Travel
Autumn foliage in Korea’s Seoraksan Mountain delayed by prolonged summer heat
haps magazine korea
October 9, 2024
()
The first signs of autumn foliage on Seoraksan Mountain began on October 4th, six days later than the average and four days later than last year, due to lingering summer heat.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the delay is attributed to higher-than-average temperatures in September. The average daily minimum temperature in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, was 17.6’C — well above the usual 15.2’C.
Autumn foliage in Seoraksan typically starts when 20% of the trees at the mountain’s peak show color, with the peak occurring when 80% have turned.
This year, the peak foliage is expected around October 23rd, compared to last year’s peak on October 17th.
The KMA has observed a consistent trend of delayed foliage over the past three years, likely due to rising temperatures.
The current foliage status for 21 major mountains, including Seoraksan, can be viewed in the “Seasonal Observation” section on the KMA’s Weather Nuri website.