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Top 10 Fall Foliage Trails in Korea 2026 | Best Autumn Hikes

Trazy Crew

Beaches, ice creams… It’s finally time to bid the long, scorching summer goodbye and welcome the chilly fall weather. Famous author Jim Bishop once said, “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons”. Throughout October and November, you can feast your eyes on lush mountains dyed with scarlet-tinged leaves in 10 breathtaking fall foliage trails in South Korea!

These sights all offer spectacular foliage scenes and worthwhile hiking experiences. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of Autumn at the fall foliage trails we suggest!

Also, don’t forget to check out our autumn special tours to national parks and mountains from Seoul or Busan!

1. Seoraksan National Park – Iconic Autumn Hiking

  • Address: Osaek-ri, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A vibrant autumn landscape of a river flowing through a forest with trees displaying bright yellow, orange, and red foliage at Seoraksan National Park. A tree-covered mountain peak is visible in the distance, completing the serene natural scene.

Known for its beautiful scenery all year round, Seoraksan National Park is the starting point of fall foliage in Korea. Located in the northeast of Korea, the park spreads across Gangwon Province. It is an extremely popular hiking destination during the autumn season, with throngs of people gathering to watch the leaves change color. Around the middle of October, the foliage in the park will reach its peak, boasting magnificent views of the mountains colored a vibrant yellow, reddish-gold, and orange.

Check out the autumn special tours to Seoraksan National Park!

To enjoy the autumn tints here to the fullest, we highly recommend the following two trails:

1) Seoraksan National Park – Baekdamsa Temple

  • Address: 746, Baekdan-ro, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A scenic mountain trail of Seoraksan with a wooden walkway built along a rocky riverbed. The trees on the steep banks are displaying vibrant autumn colors of yellow, red, and orange. Several hikers can be seen walking along the path, enjoying the serene natural landscape.

Baekdamsa Temple is one of the beloved trails you can take from Seoraksan, a very popular destination within the mountains. The trail here is narrow and winding, but it’s well worth it as it is a beautiful temple, known for its scenery that embodies an old history tracing back to the Silla kingdom (B.C.57~935). There are streams and valleys nearby as well that add more beauty to the scenery, complete with crisp blue skies and a gentle, cool breeze.

2) Seoraksan National Park – Ulsanbawi Rock

  • Address: San 1-2, Wonam-ri, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A close-up view of Ulsanbawi Rock, a large and craggy granite rock formation. The rocky peaks are surrounded by patches of trees with vibrant autumn foliage in shades of orange and red.

The second trail is from Seoraksan to Ulsanbawi Rock, a massive rock standing at 876m that provides a spectacular view. Hiking up these granite peaks is no easy task, with the last section involving a steep flight of 800 steps that can be especially difficult to climb in strong winds. But don’t give up, because once you reach the summit and gaze upon the panoramic view, you’ll realize the pain and suffering were all worth it.

Besides the foliage, Seoraksan boasts colossal mountain peaks that pierce through the clouds, dense rocks, gorging valleys, and cascading waterfalls that are sure to be magnificent.

Check out the Seoraksan National Park 1-Day Tour from Seoul, available year-round!

Read Trazy Blogs on Seoraksan National Park!

2. Naejangsan National Park – Maple Tunnel Walk

  • Address: San 99-1, Bongdeok-ri, Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do (Kakao Map)

A traditional Korean pavilion with a blue roof sits in the middle of a calm lake at Naejangsan National Park. The lake is surrounded by lush trees on a mountain, with their leaves displaying vibrant autumn colors of red, orange, and yellow.

The next foliage destination that you could visit in South Korea is Naejangsan, located in Jeolla Province. This place is particularly famous for its vivid crimson foliage, 600-year-old nutmeg trees, and renowned waterfalls, including Dodeok Falls. There are also two famous temples to explore Baekyangsa Temple and Naejangsa Temple.

Temples, mountains, plants, animals, waterfalls … Naejangsan has an endless list of things to offer, so you’ll never be bored. There are incredible views every season, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, greenery in the summer, and trees covered with snow in the winter.

Check out the autumn special tours to Naejangsan National Park!

Read Trazy Blogs on Naejangsan National Park!

3. Odaesan National Park – Tranquil Temple Trails

  • Address: San 4, Samsan-ri, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (Kakao Map)

A stone staircase winds up a hillside covered in vibrant autumn foliage, with trees displaying shades of orange, yellow, and red at Odaesan Mountain.

Known for its beautiful thick forest of fir trees, Odaesan National Park was used as a location for the hit Korean drama, “Goblin,” starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-Eun. The nearby Woljeongsa Buddhist Temple, located in the valley east of Mount Odaesan, founded in 643, is another stunning site to take in the autumn foliage.

Check out the autumn special tours to Odaesan National Park!

4. Songnisan National Park – Beopjusan Temple & Autumn Peaks

  • Address: San 1-1, Sanae-ri, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (Kakao Map)

A calm body of water in a forest reflects the vibrant autumn foliage at Songnisan National Park.

Songnisan National Park was designated as the sixth national park in Korea. As the name of the mountain translates into ‘renounce the world’,  you will forget the world once you enter Songnisan Mountain, overwhelmed by its beauty. The eight peaks are curved like arrows around Cheonwangbong (1,058m) in the south.

Beopjusa Temple, located in Songnisan National Park, is a place where you can see the only traditional wooden pagoda in Korea. The five-story wooden pagoda and a majestic hanging painting reveal its greatness as an old relic. The temple was built during the Silla Dynasty and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage recently in 2018.

