Everland's Forest Camp offers foliage and food

Food & Travel

Published: 22 Oct. 2020, 18:41 Updated: 22 Oct. 2020, 19:13

Everland's Forest Camp offers foliage and food

An aerial view of Forest Camp, the forest area next to popular theme park Everland in Gyeonggi. [EVERLAND]

Everland in Gyeonggi, one of the most popular theme parks for Seoulites along with Lotte World, offers more than just thrill-filled rides. Making the most of its location close to nature, Everland has decided to promote its Forest Camp more, which used to only open on weekends.

The forest, neighboring Mount Hyangsu, is about 90,000 square meters (969,000 square feet) large, and home to about 340,000 trees which flower throughout the four seasons. There is also a large pond whose size covers an area of about 1,100 square meters located in the middle. The pond is home to lots of insects and plants living in and around the water for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.

The Forest Camp is open every day but is limiting the number of people it admits at around 150 daily to make the experience more private, fit for the times of the pandemic.

After a short walk on a trail adorned with cosmos and other thin-stemmed plants that sway in light winds, visitors are welcomed with an open space where they can see a backdrop of mountains and some towns in the distance. There is an area where you can picnic, meditate and even check out some exotic birds.

Visitors to Forest Camp enjoy outdoor picnics. [EVERLAND]

A bird expert is on hand to offer a display with a parrot and show how it mimics the way humans speak. You can also pose with the parrot as it spreads its wings wide for a picture-perfect moment. While you get acquainted with the parrot, you will be greeted with another bird, an owl. You can pet it gently with guidance from the Forest Camp official, and see how soft it is. There is also an opportunity to take a photo with the owl.

For a more relaxing experience, try a meditation session on a mat while gazing at the sky. After you've decompressed, the surroundings are so relaxing that it's easy to fall asleep.

Hungry souls do not need to worry as you can bring your own picnic or avail of the food provided at the Forest Camp.

Behind the open space is a hilly area with some trees whose leaves are already changing colors.

Picnic Package A costs 26,400 won ($23) to enter for visitors of all ages except those under 36 months old who can enter for free and includes entrance to the Forest Camp as well as a lunchbox with water.

For those looking for something more exciting, Package B is the perfect choice.

For 39,900 won, it includes everything offered with Package A with an additional entrance pass to Everland after 1 p.m. as well as a Q-Pass that enables visitors to enjoy one of the four most popular attractions — Safari World, Lost Valley, Amazon and T-Express.

It is also possible to reserve space for private events. Interested parties can consult with Everland for details of what's available.

Outdoor concerts with multiple entertainers as well as barbecue dinners cooked in the open area of the Forest Camp are just a few of the things on offer.

People meditate at Forest Camp. [EVERLAND]

The open area is large enough to comfortably host 1,000 people at the same time without worrying about individuals getting too close.

BY LEE SUN-MIN [summerlee@joongang.co.kr]