This year’s autumn foliage is expected to begin late this month in the mountainous Gangwon Province. The leaves will turn a couple of days later than usual due to higher-than-average temperatures and low rainfall during the summer, the Korea Meteorological Administration said.

According to the KMA, leaves will start to show color on Mount Seoraksan on Sept. 28, Mount Odaesan on Oct. 3 and Mount Chiaksan on Oct. 8.

Mount Seoraksan and other popular destinations across the nation attract a large number of visitors during the autumn foliage season.

The peak time for foliage usually comes two weeks after the first appearance of autumn foliage.

This year, Korean hikers will be able to enjoy the prettiest autumn colors in Mount Seoraksan on Oct. 18, Mount Odaesan on Oct. 19 and in Mount Chiaksan on Oct. 25.

The KMA said the higher-than-average temperatures have delayed the autumn foliage in recent years, with peak colors starting to form an average 2 1/2 days later each year.