The News, Explained
Kakao announced KakaoMap’s autumn foliage map on October 19, 2026. It covers 65 autumn-leaf and ginkgo destinations across Korea, including the Bangye-ri ginkgo tree in Wonju, Nami Island in Chuncheon and Seoul Forest, with foliage status for each location. Source
In the KakaoMap app, search for “단풍 지도” or tap the button with that Korean label below the search box. Maple-leaf and ginkgo-leaf icons distinguish the locations. The three displayed stages are “단풍 전” (before leaves change), “첫 단풍” (first autumn colour) and “절정” (peak), placing a destination’s name alongside its reported stage. Source
Tapping a marker opens place details with the address, parking information and website. The map also introduces autumn walking routes selected by footwear brand LeMouton. Readers can narrow their destination choices by stage, then follow through to practical place information. Source
Review and social-sharing promotions begin October 23. Visitors who go to a listed location, write a KakaoMap review and submit its link through the event page enter a draw for 30 Baemin mobile vouchers worth KRW 30,000 each. The sharing event offers 100 MegaMGC Coffee mobile vouchers worth KRW 10,000 each. Entrants post a screenshot of the foliage map to social media and submit the post link. Entering either event also provides a chance to receive LeMouton shoes. Kakao directs readers to the in-app event page for detailed entry instructions. Source
OYOPICK’s Take
The useful comparison here pairs a familiar destination with its displayed leaf stage. Choosing somewhere marked at peak or somewhere just beginning to change could produce different shortlists from the same 65 places. Following those choices through to parking information makes the plan more concrete.
Because foliage information is time-sensitive, we would welcome clear observation or update dates alongside the stages. How well a reader can connect the displayed condition to the intended visit date will be an important measure of this seasonal map’s practical value.