Late Autumn Arrives... This Year's Fall Foliage Peaks Next Month, "Timing Gradually Delaying"

This fall, the autumn foliage is expected to peak later than usual next month.

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The Korea Forest Service announced this year's autumn foliage forecast map on the 23rd.

The foliage map is published annually based on phenological data observed at the National Arboretum, nine regional public arboretums, and 112 locations nationwide, as well as mountain weather information from the National Institute of Forest Science.

According to the foliage map, the peak foliage dates by tree species this year are predicted as follows: ▲ Oak species on October 28 ▲ Maple species on October 29 ▲ Ginkgo on October 31.

Although there are regional differences, the Korea Forest Service expects that, overall, the foliage will be seen somewhat later than last year.

In particular, the peak foliage of the Quercus mongolica (Shingal oak) is expected to be about five days later compared to the past two years, according to the Korea Forest Service's observation.

This is attributed to the average temperature from June to August being 1.3 degrees Celsius higher than the average temperature from 2009 to 2023. It is also analyzed that geographical factors such as latitude and altitude, as well as abnormal climate phenomena like heatwaves and heavy rain, have caused noticeable regional differences.

Over the past 10 years, the peak foliage dates by species have tended to be delayed annually by 0.39 days for maple species, 0.44 days for oak species, and 0.45 days for ginkgo.

Choi Young-tae, Director of Forest Protection at the Korea Forest Service, said, “Due to climate change and the prolonged late summer heat, the peak foliage period is expected to be delayed this year. The Korea Forest Service plans to gradually expand observation points and target species using the National Forest Ecology Management Centers nationwide to improve the accuracy of the forecast map.”

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