[DiaryPoint=Reporter Choi Seung-jin] Search a street address or place in the Korea National Arboretum’s “2026 Korean Peninsula Fall Foliage Peak Search Service” to see the estimated peak date for that area. The “2026 Foliage Love Project,” which invites people to document changing leaves on their smartphones, is open through November 21.
To use the service, go to the plant phenology observation web service in the National Species Knowledge and Information System and select “Seasonal Forecast” under “Observation Records.” Enter an address or select a spot on the map to see the estimated foliage date. A city or county map also lets you compare timing across different parts of the area.
The results are forecasts from a statistical model (QRF) using weather data. The Korea National Arboretum puts the accuracy of its peak-date forecasts at about 70%, so they can serve as a guide when planning an outing. “Peak” is defined as the point when at least 50% of a tree’s leaves have changed color.
The Foliage Love Project is a public participation program for photographing and recording fall color in plants observed along neighborhood streets, in local parks and at arboretums. Visit the mobile plant phenology observation service, register as a citizen scientist, then submit an observation in the “Plant Observation” section with the plant’s name and details such as its leaves, flowers or fruit.
The 12,211 foliage photos collected in last year’s project were used as source data for this year’s peak foliage search service. This year’s observations are also expected to support analysis of foliage changes by region and species, as well as broader seasonal changes in plants. The project closes November 21.