4 Reasons To Get Lost In Seoul Forest’s Undeniable Charm

If you’re in South Korea and looking for a breath of fresh air from the bustle of the city, try stopping by Seoul Forest for a change. The forest was previously known to be the king’s hunting ground, in 1908 it became a water treatment facility, later it further developed into an amusement park. As of 2005, Seoul Forest was officially established as a city park for everyone to enjoy. It boasts multiple sites and activities all year round, making it an exciting spot to look into.

To arrive at this destination, one can take the train using the Bundang Line and hop off Seoul Forest Station. From Exit 4 of the station, it then takes a 3 minute walk to the entrance. One may opt to stroll around the forest which is estimated to take 2 hours or you can also choose to take a bike rental and enjoy the refreshing breeze. It is located in the popular neighborhood of Seongsu with its trendy pop-stores and delicious restaurants.

To give you a grasp of the land, Seoul Forest is divided into 4 main areas:

 

1. Cultural Arts Park

This area contains a vast number of spaces to enjoy with company. First is the fountain which also serves as a water play area that kids and adults can enjoy. The Mirror Pond is another popular attraction as it boasts a picturesque reflection of the sky and surrounding trees. You may also pass by the Military Horse statue which is said to symbolize a new leap forward. Next is the outdoor stage where one can look out for events that may happen or perhaps surprise yourself. There is also the family stage that has a vast space that is wonderful for groups of people to hang out. It is a well-known area for having picnic and family days that you may want to try.

 

2. Natural Ecological Forest

One of the most visited would be the Deer Corral and as the name implies, you can set your sights on deers as well as have the opportunity to feed them! If you take a longer stroll, you can also come across the Pedestrian Bridge or Seoul Forest Walk Observatory which can already provide you a beautiful view of the forest. However, a short walk would lead you to Seoul Forest’s highest peak which is the Windy Hill providing an even more spectacular view.

 

3. Natural Experience Learning Center

You can also find the opportunity to have an interactive learning experience through various nature programs the area offers. It holds the Insect Garden and the Butterfly Garden providing a substantial peak into nature’s wonders.

 

4. Wetland Ecological Center

For an even up close experience with nature, check out this area as it holds the forest’s bird observatory, flower garden and botanical garden. This is a great visit for seasons when flowers bloom such as spring and summer.

The most popular seasons to visit Seoul Forest for both locals and tourists would be Spring and Autumn. Spring as it hosts a beautiful layout of cherry blossoms and autumn for the ever so popular Gingko Tree Forest. Despite those peak seasons, the forest is still much visited in the summer when the forest trees provide shade and winter when the vibe of the forest changes as the snow arrives.

If you are a K-Pop fan, you might also enjoy a visit to Seoul Forest. Fun fact, many of the benches in the forest are actually fan donated. So, it won’t be a surprise if you suddenly see an idol’s name engraved on one! With the rise of pop-up events, some companies may hold a pop-up exhibit.

With Seoul Forest’s prime location, it is not a problem to reach nearby sites. Seoul Forest Cafe can provide a refreshing drink as you take a stroll around. Understand Avenue is also a must-go as it holds various local brands you can shop in and pop-up events for K-artists. If you want to continue your fangirl trip, the SM Entertainment building is nearby where you can experience their exhibit and merchandise store. If nature is still calling you with its calming atmosphere, you can walk to Hangang River by using the pedestrian bridge mentioned earlier or perhaps Eungbongsan Mountain which isn’t too far as well.

If you’re looking to take part in any of the activities of the park, check out each area’s working hours beforehand. Whether you’re visiting alone, or with company, Seoul Forest is a wonderful destination that everyone could enjoy. The fresh air from the vast amount of trees and the soothing colors of nature will surely give you the relaxation you deserve and the thrilling experience of activities the place has in store.