[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Embrace the birch with a woodland walking trip

K-campus

Published: 17 Feb. 2023, 08:52 Updated: 17 Mar. 2023, 14:10

[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Embrace the birch with a woodland walking trip

As the harsh cold is tiptoeing away, spring is slowly creeping in. Those of us that have spent the long cold winter hibernating indoors and waiting for the warmth will be eager to get outdoors for a breath of fresh air. If you have been itching to get out in nature, try visiting a white birch forest, known for its therapeutic effects and romantic white bark, to say goodbye to the last traces of winter and welcome the new season.

Here are four recommendations for a white birch forest getaway. Before visiting, make sure to check the forest open — intermittent closures are common to prevent forest fires during the dry season.

Wondaeri Birch Forest

A couple enjoys the view at a white birch forest. [WOO SANG-JO]

Wondaeri Birch Forest awaits you at the top of Wondaebong peak, standing 800 meters (2,620 feet) above sea level. The hike lasts about an hour, but the course is not tough thanks to the gentle slopes. When you do reach the entrance to the forest, stepping into a world of white will surely prove its worth the hike.

The forest opened quite recently in Aug. 2012, after a revitalization process conducted by the Korea Forest Service. Approximately 700,000 birch trees were planted to revive the forest that was dying due to frequent forest fires and pests.

The forest is drawing foreigners who are keen on witnessing the white birch trees with the lingering snow. Not only can they take beautiful pictures to capture the moment, but they can also build special memories by feeling the perfect stillness and the serenity of the forest.

763-4, Wondae-ri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon
May to October, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Last entry at 3:00 p.m.
November to February, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Last entry at 2:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Phone number: 033) 461-9696

Untan Godo 1330, Tracking Course 6

A visit to Untan Godo 1330 promises a great view whichever season it is. [PARK JIN-HO]

The white birch forest at Taebaek — deep in the highlands of Korea — consists of a wide stretch of land spanning some 200,000 square meters (50 acres) where coal mines were once located until they were removed in 1993, replaced with birch trees. It took around 20 years for the forest to grow and be ready for visitors.

There are a total of eight treks at Untan Godo 1330, and the sixth course is recommended as it's where hikers can see the white birch trees. Those unexpectedly reaching the route are captivated by the densely packed white birch trees. There are plenty of information boards and direction signs to guide the way so that hikers can swiftly find their whereabouts.

The course is easily approached when you start near the O2 Resort leading to the Jijirigol Valley, starting halfway through the track. The full course starts from Hambaek Mountain Small Park and ends at Hwangji Sanae, lasting for more than five hours. Luckily, visitors can cut their trip to an hour to focus on the forest road that consists of a gentle downward track.

@untangodo
126-3 Cheongnyeongpo-ro Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon
Restricted entry due to fire prevention Feb. 1 – May. 15, but only for Courses 3, 4 and 5.
Phone number: 033) 375-0111
Website: https://www.untan1330.com/enuntan

Seohuri Forest

The white birch trees tower over a bench waiting for visitors. [CHOI SEUNG-PYO]

Seohuri forest is an already well known place among ARMY, the BTS fandom. The photo shoot for group's 2019 seasons greetings took place there, capturing the bright lights seeping through the green ceiling made by the tree leaves and creating a dreamy aura. That is why Seohuri Forest often gets referred to as the Bangtan-Soop, meaning BTS Forest in Korean.

The forest covers 30,000 square meters, and is owned and maintained by a family. As it is private property, there are strict restrictions on the entrance, such as no food or picnic mats and no hiking backpacks. The policy was implemented to keep the atmosphere tranquil and calm.

There are two courses to hike, one that lasts an hour and one that lasts half an hour. The latter is a fast course for those who have trouble walking longer distances or are short on time. The longer course is recommended as it leads you through various forests such as Ginkgo forests and Metasequoia forests, not to mention the anticipated white birch forest.

@seohuriforest
200 Geobukbawi 1-gil Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi
Business Hours: Open from March due to winter season. Closed every Tuesday and Wednesday, and on holidays.
Admission Fee: 7,000 won for adults, 6,000 won for students and impaired, 5,000 won for children under eight and local residents.
Phone number: 031) 774-2387
Website: http://seohuri.com/

Jukpari Birch Forest

The Jukpari Birch Forest covers 300,000 square meters, guaranteeing a promising ″white-out″ experience. [YEONGYANG-GUN]

For the especially courageous minds looking for an adventure in a remote forest, Jukpari forest in Yeongyang, North Gyeongsang, would be the best option. The area is considered hidden as it’s not well known, but the actual area open to the public covers 300,000 square meters, turning out to be much larger than any other forest mentioned above. Naturally, the trekking course is longer too — measuring 3.2 kilometers — but the land is almost flat and rarely difficult to traverse.

The lack of facilities and infrastructure are part of the reason why it is not well known. On the other hand, the forest offers uniquely untouched nature and a perfect view. Do not be alarmed if your phone loses connection — it’s all part of the package.

Jukpa-ri, Subi-myeon, Yeongyang-gun, North Gyeongsang

BY CHOI SEUNG-PYO, KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]