Five recommended natural recreation forests in Gyeonggi Province including Gangssibong natural recreation forest

With the summer holiday season upon us, Gyeonggi Province announced five select natural recreation forests near metropolitan areas on July 27. The list includes: Gangssibong natural recreation forest; Kalbongsan Mountain natural recreation forest; Barasan Mountain natural recreation forest; Yongin natural recreation forest; and Cheongpyeong natural recreation forest.

◇ Gangssibong natural recreation forest ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

▶Gangssibong natural recreation forest

Gangssibong natural recreation forest is home to the legend of Gung Ye and Gangssi (Madam Gang), who dominated the Later Three Kingdoms era in Korea. Located at the very end of Gapyeong’s pristine river valleys in Nonnamgi-gil, Buk-myeon, Gapyeong County, the dense forest covers 980ha and offers some beautiful scenery. 

Key facilities include amenities such as seven forest houses with cooking and showering facilities, one forest recreation hall, and a parking lot. The forest also has facilities to provide education on nature and enjoy water activities, which makes it ideal for a holiday with your children. In particular, the forest adventure facilities offer a chance to enjoy nature and develop an adventurous spirit, making them extremely popular among children and adolescents. You can also walk through the phytoncide forest and try an anion shower. Admission fees are KRW 1,000 for adults, KRW 600 for adolescents, and KRW 300 for children. Inquiries: 031-8008-6611.

◇ Kalbongsan Mountain natural recreation forest ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

▶Kalbongsan Mountain natural recreation forest

Located at 454 Gyeongbanan-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong County, Kalbongsan Mountain natural recreation forest is home to the beautiful Gyeongban river valley that features some uniquely formed rocks, a pine nut forest and Soorak waterfall. Not only is this place great for a family getaway, it is also a popular place to heal the body and mind. 

Key facilities include various amenities such as ten forest houses for overnight stays, four ‘hwangtobang’ (rooms made with red clay), a multi-purpose playground, a campfire place, and a forest culture recreation hall capable of hosting seminars. The forest is within 4.5km of the Gapyeong County Office and downtown Gapyeong, thus offering great accessibility. Nearby tourist attractions include Lake Cheongpeong, Lake Homyeong, and Yongchu river valley. Admission is free. Inquiries: 031-8078-8062.

◇ Barasan Mountain natural recreation forest ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

▶Barasan Mountain natural recreation forest

It is said that Cho Yoon, a faithful subject who lived during the late Goryeo Dynasty, retired in Barasan Mountain natural recreation forest. Located in 96 Bukgolan-gil, Uiwang City, the forest lies near the city center. Combined with some handsome natural scenery at Lake Baegun, Baegunsan Mountain, and Cheonggyesan Mountain, it is an ideal place to spend a cool summer. Of particular note, the forest is less than 6km away from Indeokwon Station on subway line no. 4, and is therefore a popular destination for metropolitan area residents. 

Key facilities include amenities such as three forest houses for overnight stays, two overnight units, and 50 outdoor camping decks. The forest is most famous for its 4.2km long Barasan Mountain forest path, which features great views, and its valley rest area. Admission fees are KRW 1,000 for adults, KRW 800 for adolescents, and KRW 500 for children. Inquiries: 031-8068-7482.

◇ Yongin natural recreation forest ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

▶Yongin natural recreation forest

Located in 220 Chobu-ro, Mohyeon-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin City, Yongin natural recreation forest is popular among metropolitan area residents thanks to its proximity to the city center. The forest has a variety of interesting spatial arrangements including a 145m waterway which consolidates water systems that flow through the forest. 

Key facilities include 14 forest houses, ‘hanok’ (Korean-style house), and wooden houses that enable visitors to experience various countries such as Finland and Mongolia. Also, the forest features one ‘gamagol’ unit, which is available exclusively for disabled people. This allows socially marginalized groups to enjoy its forest recreation services. Apart from these amenities, the forest has a wide range of features for leisure, sports, and cultural activities including eco-adventures, zip lines, a wooden culture experience hall, and a children’s forest experience school. Admission fees are KRW 2,000 for adults, KRW 1,000 for adolescents and KRW 600 for children. Inquiries: 031-336-0040.

◇ Cheongpyeong natural recreation forest ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

▶Cheongpyeong natural recreation forest

Cheongpyeong natural recreation forest is located in Gapyeong County, a mecca for school field trips, and covers a vast 200,000 pyeong (66ha) that looks over Lake Cheongpyeong. With Bukhangang River flowing close by, Cheongpyeong natural recreation forest is one of the best locations for leaving the dreary city behind, enjoying some rest in the bosom of Mother Nature, and recuperating the body and mind. 

Key facilities include not only accommodation such as four forest recreation halls and one forest house, but also amenities such as a café, picnic garden, outdoor pool, concert hall, and seminar hall. In particular, if you walk along the forest path and up on the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bukhangang River. Admission fees are KRW 5,000 for adults and adolescents, and KRW 4,000 for children. Inquiries) 031-584-0528.

Gyeonggi Province Forestry Division Manager Yoo Beom-gyu said, “There are 14 natural recreation forests near city centers in Gyeonggi Province, and these are great places to rest the mind and body.” Yoo added, “We hope you visit some of these recreation forests with your family and loved ones to spend some downtime.”

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Lee So-young leesy8127@naver.com 

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