Spring comes earlier, autumn foliage later as climate change alters forests
If you are planning a fall foliage trip this year, you may need to set off a little later than expected. The peak autumn foliage season is forecast to arrive later than usual. According to the Korea Forest Service, fall colors will spread gradually from the central to southern regions, starting with Mount Seorak on Oct. 20. Foliage is expected to reach its peak nationwide only in late October,…
If you plan to visit Korea for the fall foliage experience this year, it seems you might need to adjust your schedule. The Korea Forest Service predicts that the peak autumn colors will lag behind the usual timeline. Starting from Mount Seorak on October 20, the vibrant hues are anticipated to gradually spread from the central to the southern parts of the country.
Nationwide, the peak foliage season is projected for late October, with specific peak dates expected at Mount Songni (October 28), Mount Naejang (November 4), and Mount Halla (November 6). On average, maples and oaks nationwide are expected to reach their peak on October 31, which is approximately 0.8 days later than the average peak date over the past five years.
This delayed foliage season is part of a broader pattern observed in Korea's forests. As temperatures continue to rise, spring is arriving earlier, while autumn is pushing later, a trend that researchers have consistently documented in Korean forests. The natural rhythms that we have long relied upon are indeed undergoing a transformation.
A 2021 study conducted by researchers at the Korea National Arboretum and Seoul National University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies analyzed 25 different species to reveal these shifting seasonal patterns.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
