Jeollanam-do Province has selected four scenic forest trails as recommended destinations for May, offering visitors a chance to experience the refreshing greenery and healing atmosphere of the season. The selected locations are the Metasequoia Tree Road in Damyang, Gurye Arboretum, Mudeungsan Cypress Forest Recreation Area in Hwasun, and the Healing Forest in Jangseong.
A Walk Through a Green Tunnel – Damyang Metasequoia Tree Road
First planted in 1972, the Metasequoia Tree Road in Damyang is lined with approximately 2,000 towering trees, each about 20 meters tall, stretching 8.5 kilometers along both sides of the road. In May, the lush green canopy forms a tunnel-like path that offers a peaceful and healing walking experience. Popular as a driving route, the road also attracts pedestrians and photographers alike. Nearby attractions include small art galleries, cafes, and bike rental shops.
A Garden of Diversity and Discovery – Gurye Arboretum
Gurye Arboretum, the first public arboretum in Jeollanam-do, features 13 themed gardens such as the Azalea Garden, Spring Fragrance Garden, and Shaded Garden, along with a greenhouse and seed education center. Seasonal flowers and trees create ever-changing landscapes, providing unique walking experiences throughout the year. The arboretum also offers nature-based programs such as observing frog eggs and making leaf boats, which are especially popular among children and students.
Breathing in Nature’s Freshness – Mudeungsan Cypress Forest in Hwasun
The Mudeungsan Cypress Forest Recreation Area in Hwasun is home to 40-year-old cypress and cedar trees, creating a dense, fragrant forest. The phytoncide-rich air offers a refreshing escape from daily fatigue. The site includes log cabins, a sledding hill, and a water playground, making it ideal for family gatherings, school trips, company retreats, and seminars. Lodging reservations can be made through the Korea Forest Service’s integrated website, “Forest Trip” (숲나들e).
Healing in Nature’s Embrace – Jangseong Healing Forest
Jangseong Healing Forest was created by independence activist Lim Jong-guk over two decades on the once-barren slopes of Chukryeongsan, following the Korean War. Now the largest artificial forest in Korea, it features gentle slopes ideal for walking. The forest includes six themed trails such as the Forest Scent Trail, Oxygen Trail, and Health Trail. At the National Jangseong Forest Center, visitors can participate in forest healing programs like making cypress bracelets, Nordic walking, and forest yoga.
Shim Woo-jung, director of tourism at Jeollanam-do, said, “Jeollanam-do’s forest trails offer a healing experience simply by walking through the lush trees and flowers,” adding, “We hope visitors will find peace of mind and body while enjoying the vibrant greenery of May.
Source: Jeollanam-do Provincial Government
Jeollanam-do Province has selected four scenic forest trails as recommended destinations for May, offering visitors a chance to experience the refreshing greenery and healing atmosphere of the season. The selected locations are the Metasequoia Tree Road in Damyang, Gurye Arboretum, Mudeungsan Cypress Forest Recreation Area in Hwasun, and the Healing Forest in Jangseong.
A Walk Through a Green Tunnel – Damyang Metasequoia Tree Road
First planted in 1972, the Metasequoia Tree Road in Damyang is lined with approximately 2,000 towering trees, each about 20 meters tall, stretching 8.5 kilometers along both sides of the road. In May, the lush green canopy forms a tunnel-like path that offers a peaceful and healing walking experience. Popular as a driving route, the road also attracts pedestrians and photographers alike. Nearby attractions include small art galleries, cafes, and bike rental shops.
A Garden of Diversity and Discovery – Gurye Arboretum
Gurye Arboretum, the first public arboretum in Jeollanam-do, features 13 themed gardens such as the Azalea Garden, Spring Fragrance Garden, and Shaded Garden, along with a greenhouse and seed education center. Seasonal flowers and trees create ever-changing landscapes, providing unique walking experiences throughout the year. The arboretum also offers nature-based programs such as observing frog eggs and making leaf boats, which are especially popular among children and students.
Breathing in Nature’s Freshness – Mudeungsan Cypress Forest in Hwasun
The Mudeungsan Cypress Forest Recreation Area in Hwasun is home to 40-year-old cypress and cedar trees, creating a dense, fragrant forest. The phytoncide-rich air offers a refreshing escape from daily fatigue. The site includes log cabins, a sledding hill, and a water playground, making it ideal for family gatherings, school trips, company retreats, and seminars. Lodging reservations can be made through the Korea Forest Service’s integrated website, “Forest Trip” (숲나들e).
Healing in Nature’s Embrace – Jangseong Healing Forest
Jangseong Healing Forest was created by independence activist Lim Jong-guk over two decades on the once-barren slopes of Chukryeongsan, following the Korean War. Now the largest artificial forest in Korea, it features gentle slopes ideal for walking. The forest includes six themed trails such as the Forest Scent Trail, Oxygen Trail, and Health Trail. At the National Jangseong Forest Center, visitors can participate in forest healing programs like making cypress bracelets, Nordic walking, and forest yoga.
Shim Woo-jung, director of tourism at Jeollanam-do, said, “Jeollanam-do’s forest trails offer a healing experience simply by walking through the lush trees and flowers,” adding, “We hope visitors will find peace of mind and body while enjoying the vibrant greenery of May.
Source: Jeollanam-do Provincial Government