National Jangseong Healing Forest (Chukryeongsan Cedar and Cypress Forest): A desolate bald mountain, became a miraculous green heart
Have you ever imagined? The story of an individual who planted a whopping 2.5 million trees on a devastated mountain, creating a miraculous forest. You can experience this incredible site of great history firsthand in Jangseong, Jeollanam-do. This is the story of the Jangseong National Healing Forest (Chukryeongsan Cypress and Hinoki Cypress Forest).
Chukryeongsan, which had become a barren mountain due to indiscriminate logging during the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, was despair itself. However, through the devoted efforts of the independent forester Lim Jong-guk over 34 years, this place was reborn as Korea’s most lush hinoki cypress forest. This forest, imbued with his noble spirit, has now become a special place that offers comfort and healing to tired modern people.
If you want to feel nature with your whole body in the air full of Phytoncide, immerse yourself in the healing magic offered by the lush hinoki cypress forest. This is not just a forest, but a living history created by someone’s sweat and wishes, and a resting place that will bring us deep peace.
The Birth of a Green Miracle, Imbued with One Man’s 34 Years of Wishes
The Jangseong National Healing Forest (Chukryeongsan Cypress and Hinoki Cypress Forest) is not just an old forest. It holds an astonishing story of an individual who dedicated his entire life to its creation. For 34 long years, starting in 1956, Lim Jong-guk personally planted approximately 2.5 million trees, including cypress, hinoki cypress, and larch, in the barren areas of Chukryeongsan. His dedication, achieved in the harsh conditions of the time, became the foundation of the lush forest we enjoy today.
Here, 40 to 60-year-old hinoki cypress and cypress trees soar as if piercing the sky, boasting a vast evergreen forest area of 1,148 hectares, equivalent to approximately 1,600 soccer fields. Currently, the Korea Forest Service has acquired part of the forest (388 ha) and continues its sustainable management, nurturing it as a precious legacy to pass on to future generations. As you walk through the forest, you will realize what a profound change one person’s effort can bring about.
The Dignity of Green Healing That Soothes Body and Mind
The special reason for the Jangseong National Healing Forest (Chukryeongsan Cypress and Hinoki Cypress Forest) lies in its power of ‘healing’. The abundant phytoncides emitted from hinoki cypress trees are known to have excellent effects on stress relief, immune system enhancement, and mental and physical stability. This place has been created as a ‘healing forest’ that goes beyond simple walking trails, helping visitors lead healthy lives through various programs such as forest bathing, forest experiences, and forest therapy.
Healing Forest, What Experiences Can You Have?
- Forest Bathing: Stimulate your five senses by walking through the forest, breathing in the air filled with hinoki cypress scent, and listening to the clear birdsong and the sound of the wind.
- Forest Experience: Learn about the forest’s ecosystem with a forest guide and interact with nature by participating in various activities using natural materials.
- Forest Healing Program: Restore the balance of your body and mind through systematic healing activities such as meditation, relaxation, and walking with a professional forest healing instructor. (Advance reservation and paid/free status vary by program)
The 10 km long forest road, created for forest management and visitor convenience, has gentle slopes that allow anyone to easily enter deep into the forest. As you walk along this path, you will gradually feel the deep-seated fatigue in your mind melting away.
A Forest Vacation for Me, The Complete Guide to Jangseong National Healing Forest
Klook.comDirections to Jangseong National Healing Forest
Although the forest is located deep within Chukryeongsan, its accessibility is quite good. Visiting by car is even more convenient. You can search for ‘Jangseong National Healing Forest’ or ‘Chukryeongsan Cypress and Hinoki Cypress Forest’ on your navigation system.
Checklist Before Your Visit
- Seasonal Preparations: Pack mosquito repellent and cool water in summer, extra clothes and snacks in autumn, and warm gear in winter.
- Comfortable Attire: It is recommended to wear athletic shoes or hiking boots suitable for forest walks and comfortable clothing.
- Program Reservations: If you wish to participate in a healing program, check its availability on the official website of the Jangseong National Healing Forest before your visit. Some programs may be operated for a fee.
- Take Your Trash With You: To protect the beautiful forest, please demonstrate civic responsibility by taking any trash you bring with you back out.
- Observe Safety Rules: Use designated trails, refrain from dangerous activities, and enjoy the forest safely.
Forest Trail Courses, Which One is Right for Me?
| Course Type | Main Features | Estimated Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Bathing Course | Enjoy hinoki cypress phytoncides along gentle forest roads | 1 hour ~ 2 hours |
| Forest Commentary Course | Learn about the forest’s ecology and history with a forest guide | 1.5 hours ~ 2 hours (per program) |
| Healing Program Course | Activities focused on mental and physical stability, such as meditation and relaxation | 2 hours ~ 3 hours (per program) |
Stories Around Jangseong That Continue the Afterglow of the Forest
After a deep healing experience at the Jangseong National Healing Forest (Chukryeongsan Cypress and Hinoki Cypress Forest), explore other attractions around Jangseong to enhance your travel enjoyment. Jangseong offers diverse experiences with many places boasting beautiful natural scenery and historical significance.
Places to Visit in Jangseong
- Jangseongho Lakeside Trail: The longest lakeside deck trail in Korea, perfect for walking while enjoying the beautiful lake scenery.
- Baekyangsa Temple on Baegam-san: A thousand-year-old temple particularly beautiful with autumn foliage, where you can find time for contemplation in a tranquil atmosphere.
- Pilam Seowon: A Seowon (Confucian academy) listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can experience the spirit of scholars and traditional architectural beauty.
Jangseong is an attractive travel destination where you can relax in nature, explore history and culture, and even taste delicious local specialties. Before returning to your daily life, filled with the clear energy of the Chukryeongsan hinoki cypress forest, discovering Jangseong’s hidden treasures will also make for good memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is admission to the Jangseong National Healing Forest (Chukryeongsan Cypress and Hinoki Cypress Forest) charged?
Entry to the forest itself is mostly free. However, specific healing programs or experiential activities with a professional forest healing instructor may incur a separate participation fee, so it is advisable to check the website before visiting.
Q2. What kind of healing programs are available in the forest?
The forest operates various forest healing programs, including forest commentary, meditation, forest trail walking, and nature material utilization experiences. The content, schedule, and reservation methods for each program may vary by season, so it is advisable to check in advance.
Q3. When is the best season to visit the Jangseong National Healing Forest?
Hinoki cypress trees are green all year round, so any season is good for a visit. Especially in summer, when phytoncides are most actively secreted, you can fully enjoy the rich forest scent, and in autumn, it boasts an even more beautiful scenery blended with the surrounding autumn leaves. You can choose according to your personal preference.
Q4. Can I visit the forest with pets?
Most national forests restrict pet entry to protect the forest ecosystem and ensure visitor safety. Please be sure to check the official regulations of the Jangseong National Healing Forest before visiting.
Q5. Are the forest trails well maintained? Is it suitable for the elderly or children?
Yes, within the Jangseong National Healing Forest (Chukryeongsan Cypress and Hinoki Cypress Forest), there is approximately 10 km of forest road established for forest management, which is relatively gently sloped. Therefore, families with the elderly or children can comfortably walk the forest trails and enjoy a healing time without much difficulty.
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