Walking Along the Geumgang Pine Forest at Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum
Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum is a public arboretum established around the virgin Geumgang pine forest on the foothills of Chilseongsan Mountain. Admission is free, but visitors using public transportation must walk an additional 1.6 km from the bus stop, so it is best to check the operating times and return buses in advance.
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How the Geumgang Pine Forest on Chilseongsan Became an Arboretum
Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum is a public arboretum in Gujeong-ri, Gujeong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Based on the primeval Geumgang pine forest at the foot of Chilseongsan Mountain, it was created to provide a space where people can enjoy nature alongside the forest. The arboretum’s theme is “A Meeting Place in the Millennium Forest,” and the Geumgang pine is its representative species.
The selection of the site and establishment of the plan began in August 2006, and the preliminary feasibility review received approval from the Korea Forest Service on May 29, 2007. The development plan was approved on June 9, 2008, construction began on September 29, 2008, and completion took place on November 30, 2011. It temporarily opened on December 1, 2011, and officially opened on October 30, 2013.
How to Explore 23 Themed Gardens Across 785,000㎡
The arboretum covers approximately 785,000㎡ and contains 220,000 plants of 1,127 species. Its 23 themed gardens include a shrub garden, warm-temperate plant garden, hosta garden, four-seasons garden, hydrangea garden, rock garden, medicinal plant garden, dye plant garden, daylily garden, sweet flag garden, azalea garden, and sky garden.
For first-time visitors, rather than quickly skimming only the themed gardens, it is easier to understand the site by connecting the Forest Ecology Observation Trail, Pine Forest Plaza, Millennium Breath Healing Trail, Solhyang Observatory, Sky Garden, and Exhibition Greenhouse. The Forest Ecology Observation Trail contains communities of spicebush and styrax trees, while the elevated deck allows visitors to observe the lower, middle, and upper layers of the trees from different heights.
Plant Composition to See in the 718㎡ Shrub Garden
The shrub garden covers 718㎡ and contains eight tree species and 52 shrub species. With 14,505 individual plants listed, it is better to compare the plant composition rather than simply passing through like a small flower bed.
Representative species include Daphne genkwa, dwarf spiraea, purple-leaved weigela, yellow-leaved Japanese spindle tree, trilobed viburnum, and winged spindle tree. Seasonal flowering information was not available in the provided guide, so visitors seeking a specific flower should contact the site at 033-660-2322.
Public Transportation Requires a 1.6 km Walk from Gangneung Station
From Gangneung Station, walk about 180 m toward Bluefin on the right side of the station’s five-way intersection to reach the “Guteominal” bus stop, then take a bus and get off at “Kyobo Life.” The journey from Kyobo Life to Solhyang Arboretum is described as approximately 40 minutes in total: about 20 minutes by bus and 20 minutes on foot.
After getting off at the Solhyang Arboretum Entrance stop, follow the signpost at the bridge opposite and walk 1.6 km, or about 20 minutes. Bus routes 104-1 and 104-2 are listed as operating at 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30, while route 104-2 operates at 12:10 and 15:50 for the return trip. From the Intercity Bus Terminal, take a city bus bound for “Shinyeong Theater,” get off at Shinyeong Theater, then transfer in front of “Kyobo Life” across the street.
Free Admission and Night Opening Hours Vary by Season
Admission and parking are free. From March through October, daytime visiting hours are 09:00–18:00, with entry from 09:00–17:00. During the same period, nighttime visiting hours are 18:00–23:00, with last admission at 22:00.
From November through February, daytime visiting hours are also 09:00–18:00, with entry from 09:00–17:00. Nighttime visiting hours are 18:00–22:00, with last admission at 21:00. The regular closing day is Monday; when Monday is a holiday, the arboretum closes on the next weekday. Night opening began on June 1, 2023.
Large Buses Must Use Parking Lot 3
Parking is free. Parking Lot 1 accommodates two accessible vehicles and 51 small vehicles, while Parking Lot 2 accommodates 79 small vehicles. Parking Lot 3 accommodates 48 small vehicles and 15 large buses.
