Visitors walk through Hannam Saryeoni Oreum Forest in Seogwipo, Jeju. Courtesy of National Institute of Forest Science
Deep within the lush volcanic terrain of Jeju Island, one of Korea’s most prized ecological sanctuaries is preparing to welcome a larger tide of visitors seeking refuge under its emerald canopy.
The National Institute of Forest Science said Wednesday that the Hannam Saryeoni Oreum Forest, located in Seogwipo, will officially open to the public this season on May 16. Recognized by the Korea Forest Service as one of the nation’s “100 masterpiece forests,” the site offers a rare, multilayered journey through evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved woodlands, culminating in a towering exhibition forest of cedar trees.
The seasonal opening comes with a significant expansion of access.
Responding to a dramatic surge in interest — visitation tripled in 2025 to reach approximately 30,000 people — officials have raised the daily visitor cap from 300 to 400. The decision reflects a growing national appetite for nature-based wellness and high-quality ecological education in a postpandemic era.
To maintain the delicate balance between public enjoyment and environmental preservation, the forest operates under a strict reservation-only system. Visitors are required to book their entry through the "Forest Trip" website (www.foresttrip.go.kr). Once inside, guests can participate in certified forest education programs, which are designed to provide an immersive, field-oriented understanding of Jeju Island's unique subtropical and warm-temperate ecosystem.
"Hannam Saryeoni Oreum Forest is a masterpiece forest widely known to the public," said Choi Hyung-soon, head of the Warm-Temperate and Subtropical Forest Research Institute at the National Institute of Forest Science. "We will make active efforts so that more people can directly experience this beautiful forest and enjoy rest and leisure."
The move reflects a broader trend as shifting environmental conditions and increasing urban density push more Koreans toward protected woodlands. By expanding the Saryeoni trail’s capacity, the government is taking a modest but significant step toward meeting a growing public demand for access to the nation's natural heritage.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
