Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest (절물자연휴양림) is a beautiful and well-maintained natural park located in Jeju City, Jeju Island, South Korea. Opened in 1997, it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The forest is particularly famous for its dense and picturesque Japanese cedar (cryptomeria) forest, with many of these trees being 30 to 45 years old.
Key Features:
Stunning Cedar Forest: The towering Japanese cedar trees create a refreshing and shaded environment, making it a pleasant place to walk year-round. The combination of the forest canopy and the sea breeze provides a cool atmosphere even in the summer.
Jeolmul Oreum (Volcanic Cone): The park’s main volcanic cone, Jeolmul Oreum, stands at about 697 meters above sea level. A hike to the top takes around an hour round trip and rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, you can even see as far as Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) on the east coast.
Horseshoe-Shaped Crater: From the observatory at the peak of Jeolmul Oreum, you can see a unique horseshoe-shaped crater.
Diverse Walking Trails: The recreation forest offers various well-maintained walking trails with relatively gentle slopes, making them suitable for people of all ages, including the elderly and children. There’s even an accessible path for wheelchairs with guardians. The popular Jangseang-gil Forest Trail (장생의 숲길) is known for its longevity-promoting atmosphere.
Recreational Facilities: The park is equipped with various facilities for visitors to enjoy quality time, including:
- A promenade
- A waterfall
- A pond
- A spacious public lawn
- A woodcraft experience center
- Sports facilities
- Amusement facilities for children
- Accommodation in forest cabins (reservations required)
- A water spring
Scenic Views: Besides the peak of Jeolmul Oreum, various points within the forest offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including Musuchon Stream (Jeju’s largest stream) to the west and Jeju City to the north.
Visiting Information:
Location: 584, Myeongnim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea (제주특별자치도 제주시 명림로 584)
Operating Hours: 07:00 – 18:00 (Park hours). Entry to Jangseang-gil Forest Trail is restricted after 2:00 PM.
Admission Fee:
Adults: 1,000 won (Group: 800 won)
Youth (ages unspecified but likely 13-18): 600 won (Group: 500 won)
Children (ages unspecified but likely 7-12): 300 won (Group: 200 won)
Group: 20 people or more
Parking Fee: Paid parking is available. Fees vary by vehicle size (Light car: 1,500 won, Small/Mid-sized: 3,000 won, Large: 5,000 won).
Closed: Jeolmul Oreum & Jangseang-gil Forest Trail are closed on Mondays. The park itself is open year-round.
Website: Official English Website (may not be the most up-to-date; also check the main Korean tourism sites for more info).
Forest Commentary Guide: Available on Tuesdays-Fridays at 10:00 & 14:00, and Saturdays-Mondays at 11:00 & 15:00.
Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Jeju’s natural beauty, enjoy refreshing walks, and take in stunning views. Its well-maintained facilities and diverse trails make it a great destination for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.
