Daedunsan Fall / Autumn Jeju Island Nami Island Seoul South Korea

30 Photos That Prove Fall in Korea Just Won at Life

30 Amazing Photos of South Korea in Autumn: With sugary cinnamon stuffed pancakes, harvest bounty, toasty drinks, cheeky mountains and near-neon autumnal hues, the South Korea autumn just won at life. If you want to visit South Korea in autumn, this is the perfect inspiration for you! Fall in Korea | fall in south korea | south korea fall | south korean fall | fall colors in korea | fall colors in south korea | jeju autumn | seoul autumn | daedunsan autumn
Fall in Korea seriously brings its A game.

The once-verdant landscape transforms into near-neon hues in a South Korea autumn—jazzy yellows and shocking oranges, swaggering reds that make your heads pleasantly dizzy.

Now we’ve been on a seasonal kick lately: asking our fellow travel blogger friends about their top autumn travel destinations, and finding the best spots to experience autumn in Korea.

So in our expertise, we just called it: this fall in Korea, literally, won at life. It may just be better than Spring in Korea.

Be it the scent of warm sugary cinnamon stuffed pancakes (hotteok) that start to fill the air this time of year, the harvest goldmine of apples, tangerines, and persimmons, or the magnificent color story spanning the entire country, Fall in Korea is incredible.

There’s a reason going hiking during fall foliage is on the South Korea Bucket List. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Let the photos speak for themselves!

🍂 Simplify your travel arrangements, with this tour—a perfect day trip for experiencing several places during autumn in Korea.

 

Before You Go

 

Here are 30 photos that prove, unequivocally, how badass the South Korea autumn really is.

 


These were all taken on our DJI Phantom, Canon G7X, and Canon Rebel, but we have since upgraded to the Canon 80D and are in love with it. Make sure to check out our traveling with a drone and essential cameras for every traveler guides for more info.


 

The following pictures were taken at Daedunsan Mountain, Nami Island, the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, and in South Korea.

For more information about each South Korea autumn destination, check out our travel guide for the Top Spots to Enjoy Autumn in Korea.

 

1. Fall in Korea brings the landscape to life, like here at the Daedunsan Provincial Park 

Be sure to check out our complete Daedunsan guide.

Daedunsan Mountain, a perfect place to experience fall in Korea

 

2. Vibrant greens transform into South Korea autumn colors

Fall in Korea displays such a gorgeous array of shades of leaves!

Daedunsan Mountain, Green to Yellow trees showing the beauty of South Korea autumn

 

3. Like reds

This was taken at Nami Island, one of our must-see spots for autumn in Korea.

Lauren in Nami Island during the South Korea Autumn
 

 

4. And super reds

These leaves at the top of Namsan Mountain in Seoul are a spectacular display of the hues of South Korea autumn.

Vibrant red leaves on top of Namsan Mountain during Seoul in autumn

 

5. And SUPER DUPER reds

Daedunsan is seriously a magical place to experience fall in Korea.

Daedunsan Mountain Provincial Park during fall in Korea

 



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6. And don’t forget the yellows

Don’t miss venturing to one of Seoul’s palaces to experience fall in Korea. It’s also the perfect time and location to rent hanbok in Seoul (the traditional Korean dress) for a photoshoot!

South Korea autumn leaves against Changdeokgung Palace architecture

 

7. Like these spectacular gingko biloba trees

Gingko biloba trees dot the streets of Seoul in autumn and the sight is magical.

Beautiful Nami Island in South Korea shows fall in Korea is magical

 

8. Or the vibrant orange hues

Like these magnificent orange shades cascading up Daedunsan during fall in Korea.

Daedunsan Mountain is an amazing place for autumn in South Korea

 

9. Like here at Daedunsan’s cloud bridge

The Korea autumn season is SERVING.

Daedunsan Cloud Bridge is an amazing place to experience the South Korea autumn season

 

10. (A perfect photo op, btw)

Don’t miss a chance to snap a pic on the Cloud Bridge at Daedunsan while surrounded by the colors of fall in Korea.

Daedunsan Mountain Cloud Bridge in the South Korea autumn
 

11. Or its even higher exposed staircase

Don’t look down! Daedunsan is quite high but it sure is a beautiful place to spend October in Korea to see the fall colors!

