined streets, city parks, and a ton of spectacular fall foliage to gawk at during autumn in Korea.

While you can easily catch sweeping mountain views from the granite peaks of Bukhansan National Park or wander through the shimmering fields of silver pampas grass at Haneul Sky Park, the historic heart of the city has plenty of magic of its own.

Iconic city landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung, Deoksugung Doldam-gil, Namsan Mountain, Seoul Forest, and Seokchon Lake all put on an incredible show as the autumn leaves change colour.

If you’re spending the majority of your vacation exploring fall foliage within the city limits, head over to my dedicated Seoul city guide for full details.

Autumn in Korea | Gyeonggi-do

Gyeonggi-do is the region surrounding Seoul. It actually has a bigger population than the capital and includes cities like Suwon, Yongin, and Pyeongtaek. It’s also awash in incredible natural landscapes and perfect fall foliage. Here’s some spots to check out during autumn in South Korea.

Namhansangseong Provincial Park | 남한산성도립공원

UNESCO listed Namhansanseong Fortress is worth a visit at any time of the year, but it might be more so when the leaves start to turn, during autumn in Korea. Namhansanseong Provincial Park is a fall foliage hotspot for hiking and exploring, due to its beauty and easy access from Seoul.

There are restaurants, cafes, and more on-site, as well as an annual cultural festival held every autumn in South Korea. It’s recommended to get there using public transit, since parking is limited and quite difficult in the park. Get more details here.

Garden of Morning Calm | 아침고요수목원

The Garden of Morning Calm is worth a visit in every season (even winter), but autumn is something special. Full of wild chrysanthemum, pink muhly, golden ginkgo, and flaming maple, it’s truly something to behold.

Along with Nami Island, the Gangchon Rail Bike, Alpaca World, and Petite France, the Garden of Morning Calm is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul. Check out all the different day trip options here.

Yongmunsa | 용문사

There’s one big reason to make the journey out to Yongmunsa Temple in Yangpyeong during autumn in Korea. It’s the home of Asia’s tallest ginkgo tree. This gorgeous tree is 1,100 years old, towers 60-metres high, and has a circumference of 14-metres. The tree is protected as one of Korea’s Natural Monuments.

See the biggest gingko tree imaginable at Yongmunsa, relax at a super quirky cafe, then cap off the day with an cruise atop the Han River in Seoul/ Check full details here.

Yangju Nari Park | 양주나리공원

Head to Nari Park in Yangju, not for orange, yellow, and red, but for pink, pink, pink. By the way – I hold Yangju Nari Park partially responsible for the whole pink muhly craze in Korea.

There are limited opening hours for Yangju Nari Park during autumn in South Korea, so be sure to confirm before making the trip. Check out my full guide to visiting here.

Peaceland Korea | 평강랜드

Peaceland is a botanical garden in Pocheon, best known for the whimsical giants that hide among its trees. The Thomas Dambo designed “Forgotten Giants,” art installation was the big draw for me, but there’s also a park full of autumn leaves changing colour, and a huge field of pink muhly grass just waiting to be photographed.

This is a great place for the whole family to spend a Korean autumn day. There are multiple forest playgrounds, trampolines, picnic areas, and more. I recommend bringing in your own food though. I didn’t find the options inside Peaceland to be that great.

Anseong Farmland | 안성팜랜드

Anseong Farmland has rotating fields of flowers year-round, but in Korea in autumn, pink muhly and cosmos are the stars of the show. Prepare to be wowed by rolling hills of pinky muhly grass under vivid blue skies. There are also amusement park rides, farm animals, and a ton of other fun activities for kids to enjoy.

Autumn in Korea | Gangwon-do

If you’re visiting at the beginning of Korea’s autumn season, Gangwon-do Province to the east of Seoul is the place you’ll want to concentrate your energy. This is the first region of Korea to start showing autumn colour.

Fortunately, this isn’t at all difficult. Gangwon-do is chock-full of majestic mountain ranges, dramatic landscapes, and staggering sights, just waiting to be discovered.

Seoraksan National Park | 설악산 국립공원

Located in the northeastern region of Korea, Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon-do is one of the first places to change colour in Korea in autumn.

Stop by the Seoraksan National Park Visitor Center to get the scoop on the best hikes for seeing fall foliage, or take the Seorak cable car up to the peak. Major attractions (besides the gorgeous autumn leaves) are Gwongeumseong Fortress, Ulsanbawi Rock, and Sinheungsa Temple – the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in the world.