5. Daedunsan Provincial Park – Scenic Cable Car & Suspension Bridge

  • Address: San 15-1, Sanbuk-ri, Unju-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do (Kakao Map)

A dramatic mountain landscape of Daedunsan during autumn, with a photographer on a rocky peak capturing the view. The jagged rock formations and trees with vibrant fall colors rise above a valley filled with mist and clouds.

Daedunsan, at 878 meters, is known for its steep and rocky landscapes and is one of the most challenging but worthwhile mountains to climb. Characterized by large rocks and trees, the main attraction is a hair-raising suspension bridge that hangs over a deep ravine 300 meters above sea level. Cross it if you dare! We can assure you that it’ll add an element of thrill and excitement to your trek, especially on a windy day when the bridge sways from side to side.

Check out the autumn special tours to Daedunsan Provincial Park!

However, for those of you who don’t want to cross the bridge, you can ride the cable car instead! Aside from the thrills, Daedunsan is full of maple leaves that are a dazzling red spectacle from above.

6. Jangtaesan Recreational Forest – Towering Metasquoia Pathways

  • Address: 461, Jangan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon (Kakao Map)

A person sits on a rock overlooking a vast forest of metasequoia trees with bright orange and yellow autumn foliage at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest. The person is making a heart shape with their hands to frame the view of the mountains and a modern, white suspension bridge that spans the treetops on the right.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, located near Daejeon in South Korea, is a breathtaking destination in autumn, known for its dense metasequoia trees and vibrant fall foliage. As the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, the forest transforms into a stunning natural tapestry. The forest also features a skywalk, providing elevated views of the vivid canopy, making Jangtaesan an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers during the fall season.

Check out the autumn special tours to Jangtaesan Recreational Forest!

7. Jirisan National Park – Majestic Multi-Province Views

  • Address: San 100, Chuseong-ri, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (Kakao Map)

A panoramic view of the vast Jirisan mountain range during autumn.

Jirisan National Park, the largest and one of the oldest national parks in South Korea, becomes a breathtaking spectacle of color in autumn. Nestled in the southern part of the Korean peninsula, the park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and stunning mountain scenery. The park offers numerous hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging climbs. The Baekdudaegan Ridge Trail, in particular, provides panoramic views of the autumn landscape.

Check out the autumn special tours to Jirisan National Park!

8. Juwangsan National Park – Dramatic Cliffs & Waterfall Trails

  • Address: San 8-1, Sangui-ri, Juwangsan-myeon, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongbuk (Kakao Map)

A scenic view of a rocky gorge in Juwangsan National Park during autumn.

Juwangsan National Park, located in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, is a hidden gem that transforms into an autumnal paradise each fall. Known for its rugged peaks, deep valleys, and serene streams, the park is especially captivating when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The park is home to several beautiful waterfalls, such as the Yongchu and Woroe waterfalls, which are framed by autumn leaves, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Check out the autumn special tours to Juwangsan National Park!

9. Gamaksan Mountain – Cliffside Walks & Suspension Bridge Views

  • Address: Gaekhyeon-ri, Jeokseong-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (Kakao Map)

A long, red suspension bridge extends across a deep valley in a mountainous forest at Gamaksan Mountain. The hillsides on either side are covered in trees with brilliant autumn foliage in shades of orange and red.

Gamaksan Mountain, located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, is a stunning destination that transforms into a vibrant natural wonderland in autumn. Known for its scenic trails, historic sites, and panoramic views, Gamaksan is particularly captivating when adorned with the rich colors of fall. One of the main attractions of Gamaksan is the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding foliage and adds an element of adventure to the hike.

Check out the autumn special tours to Gamaksan Mountain!

Check out the Gamaksan Tours from Seoul, available year-round!

10. Gayasan National Park – Serenity Around Haeinsa Temple

  • Address: San 162, Beopjeon-ri, Gacheon-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongbuk (Kakao Map)

A group of hikers stand on a rocky mountain peak, overlooking a vast, layered mountain range that recedes into a blue haze. The sky is a mix of pink and purple, suggesting a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

Gayasan National Park is renowned for its stunning autumn scenery, making it a top destination for fall foliage in South Korea. The park comes alive with the bright crimson of maple trees and the golden yellow of gingko trees, giving the mountain a striking and vivid appearance. These colors typically reach their peak from around late October to early November.

You can visit Haeinsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which sits within the park and is a popular spot for visitors, especially when surrounded by autumn leaves. Paths are lined with deciduous trees and pines, with hiking trails that suit both casual and enthusiastic hikers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. When is the peak fall foliage in Korea?

Peak autumn foliage in Korea generally occurs from mid-October to early November, depending on the location and altitude. Mountainous areas like Seoraksan and Odaesan start turning earlier (around mid-October), while lower regions and cities, including Seoul, usually reach their peak in late October to early November.

Q. Which autumn trail is easiest near Seoul?

Among these, Gamaksan Mountain is the easiest for beginners and closest to Seoul. It offers short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes, scenic autumn foliage, and the iconic Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, all within about an hour’s drive from the city.

Q. Will the tour proceed if it rains?

Yes, the tour will proceed even if it rains. If you wish to reschedule, please review our refund policy and submit a request for changes.

Check out the best ways to explore Korea this autumn:

Check out more autumn special tours in Korea:

Walking along the fall foliage trails in Korea is definitely a special travel experience! As always, do not forget to stop by Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, to stay informed on the latest and best things to do in South Korea!

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  1. Pingback: Essential Travel Tips & Guide |Korea Autumn Travel in 2016 – TRAZY.COM

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