Admire the Stunning Korean Autumn Foliage - Latest 2024 Travel Tips

When does the Korean autumn foliage season begin?

The Korean autumn foliage season typically starts as the weather turns cooler, around September to November. During this time, the climate is pleasantly mild, with temperatures ranging between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. Occasional chilly breezes add a poetic and romantic touch to the already picturesque landscapes.

Although the Korean autumn foliage season begins in September, the most vibrant displays of red and yellow maple and ginkgo leaves can be witnessed from late October to November. During this period, not only do the trees fully transition into stunning shades of red and yellow, but the ground is also adorned with a colorful carpet of fallen leaves.

Experience the Vibrant Autumn Foliage in South Korea (Photo: @eatpraylove511)

2024 South Korea Autumn Foliage Schedule

2024 South Korea Autumn Leaves Viewing Guide (Updated 1/10/2024 - Image Source: Korea Tourism Organization)

According to the 2024 South Korea autumn foliage schedule, the leaves will be at their most vibrant from mid-October, lasting until early November. This peak period remains consistent with previous years, showing minimal variation.

Based on recent years' foliage schedules, the color change typically begins in late September in northeastern regions like Sokcho, Pyeongchang, and Wonju, where colder air arrives earlier or in higher mountainous areas. The golden and red foliage then gradually shifts westward and southward, reaching Jeju Island.

The peak of South Korea's autumn foliage season officially starts in late October and fades by mid-November. Forecasts suggest this 'color wave' will sweep from the north to the south, with the final destinations including Gwangju, North Jeolla, and South Jeolla.

2023 South Korea Autumn Foliage Schedule (Photo: @creatrip)

• Gangwon: The South Korea autumn foliage schedule will start earliest in Gangwon Province from 29/09, peaking between 18 - 20/10. To be among the first to witness this spectacle, visit famous spots like Seoraksan Mountain, Juwangsan Mountain in Sokcho, Inje, and Wonju.
• Chungcheongbuk: Known for its stunning maple leaf hiking trails and home to Korea's oldest temple, Chungcheongbuk is best visited from around 15/10, peaking on 26/10, to enjoy golden and red leaves.
• Seoul/Gyeonggi: The autumn foliage season begins on 18/10, but the best time to enjoy the vibrant leaves in Seoul and Gyeonggi is from late October to early November. During this period, visitors can also enjoy cultural festivals like the Hwaseong Suwon Cultural Festival and the Seoul International Fireworks Festival.
• Daegu: Beyond the city's hustle and bustle, Palgongsan Mountain offers a serene escape to admire the autumn leaves. Plan your visit from 20/10, peaking on 31/10.
• Jeolla: Experience the most poetic natural landscapes in Jeolla from 23/10, peaking on 04/11. This region is blessed with golden-leaf-covered paths and ancient temples, creating a romantic atmosphere.
• Gwangju: Starting around 23/10, Hwadam Forest in Gwangju features a special rail around the park for leaf viewing, making it a popular weekend destination for couples and families.
• Jeju: Expected to start on 17/10 and peak on 28/10, Jeju offers enchanting spots like the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and the Autumn Foliage Garden.

The 2024 South Korea autumn foliage schedule is expected to follow similar routes, stretching from the north to the south. The peak period is predicted to be from mid-October to late November, though this may vary depending on weather conditions.

Top hot spots for autumn foliage check-ins during your South Korea trip

To fully immerse yourself in the romantic beauty of South Korea's autumn foliage, don’t miss popular check-in spots in Seoul, Busan, and Nami. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, visitors can also enjoy autumn festivals like the Busan Fireworks Festival, Andong Mask Dance Festival, and various local food festivals.

In Seoul

Changdeok Palace & Secret Garden

• Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Ticket price: 3,000 KRW/adult (56,000 VND), 1,500 KRW/child (28,000 VND).
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00.

Changdeokgung Palace, a symbol of ancient Korean architecture, is located in the northern part of Seoul. This 600-year-old palace is the only intact structure remaining from the Joseon Dynasty.

At Changdeokgung, visitors can explore its magnificent architecture and traditional cultural values, stroll through its expansive 60-hectare grounds, and visit the Secret Garden, Donhwamun Gate, Huwon Garden, and Yeon-gyeongdang Hall.

In autumn, Changdeokgung Palace transforms into a picturesque scene with golden and red leaves lining the pathways. The fallen leaves create a colorful carpet on the ground, complementing the centuries-old palace with their vibrant hues.