This gorgeous national park is just a few hours away from Seoul. Fortunately, there’s a huge variety of day and overnight tours to Seoraksan and area, designed just for autumn in Korea. Time your visit for the last 2 weeks of October if you can. Check out options here.

Wondae-ri Birch Forest | 원대리 자작나무 숲

Wondae-ri Birch Forest, along with Hwadam Forest, is pretty much at the top of my to do list for this autumn in Korea. The contrast of the white birch trunks with the flaming colours just has to be seen.

Wondae-ri Birch Forest is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and not open much past 3:00pm, so be sure to check hours before heading out.

Naksansa | 낙산사

Naksansa Temple is not too far from Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park, so it’s an easy stop along the way. This ancient temple has a gorgeous landscape with wonderful views overlooking the East Sea, a 16-metre tall statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and a 7-story stone pagoda.

Seoraksan National Park is one of the first places to change colour in Korea. See its gorgeous fall foliage and visit Naksansa, a gorgeous seaside temple too. Check out options here.

Odaesan National Park | 오대산국립공원

You’ll find the largest natural woods in South Korea at Odaesan National Park, along with multiple temples, camping sites, streams, and all the gorgeous autumn colour you could possibly want.

If you’re a fan of the K-drama, Goblin, find the Woljeongsa Fir Tree Forest Path and relive the moment when the immortal Kim Shin realizes he’s in love with Eun Tak.

Ginkgo Tree of Bangye-ri, Wonju | 원주 반계리 은행나무

If you make the trip out to Wonju for autumn in Korea, don’t miss the ancient ginkgo tree located in Bangye-ri. Thought to be at least 800 years old, with majestic branches snaking out in all directions, the tree is revered as Natural Monument No. 167.

This spectacular ginkgo tree in Wonju is nearly 35-m high, 15-m in circumference, spans 38-m from east to west and 31-m from north to south. Prepare to be totally awed.

I checked it out last autumn, and it’s as spectacular as you’d imagine it to be.

Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge | 소금산출렁다리

If you’re a thrillseeker in search of spectacular Korea in autumn views, Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge in Wonju is the perfect place for you. It’s Korea’s longest and largest pedestrian bridge with a total length of 200-metres – and it’s suspended high, high above a mountain valley.

Try standing on the skywalk next to the bridge to truly drink in these magnificent views. The Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge is near Museum SAN, so it’s easy to combine the two places in a single visit.

Museum SAN | 뮤지엄 산

A meandering stroll through Museum SAN (Space Art Nature) is sure to fulfill all your autumn in Korea longings. Designed by minimalist master architect, Tadao Ando, the museum is nestled within a stunning mountain landscape, and harmonized with all the nature around it.

I warn you though – Museum SAN is not cheap to visit, with integrated admission tickets including all exhibitions, running around 40,000 won per person. Their mountain-side cafe might just be worth it though.

Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest | 홍천 은행나무숲

Walking through the deep golden crunch of a carpet of fallen ginkgo leaves is just as captivating as seeing them adorning towering trees during autumn in Korea… and the Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest might just be one of the best places to see them.

This is actually a private forest that’s been planted and maintained by a single man for over 30 years. He graciously opens his land to the public for free, for the month of October ONLY, so plan your visit accordingly. It is a bit challenging to get to the Hongcheon however, so a renting a car might be a better option.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm | 대관령 양떼 목장

With fluffy balls of sheep grazing on rolling hills, backed by a spectacular landscape of majestic trees, Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is a perfect autumn in Korea stop in Pyeongchang for families.

Autumn in Korea | Gyeongsang-do

North and South Gyeongsang Province are where travelers usually beeline to from Seoul. With good reason. Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, and the wealth of natural beauty between these cities, is a siren call, few visitors can ignore.

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Areas | 경주역사유적지구

Gyeongju is worth a visit any time of the year, but its particularly stunning during autumn in South Korea. It’s popular to visit Gyeongju on a day trip from Busan, but with over 50 UNESCO World Heritage cultural assets, incredible temples, delicious food, and an easy vibe, you’ll never want to leave.

There are so many gorgeous autumn spots in Gyeongju, it probably deserves it’s own guide, but here are a few to get you started.

Gyeongju is one of the most beautiful places to visit during autumn in Korea, and Busan is the perfect jumping off point to get there. Get details here.

