October 03, 2026 – October 19, 2026

Korea's most spectacular autumn foliage season, centred on Seoraksan National Park where the mountain's granite peaks turn amber and crimson from early October. The festival week includes traditional performances, night trail access, and photography contests. Weekends in peak colour (typically second week of October) draw massive crowds — arrive at the park gate before 7 AM or book Osaek village accommodation to access trails before tour buses arrive.

The Festival

The Seoraksan National Park Autumn Festival celebrates peak foliage season at one of Korea’s most beautiful mountain parks in Sokcho, Gangwon Province (October 3–12). Seoraksan’s combination of granite peaks, dense forest, and dramatic valleys makes it one of the finest autumn foliage destinations in Northeast Asia — the color change typically begins at the summit in late September and works its way down through October. The festival adds cultural performances, traditional food stalls, and guided programs to the natural spectacle.

Getting to the Foliage

The main Seorakdong entrance area near Sokcho is the primary festival zone, with easy walking trails to iconic spots like Sinheungsa Temple, Ulsanbawi Rock, and Biryong Falls. The cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress gives access to elevated views of the autumn canopy — the queue is long on weekends; arrive before 9AM or go on a weekday. The harder interior trails reward with far fewer crowds and equally stunning color.

Getting There & Tips

• From Seoul: Express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho (about 2.5–3 hours); buses run frequently during autumn season
• Arrive early: Parking and cable car queues on peak autumn weekends are extreme — consider staying overnight in Sokcho
• Best color timing: Early–mid October for lower trails; the exact peak shifts slightly year to year
• Accommodation: Sokcho has abundant guesthouses and hotels; Naksan Beach area is a pleasant base
• National Park fee: No entrance fee for Seoraksan National Park (fees removed in 2023)