Korea Autumn Foliage 2026 and Winter Snow Guide

Autumn foliage 2026: the official forecast

The Korea Forest Service published its 2026 foliage peak forecast on September 22, 2026. Colors were expected to start in the northern mountains of Gangwon in early October and reach their peak across the country in late October. The Forest Service defines the peak as the point when 50% of the leaves have turned.

Forecast peak dates by mountain: Seoraksan October 20, Songnisan October 28, Naejangsan November 4 and Hallasan November 6. By tree type, the forecast peaks were October 31 for maples and oaks and October 30 for ginkgo. Actual dates move with the weather.

Where to see autumn leaves with our routes

Routes that pass through the forecast areas:

• Gangwon: Seoraksan by cable car and the east coast (3 days), or Seoraksan, Sokcho and the Daegwallyeong sheep farm (2 days).
• Jeonbuk: Jeonju Hanok Village, then Naejangsan’s autumn leaves and Maisan’s Tapsa Temple (2 days).
• Chungbuk: Cheongnamdae’s maple paths and Cheongpung Lake, then Danyang (2 days).
• Nami Island: the island’s official guide says its foliage usually runs from mid-October to early December, with the ginkgo trees at their best from late October to mid-November. Our Seoul and Incheon route includes the island.

Winter: snow and skiing in Gangwon

For snow and skiing, our winter routes go to Gangwon. The ski route spends a day at Elysian Gangchon, reached by commuter train, with a lesson and night skiing, then a day at Phoenix Pyeongchang, a venue of the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival offers ice fishing in a foreigners-only area, and our winter group route visits Nami Island in winter.

Ski resorts set their opening dates by snow and temperature each season, so we confirm the resorts’ notices before fixing a winter itinerary.

Routes for this guide

• 3-day routeGangwon, from Seoraksan to the east coast
• 2-day routeSeoraksan, Sokcho and Daegwallyeong
• 2-day routeJeonju and Jeonbuk, hanok and autumn colors
• 2-day routeChungbuk, Cheongpung Lake and Danyang
• 4 days / 3 nightsSeoul & Incheon essentials
• 2-day routeElysian Gangchon and Phoenix, two days of skiing
• 1-day routeHwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, a day of ice fishing
• 4 days / 3 nightsWinter Seoul & Nami Island, an incentive group trip

Regions: Gangwon · Jeonbuk · Chungbuk · Jeju

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Korea in 2026?

According to the Korea Forest Service forecast, the nationwide peak is in late October. By mountain: Seoraksan around October 20, Songnisan October 28, Naejangsan November 4 and Hallasan November 6. Weather can move these dates.

Where can families see autumn leaves near Seoul?

Nami Island fits into a day from Seoul. Its official guide gives mid-October to early December as the usual foliage season, and several of our multi-day routes include it.

When does the ski season start in Korea?

Each resort announces its opening when there is enough snow. We check the resorts’ notices before confirming a winter itinerary.

Can we combine autumn leaves with Seoul sightseeing?

Yes. One option is a few days in Seoul with one or two days in Gangwon or Jeonbuk. Tell us your dates and we will match the route to the forecast.