Bulguksa Temple | 경주 불국사

Along with Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995. It has within its temple walls, 7 national treasures, and is considered representative of Buddhist culture from the Silla Kingdom.

Wander around the tranquil grounds of Bulguksa, or try a templestay for an unforgettable autumn in Korea experience. Learn more here.

Bomun Tourist Complex | 경주 보문관광단지

The Bomun Tourist Complex is exactly what you’d expect. Hotels, a golf range, and condos with a Bomunho Lake in the middle. In Korea in autumn, you can also enjoy fall foliage and pink muhly at the same time.

Jirisan National Park | 지리산국립공원

Stretching over 3 provinces, Jirisan is the first and largest national park in the country. As the weather cools in Korea in autumn, Jirisan is awash in yellow, orange, and fiery red maple trees.

It’s actually easiest to access Jirisan from Hwaeomsa Temple in Jeollanam-do, but you’ll be treated to more potential fall foliage solitude if you enter from the Gyeongsang-do side instead.

Enjoy autumn magic at Jirisan, Korea’s largest national park. Pick up from various points in Busan. Get more info here.

Palgongsan Natural Park | 팔공산자연공원

While I haven’t been to Daegu in autumn yet, I loved visiting during cherry blossom season in Korea. If you happen to find yourself there during autumn in Korea, Palgongsan Natural Park is the place to go.

Located 20-km from downtown Daegu, you’ll find an intersection of 2 rivers, as well as 3 colourful fall foliage covered mountain peaks in a row.

Admire a 16.3-km long avenue lined with gorgeous autumn foliage on this wonderful day tour to Daegu. Get full details here.

Autumn in Korea | Jeolla-do

The Jeolla-do region peaks for fall foliage later than other parts of the country. Early to mid-November is actually the perfect time to make a trip to this area to see the best of South Korea in autumn.

Naejangsan National Park | 내장산국립공원

With its gorgeous temples and striking landscapes, Naejangsan is considered one of, if not THE best national park to visit during autumn in Korea.

If your travel dates are in November, you’re in luck! Fall foliage is forecast to peak in Naejangsan National Park on November 11th in 2025.  At this time, there will be long lines for the cable car to the summit, and it’ll be crazy crowded, but it is WORTH IT!

There are a number of different day tours to Naejangsan from both Seoul, and Busan available throughout autumn in South Korea. Check out the options here.

Baegyangsa Temple | 백양사

There are 2 stunning temples to see inside Naejangsan National Park, during autumn in Korea. Wander through a spectacular tunnel of crimson maple trees to reach Naejangsa Temple, or marvel at multicoloured reflections at Baegyangsa Temple.

Daedunsan Provincial Park | 대둔산도립공원

Hike up to the stunning Geumgang Cloud Bridge for breathtaking views of towering peaks and scarlet autumn leaves. If you don’t fancy the exercise, take the cable car up to the 878-metre peak instead.

And while the Geumgang Suspension Bridge lets you hover thrillingly above majestic mountain views, Taegosa Temple draws in visitors with its unique “floating” location on Macheondae Terrace.

Admire autumn foliage from the cable car, and have cross the wobbly Cloud Bridge on this fun day tour from Seoul. Check out the options here.

Seonunsa Temple | 선운사

Seonunsa Temple in Gochang is known for its stunning camellia grove in spring, and its spectacular trees during autumn in Korea.

Stroll near picturesque Dosolcheon Stream near Seonunsa, or participate in a temple stay to learn more about Korean Buddhist culture.

Damyang Metasequoia Road | 담양 메타세쿼이아길

My visit to Damyang and Juknokwon, its gorgeous bamboo forest in spring was a real highlight, but this metasequoia road looks equally as impressive for autumn in Korea.

There are over 400 trees lining the 8.5 km-long boulevard, of which 2-km are designated as a walking path. You can also walk over to the nearby Meta Provence Village, and make a stop at the Damyang Gwangbangjerim Forest for more fall foliage in Korea.

Autumn in Korea | Chungcheon-do

Chungcheon-do is one of the least touristed regions of the country, but totally worth a trip. Crazy crowds descend upon Daechon Beach for the epically popular annual summer mud festival, but In the autumn months, picturesque temples and national parks are where you want to be.

Get off the beaten path in Danyang. This is a lovely hidden gem town in Korea, with incredible autumn sights. Check details here.

Guinsa Temple | 구인사

Danyang has become a popular spot in recent years, for tandem paragliding, but top of MY list is a hike up to Guinsa Temple for glorious autumn in Korea colour. That’s about as high as my fear of heights will let me go.

