Jeongnamjin Cypress Forest in Jangheung, Jeonnam forest healing walk

Overview

Jeongnamjin Hinoki Forest is a forest therapy space created on the slopes of Eokbulsan in Jangheung-eup, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. It is characterized by a dense forest of 40-year-old hinoki cypress trees. Jangheung is known as an ecological area where mountains, the sea, and a river come together, and this place is regarded as one of its representative nature retreats. As you walk along the forest path, you can feel the clear air and quiet atmosphere unique to the hinoki forest, making it a great fit for foreign travelers who want to relax their body and mind away from the city. If you want to experience wellness in nature together with Korea's local ecological environment, this is a place well worth visiting.

Highlights

• 40-year-old hinoki cypress forest path
• Forest therapy space on the slopes of Eokbulsan
• Phytoncide healing walk
• Woodworking experience
• Wellness experience linked with lodging

Best Time to Visit

Jeongnamjin Hinoki Forest can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable seasons are spring and autumn. The mild temperatures make it ideal for walking the forest paths, and the humidity is not too high, so it is pleasant to stay.

The best time to visit is from just after opening at 9:00 a.m. until late morning. It is relatively quiet and the forest air is refreshing, making it suitable for a walk. Operating hours are usually from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To avoid crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays if possible. There are visitors on both weekdays and weekends, but it can be more crowded on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quiet atmosphere, a Tuesday to Thursday morning visit is recommended.

During the summer peak season and certain night-operation periods, there may be more visitors, so if you want a peaceful forest experience, it is best to avoid those times.

How Long to Stay

If you want a quick look around, about 1 hour is enough. A typical visit in which you slowly walk the main trail and take photos takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you want to see the facilities in the forest, such as the children's playground, hinoki salt house, and negative-ion waterfall, and also stop by nearby attractions, it is better to allow 3 to 4 hours or more.

How to Get There

Address: 180 Wood Land-gil, Jangheung-eup, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do

Jeongnamjin Hinoki Forest in Jangheung is not a place you can reach directly by city subway. Usually, you travel by bus to the Jangheung area and then get off at the Wood Land entrance and walk inside.

By Subway

There is no subway station in Jangheung. For foreign travelers, the most realistic option is to first go from Seoul, Gwangju, Mokpo, or other cities to a bus terminal, then take an intercity bus to Jangheung.

By Bus

Use a local bus in the Jangheung area and get off at the Wood Land entrance stop. Some buses at certain times stop at the Wood Land entrance after passing through Rohas Town.

According to the original information, some buses toward Haksong, Sumun, and Surak are operated, and example times such as 10:20 and 11:10 were confirmed. However, since the timetable was collected only partially, be sure to check the latest local bus schedule on the day of your visit.

On Foot

After arriving at the Wood Land entrance or ticket office, walk about 5 minutes along the barrier-free deck path to the left of the ticket office to reach the entrance to the hinoki forest.

There is an information map in front of the entrance path, so it is convenient to check your route before going in.

Tip for foreign visitors: There is no subway exit number in this area. Showing the taxi or bus driver "Jangheung Wood Land entrance" or the address will help.

Photo Spots

• Entrance photo zone: This photo spot appears right after passing the Jeongnamjin Hinoki Forest Wood Land entrance. Take photos facing into the forest so that the entrance and tree path appear in the background. It is relatively less crowded in the morning, making it ideal for clean photos.
• Hinoki Forest Healing Trail deck path: This is a section where 40-year-old hinoki cypress trees stretch out along the trail. Stand in the center of the deck path and shoot straight ahead so the path looks deep and continuous. The best time is from late morning to early afternoon, when soft light comes through the trees.
• Hinoki Forest Healing Trail dirt path: If you want a more natural atmosphere, the dirt path section is a good choice. Shooting at an angle along the curve of the path gives the forest greater depth. Morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight is not too strong, is ideal.
• Forest background at the foot of Eokbulsan: In places along the forest path where the view opens a little, you can capture the atmosphere of the Eokbulsan foothills as well. Rather than standing with your back to the mountain, try shooting from the side so that both the hinoki trees and the hillside are visible. The warm light in the late afternoon is the most beautiful.

Night View

Jeongnamjin Hinoki Forest Wood Land in Jangheung becomes a night-walk attraction when the path lights turn on after dark, offering a different atmosphere from the daytime. Soft lights continue between the hinoki cypress trees, creating a quiet and romantic mood, which is especially well suited to spring evening walks.

The recommended time is from after sunset through the evening. Visiting in the early evening rather than too late makes it easier to enjoy both the path lighting and the surrounding scenery. During the day you can experience the scent of phytoncides, and at night you can enjoy the fantastical forest scenery with the lights.

Since the night scenery may be operated as a temporary night opening, it is a good idea to check the operating period and entry time before visiting. During special seasons or holidays, there may be operations that emphasize the atmosphere of a night walk, so please check the official information in advance.

Seasonal Guide

Jeongnamjin Hinoki Forest is a hinoki forest retreat on the slopes of Eokbulsan, and its atmosphere changes with each season. For foreign travelers, an itinerary that allows 1 to 2 hours of relaxed walking is the most convenient.

Spring

In spring, the forest paths are at their most comfortable, and it is good to combine the visit with a spring flower trip around the Jangheung area. It works well as a day course together with cherry blossom spots, and the mild weather makes it suitable for walking the hinoki forest paths and taking photos.

Summer

In summer, the deep shade of the forest and the relatively cool air are major advantages. It is often introduced as one of Jangheung's representative summer destinations, so it is great for family trips and healing walks. Even on days with strong sunlight, walking the forest path is comfortable, but because the humidity can be high, it is a good idea to bring light clothing and water.

Autumn

In autumn, the cool air makes it a great season for walking the forest paths. During the foliage season, the surrounding hillside scenery adds a deeper atmosphere. It is especially recommended for visitors who enjoy walking trips.

Winter

In winter, the quiet and clear atmosphere of the forest stands out. It is known as a place where you can fully feel Jangheung's winter mood, and the scenery of densely packed hinoki cypress trees that are 40 to 60 years old or more is impressive. The weather is cold, so bring warm outerwear and shoes with good traction.

Travel Tips

Because forest walks are the main attraction in all four seasons, comfortable walking shoes are the most important item. In summer, insect repellent is useful, and in winter, cold-weather gear is recommended. It is a good place to visit as a half-day or full-day course together with nearby attractions such as Jangheung Five-Day Market.

Local Tips

Jeongnamjin Hinoki Forest Wood Land is better enjoyed by staying at least one full day rather than just making a day trip. Allow a relaxed schedule so you can fully feel the forest's phytoncides and negative ions.

The biggest advantage of this place is that it is good for walking regardless of the season. In particular, in winter, the cold, clear air blends well with the hinoki fragrance.

It is convenient to access, as it is about a 5-minute drive from downtown Jangheung-eup. It is a good place to combine with an itinerary in Jangheung town.

Address: 180 Wood Land-gil, Jangheung-eup, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do