[Boseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 4th that the Hwalseong Fortress Cypress Forest in Bongsan-ri, Boseong-eup was selected as one of the 12 must-visit premium forests in Jeollanam-do in 2021.
The Hwalseong Fortress Cypress Forest in Boseong is a 1.6km long earthen fortress located on the border between Boseong-eup and Hoecheon-myeon. It is historically significant as it is known to have been built around the 26th year of King Seonjo's reign (1593) by General Yi Sun-sin to serve as a military training ground and a refuge for residents in preparation for Japanese invasions along the Deukryang Bay coast.
Surrounding the Hwalseong Fortress trail are large cypress and cedar forests aged about 40 years, spread over a large area (80ha). The presence of wild green tea and evergreen ferns adds to the natural beauty.
In particular, the Boseong Hwalseong Fortress Cypress Forest received high praise during the on-site evaluation for its gentle forest trail made of natural earthen fortress without artificial structures, and for its geographical connectivity to various tourist and recreational sites such as tea plantations (Daehan Tea Garden), the Korea Tea Museum, and Yulpo Tourist Resort (Pine Forest).
A county official said, “We hope that the Hwalseong Fortress Cypress Forest, which is not yet widely known, can be shared with many people through this opportunity, and we will strive for continuous management, including expanding resting areas so that anyone can comfortably rest in the forest.”
Meanwhile, Jeollanam-do plans to produce and distribute calendars and posters promoting the forest trails selected as premium forests in 2021 nationwide.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