Songnisan National Park | 속리산국립공원

There are 3 national parks in this province, but Songnisan Mountain is the one to visit. You’ll love peering over its unique cliffs and hiking along the majestic mountain ranges covered in vibrant shades of yellow and red during autumn in Korea.

Look out for a 33-metre tall Buddhist statue and definitely do not miss UNESCO-designated Beopjusa Temple.

Beopjupsa Temple | 보은 법주사

Fortunately, the best hiking route in Songnisan for autumn foliage starts from Beopjusa Temple and ends at Birobong Peak. This is where you can see a completely enchanting panoramic view of Beopjusa Temple surrounded by all the best that autumn in South Korea has to offer.

Autumn in Korea | Best Cafes for Fall Foliage

Need some gorgeous autumn scenes for your feed, but can’t get out of the city? Don’t stress – because most of these cafes are just a convenient subway ride away, in Seoul or Gyeonggi-do.

The Piano | 더 피아노

The Piano has such a striking location, with stunning views hewn from Bukhansan rock, its appeared in multiple dramas, movies, and variety shows in Korea. (Don’t confuse it with the Piano Cafe in Hongdae).

The Piano is a “no-kids zone,” and coffee here isn’t cheap, but that’s not really what you’re paying for, is it?

Smeltz | 스멜츠

I was completely blown away the first time I saw pictures of Smeltz come across my feed. This cafe is literal scenery goals, with 2 absolutely massive windows perfectly placed to showcase the stunning wonder of autumn in Korea. Just go… and thank me later. 😉

1in1jan | 1인1잔

The graceful curving rooftops of Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Bukhansan Mountain painted in all the glorious shades of autumn in Korea. Need I say more?

By the way, 1In means 1 person, and 1Jan means 1 cup in Korean. The name of the cafe refers to a common cafe regulation that asks each customer to buy one drink, instead of sharing (yes, this actually happens).

Inwangsan Choso Chaekbang | 인왕산초소책방

Choso Chaekbang is a minimalist glass and steel cafe / bookstore that used to be the location of a guard post for the Presidential Blue House. Head there for a bit of reading as well as incredible views of Seoul and Bukhansan from the slopes of Inwangsan Mountain.

Best Foods to Eat during Korean Autumn

After a long day of hiking through mountain trails or walking across city parks, the absolute best way to reward yourself is by diving into Korea’s seasonal harvest. Autumn is a huge deal for local food culture on the peninsula, as the crisp weather brings in an incredible variety of fresh mountain produce and coastal seafood that you can only catch at its peak during the months of September, October, and November..

Autumn Fruits | Pear, Persimmon, Apples, Shine Muscat Grapes

You cannot leave Korea without hitting up a local market or convenience store to try the seasonal fruit. Korean pears are a world away from what you find back home – they’re massive, incredibly crisp, and so juicy that they practically drip while you eat them.

You’ll also spot bright orange persimmons everywhere, hanging from trees in traditional villages and stacked high at street stalls. If you like a crisp texture, grab the firm dan-gam, or look for the soft, jelly-like hong-si if you want something deeply sweet. This window is also the peak harvest for local apples and those famous, seedless Shine Muscat grapes that are unbelievably sweet and pop like candy.

Blue Crab

Blue crab is in season during autumn in Korea, and one of the best preparations is marinated in soy sauce as ganjang gejang. You can eat this delicacy all over the country, but it’s exceptional in Yeosu. Try it at local favourite, Neulpereun Sikdang.

Jumbo Shrimp

Plump and delicious, jumbo prawns are also incredibly fresh in Korea during autumn. You’ll find the freshest versions in port cities like Incheon and Busan. We had these grilled on a salt bed in Ulsan, where my cousin bought a huge box direct from a fisherman by the seaside.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you choose to explore on the peninsula, experiencing autumn here is something you’ll never forget. Just keep an eye on the changing weather patterns, throw a few flexible layers into your daypack, and time your trips to the national parks on weekdays to miss the worst of the transit gridlock. Do that, and you’ll have a truly incredible fall foliage trip in Korea.

Autumn in Korea FAQs

I originally researched, wrote & published this guide on October 16, 2022. I review & update my content for accuracy regularly. Watch out for copycats.This post was last updated on August 18, 2026. Copyright © 2022–2026 Travel-Stained. All rights reserved.