If you are planning a trip to Korea this autumn, you may be wondering:
When is the best time to see autumn foliage in Korea?
Korea is especially beautiful in autumn. From deep red maple leaves to bright orange foliage and golden ginkgo trees, the colors change throughout October and November, creating some of the most beautiful scenery of the year.
But there isn’t just one “best day” for autumn foliage in Korea.
The timing changes depending on the region, tree species, and weather. In general, the colors begin in the northern mountains in early October and gradually move south, with many popular locations around Seoul reaching their most beautiful colors from late October to early November.
For 2026, the official foliage forecast has not yet been released, so I am going to show the photos from my photoshoots I did and I’ll show you exactly what dates these photos were taken last autumn as a guidance since many people have been asking:)1
🍁 When is autumn foliage at its peak in Korea?
For travelers visiting Seoul, the best general window to plan an autumn photoshoot is:
Late October – Early November
Based on recent foliage patterns and 2026 forecasts, October 28 – November 5 is a particularly promising period for Seoul’s colorful autumn scenery.
However, different trees reach their peak at slightly different times.
Late October 🍂
Photoshoot date: 2025.10.22 (Late October)
Location: Seoul Forest
The leaves hadn’t fully turned red yet, but they were just starting to show beautiful shades of red.
Photoshoot date: 2025.10.30 (Late October)
Location: Nami Island
By the last week of October, the autumn colors had truly begun to take over, with the foliage becoming more vibrant and noticeable each day. 🍂
It’s the perfect time to visit Korea and experience autumn in all its beauty.
First week of November
Photoshoot date: 2025.11.02 (Early November)
Location: Gyeongbok palace
The golden ginkgo trees were starting to stand out, and the true colors of autumn were beginning to appear.
The large ginko tree in this photo is one of the most famous autumn photo spots at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Hanbok photoshoot in hanbok with these ginko trees is truly beautiful thing to do!
🍁 Red Maple Leaves
Photoshoot date: 2025.11.7
Location: Hwadam Forest
Maple trees are probably the most iconic symbol of Korean autumn.
Their leaves gradually change from green to orange, then deep red, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that is especially beautiful in photographs.
Hwadam Forest where the photos were taken is one of Korea’s most beautiful autumn foliage destinations, located in Gwangju, just outside Seoul. In autumn, the forest comes alive with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. With its peaceful walking trails and diverse collection of trees, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy Korea’s fall colors and take beautiful photos.
This is one of my favorite types of autumn scenery for family and couple photography because the deep red leaves create a beautiful natural background without making the photographs feel overly staged.
Second week of November
Photoshoot date: 2025.11.15
Location: Anguk area
💛 Golden Ginko Trees
If you are looking for something completely different from red maple leaves, don’t miss Korea’s beautiful golden ginkgo trees.
When the leaves turn yellow, entire streets and paths can look like they are covered in gold.
Ginkgo trees are particularly beautiful for photography because they often grow in long rows, creating a natural tunnel effect.
Those beautiful kids with amazing ginko leaves were wearing old korean school uniform which would become a special memory as a souveneir!
Last week of November
Photoshoot date: 2025.11.21
Location: Baekboem Plaza
It may be considered the very end of autumn, but thankfully, there were still plenty of colorful autumn trees to enjoy. 🍂
So, there’s no need to rush. Even when only a few leaves remain, they can still add beautiful pops of color to your photos and create a warm, magical autumn atmosphere. Sometimes, you don’t need a whole forest covered in fall foliage to capture the beauty of the season.
🍂 Autumn Photoshoot in Korea
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons for photography in Korea.
The colors are beautiful, but what I love most is the atmosphere.
The warm sunlight, fallen leaves, colorful trees, and cooler weather create a natural and cozy feeling that works beautifully for family photos, couple photos, proposals, and portraits.
Instead of simply photographing people in front of autumn trees, I like to let families walk, play, talk, and interact naturally.
That way, the photographs feel like memories of your trip to Korea rather than a traditional posed photoshoot.
If you are visiting Seoul during the autumn season and would like to capture your time in Korea with beautiful fall colors, I’d love to photograph your family or loved ones.
Feel free to reach out to me for a photoshoot in Korea:)
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🍁 Planning Your Autumn Trip to Korea?
If autumn foliage is an important part of your trip, I recommend checking the foliage forecast again shortly before your visit.
The official 2026 forecast will provide more specific dates as the season approaches, and the actual timing can change depending on weather conditions.
Save this guide for your autumn trip to Korea — and check back for updated 2026 foliage dates.
📷 Mandde Photography | Seoul Family & Couple Photographer
All photographs in this article were taken in Korea. The date shown with each photograph indicates the actual date the photograph was taken.
