Best autumn foliage and hiking spots in Korea for photographers 2026

The best autumn foliage and hiking spots in Korea are concentrated in Seoraksan National Park for dramatic mountain peaks and Naejangsan National Park for the densest tunnels of crimson maple leaves. For travelers staying within Seoul, the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace and Seoul Forest offer spectacular viewing without leaving the city limits. The peak season for 2026 is forecast to begin in late September in the northern mountains and descend to the southern regions by early November, with the absolute visual peak occurring between October 18 and October 31 for most of the country.

The short answer: Plan your visit between October 15 and November 5, 2026, prioritizing Seoraksan for hiking adventures and Naejangsan or Kyoto-style palace grounds in Seoul for photography.

The 2026 Autumn Forecast: Timing Your Trip Perfectly

Timing is everything when chasing autumn colors in Korea. Unlike cherry blossoms, which can disappear in a day of heavy rain, autumn leaves linger for about two to three weeks, but the "peak" vibrant period—when 80% of the trees have turned color—lasts only about 7 to 10 days in any given location.

In 2026, climate data suggests a slightly delayed onset due to warmer September temperatures. The foliage "front" moves southward at a speed of approximately 20 to 25 kilometers per day. This means if you miss the peak in Seoraksan, you can simply travel south to catch it elsewhere.

Travelers should note that accommodation prices in mountain areas surge by roughly 40-60% during these peak windows. Booking at least 3 months in advance is recommended for specialized stays near National Park entrances.

For a broader understanding of Korea's seasonal shifts, check our guide on the best time to visit Korea month by month.

The Titans of Hiking: Korea's Best Mountain Trails

For those willing to sweat for their views, Korea's mountainous terrain offers world-class hiking infrastructure. The contrast of grey granite peaks against fiery red maples and golden oaks is the quintessential image of Korean autumn.

Seoraksan National Park (Gangwon-do)

Seoraksan is arguably the most famous mountain in Korea for autumn colors. Located near Sokcho on the east coast, it offers trails ranging from easy walks to grueling climbs. The "Dinosaur Ridge" (Gongnyong Ridge) is famous among hikers, but casual visitors should stick to the Osaek Mineral Spring course or the cable car route.

The Ulsanbawi Rock Course: This is a challenging but rewarding hike. It involves a steep staircase climb (over 800 steps) towards the end.

• Distance: 3.8km (one way)
• Duration: 2 hours up, 1.5 hours down
• Elevation Gain: ~873m
• Calorie Burn: Approx. 850-1000 kcal

The view from the top offers a panoramic sweep of the East Sea and the autumn-covered valleys. It is visually stunning but physically demanding.

Naejangsan National Park (Jeolla-do)

While Seoraksan is about grand peaks, Naejangsan is about the density of color. It is famous for its "baby maples," which have smaller leaves that turn a more intense crimson than standard maples. The park is home to the famous "Uhwa Pavilion," a small blue-tiled pavilion in the middle of a pond, surrounded by fiery red trees—a photographer's dream.

The Nature Trail: Unlike Seoraksan, the main draw here is the flat walking path from the ticket office to Naejangsa Temple.

• Distance: 2.5km (one way)
• Duration: 1 hour (walking slowly for photos)
• Difficulty: Very Easy

Bukhansan National Park (Seoul)

For those who don't want to leave the capital, Bukhansan offers legitimate mountain hiking accessible by subway. The Baegundae Peak offers a view of the entire city of Seoul framed by autumn colors.

• Access: Subway Line 3 (Gupabal Station) or Line 4 (Suyu Station).
• Height: 836m.
• Gear: Hiking boots are highly recommended as the granite can be slippery.

For more rugged adventures, consider exploring our guide on adventure travel in Korea.

Urban Photography: Best Spots in Seoul

You don't need to hike a mountain to see spectacular foliage. Seoul transforms into a city of gold and red, particularly around its historic sites.

Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden

This is the crown jewel of Seoul's autumn. The Secret Garden (Huwon) was the private recreational area for the Royal Family. The landscaping utilizes the natural topography, meaning the autumn leaves reflect beautifully in the ponds.

