Jeju Island in Autumn: 11 Best Fall Foliage Spots
Planning a trip to Jeju in autumn? This is the season when the island truly shows off. The weather is nice, the crowds are lighter than summer, and the scenery feels like a painting.
In this travel guide, I’ll share the best places to see fall foliage in Jeju, from mountain trails to peaceful forests and coastal waterfalls.
When is autumn in Jeju?
The first thing I always check before booking Jeju in fall is timing. The colours do not appear everywhere at once. Hallasan usually changes first, and the forests and waterfalls follow a little later.
Here is what 2025 is expected to look like:
- Around October 14: The very first hints of colour show up on Hallasan at higher elevations. You will spot specks of yellow and orange if you are hiking early in the season.
- October 28 to 31: This is prime time. Trails like Yeongsil and Eorimok burst into fiery reds and golden leaves. I have been a few times, and this last week of October always feels the most magical.
- November 1 to 7: If you cannot make it in October, do not stress. The lower forests like Bijarim and Saryeoni, along with the waterfalls in Seogwipo, are still glowing. I love visiting Cheonjiyeon or Jeongbang Waterfall in early November because the leaves frame the cascades beautifully.
- Early to mid-November: By this point the mountain colours have faded, but the silver grass fields at Saebyeol Oreum come alive. This quieter window is actually one of my favourites. The crowds thin out, and you can really take in the landscape.
If you want the best mix of colour and atmosphere, plan your trip between October 28 and November 5. Keep in mind that weather can shift the timing. A warm autumn can delay the change, and a storm can strip the leaves quickly. I always check the Korea Tourism Organization’s foliage forecast before finalising dates.
Best fall foliage spots in Jeju
Hallasan (Yeongsil, Eorimok, Seongpanak–Gwaneumsa)
Hallasan is the star of Jeju in autumn. If you’ve only got time for one hike, this is where you should go. The colors usually show up here first, and the views are unbeatable.
- Yeongsil Trail is my favorite when I want something shorter. You start in a shaded forest, and then suddenly the world opens up into cliffs and ridges. In late October the cliffs covered in maples and ginkgo look incredible.
- Eorimok Trail is a bit longer, but I love it because you get a little bit of everything. There’re forest paths, wide-open views, and plenty of photo stops. Sometimes I go up Eorimok and come down Yeongsil so I don’t miss either.
- Seongpanak to Gwaneumsa is the big one. It’s a full-day hike to the summit and Baengnokdam crater lake. The first half feels manageable but the second half is steeper and rocky. But standing at the top surrounded by autumn colors? Totally worth it.
If you’re planning Hallasan, start early. Morning light makes everything glow, and you’ll have enough time to reach the turn-back points without rushing.
Jeongbang Waterfall
Jeongbang Waterfall is one of my favorite places to visit in Jeju.
It’s the only waterfall in Korea that drops straight into the ocean, and that alone is worth the visit. Add in autumn leaves clinging to the cliffs and you’ve got a seriously dramatic scene.
The path down teases you with little glimpses of water before the full reveal.
At the bottom, you can clamber over the rocks and feel the spray on your face. If it’s rained recently, the roar is so loud you’ll hear it before you see it.
Saryeoni Forest Path
Saryeoni Forest Path is one of my favorite spots for a slow autumn walk in Jeju. The trail is flat and wide, lined with cedar and oak trees that seem to stretch forever.
In October, the canopy turns shades of orange and gold, and the sunlight slipping through is memorable.
I like to take my time here. You can stroll, breathe in the crisp air, and really enjoy the calm side of Jeju in autumn. If you bring a snack or a drink, there are plenty of spots to pause and soak up the scenery.
Bijarim Forest
If you want an easy walk with big autumn vibes, Bijarim Forest is a must. The 3.3 km loop is flat and perfect for all ages, so you don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy it.
What makes it special are the ancient nutmeg yew trees, with some are over 500 years old. In fall, their golden leaves stand out against the deep red volcanic soil, and it looks like something out of a painting.
I always recommend walking the full loop. It’s short enough, and you’ll get more variety as the forest shifts around you.
Don’t miss the “Love Nutmeg Tree,” where two trunks twist together. And stop by a nearby café or something warm before continuing.
Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
Jeolmul is such a gem if you’re based in Jeju City and don’t want to drive far. The first time I went, I couldn’t believe how quiet it felt even though it’s so close to town.
You step inside and suddenly you’re surrounded by towering cedar trees, with Jeolmul Oreum waiting to be climbed.
The promenade is great if you just want something light, but I like to climb the Oreum when I’ve got a bit more energy.