Daedunsan Mountain Staircase during fall in South Korea

 

12. And if you’re lazy, you can take the scenic cable car

Gaze down at the mesmerizing South Korea autumn colors as you make your way to Daedunsan by cable car.

Daedunsan Mountain Cable Car to see the South Korea autumn

 


The Secret to Cheap Flights
 

13. After all, the South Korea autumn leaves look just as magnificent from the sky

October in Korea is best spent at Daedunsan, for sure!

Daedunsan Park, Couples Travel for the Korea autumn season

 

14. As they do on the ground

Nami Island serving up Gingko Biloba trees galore during fall in Korea.

South Korea autumn leaves, Nami Island
 

15. Or on the tree

Seoul in autumn is magical at its palaces.

Red leaves in Changdeokgung Palace is the perfect place to experience autumn in Seoul

 

16. (Or many trees)

Nami Island, how we love spending fall in Korea with you!

South Korea Autumn in Nami Island
17. During autumn in Seoul, the palaces explode in color

Changdeokgung is absolutely gorgeous during fall in Korea!

Changdeokgung Palace's Secret Garden is the best place to experience autumn in Seoul

 

18.With colors popping against the palace architecture

Take several moments to pause and appreciate the beauty of Seoul in autumn while exploring the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung.

Changdeokgung Palace Autum Leaves in South Korea

 

19. You could just get lost in the Seoul autumn beauty

I could just take in the beauty of Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden all day, every day.

 

South Korea autumn, Changdeokgung Palace, Lauren

 

20. Or find someone else to get lost with

The Secret Garden in Changdeokgung is one of the best places to experience autumn in Seoul for a date.

Couples Travel in Chagdeokgung Palace, Seoul

 

21. To feel that warm South Korea autumn sunlight

Seoul in autumn is so dreamy.

South Korea autumn Changdeokgung

 

22. Beneath a clear blue fall sky

This is the zipline you can take to get to Nami Island to experience fall in Korea! We just took the ferry though.

Nami Island Zip Line

 

23. Wandering though some eulalia grass fields

This Eulalia grass is iconic of Jeju Island in the fall.

Jeju Island, South Korea autumn

 

 

24. Or framed by some shockingly yellow trees

Nami Island is an extremely popular place to witness the Korea fall.

Nami Island, Autumn in Korea, perfect for Couples Travel
 

 

25. You could discover the beautiful traditional architecture at Changdeokgung Palace

Pick my jaw up off the ground!

Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden, South Korea autumn

 

26. With its Secret Garden

What a dream to be in Seoul in autumn!

Lauren at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul

 

27. Holding an impressive 26,000+ trees 

You could certainly take several days to explore Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden, if you had the time.

South Korea autumn, Ben at Changdeokgung Palace

 

 

28. Some with leaves bigger than your face

Autumn Travel Destinations according to Travel Bloggers
 

29. Others perfect for twirling around

South Korea autumn Changdeokgung Secret Garden

 

Hanbok: The Art of Korean ClothingPink Silver Hanbok Korean DressPink Hanbok Korean DressGreen & Red Hanbok Korean Dress

 

30. And the rest that just plain win at life

Rent hanbok in Seoul, the traditional Korean dress, for yourself!

Hanbok at Changdeokgung Palace, South Korea autumn
 



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When is Autumn in Korea?

Autumn in Korea spans the months of September to November.

Korea in September is still quite summery and only at the end of the month begins to usher in the change to autumn season in Korea.

Note on September Korea weather: September Korea weather can be quite hot and muggy initially, with the weather cooling down towards the end of the month, so if you’re traveling during this time, pay close attention to the weather changes so you can know what kinds of clothing you should pack.

October and November will definitely cool down and become less humid as the Korea autumn takes over.

 

Changing Autumn Leaves in Korea

The bulk of the color change of the leaves during fall season in Korea is concentrated in the months of October and November.

The best time to see autumn leaves in Korea varies based on where you are in the country. However the colorful autumn leaves in Korea start emerging first in the North, and gradually move down South, so be sure to plan your travel accordingly.

In general, the most prominent autumn month in Korea is October, with most of our sites changing color during the mid and latter parts of this month.

 

Autumn Wear in Korea: What Clothes to Pack

As the weather cools throughout the months of October and November, be sure to bring appropriate autumn wear to Korea.

During the middle of the day the sun can still bring some warmth, so an autumn outfit in Korea might include a light sweater and removable items such as a scarf and beanie.