Large buses cannot turn around in Parking Lots 1 or 2, so they must use Parking Lot 3. Facilities include the parking lots, information center, Solbaram Rest Area, Solbat Rest Area, Naetmul Rest Area, drinking fountains, restrooms, and Saemmul Rest Area. Visitors arriving by car can park for free, but those planning to tour all the themed gardens briefly should first check the official facility locations for an efficient route.
Restrictions on Bringing Lunches, Pets, and Bicycles
Pets, bicycles, motorcycles, tents, and sunshades are prohibited from entering or being brought inside. Cooking is also prohibited, and foods that generate excessive waste, such as watermelons and Korean melons, are not allowed.
Simple packed lunches may be eaten only in the rest plaza and rest areas, and group meal distribution is prohibited. Camping, drinking alcohol, smoking, religious ceremonies, group entertainment, and other disruptive activities are also restricted. Visitors may not damage plants or facilities in the exhibition gardens, and catching or collecting aquatic life such as fish and tadpoles, as well as insects, is prohibited. Therefore, it is better to bring water and small snacks rather than picnic mats and large picnic equipment.
Forest Paths with Gradients of 10% or Less and Free Forest Interpretation Reservations
The forest ecology observation trail leading to the observatory was built with gradients of no more than 10%, taking wheelchair and stroller access into consideration. However, visitors using mobility aids should plan for the 1.6 km walk from the bus stop to the arboretum entrance when traveling by public transportation.
Forest interpretation programs are offered free of charge from April through October, Tuesday through Saturday, excluding Mondays. Online reservations can be made through the Experience and Field Trip menu of Gangneung City’s integrated reservation system, and programs may be canceled depending on weather conditions such as rain. For inquiries, call 033-660-2322. Based on visitor reviews, the tour is introduced as taking approximately one hour.
A Practical Route for First-Time Visitors
Visitors arriving by car can park for free, then start by checking the directions to the Forest Ecology Observation Trail and observatory at the information center, using the Pine Forest Plaza and rest areas as mid-route break points. The arboretum also has a Forest Experience Learning Center, picnic area, and Exhibition Greenhouse, allowing visitors to see plant exhibition spaces in addition to taking a simple walk among the Geumgang pines.
Visitors using public transportation should consider not only the arrival bus schedule but also the 104-2 return departures at 12:10 and 15:50. A typical walk takes about one hour based on general visitor reviews, but adding the 1.6 km walk back to the bus stop and waiting time for the bus makes it safer to plan a half-day itinerary. The official website is the Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum website, and inquiries about operating hours, closures, and reservations can be made at 033-660-2322.
Before You Go
- Address
- 156, Sumogwon-gil, Gujeong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- Hours
- March–October: daytime 09:00–18:00, entry 09:00–17:00; nighttime 18:00–23:00, last admission 22:00 / November–February: daytime 09:00–18:00, entry 09:00–17:00; nighttime 18:00–22:00, last admission 21:00
- Closed
- Closed every Monday. If Monday is a holiday, closed on the following weekday
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 033-660-2322
- Official site
- https://www.gn.go.kr/solhyang/index.do
- Transport
- Travel from the Intercity Bus Terminal or Gangneung Station to Kyobo Life, then take bus route 104-1 or 104-2. Get off at the Solhyang Arboretum Entrance stop and walk 1.6 km, approximately 20 minutes
- Parking
- Free. Parking Lot 1: 2 accessible spaces and 51 small-vehicle spaces; Parking Lot 2: 79 small-vehicle spaces; Parking Lot 3: 48 small-vehicle spaces and 15 large-bus spaces. Large buses must use Parking Lot 3
- Time needed
- Approximately 1 hour based on visitor reviews
- Accessibility
- The forest ecology observation trail leading to the observatory has gradients of no more than 10%, designed with wheelchair and stroller access in mind
The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.
Places
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Gangneung Jungang MarketA place to explore Gangneung’s local specialties and traditional market foods.
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Terarosa Coffee Factory Main BranchA large café where you can enjoy roasted coffee and brunch.
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