Seoraksan recorded its first autumn foliage of 2026 on September 28, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration's Gangwon office. The date was four days earlier than last year and exactly in line with the long-term average for the mountain.
KMA defines first foliage as the point when about 20% of a mountain has changed color from the summit downward. Peak foliage is recorded when roughly 80% has changed, and Seoraksan's long-term average peak date is October 17.
The weather agency is publishing foliage conditions for 21 major mountains through late November, including photographs and status updates. Its Gangwon service also combines foliage observations with trail weather and live images for Seoraksan, Odaesan, Chiaksan and Taebaeksan.