Seoul Forest

Ideally suited for picnic lovers and photographers wanting wide, open shots. The Ginkgo Tree Forest here consists of two long rows of towering trees that turn a brilliant, uniform yellow.

• Best Time: Late afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) for golden lighting.
• Access: Seoul Forest Station (Suin-Bundang Line), Exit 3.
• Nearby: Seongsu-dong cafe street is adjacent, perfect for post-photography coffee. Check out our guide to Seongsu-dong for dining ideas.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path

A romantic 1.1km walking path that follows the stone wall of Deoksugung Palace. Legend says couples who walk here break up, but don't let that stop you—it's one of the most photogenic streets in Korea, lined with yellow ginkgo and red maple trees mixing with modern sculptures and street musicians.

The "Pink Wave": Pink Muhly and Kochia

In recent years, a new autumn trend has overtaken traditional foliage: Pink Muhly Grass. These feathery pink fields create a dreamlike, pastel atmosphere that dominates Instagram feeds in October.

Where to see Pink Muhly:

1. Haneul Park (Seoul): Located on a former landfill turned eco-park. In October, it features silver Eulalia grass and patches of Pink Muhly. You must climb 291 wooden stairs or take an electric shuttle (₩3,000 round trip).
2. Cheomseongdae (Gyeongju): The ancient observatory is surrounded by vast flower fields, including significant Pink Muhly zones.
3. Yangju Nari Park: A dedicated flower park north of Seoul with massive fields of Globe Amaranth and Pink Muhly. Admission is roughly ₩2,000.

Photography Guide: Capturing the Colors

Shooting autumn colors in Korea presents unique challenges, primarily managing dynamic range (bright sky vs. dark shadows under trees) and crowds.

Best Camera Settings for Foliage

• Polarizing Filter (CPL): Essential. It cuts the glare off the waxy leaves, making the reds and yellows pop, and deepens the blue sky.
• White Balance: Set to "Cloudy" or "Shade" (approx 6000K-6500K) to warm up the image and enhance the golden tones.
• Aperture: Use f/8 to f/11 for landscapes to keep everything sharp. Use f/1.8 to f/2.8 for detailed shots of single leaves with bokeh.

Composition Tips

1. Frame with Architecture: Use the curved eaves of a Hanok (traditional house) to frame the colorful branches. This provides context that you are in Korea, not just "a forest."
2. Look Down: Sometimes the carpet of fallen leaves on a stone temple floor is more evocative than the trees themselves.
3. Contrast: Look for red maples against green pine trees or grey granite rocks.

For those interested in capturing cultural elements, consider visiting during a festival or wearing Hanok. Read our Hanbok rental guide to enhance your photos.

Suggested Itineraries: The Route of Colors

Maximizing your autumn trip requires balancing travel time with viewing time. Here is a specialized route balancing high-end comfort with raw nature.

Practical Logistics: Survival Tips

What to Wear

Korean autumn weather is known for high diurnal ranges (large temperature difference between day and night).

• Morning (7 AM): 5°C to 10°C (Chilly, need a fleece or light down jacket).
• Afternoon (2 PM): 18°C to 22°C (Warm, t-shirt weather if hiking).
• Footwear: If visiting Seoraksan or Bukhansan, hiking boots are mandatory for safety. For city parks, comfortable sneakers are sufficient.

Food to Try

Autumn is the harvest season. Look for:

• Persimmons (Gam): Dried or fresh.
• Roasted Chestnuts (Gunbam): Sold on street corners.
• Gizzard Shad (Jeoneo): A fish so delicious the smell is said to bring run-away daughters back home. See more in our guide to Korean seasonal fish.

Conclusion

Korea in autumn is a visual feast that rivals any location in the world. Whether you are scaling the granite spine of the Taebaek mountain range or sipping a latte overlooking a golden ginkgo grove in Seongsu-dong, the country puts on a spectacular show. The key to a successful trip in 2026 is booking early, rising with the sun to beat the crowds, and being flexible enough to chase the foliage as it moves south.

Don't forget to prepare your connectivity before you head into the mountains. Check our guide on best Korea SIM cards to ensure you can upload those stunning photos in real-time.