The hike isn’t long, but it does get your legs working. At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Jeju City and the ocean in the distance.
On the way back down, I usually pause by the little pond or the grassy square to soak in the calm before heading out. If you’re looking for Jeju autumn foliage without a big commitment, this is the perfect stop.
Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest
Seogwipo Forest feels completely different from Jeolmul. It sits higher up in the mountains, which means cooler air and denser trees.
Even the drive there is beautiful. I always end up pulling over at a curve or two just to enjoy the view of Seogwipo town and the sea stretching out below.
Once you’re in the forest, life slows down. The loop trails wind through thick woods, and in autumn the colors are bold and vibrant.
Halla Arboretum
Halla Arboretum is perfect when you want a taste of Jeju fall foliage without leaving the city.
It’s right in Jeju City, so it’s one of the easiest places to fit into a busy day. Inside, you’ll find more than a thousand plant species, plus themed gardens, forest trails, and even indoor spaces if the weather changes.
I love the 1.7 km forest path. In late October, the maples glow, and if you go in the afternoon the golden light makes everything look extra warm. It’s an easy walk but always feels refreshing.
Since it’s close to town, I usually pair it with a café stop afterward. The area around the arboretum has plenty of cozy places for coffee.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Cheonjiyeon feels completely different from Jeongbang. While Jeongbang is wild and dramatic, Cheonjiyeon is calm and peaceful.
The walk to the falls is short and flat, so it’s perfect if you want something easy. You’ll pass streams, little bridges, and plenty of spots where the trees reflect beautifully in the water.
In autumn, the pond at the base of the waterfall mirrors the red and gold leaves, and it’s stunning for photos.
I love coming here just before sunset. The leaves are glowing, the air cools down, and then the lights come on around the falls.
Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls
Cheonjeyeon is more of an adventure compared to the other two. Instead of one waterfall, you get three, each deeper into the forest.
The trail winds past crystal pools, and the trees show off some of Jeju’s brightest autumn colors in late October. After rain, the water is stronger, and the sound fills the whole valley.
I usually start at the first waterfall and take my time moving toward the second and third.
One of the highlights is the Seonimgyo Bridge. It’s decorated with carvings of seven nymphs from local legend. Also the view from the middle of the bridge is incredible. You’ll see autumn leaves below and waterfalls in the distance.
Ecoland Forest Train
Want something relaxed but still scenic? Ecoland Forest Train is a fun option.
It’s set inside the Gotjawal forest, and you ride a vintage-style train that makes stops at little stations, with gardens, lakes, and picnic spots along the way.
The ride itself is great. The train rattles through tunnels of trees, and in autumn the leaves glow golden as the sunlight filters through.
I like to hop off at a couple of stations just to wander. The lakeside is especially nice for photos, and it’s a great choice if you want to enjoy Jeju fall foliage without a long hike.
Saebyeol Oreum
Saebyeol Oreum is one of the most famous places to see autumn in Jeju. The hill is covered in silver grass, and when the season peaks in late October and early November, the fields catch the afternoon sun and turn golden.
From the top, you can see both Hallasan and the ocean. It feels like the island is laid out right in front of you.
The climb is short, about 1.4 km, but it does get steep in parts. I usually time my visit for late afternoon so I can stay for sunset.
Tips for visiting Jeju island in autumn
After a few autumn trips to Jeju Island, I’ve picked up some tips that always make things smoother:
- Check the foliage forecast. I never book without looking at the Korea Tourism Organization’s weekly updates. It helps me time the colors so I don’t show up too early or too late.
- Pack layers. I’ve learned that mornings can be crisp, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly again. Check my What to wear in autumn for more tips.
- Go early. I like starting my hikes in the morning as the trails are quieter, and I don’t feel rushed to beat the crowds.
- Bring some cash. A lot of the waterfalls and forest parks charge small entrance fees.
- Wear the right shoes. Volcanic soil can stain light colors, and rocks near waterfalls get slippery. Sneakers with grip are usually the best choice.
- Avoid weekends if you can. I once went to Saebyeol Oreum on a Saturday, and it felt like half the island was there with me. Weekdays are so much calmer.
Before you go
Jeju in autumn is honestly one of the most beautiful trips you can plan in Korea. Between the red leaves on Hallasan, peaceful forest paths, and those golden silver grass fields, it feels like the whole island transforms for the season.
Before you set your dates, I always recommend checking the best time to visit Korea so you know what to expect with weather and crowds.
If you’re planning to see more of Korea, my Seoul in autumn guide is packed with ideas for fall colors in the city.
For travelers who like mixing in a bit of everything, my Jeju 3-day itinerary balances foliage, beaches, and cafés.
