8 Things to Know About the Forest Trail at 2173 Songdang-ri, Andol Oreum Secret Forest

Songdang-ri 2173: How a private forest became a paid walking area

Andol Oreum Secret Forest is a private forest located at 2173 Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Public visitor information introduces it as a site that became known for photography after opening in 2015. It is currently operated by paying the admission fee at the entrance and walking along the designated route.

This is not a hiking trail on Andol Oreum itself, but a paid attraction that makes use of the forest and pasture scenery around Andol Oreum. Therefore, if your goal is to climb to the summit of an oreum, your expectations may differ. It is more suitable to plan for a 30–60-minute visit to the hinoki forest, stone walls, grassland, and photo spots.

Gujwa's mid-mountain area, where Andol Oreum, Batdol Oreum, and Geoseunsemi are visible at a glance

According to Visit Jeju information, the three oreums can be seen looking west from the entrance to Geonyeong Ranch on Songdangcheon-ro, near Provincial Road 1112. Geoseunsemi is on the left, close to the road, while the two oreums lined up on the right are Andol Oreum and Batdol Oreum. Andol Oreum, situated to the southwest, was named for its location on the inside.

Jeju tourist-circuit bus materials explain that the place names “Dolhoregimul” and “Ulloregimul,” at the northeastern foot of Andol Oreum, form part of the area's background. The terrain retains natural forest in the hollowed-out area on the inner slope, while grassland has formed along the summit ridge. Even inside Secret Forest, the vertical tree trunks of the forest contrast with the open views across the surrounding pasture.

Based on 09:00–18:00 hours: confirm the 3,000-won admission fee and closure notices

The operating hours repeatedly listed in recent information are 09:00–18:00 daily, while closures are checked through announcements on the official Instagram account. Older reviews also mention closing times of 17:30 or 18:30, so hours may vary depending on the season and on-site circumstances. Give priority to the announcement posted on the day of your visit.

Admission is listed as 3,000 won for adults, 2,000 won for those aged 65 or older, 1,000 won for children aged 7 or younger, and free for children aged 3 or younger. Payment is often made at the mint-colored caravan at the entrance. Since reviews say that card payments may not be accepted and that operations center on cash or bank transfers, it is safest to prepare at least 3,000 won in cash or a means of making an immediate transfer.

• Main contact: 0507-1323-4609
• Official information channel: https://www.instagram.com/secretforest75/
• Closures: Check the official Instagram announcement

A route linking eight points, from the cabin to the palm-tree swing

Guide materials list the entrance, cabin, lone tree, oreum photo zone, pasture, hinoki forest, passage between stone walls, and palm trees and swings as the main points. Some reviews call the entire route a seven-course trail, but during an actual visit, receiving route guidance at the entrance and following the signposted directions helps reduce the need to retrace your steps.

Some visitor information suggests allowing 30–40 minutes for taking photos quickly, or about one hour to walk through both the forest path and grassland sections. No information confirming a reservation system has been found, so general visits are normally based on admission at the site. However, visitors coming for photography or in groups should first confirm any restrictions through the day's operating notice and a phone inquiry.

Set 1887-1 Songdang-ri first to reach the site via paved roads

Set the address as “2173 Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si.” However, several visitor guides point out that navigation systems may direct you onto an unpaved road. They explain that setting “1887-1 Songdang-ri” as the destination first, then entering the Secret Forest address again, can guide you toward the paved-road approach.

Separate parking is indicated, and cases of free parking have been confirmed. Since the exact station or bus stop immediately in front of the site and the walking time from public transportation could not be officially confirmed, access by rental car or taxi is more practical. Some visitor information also notes that mobile service may be weak in certain sections. If using a car-sharing service, check the signal before unlocking the vehicle and also refer to the guidance for Parking Lot 1.

Muddy paths the day after rain and no restroom inside the forest

The forest has a high proportion of dirt paths, and visitor reviews from 2023–2024 repeatedly mention that the paths became muddy after rain. If rain is forecast or there was precipitation the previous day, sneakers that are less likely to show mud stains are better than white sneakers or slippers. There are also reports that shoe covers were sold at the ticket booth near the entrance.

There is no restroom inside the forest, and visitors are advised to use the facilities at the beginning of the unpaved road. It is best to use the restroom before entering and, if you buy a drink, be prepared to take your trash back with you. Accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers along the entire route, as well as the availability of foreign-language information, has not been officially confirmed. Because of the dirt paths and unpaved access road, visitors using mobility aids should check the on-site conditions with a companion beforehand.

For visits with dogs, check leash, waste-bag, and consent-form requirements

Pets are reportedly allowed, but visitors must bring a leash and waste bags. Some visitor information says dogs enter free of charge. There are also reviews mentioning that visitors accompanying dogs had to sign a consent form concerning responsibility for safety incidents, so the conditions for bringing a dog should follow the ticket-booth guidance on the day of the visit.

Reviews mention that popular photo spots may become crowded during busy periods. If you want to allow time for both photography queues and walking your dog, consider visiting around opening time at 09:00 or later in the afternoon. Keep the leash short so as not to block other visitors' photo compositions or pathways through the pasture and forest.

14 minutes by car from Sangumburi: connecting a one-day course through Gujwa's mid-mountain area

Tripful lists the drive from Sangumburi to Secret Forest as taking about 14 minutes. Therefore, rather than following an itinerary limited to Seongsan and the coastal area, connecting Sangumburi with the mid-mountain area of Songdang-ri and allocating 30–60 minutes for a forest walk can reduce travel time.

Andol Oreum Secret Forest is better suited to travelers who want to photograph forest, stone-wall, and grassland scenery on relatively level dirt paths than to those seeking a high observation deck or a long oreum hike. Conversely, if muddy paths, on-site payment, or the lack of restrooms inside the forest would be inconvenient, it is better to avoid days with a rain forecast or choose another place with paved walking paths.