Namsan Tower

• Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Ticket price: Namsan Tower Observatory admission is 18,900 KRW (350,000 VND). Namsan Tower Observatory + Round-trip cable car is 33,500 KRW (620,000 VND).
• Opening hours: Namsan Park is open 24/7. The Namsan Cable Car operates from 10:00 - 23:00. The tower and observatory are open from 12:00 - 22:30 on weekdays and 11:00 - 22:30 on weekends and holidays.

During South Korea's autumn foliage season, Namsan Tower takes on a poetic and romantic charm. Beyond being an observation deck and home to the famous love lock walls, Namsan offers a breathtaking view of the capital city bathed in vibrant autumn colors.

Namsan feels like a serene escape from the bustling pace of Seoul. From the pathway leading up to the tower to its base, every step is shaded by a canopy of red and golden leaves, creating a magical atmosphere.

Namsan Tower (N Seoul) during South Korea's autumn foliage season (Photo: @amazin_places_)

Seoul Forest Park

• Address: 273, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Ticket price: Free admission.
• Opening hours: Open 24/7. The ecological forest area operates from 05:30 - 21:30.

A trip to South Korea in autumn wouldn't be complete without visiting Seoul Forest Park, where rows of ginkgo trees create a stunning sea of red. Once a royal hunting ground during the Joseon Dynasty, the area has been transformed into an ecological park, complete with recreational facilities, a horse racing track, and more.

Visitors to Seoul Forest Park during the autumn foliage season can enjoy cultural and artistic activities, family-friendly play areas, and riverside boat rides, all offering a peaceful and relaxing autumn experience.

Bukhansan National Park

• Address: 262 Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
• Ticket price: Free admission to the national park.
• Opening hours: 04:00 - 17:00.

Bukhansan National Park is not only renowned for its natural beauty but also serves as a habitat for over 1,300 diverse species. The vegetation here changes with the seasons, offering visitors a refreshing and tranquil experience.

Visiting Bukhansan National Park during South Korea's autumn foliage season is ideal. The pleasant temperatures make it perfect for trekking through dreamy trails surrounded by vibrant scenery, including a hike to Baegundae, the highest peak in the park and Seoul.

In Busan - Daegu

Juwangsan National Park

• Address: Sangui-ri, Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea.
• Ticket price: Free admission to the park, but a fee of approximately 3,500 KRW (65,000 VND) is required to visit the temple on the mountain.
• Opening hours: Open 24/7.

Known for its majestic cliffs, Juwangsan National Park becomes especially enchanting in autumn when the ginkgo trees at Daejeonsa Temple and along the valley transform into vibrant shades of red and yellow.

During South Korea's autumn foliage season, the park often organizes forest trekking tours, including a 2km route through Yongchu Valley from the outskirts of Juwangsan to Daejeonsa Temple. Juwangsan National Park is renowned as one of the most romantic hiking destinations for couples in autumn.

Visitors to Juwangsan can also explore other notable spots within the park, such as Daejeonsa Temple, Jusanji Lake, and Dalgi Waterfall.

Travel to South Korea in autumn at Juwangsan National Park (Photo: @sun___park)

Dalmaji-gil Road

• Address: Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea.
• Ticket price: Free admission.
• Opening hours: Open 24/7.

Known as the romantic Moonlight Road, Dalmaji-gil stretches along the coast from Haeundae to Songjeong. Walking this path, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of emotions and enjoy the clearest views of the moonlight.

During South Korea's autumn foliage season, Dalmaji becomes one of the most popular romantic spots for couples. Visitors can also enjoy the remnants of beach festivals and immerse themselves in Busan's largest fireworks festivals during this time.

Palgongsan Mountain

• Address: Palgongsan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk, South Korea.
• Ticket price: 3,000 KRW for entrance (55,000 VND). Free admission to the Palgongsan Fountain Square below.
• Opening hours: Open 24/7.

Palgongsan Mountain, an ancient peak from the Later Three Kingdoms period, is a Buddhist sanctuary featuring numerous statues, pagodas, and sacred temples. Among them, Gatbawi, a revered Buddha statue on the mountain, attracts many worshippers seeking blessings.

When visiting Palgongsan Mountain during South Korea's autumn, travelers can explore Apsan Park, Woobang Tower, and Daegu Arboretum, fully embracing the serene scenery of golden and red leaves lining the path up the mountain.

