VISIT JEJU

More than 90 percent of the trees in this forest are cedars aged 40 years or older. In sunny weather, this mild cedar forest is filled with a verdant glow, but on rainy days the forest takes on an entirely different  character. It’s not gloomy, per se. Rather, it’s more a natural melancholy that elicits all sorts of memories as you walk through it. The path itself is quite gentle and flat, so it’s easy to push a wheelchair or stroller. The entire course takes about an hour to complete.

As you might expect, on a rainy day you’ll find fewer people walking the trail, making it all the more atmospheric. Observe how straight the trees grow, and how fragrant they are mixed in with the natural scent of the rain as it soaks into the earth. You’ll never be bored, either, as there are a number of things to do and see, including a forest culture recreation center, a pond, an open grassy area, an acupressure trail, exercise equipment and more.

The Forest of Torreyas is located 5.5km of from Pyeongdae Elementary School, Pyeongdae-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City and it is the world’s largest single-species forest. It is a unique forest where 2,800 Torreyas that are 500 to 800 years old block the sight of the sky, and it is the first forest park in Jeju Island.

At the corner of the forest, there is a Torreya called the “Tree of One Thousand Years” that is known as the ancestor of Torreyas. This tree is 14m high, with a branch length of 6m, and its width of crown is 15m. It is estimated to be more than 820 years old, which makes it the oldest Torreya in Jeju Island. Bijarim retains its leaves during the winter, so the forest stays green all throughout year. A substance called phytoncide emanates from the forest. Phytoncide is known to have natural healing powers, such as helping blood circulation, alleviating mental and physical fatigue, and stabilizing biorhythm. There are two ways to exit the forest by way of the walking trail.

One course is a shorter one that takes about 40 minutes and the other is a longer course which takes about 80 minutes. Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed along the 40-minute course, so anybody can enjoy the beauty of the forest regardless of age or gender. Bijarim, which is visited by tourists throughout all year, is designated and protected as Natural Monument 374.

Walking through the forest, you'll forget all your daily problems and shed the stress of everyday life in the city. The forest floor is made of volcanic clay, so walking barefoot here means you can not only make a true connection with nature, but you’ll also benefit from the holistic healing qualities of the clay. With the dense, old growth forest as your companion — protecting you from any rain and wind that you might encounter — you’ll find this is the place for you.

A symbol of Jeju, these stone grandfather statues vigilantly stand guard over the island’s inhabitants. It has a number of names before it was officially designated as Jeju Folk Material No. 2. What do you think about its appearance? The cone-shaped head, round eyes, tightly closed mouth and hands holding its midriff. That’s the traditional pose, but these days artists have modified this in some interesting ways. One place where you can see a number of these examples is at the Bukchon Dolhareubang Park, a 16,500 square meter theme park that has all sorts of dolhareubang and has been featured on the BBC and NHK, among other media outlets.

It’s a place where Jeju artists have collected their reinterpretations of the dolhareubang, having them meet, hug, and even express their emotions in various postures and facial expressions. The feeling will be mutual, as they are sure to bring a smile to your face. As you walk through the grounds, which are located within the Gotjawal Forest, you’ll meet Jeju nature, art, culture and tradition all at the same time!

Saryeoni Forest Path is a forest walking trail which was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It starts from Bijarim-ro and goes through Mulchat Oreum Volcanic Cone and Saryeoni Oreum Volcanic Cone. Its starting point is located at National Road No. 1112, which is thick with Japanese cedars.

A variety of species of trees grow in the forest, such as Konara Oak, Red-Leaved Hornbeam, Japanese Snowbell, Hinoki Cypress, and cedar and average altitude is 550m. It is one of the hidden 31 views of Jeju and when it rains, its atmosphere is especially. It is popular among tourists who love hiking, because the forest is pristine. 

The wide path can comfortably accommodate many visitors at once. It is quite a gentle slope so people of all ages can enjoy the walk. Recently, there have been changes to measures to reduce traffic congestion at this popular site. The free shuttle bus running from off-site parking lots to the forest entrance since July 2015 has now been discontinued. Instead, more public bus routes (210-2, 220-2, and 230-2) have been added and will take you from Jeju City right to the trailhead. You can also park at a special lot at 64-5, Bongseong-dong, Jeju City and walk 2.5 kilometers to the entrance.

Kim Young Gap was born in 1957 in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do and lived on Jeju Island. While on the island, he took high quality photographs of nature in the area and contributed to developing an identity that is unique to Jeju-do Island residents. To commemorate his accomplishments, Dumoak Gallery was built to display his works and relics. Dumoak has developed into an important site to rest while viewing great art and continues to be a valuable place for tourists to appreciate his works and be inspired.

In 2011, the Kim Young Gap Gallery Dumoak opened in a former school where eight classrooms were connected to form the gallery. It exhibits photos that Kim took over about 20 years. In Dumoak Hall and Hanaloreum Hall there are pictures of volcanic cones, the mid-mountainous area, Marado Island, women divers, and other aspects of Jeju Island. In the relics exhibition hall, there are books Kim read and cameras he used. In the media room, you can watch a video of Kim taking his wonderful photographs even after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. There is also an outdoor garden and free cafe where you can meditate and rest, and an outdoor concert hall that provides valuable cultural experiences to the locals. This is a place to put on your list for a rainy day.