Autumn in South Korea offers some of the most spectacular foliage viewing in Asia. When maple trees flame red and ginkgos turn gold, the entire country becomes a living painting. Here are the top 3 spots for maple leaf viewing in Korea in 2026.
1. Gangchon Rail Park – River Valley Foliage
Gangchon Rail Park (also known as Gangchon Rail Bike) in Gangwon Province is one of Korea’s most beloved autumn destinations. The 8 km rail bike trail runs through a scenic river valley where maple, ginkgo, and oak trees line both banks of the Bukhan River, creating a corridor of blazing autumn color.
Riding the four-person rail bike through this tunnel of foliage while the river glitters below is an experience that perfectly blends outdoor adventure with natural beauty.
Peak foliage: Mid to late October
Tips: Book tickets online 2–3 weeks in advance for October weekends. Arrive early to avoid queues. Combine with Nami Island for a full autumn day trip from Seoul.
2. Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon Secret Garden, Seoul
Changdeokgung Palace and its legendary Huwon Secret Garden are among the most beautiful places in all of Korea to experience autumn. The 78-acre garden behind the palace contains over 100 species of trees, many centuries old, which create a breathtaking canopy of red, orange, and gold from late October through mid-November.
The Buyongji Pond reflecting pool, with its surrounding pavilions mirrored in still water beneath the autumn canopy, is one of the most photographed scenes in Korea.
Peak foliage: Late October to mid-November
Tips: The Huwon Secret Garden requires a separate guided tour ticket (book in advance during autumn). Tours run in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Combined palace + garden ticket: 8,000 KRW (~$6 USD).
3. Korea National Arboretum (Gwangneung)
Located in the foothills of Gwangneung Forest about 40 km northeast of Seoul, the Korea National Arboretum is home to one of the most pristine temperate forests in Korea and an extraordinary collection of native trees that erupt in spectacular color each autumn.
The arboretum is part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere reserve at Gwangneung, a royal forest protected for over 550 years. Walking its paths in autumn — beneath towering deciduous trees ablaze with color — feels removed from the modern world entirely.
Peak foliage: Mid to late October
Important: Advance online booking is required to visit the arboretum; visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the forest ecosystem.
Getting there: Bus from Seoul’s Sangsong-si area — approximately 1.5 hours from central Seoul.
Autumn Travel Tips Korea 2026
- e-Arrival Card: Required for all foreign visitors from January 1, 2026 — www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr
- Peak timing varies: Foliage starts in the mountains and progresses to lower elevations. Seoraksan peaks first (early October), Seoul typically peaks late October to early November
- Book early: Popular autumn sites fill up weeks in advance — especially for weekends in October and November
- Layering: Autumn mornings can be cold even when afternoons are warm — dress in layers
Korea’s autumn foliage season is relatively short but intensely beautiful. Plan around these three destinations and you’ll experience some of the most memorable scenery the country has to offer.
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