As the day wears off the nights will get even cooler, so be sure to bring a jacket that you can throw on as part of your autumn outfit in Korea.

For women, I love this North Face fall jacket, or this more affordable option.

For men, Ben loves this Columbia TurboDown Hooded fall jacket, or this more affordable option.

We’d also recommend taking advantage of the cooler weather to try out renting hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, and taking pictures around the autumn sights!

 

Stylish Autumn Fashion in Korea

If you’re looking to dress trendier for your travel, autumn fashion in Korea is very much defined by chunky knits, oversized wool coats, and mid-length pea coats for women or tailored trench coats for men.

Anatomie makes stylish, lightweight travel pants we loved for Korea in autumn, and you can see our in-depth review of their travel clothes here.

 

Fall in Korea is kicking butt and taking names. With sassy “look-at-me!” colors spread across its magnificent body, South Korea has proven itself a champ on the autumn stage. Truly, the splendor of the South Korea autumn rivals that of its beauty in summer, spring, and fall.

 

Summer

Perhaps you’ll seek seclusion at the Hidden Jeju Beach, the stunning Mount Sangbansan views of Sagye Beach, or maybe you’d prefer the more accessible Iho Beach.

You might choose to:

 

Spring

We’ve selected our top 40 photos to convince you spring in Korea is also a magical time to visit.

Jeju Island in spring comes to life with stunning canola fields and Jeju cherry blossoms.

Spring is also a gorgeous time to explore Insadong, as the temples will  be covered with lanterns and cherry blossoms.

 

Winter

Even on Jeju Island, the Hawaii of Korea, where we experienced a wild Jeju Island winter.

Winter is also the perfect time to visit Hallasan Mountain, the tallest mountain in Korea and an icon of Jeju Island.

 

Still, our years living in South Korea have shown that the most magical time is fall in Korea.

From the fantastic bursts of color to palace-frolicking, mountain-climbing and tangerine picking—there’s no shortage of mesmerizing activities to enjoy the amazing season of fall in Korea.

 

More Korea Travel Posts

Best Korean Food Dishes to Try in South Korea

Experience the best in Korean cuisine with our Korean food guide.

The Essential Guide to Everland Korea

Learn everything you need to know about visiting South Korea’s largest theme park.

O’Sullloc Tea Museum & Green Tea Fields

A thorough guide into the verdant green tea fields and tea museum on Jeju Island in South Korea.

A Day of Fun While Teaching English Abroad in Korea

Water Fun Day at the Korean private school (hagwon) we taught at, with some insight into what it’s like to teach English in Korea.

 

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30 Amazing Photos of South Korea in Autumn: With sugary cinnamon stuffed pancakes, harvest bounty, toasty drinks, cheeky mountains and near-neon autumnal hues, the South Korea autumn just won at life. If you want to visit South Korea in autumn, this is the perfect inspiration for you! Fall in Korea | fall in south korea | south korea fall | south korean fall | fall colors in korea | fall colors in south korea | jeju autumn | seoul autumn | daedunsan autumn
30 Amazing Photos of South Korea in Autumn: With sugary cinnamon stuffed pancakes, harvest bounty, toasty drinks, cheeky mountains and near-neon autumnal hues, the South Korea autumn just won at life. If you want to visit South Korea in autumn, this is the perfect inspiration for you! Fall in Korea | fall in south korea | south korea fall | south korean fall | fall colors in korea | fall colors in south korea | jeju autumn | seoul autumn | daedunsan autumn

 


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Know something that could rival fall in South Korea?

Let us know in a comment below!

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66 Comments

  • Reply
    Gracie
    at 3:19 pm

    I lived in South Korea for a year and it is really beautiful there in autumn! Now I miss those days 😊 I might visit my friends there next year 😊 Thank you for the photos, it made me re-love my moments there😊

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 3:27 am

      How lovely, Gracie! What part of South Korea did you live in?

  • Reply
    JanD
    at 11:31 pm

    Absolutely breathtaking!!!

  • Reply
    Aryane @ Valises & Gourmandises
    at 3:45 am

    Simply stunning!!! I’m very curious about South Korea and would love to visit someday.
    I had no idea that they had proper autumns. I’m from Québec and I thought we had the monopoly over dead gorgeous fall colours! After all, we’re so famous for it! 🙂

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 2:14 pm

      Ahh I have yet to see Quebec during the peak of fall! When I visited, it was at the end of November, and it looks more like winter already. I’ll have to return soon!

