A hidden ginkgo forest, concealed for over half a century near the Everland theme park, is set to open to the public for the first time on October 25. (Image courtesy of Everland)
YONGIN, Oct. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – A hidden ginkgo forest, concealed for over half a century near the Everland theme park, is set to open to the public for the first time on October 25.
Samsung C&T Resort Group, which operates Everland, announced on October 17 that it would launch a new program called Secret Ginkgo Forest Walk for the autumn season. Registration for the program will begin on October 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
The forest, covering approximately 370 acres in Sinwon-ri, Pogok-eup, near the amusement park, was established by Everland in the 1970s as part of a reforestation effort. Around 30,000 ginkgo trees were planted in the area, which has since been preserved in its natural state without public access. It has now grown into what is believed to be the largest ginkgo tree colony in South Korea.
Recently, Everland has prepared eco-friendly infrastructure, including hiking trails and forest meditation areas, to open the site to the public on a trial basis.
The Secret Ginkgo Forest Walk program is scheduled to run from October 25 to November 10, operating three times a day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Each session can accommodate up to 30 participants, with an admission fee of 35,000 won per person.
The program includes a trek through the ginkgo grove, forest experiences, and a visit to the Ho-Am Art Museum. Participants will be transported from designated stops, including the Everland entrance, to the Sinwon-ri ginkgo forest via a dedicated shuttle bus. The journey takes about 15 minutes, followed by a four-hour walking tour.
During the 2-kilometer round-trip hike through the ginkgo-lined paths, visitors can engage in nature-inspired activities. These include creating artwork on white cloths using collected fallen leaves, ginkgo leaves, and pebbles. A drawing experience is also available for children.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
