A version of this article appears in the July 2010 issue of Groove Magazine.



Like a combination of Seoul Forest and Oe-do Island off the southern coast, Hwanghaksan Arboretum offers easy walking, in-laid stone paths, and a large wooded area if you want to get off the stone path. Another name in the tourist map is the 'Hwanghak Mountain Forest Therapy Place'. Whether you come for 'forest therapy' or a lazy summer walk, there's plenty of room to meander with 272,922 square meters to explore and 1,100 species of plants to gaze at.



Begin by admiring the large lake complete with fountains, then follow the road left to a greenhouse dedicated to research. Pass by row after row of various species, then head left to cross a bridge and follow a dirt path. It's obvious virtually every element of this trip thus far has been constructed, built, and created - yet it doesn't faze me. The dirt path winds through the forest for a few hundred meters before lazily showing the grand landscape. Admire the stream that runs down to the lake, falling onto stone or simply following the current.




Although some areas aren't marked or delineated well, you'll be so busy enjoying the sights that you'll forget to look for English signs (they aren't any). If you packed a picnic lunch, head up to the 전망대 (observatory/pavilion) for a wonderful view of the area. If not, head over to 습지원 - an area offering a guided path through the woods. It's complete with wooden stairs to ensure nature isn't harmed by a large number of visitors. Don't forget about the 채원 (vegetable garden) near the center of the park and a sculpture park a little further in. If you can tear yourself away from the planted and planned areas, the 산림박물관 (Forest Museum) offers an excellent learning opportunity.

Quiet, relaxing, and beautiful - it's hard to ask for much more. Make this the place to bring a picnic lunch place, but be sure to pack it in - and out - as there's no food or drink for sale within the arboretum. Yeoju is an easy day-trip from Seoul, but make it a weekend to see the tomb of King Sejong, Empress Myeongseong's birthhouse, and Silleuksa.

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Directions: Go to Yeoju in Gyeonggi-do. From Seoul's Express Bus Terminal, buses go to Yeoju's Express Bus Terminal every 30-40 minutes. Exit out the main entrance of the Yeoju bus terminal (where the taxis line up), then turn right and walk about 50 meters to the bus stop. Look for bus 51-6 (seven buses a day, 1,000 won, 20 minutes) or take a fairly cheap taxi ride. Open 9am-6pm March-October; 9am-5pm November-February. Free admission; some areas wheelchair / stroller accessible. For more information, call 031-887-2744.

© Chris Backe - 2010

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