560-Year-Old Gwangneung Forest, 'Garden Belt' Reopens! 🍂 Enjoy the Peak Autumn Foliage at the National Arboretum for Healing! (Reservation, Parking Tips)
Although the unusually severe torrential rains last summer severed the forest paths, autumn is always a season of recovery. The Korea Forest Service National Arboretum has completed the restoration of the damaged 'Garden Belt' in Gwangneung Forest and reopens its paths today (October 21st)! This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the vibrant autumn leaves in Gwangneung Forest, a 560-year-old forest recognized by UNESCO! Here are all the tips for enjoying autumn in Gwangneung Forest National Arboretum.
1. 🚶♀️ Gwangneung Forest 'Garden Belt' Reopens! Walk the 3.2km Autumn Leaf Path
The 'Garden Belt' in Gwangneung Forest, which was damaged by extreme heavy rainfall last July, has completed its restoration work and returned to the public on October 21st.
- Value of the Path: The total 3.2km deck path along the Bongseonsa Stream leading to the National Arboretum is an attractive walking trail that is close to the city center yet allows one to feel the tranquility of the forest. Visited by about 900,000 people annually, this place is filled with cherry blossoms in spring, green shade in summer, and dazzling autumn foliage in fall.
- Emergency Restoration: The National Arboretum quickly allocated disaster relief funds, expedited the design, and completed the restoration, reopening the path just in time for the peak autumn foliage season.
2. 🌳 560-Year-Old Gwangneung Forest, a Treasury of Ecology Recognized by UNESCO
Gwangneung Forest is not just a forest. This place, home to King Sejo of Joseon's tomb, is a primeval forest preserved for over 560 years and a treasury of ecology recognized by UNESCO.
- Biodiversity: According to National Arboretum surveys, 6,596 species of organisms have been identified.
- UNESCO Designation: In 2010, its ecological value was recognized, and it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Autumn Spectacle: In autumn, red, orange, and golden autumn leaves create a magnificent spectacle around Soribong Peak. This forest feels like a special space, a 'living entity of time,' beyond mere nature.
3. 🍁 When is the Peak Autumn Foliage in Gwangneung Forest in 2025?
- Autumn Foliage Peak Prediction: The peak autumn foliage in Gwangneung Forest this fall is predicted to be **October 29th-31st**.
- Healing Walk: At the doorstep of autumn's end, walking along the 'Garden Belt' will offer a healing experience where the relationship between people and the forest recovers, along with the restored path.
4. 🌿 Gwangneung Forest National Arboretum Visit Information (Parking, Reservation, Entrance Fee)
- Address: 509 Gwangneung Arboretum-ro, Soheul-eup, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Operating Hours:
- April-October: 09:00~18:00
- November-March: 09:00~17:00
- Closed every Monday
- Entrance Fee: Adult 1,000 KRW / Youth 700 KRW / Child 500 KRW / Infant Free (Enjoy without burden at an affordable price.)
- (Important!) Parking Reservation Tip:
- Advance Reservation Required: Parking is **only available for vehicles with advance reservations**. (9:00 AM-1:00 PM / 1:00 PM-6:00 PM, up to 300 vehicles can be reserved for each slot.)
- Naver Reservation or Official Website: You can make advance reservations on Naver Reservation or the National Arboretum's official website.
- Aim for Same-Day Cancelled Tickets: The official website reflects cancelled tickets in real-time, allowing for same-day reservations.
- Prohibited Items: Many items are prohibited, such as collecting tools, tents, alcoholic beverages, kickboards, tripods, and bubble wands. Please check before visiting. (Pets not allowed.)
- Facilities: Restrooms, free locker services, and beverage vending machines are available at the entrance near the ticket office.
- Map Usage: Given the large scale, it is advisable to get a free map at the entrance or use an online map by requesting it in the comments.
5. 🌲 Hidden Gem of the National Arboretum: The 'Secret Garden'
The 'Secret Garden' of the National Arboretum, opened last October, is a mysterious place untouched by human feet for 560 years.
- Mysterious Landscape: Passing through a log gate and crossing a stream reveals a dense forest of fir trees, hornbeams, and sawtooth oaks, as well as a gigantic 350-year-old chestnut tree, the oldest in Korea.
- Exploration Method: To protect nature, it is operated only as **guided tours with a forest guide**.
- Tour Time and Participants:
- Weekdays (Tuesday-Friday): 1 session per day (10:00 AM)
- Weekends (Saturday-Sunday): 2 sessions per day (10:00 AM, 2:00 PM)
- Each session allows **only 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis for on-site registration**. (Be sure to experience it when visiting during autumn foliage season!)
6. ☕ Relaxation in the Forest: Gwangneung National Arboretum Cafe
Near Yukrimho Lake within the arboretum, there is a cozy cafe with wooden interiors.
- Lake View Terrace: You can spend leisurely time enjoying the beautiful lake view from the outdoor terrace.
- Menu: Enjoy various beverages like coffee, juice, ade, tea, and smoothies, as well as desserts like cakes and cookies. (Iced Americano 5,000 KRW, many praise the coffee taste.)
Gwangneung Forest National Arboretum, located an hour from Seoul, is a healing destination where you can enjoy a 3-million-pyeong natural forest, various exhibition gardens, museums, greenhouses, and a forest cafe for an affordable entrance fee. Especially, coinciding with the predicted peak autumn foliage from October 29th-31st, why not walk along the re-opened 'Garden Belt' on a beautiful 560-year-old forest path and relieve the stresses of daily life? Advance parking reservations are essential, so don't forget!
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