  • Reply
    Samarpita Sharma
    at 1:48 am

    I am sold. Never really found the idea of visiting South Korea, but these pics are so darn beautiful. This goes to my bucket list for sure!

    xoxo

    http://www.wideeyedwanderer.in

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 2:15 pm

      Autumn is easily our favorite season in South Korea (although the cherry blossoms of spring are pretty spectacular as well!).

  • Reply
    Davide uTravelShare.com
    at 6:17 am

    Nice TOP 30 pictures, breathtaking country with many stuff to do and see! I have been 4 months in South East Asia but I skipped places like China, South Korea, Japan! Thanks for sharing it

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:04 am

      You should make it back for an East Asia trip then!

  • Reply
    Phil
    at 12:17 am

    Wow, the autumn leaves looked amazing. It must be a place to see this time of the year. 🙂

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:05 am

      It really is! Autumn is definitely our favorite season in South Korea 🙂

  • Reply
    Anastasia
    at 9:57 pm

    I can’t even describe in words how I feel about these pictures – golden Autumn my absolute favourite time of the year, and while I had a chance to experience it in different countries of the world, I haven’t seen anything close to what you’ve shown here!

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:06 am

      Why thank you, Anastasia! We really made sure we didn’t miss the South Korean autumn beauty this year!

  • Reply
    Katie
    at 2:07 am

    Wow these autumn colours are fantastic! South Korea looks amazing and I will deffo think about visiting here in the Autumn, Some fantastic pics!

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:07 am

      You’d love it, Katie! We’re thinking of seeing what China has to offer for autumn next year!

  • Reply
    Nadine Rohner
    at 10:32 am

    wowwww stunning pictures – congrats. I reall love the couple pic <3 and of course the colors are so amazing!

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:08 am

      Yes the colors are spectacular! And thank you for the compliment, Nadine!

  • Reply
    Iza Abao, Two Monkeys Travel Group Writer
    at 12:32 pm

    I love your photos and just pinned this. = ) Based on your photos, Changdeokgung Palace looks like older from other palaces. Did you join a guided tour? I would probably get lost in this beautiful place.

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:10 am

      We didn’t join a guided tour because we like exploring freely when we can! I’m not sure if Changdeokgung is older but it’s the least restored and has the most original architecture!

  • Reply
    The Travel Ninjas
    at 12:44 pm

    Autumn in South Korea is definitley a life-winning event. Everything looked so warm and inviting. We just wanted to grab up a pile of leaves and toss them in the air. Riding in those cable cars must give spectacular views. Can’t wait to be visit South Korea again.

  • Reply
    Ticker Eats The World
    at 3:35 pm

    WoWZA!! beautiful photographs that capture the beauty of nature at its colorful best. The closest i’ve seen anything like this is autumn in Germany but this is by far amazing.

  • Reply
    Joanna
    at 2:33 am

    You are so lucky to have experienced such amazing autumn nature show! I love visiting a country that has all the 4 seasons, and where I can enjoy the changing of the leaves in autumn. You have witnessed some really beautiful colorful sights.

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:12 am

      Yes, South Korea is SO much more seasonal than Los Angeles! We love experiencing each season to the fullest because we can’t really do it on the same level at home!

  • Reply
    Adam, Bite of Iceland
    at 3:20 am

    So beautiful! Absolutely stunning pictures 🙂 South Korea is really high on my bucket list 🙂

  • Reply
    Awara Diaries
    at 4:21 am

    We loved South Korea when we saw a few Korean series last summer. But this post is something else! Need to explore South Korea, especially in Autumn.

    Parampara-Parichay
    http://awaradiaries.com
    India

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:14 am

      It’s truly magnificent! Thank you for the kind words, Parampara!

  • Reply
    charmaine
    at 4:29 am

    Amazing photos! What a colorful autumn in south korea! I like how you made the post simple yet catchy! It’s really a great post! Thanks for sharing! 😊

  • Reply
    Wanderlust Vegans
    at 5:35 am

    Excellent, autumn in South Korea is full of amazing colours. It looks amazing there and you really have an eye for photography. Your personality comes through in your photos.

