Bhavika Sachan, Delhi
Are you looking for a South Korean forest to visit to enjoy its spectacular view at its seasonal peak? The search stops now!
Known for its neat, subtle, and distinct seasonal variations, South Korea’s floral diversity is inexplicably and beautifully arranged across the four seasons. The land blooms with delightful shades of colours, ranging from the powdery pink of spring and the muggy summer green to the crisp golden and ashen autumn and the soft white of winter. While we all await the splashes of festivals and vacations to plan quality trips, add these forests to your must-visit travel list and have fun soul-searching in the deep depths of South Korean aesthetics!
Picture Credits: Visit Seoul
Seoul Forest (Spring)
Seoul Forest, named after the capital of South Korea, has undergone many transitions from being a hunting ground for the past kings, the first water treatment facility in the city to the present eco-friendly city park. This place is popular for its cherry blossoms during spring and a festival called Cherry Blossoms Festival is organized here for tourists and visitors to fully relish the vibes and make the viewing more relaxed and fun. With baskets full of homemade cookies, fresh fruits, cheese, and bottles of soju, Seoul Forest is the best place to have a picnic with friends and family!
Picture Credits: VISITKOREA
Bijarim Forest (Summer)
Bijarim Forest stands tall in its uniqueness and greenery where nearly 2800 Torreyas, which are around 500-800 years old, prevent light from falling on earth, thereby making the path cool, breezy, and wet. Located in Jeju Island, this is the first forest park to be established. Home to a large colony of nutmegs and rare orchid species, the trees emit phytoncide which strengthens and improves the natural healing ability of the human body. This place is a must-visit during summer to relax and meditate in the subtle ambiance. The visceral scents of the forest add intensity to its mysterious landscape. Don’t forget to take your favorite book when you visit this forest!
Picture Credits: VISITKOREA
Naejangsan National Park (Autumn)
Considered as one of the best spots to relish the autumn foliage in South Korea, Mount Naejang and its forestry terrain turn breathtakingly beautiful in the autumn hues of crimson, orange, and yellow. Naejangsan National Park, with its 600-year-old nutmeg trees and numerous waterfalls, is situated near Jeong-up (a city in North Jeolla Province). The footpath, enveloped by the vibrant hues of autumn-leaved trees, creates a captivating canopy leading from the Hiking Information Centre to Naejangsa Temple—one of the prominent Buddhist temples in the area. This trail is highly favored by both adventurous hikers and those seeking a leisurely stroll. For photography enthusiasts exploring Naejangsan, key highlights include the Illjumun Gate, the picturesque Uhwajeong Pavilion, and the enchanting Sinsun Waterfall.
Picture Credits: VISITKOREA
Wondaeri Birch Forest (Winter)
The perfect place to make snowmen, play hide-and-seek, and have snow fights is Wondaeri Birch Forest. The tall and naked birches remind one of the eponymous poems by Robert Frost which gives a wholesome description of the trees loaded with ice on sunny winter mornings, melting the snow-crust away. The romanticization of childhood innocence and winter beauty fits perfectly in the role of this forest as a ‘children’s forest experience center.’ Reforested with approximately 690,000 trees, the forest is a tranquil haven in the Gangwon Province of South Korea which gets covered with pristine snow in winter. For nature lovers and environmental enthusiasts, this is one of the best places to enjoy snowfall.
Picture Credits: VISITKOREA
Ahopsan Forest (Evergreen)
This forest in Busan is home to a large number of bamboo trees, especially the Tortoise Shell Bamboo. Spring is the best time to witness the growth of fresh bamboo shoots. This forest remains green throughout the year and is one of the best places for hiking. This place is a popular spot for filming Korean dramas and movies. For instance, the Korean drama, The King: Eternal Monarch, was shot in the midst of these beautiful and tall trees. The gate used as a prop in the drama still stands as a photography point in the forest. This forest is a must-visit for all K-drama lovers who get an opportunity to indulge themselves in the fantasy world of their favorite superstars.
Picture Credits: VISITKOREA
There are many more forests in South Korea with myriad roles and functions, adding to the beauty and eco-diversity of the country. However, these five forests feature among the best places to enjoy the scenic seasonal transitions of the country. I hope this article helps in planning your travel itinerary to South Korea!
Do let us know your top 5 places to visit in South Korea in the comments below!
Wanna visit all thz places soon🥰
very beautiful
Thank you!
Excellent article, and my Top 5 favorite place s to visit in South Korea is Busan, Jeonju Hanok Village, Sokcho, Yeosu, Gangnam, Jeju island.
Adding to my wish list 👀
Congratulations 🎊 and its a great article
After reading the article I really want to visit Seoul and Ahopsan Forest. I never knew there were so many forests in Korea.
Would love to visit!!😍
Congratulations Bhavika. What an article. Loved all the insights and I didn’t know South Korea has variety when it comes to nature ❤️
Wanna go there one day!!
Would love to visit them someday!!
I think I will have to reconsider my Top 5 places. But some of them is definitely Jeju Island, Myeongdong for the food and Namsan Tower. Also, Daegu for the ultimate chicken experience.
Wooooww it’s s very good article… will surely add these to my list.
Great to know!!
Wow so beautiful 😍
Splendid 🤩⚘️
I’m adding it in my bucket list😍
Glad to know!!
I felt like I’m in my dreamland after reading the article hoping to visit all of these places
am glad I pulled you in a trance! Thank you for the read!
Would love to vist them someday ,well written article 🤩👏👏
Thank you!!
Majestic 🤩 I really need a vacation 😭
Even I need a vacation!
Amazing……. ❤
___Sonia
Amazing 😍
Would love to visit these lovely places in the near future ❤️❤️❤️ – Shivani Singh Chhaunkar
I had no clue South Korea had such gorgeous forests😍❤They’re definitely on my must-visit list now🙌
I am glad this helped you form your bucket list!!
Wow!!!
Sabitri
Look at this list !
Why was this list not created pehle 🙈🙈🙈
Such interesting article!
They look extremely beautiful.. I love forests they’re so adventurous would love to visit the Wondaeri Birch Forest also imagining the place while keeping Robert Frost’s poem in mind is just too epic❤️
Absolutely! A must visit!
A well detailed article, I believe it will not help to many visitors who are planning to visit these places but also make others to plan to visit these sites soon 🫶🏻
Wanna visit all of them!
Amazing❤️
These forests would be a great break from the busy bustling life of cities.
Going to visit all this place, and very interesting article
I love nature
Ethereal beauty
beautifull
Wow, South Korea’s forests are absolutely breathtaking! I love how each season brings its own vibe, from cherry blossoms in Seoul Forest to the serene snow in Wondaeri Birch Forest. As a K-drama fan, Ahopsan Forest is definitely on my bucket list too. Can’t wait to explore these scenic spots and soak in the seasonal beauty!
I think I might need to rethink my Top 5 places to visit, but a few spots are definitely at the top of my list. Jeju Island for its natural beauty, Myeongdong for the amazing food, and Namsan Tower for the views are must-visits. I’d also include Daegu for the ultimate chicken experience it sounds too good to miss. There are so many incredible places in South Korea, it’s hard to narrow it down!