Demand for South Korea Holidays Rises 167% as Autumn Foliage Season Gets Underway

Bookings for Riviera Travel's Highlights of South Korea tour have increased 167% year-on-year, while views of the operator's South Korea tour pages have risen 89%, as interest in the East Asian destination continues to grow.

Photo credit: Riviera Travel

The trend reflects wider growth in South Korea's tourism sector. According to UN Tourism, international visitor arrivals to South Korea increased by 21.3% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

October and November bring autumn colour to national parks, historic cities and royal palace grounds across South Korea.

In Seoraksan National Park, autumn foliage frames granite peaks and forested valleys, while Naejangsan National Park is known for its maple forests. In Seoul, ginkgo trees line the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, while the historic city of Gyeongju combines temples, royal tombs and archaeological sites with seasonal colour.

Christian Locke, Head of Long Haul Product at Riviera Travel, said: "We've seen significant growth in interest in South Korea over the past year, both in bookings and online research. An autumn visit offers a different perspective on South Korea, with seasonal colour providing a backdrop to exploring the country's history and landscapes. South Korea, much like Japan, combines dramatic landscapes and traditional culture with the ultra-modern. On a single itinerary, you can experience royal palaces, ornate temples, local markets, bustling coastal cities, high mountains and high-speed 'bullet' train journeys."

South Korea's autumn highlights

Some of the country's best-known locations for autumn colour include:

• Seoraksan National Park

• Naejangsan National Park

• Gyeongju

• Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

• Nami Island