  • Reply
    Allison
    at 7:39 am

    Autumn is such a spectacular month for taking photos. No 16 is my favourite. I love the symmetry. I’m going to have to add Allred to my list 😀

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:17 am

      Thank you, Allison! That’s one of my favorites as well 🙂

  • Reply
    Nadine Cathleen
    at 9:29 am

    I love your hat!! The nature colours are amazing… perfect for an autumn walk! South Korea is still on my travel bucket list. We wanted to go this year but then it was way too busy. So maybe 2017 we will make it 🙂

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:17 am

      It’s definitely worth the trip, Nadine! Let me know if you need any tips!

  • Reply
    Stefano uTravelShare.com
    at 1:08 am

    Stunning shots guys 🙂 last year I went to China, I was travelling across the country for 3 months and I fell in love about the people and the landscapes. In this month I’m going to move to Australia, and I’m thinking about new destinations to see around there…and after seeing your post I’ve decide to include South Korea 🙂 such an inspiration guys

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:18 am

      We’re thinking of having a similar long-term trip through China next year after the end of our teaching contract! China is such a massive country, it has so much beauty!

  • Reply
    FS
    at 2:25 am

    Wow I have always really been very curious about South Korea. I would love to visit South Korea someday that too in Autumn. Thanks a lot for sharing

  • Reply
    Jitaditya Narzary
    at 5:21 am

    Wow, amazing hues and they have been made better by your impeccable frames. I know when people talk about fall colours they mostly stick to North America but you have shown how underrated the Korean autumn has been. Whenever I make it to Korea, I will make sure that it is in autumn.

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 8:20 am

      Yes or Europe! Thank you so much for your lovely words, Jitaditya!

  • Reply
    Carla Abanes
    at 9:18 am

    Loved your photos and your captions, especially the super duper reds. SK is indeed the place to go in Asia during autumn! Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 10:48 am

      Yes the reds sure are vibrant. Thank you for the lovely words, Carla!

  • Reply
    Indrani
    at 12:03 pm

    This is a cute romantic post! 🙂 Both of you look so good and happy together.
    Autumn has magic in its air! Spring will be pale here.

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 12:11 pm

      Definitely a whole lotta magic in that South Korean autumn air!

  • Reply
    Abhinav Singh
    at 6:59 pm

    What a lovely place. Loved your pictures. South Korea has long been on my mind. After seeing your blog, I will make sure that whenever I visit it, it’s going to be in autumn. Inspiring.

  • Reply
    Jesper, The Biveros Effect
    at 10:40 pm

    Really nice photos. It does really look amazing with all of those colors. You really must have found the perfect time of the year to visit the place. 🙂

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 12:52 am

      We tried to plan it out well. Next we’ll be working for capturing the best of a South Korean spring!

  • Reply
    Mike
    at 6:46 am

    Amazing pictures and love the colours. I’d love to visit in the autumn

    • Reply
      Lauren West
      at 12:51 am

      It’s spectacular! Let us know if you need any pointers!

  • Reply
    Christina
    at 9:08 am

    Wows! I had no idea South Korea was this beautiful in Autumn. Usually when you think of fall colors you think of the northeast here in the United States. These photos though make the northeast look like nothing! Overall great pictures!

  • Reply
    Alice
    at 3:33 pm

    I went to south korea in barren January but this really makes me want to return in the fall. thanks for sharing your wonderful photos!

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 5:04 pm

    […] For a picture driven-post including our best autumn pictures throughout South Korea, check out 30 Photos That Prove the South Korea Autumn Just Won at Life […]

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    Television of Nomads
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    […] and holiday festivities brought on by that wonderful season known as winter. Autumn brought us spectacular leafy hues, mountains coated in glorious fall colors, and an onslaught of kiss-worthy romantic […]

  • Reply
    Television of Nomads
    at 2:12 pm

    […] the palaces or traditional villages in South Korea, especially for young couples in spring and autumn. In fact, wearing Korean hanbok to a palace in Seoul can get you free […]

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    Television of Nomads
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    […] know by now that South Korea packs it in with tons of things to do. If it’s autumn, South Korea wins at life, bursts in a flurry of color like at Daedunsan Mountain, and inspires kisses in its romantic […]

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    Television of Nomads
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    […] or simply marvel at the amazing view before you. With the perfect Jeju Island weather in spring or fall, you’ll have a majestic scene to view at the top of Seongsan […]

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    Television of Nomads
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    […] seasonal spectacle as grand as the country’s magical autumn, spring in Korea awakens the landscape from its winter slumber with a Korean cherry blossom […]

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