[Jo Yongjun's Journey Manli] Written as Forest, Read as Breath, Engraved as Rest

Meet the True Green Forests of Jeju - Saryeoni Forest Path, Gyorae Natural Recreation Forest Embracing Gotjawal, Andol Oreum's Secret Forest

Jeju has many forests. Some have been loved for a long time, while others have recently gained popularity. Around this time, from late spring to early summer, Jeju's forests are more beautiful than the sea. The photo shows the scenery of Bimilui Sup, a secret forest located at the foot of Andol Oreum, which has emerged as a hot place in Jeju.

Light is pouring down on Bijarim-ro, covered with dense cedar forests.

If even a drizzle falls, the cedar forest becomes a dreamy landscape.

Gyorae Natural Recreation Forest, the only recreation forest embracing Gotjawal

Jeju's Forests and Oreums Encountered on the Jung-sangan Road

Visitors walking along Saryeoni Forest Path, known as the most beautiful healing trail in Korea

[Asia Economy, Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist Reporter]

When you think of Jeju, an exotic landscape comes to mind.

It is the so-called transparent emerald-colored sea.

The seas of Gimnyeong, Hyeopjae, and Aewol are like that, as is the sea around Udo.

In Jeju, on clear days, you can easily encounter such scenery anytime.

However, around this time when fresh green spreads and deepens into dark green foliage, I recommend a trip to the forest rather than the sea.

The forest offers rest and comfort given by nature.

Jeju’s forests can easily heal the hearts of those hurt in the city.

Right now, the forest is a world of green in various shades.

It is the perfect time to enjoy the forest where the fresh green that started at the tips of branches turns into deep green foliage.

You can walk through the dense cedar forests or the Gotjawal filled with subtropical forests and ferns.

Walking along with the sounds of birds and the scent of flowers, you might suddenly regain the energy to live again.

The first place I visited in Jeju was Saryeoni Forest, known as the most beautiful healing forest in Korea.

Jeju has many forests.

But few places are as beloved as Saryeoni Forest.

The primeval forest where trees harmonize here and there is a path that is grateful just to walk on.

The Saryeoni forest trail, which climbs and descends the mid-mountain area at an altitude of 500 to 600 meters, shows a completely different charm of Jeju.

The name Saryeoni comes from the trail leading to Saryeoni Oreum (volcanic cone).

Saryeoni is derived from the Jeju dialect word for mountain ‘sol’ combined with ‘ani’ meaning inside, originally called ‘solani,’ then changed to ‘soraeni,’ then ‘soryeoni,’ and finally ‘saryeoni.’

Entering the trail on the right side of the entrance, you soon come upon a dense cedar forest.

The cedar trees, which boast greenery all year round, have dark reddish bark, but the cedars in this forest are green pillars.

The entire forest is a deep green, as if sprayed with green spray paint.

With each step into the forest, your senses awaken and your body feels refreshed.

Between late spring and early summer, the cedar forest trail of Saryeoni is filled with green even in the air.

The 10-kilometer forest connecting Mulchat Oreum in Jocheon and Saryeoni Oreum in Seogwipo reveals its full charm only when walked at a slow pace.

Behind the row of dense cedars lining the roadside, you can find a harmonious scene of shy Mongolian oak, hornbeam, Korean dogwood, and cornelian cherry trees.

Among them, the countless bird songs and the sound of the wind open your ears wide, and the sharp scent of the trees washes away the old residue in your lungs.

The afterglow lasts a long time.

The forest is so deep that it is dim with green shadows even at midday.

While trees on the mainland simply stretch their branches upward, the trees in Jeju’s forest bend and spread sideways, intertwining and living together.

The refreshing air fills your chest, and except for the sound of footsteps, there is complete silence.

While it is good even at midday, walking early in the morning when sunlight filters through the pine forest is much more atmospheric.

If a light drizzle falls, the cedar forest transforms dreamily as if painted with an ink wash painting.

And that’s not all.

At sunset, Bijarim-ro leading into Saryeoni Forest turns into a mysterious golden light, which is also a splendid sight.

The second place I visited is Gyorae Natural Recreation Forest near the Saryeoni forest trail.

It is a place where you can experience Jeju’s unique Gotjawal in its natural state.

It is also the only recreation forest that embraces Gotjawal.

Gotjawal is a compound word from Jeju dialect ‘got’ meaning forest and ‘jawal’ meaning a tangled thicket or thorny bush.

Entering the Gotjawal ecological observation trail, the green moss-covered stones each show traces of time.

The sunlight barely penetrating through the dense forest sparkles as it meets the leaves.

The forest is so deep and dense that you might think a fairy would live here.

The Gotjawal ecological observation trail is about 1.5 km long and takes about 40 minutes to complete the circular route back to the starting point.

Gyorae Natural Recreation Forest has a campground where you can enjoy a romantic night in the deep Gotjawal forest.

Lastly, at the foot of Andol Oreum, there is a small forest called the Secret Forest.

This Secret Forest has recently become the hottest spot in Jeju.

Because you can enjoy the beautiful forest atmosphere and take great photos using charmingly decorated props.

The Secret Forest is private property and has an entrance fee of 3,000 won.

However, the well-maintained forest trails and photo zones make it worth visiting.

You can stop by on the Andol Oreum hiking trail.

Andol Oreum is a relatively low oreum with a height of 93 meters.

Originally called Dol Oreum because of the many stones, it was renamed Andol Oreum because there is a similar oreum nearby, and this one is located inside based on Hallasan Mountain.

On sunny days, you can see herds of cattle lined up on the wide grass field.

When you cross the field and reach the trail, the dry silver grass on both sides sways in the wind, making a rustling sound, creating a truly beautiful scene.

Jeju = Written and photographed by Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist Reporter jun21@