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The Lungs of Jeju <Exploring Gotjawal Forest>

gotjawal,jejugotjawalprovincialpark,jejuforestwalk,ecoland,dongbaekdongsan,ramsar,travelonfoot,walking,untact,gotjawalforest,forest

For much of the year, the most popular hiking spots on Jeju are the Olle Trails that line the island’s coast, and the paths that lead to the 1,950-meter-high summit of Hallasan Mountain. However, in the summer—when the heat becomes too much—the island’s hikers take to the shade of Gotjawal forests. This shade makes a big difference to the temperature of the area. Research by the National Institute of Forest Science found that in summer, the Physiological Equivalent Temperature of Gotjawal can be 12 degrees lower than that of residential or commercial areas. What all this means is that if you’re looking for a place to stay cool on a hot summer day while still enjoying the outdoors, then visiting Jeju’s Gotjawal is a must.

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The Lungs of Jeju <Exploring Gotjawal Forest>

For much of the year, the most popular hiking spots on Jeju are the Olle Trails that line the island’s coast, and the paths that lead to the 1,950-meter-high summit of Hallasan Mountain. However, in the summer—when the heat becomes too much—the island’s hikers take to the shade of Gotjawal forests. This shade makes a big difference to the temperature of the area. Research by the National Institute of Forest Science found that in summer, the Physiological Equivalent Temperature of Gotjawal can be 12 degrees lower than that of residential or commercial areas. What all this means is that if you’re looking for a place to stay cool on a hot summer day while still enjoying the outdoors, then visiting Jeju’s Gotjawal is a must.

What is Gotjawal?
Gotjawal is forest formed on areas of volcanic rock. The forest covers around 109 square kilometers of the island on both the east and west side. In total, this is around six percent of the area of Jeju. The forest is commonly referred to as the “lungs of Jeju” due to the greenery producing significant amounts of oxygen. A typical gotjawal scene is one of moss-covered rocks, trees with exposed roots searching across the ground for nutrients, and a variety of surface vegetation including ferns and wildflowers. Much of the Gotjawal is ecologically important. The forest in Dongbaek Dongsan, for example, is a designated Ramsar Wetlands Conservation Area and Global Geopark. Gotjawal is also known to be home to more than 600 species of plant, as well as the habitat of many animals, including roe deer and migrating birds. For years, the forest’s uninhabitable characteristics meant the land was almost impossible to develop or cultivate. Even in recent years, much of it has been left alone, leaving vast swathes untouched since its formation. While the wild nature of Gotjawal makes it hard to access, there are several paths that guide you through the forest. In this article, we’ll look at two of the best.

Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park
Jeju Gotjawal Provincial Park is located in the south-western part of the island, close to Jeju Shinhwa World and a short drive from Jungmun Tourist Complex. The park covers just over 1.5 square kilometers of land and it includes an information center where visitors can learn about the forest, as well as a café and rest areas. The park has five walking trails that range in length from a 1.8km course that takes around 40 minutes to complete to a 6.7km trail that will take around two and a half hours. All the trails are easy to navigate, even for groups with children. A highlight of the courses is the park’s 15-meter-tall observation deck, which provides views out over the surrounding area. On clear days, you’ll also be able to see Sangbangsan Mountain and  Hallasan Mountain in the distance.

Eco Land
Eco Land is located on the northern side of Hallasan Mountain, within driving distance of Jeju City and attractions such as Hamdeok Beach and Manjangul Cave. The park is an eco-themed spot in the heart of Jeju’s Gotjawal forest. The highlight of a visit is the miniature train that takes visitors through the forest to the various theme zones. There is also a short walking trail. The park runs a free tour during which visitors can learn about the forest’s geological features and how it was created. It also has healing programs such as forest meditation and forest wind baths.

Dongbaek Dongsan Walking Course
Dongbaek Dongsan Walking Course is a short path through the Seunheul-ri Gotjawal on the east of Jeju. The area is named after the camellia flowers that grow there during winter. The forest is a designated Ramsar Wetland Conservation Area and the trail goes past some of the wetlands that give the region its accreditation. These are rare places in Gotjawal forests where rainwater collects on the surface instead of passing through porous volcanic rock. Other points of interest on the path include caves and a kiln that people on Jeju used to use to turn trees into charcoal. The area is also home to 1,364 species of plant and animal. The path is a circular route that stretches out for around 4.9 km. It takes approximately two hours to complete.

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Exploring Gotjawal Forest : The Lungs of Jeju

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