Beyond spiritual visits and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere at Palgongsan Mountain, visitors can also engage in various sports activities such as Jokku, shooting, and badminton.

Palgongsan Mountain during South Korea's autumn foliage season (Photo: @creative_adventourista)

E-World Park

• Address: 200 Duryugongwon-ro, Duryu-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
• Ticket price: 49,000 KRW/adult (915,000 VND), 44,000 KRW/child (822,000 VND).
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:00.

Known as a bustling entertainment hub in Daegu, E-World Park during South Korea's autumn foliage season is painted in vibrant shades of yellow and red from rows of maple and ginkgo trees. Visitors can explore four themed areas, including an amusement zone, Magic Train, Frog Jump, and Mini Viking.

Travel to South Korea in autumn at E-World Park (Photo: @jimmy_trj66)

Daegu Stadium

• Address: 180 Universiad-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
• Ticket price: Free to explore the surrounding areas of the stadium.
• Opening hours: Daegu Stadium opens only during events; otherwise, visitors can stroll around the nearby streets.

Daegu Stadium (Blue Arc) is a renowned multi-purpose venue that hosts world-class sporting events. Beyond being a destination for global sports fans, it is also a famous spot for autumn travel in South Korea.

The area around the stadium is a paradise for photo enthusiasts, with rows of maple and ginkgo trees lining the streets. During the peak of South Korea's autumn foliage season, the entire area is transformed into a vibrant, mesmerizing carpet of colors, captivating everyone with its breathtaking beauty.

In other regions

Everland Park

• Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
• Ticket price: 54,000 KRW/adult (1,000,000 VND), 43,000 KRW/child (799,000 VND).
• Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:00.

As South Korea's largest outdoor amusement park, Everland features various themed zones, each offering unique experiences and emotions, such as Zootopia, Magic Land, and American Adventure.

At Everland, visitors not only enjoy thrilling entertainment but also immerse themselves in stunning natural landscapes. During South Korea's autumn foliage season, the park's romantic architecture, surrounded by forests and hills, becomes even more vibrant, attracting more tourists than ever.

Everland Park during South Korea's autumn foliage season

Nami Island

• Address: 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
• Ticket price: 16,000 KRW/adult (298,000 VND); 13,000 KRW/ages 13-18 (242,000 VND); 10,000 KRW/ages 3-12 (185,000 VND).
• Opening hours: 08:00 - 21:00.

When it comes to the most famous spots for viewing South Korea's autumn foliage, Nami Island is a must-visit. This romantic island, with its picturesque ginkgo trees, transforms into a sea of yellow and red, with leaves gently falling to create a nostalgic and poetic atmosphere.

While exploring Nami Island, visitors can also visit famous attractions such as the Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, and the Autumn Foliage Garden.

However, traveling to Nami Island during South Korea's autumn season coincides with peak tourist season, drawing large crowds. To avoid the hustle and bustle, it's best to visit on weekdays to fully enjoy the island's romantic charm.

Nami Island's romantic charm during South Korea's autumn foliage season (Photo: @gogogangwon)

Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest

• Address: 686-4 Gwangwon-ri, Nae-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
• Ticket price: Free admission.
• Opening hours: Open only in October from 10:00 - 17:00.

As a rare privately-owned and preserved autumn destination in South Korea, Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest holds a touching story of a husband who planted countless ginkgo trees to pray for his wife's health. Over time, this tale has become a symbol of romantic love, contributing to the forest's serene and poetic atmosphere.

To describe the captivating beauty of Hongcheon and the emotions it evokes, some have likened the Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest to a musical note that accentuates the tranquil stillness of autumn.

Travel to South Korea in autumn at Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest (Photo: @parkerry3)

Travel tips for the autumn foliage season

Documents

South Korea offers two types of tourist visas: a single-entry visa for short-term stays, valid for 3 months, and a multiple-entry visa for longer stays and repeated visits. The validity of the multiple-entry visa depends on the applicant's conditions, ranging from 1 year to 3 years or even 10 years.

Obtaining a tourist visa for South Korea typically takes around 16 days, excluding weekends and public holidays. However, travel agencies often offer professional visa processing services, which can expedite the preparation and evaluation of your documents, increasing the likelihood of visa approval.

Below are some essential documents required for your visa application. If you are applying for a South Korean visa for the first time or have never traveled abroad before (blank passport), you should also prepare a detailed travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and a round-trip flight ticket to improve your visa approval chances.

• Personal documents: notarized copy of your ID card.
• Passport: original passport valid for at least 6 months, with a minimum of 2 blank pages, and include any old passports if available.
• Application form: provided by the Embassy, available in both English and Vietnamese.
• Photo: x 4.5 cm photo with a white background, ears visible, no glasses, and no accessories.
• Financial proof: minimum savings of 5,000 USD per person (approximately 124,000,000 VND), along with salary account statements for the last 6 months.
• Employment proof: employment contract (for salaried individuals); business registration (for self-employed individuals); retirement card (for retirees).

Currency

South Korea uses the Won (KRW), with the current exchange rate being 1,000 KRW = 18,700 VND. The currency is officially circulated in both paper and coin forms, with denominations ranging from 1 KRW to 50,000 KRW.

Coins in South Korea come in denominations ranging from 1 KRW to 500 KRW.

• 1 KRW: Aluminum coin with a white color.
• 5 KRW: Coin made of copper and zinc alloy, with a golden hue.
• 10 KRW: Copper and zinc alloy coin, also golden in color.
• 50 KRW: Coin composed of copper, aluminum, and nickel, featuring a white appearance.
• 100 KRW: Copper and nickel alloy coin, white in color.
• 500 KRW: Coin made of copper and nickel alloy, with a white finish.

South Korean coins

Paper currency in South Korea is available in denominations from 1,000 KRW to 50,000 KRW.

• 1,000 KRW: Blue-colored banknote.
• 5,000 KRW: Banknote featuring red and yellow tones.
• 10,000 KRW: Green-colored banknote.
• 50,000 KRW: Orange-colored banknote.

Denominations of South Korean banknotes

Luggage

Clothing

During autumn, temperatures in South Korea range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. From late October until the end of the peak foliage season, temperatures typically hover between 10 and 15 degrees, occasionally dropping to around 5 degrees at night or on certain days. However, travelers need not worry excessively, as Korea's temperate climate ensures cold, dry weather that remains relatively comfortable even when temperatures dip below 10 degrees.

When visiting South Korea during the fall foliage season, pack simple warm clothing such as t-shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Additionally, consider bringing accessories like hats, scarves, and sneakers to make strolling under the autumn trees more convenient.

Medication

Finding a pharmacy in South Korea can be challenging, as most medications require a prescription and are sold at hospitals. Convenience stores typically only stock basic items like pain relief gels or patches. To ensure a worry-free trip, prepare a small supply of common medications such as cold medicine, stomachache pills, and motion sickness tablets to handle any unexpected issues.

Electronics:

Traveling to South Korea during the autumn foliage season will undoubtedly keep your camera and phone in a constant state of overuse. This is understandable, as the breathtaking landscapes of Korea during this season are truly captivating.

Consider packing a portable charger to keep your phone powered, along with a selfie stick or tripod to fully indulge in your photo-taking passion. Remember, batteries and power banks must not be placed in checked luggage. Store all valuables and flammable items in your carry-on to avoid delays during customs checks.

Tips for packing when traveling to South Korea during the autumn foliage season

Important notes for traveling during South Korea's autumn foliage season

In addition to the tips for traveling to South Korea during the autumn foliage season, keep these handy suggestions in mind to make your trip even smoother:

• Traveling during the fall foliage season suggests that first-time visa applicants for South Korea can improve their approval chances by preparing a detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and round-trip flight tickets. However, if you haven’t booked these services yet, it’s advisable to wait until after receiving your visa results to avoid complications in case of rejection.
• For accurate guidance and evaluation of your visa application, consider booking a comprehensive South Korea tour package, which includes detailed instructions on documentation and increases the likelihood of visa approval when traveling in a group.
• South Korea is 2 hours ahead of Vietnam. If it’s 7 AM in Vietnam, it’s already 9 AM in South Korea. Adjust your devices after landing to avoid disrupting your travel schedule.
• While South Korea is renowned for its traditional cuisine, the flavors tend to be milder, especially in soups. If you prefer stronger flavors, consider bringing your own seasonings to enhance the taste of your meals.

Explore the hottest South Korea autumn foliage tours on Mytour

Above is a comprehensive overview of South Korea’s vibrant autumn foliage season and the latest travel tips for 2024. We hope this information helps you and your family enjoy a perfect and unforgettable trip to the land of kimchi during this stunning season!

Author: Dung

Image source: Dung & Internet