The Halla Eco-Forest provides a wide variety of amenities including ‘woods bathing’ places shown in this image. (image courtesy of Yonhap)
JEJU, August 5 (Korea Bizwire) – Halla Eco-Forest, the once native grassland that was reconstructed as a forest, is establishing itself as a popular summer vacation spot, even beating well-known beaches as the best vacationers’ choice.
The forest stands 600 meters above sea level and temperatures are usually about five degrees lower — in the ‘effective temperature’ — than urban areas, making it the perfect spot to avoid summer heat.
Not to mention the cool shade created by the trees, many amenities are available such as water fountains and small pavilions. Also, various programs that help visitors experience the forest and well-paved roads for wheelchairs and strollers are attracting families. Experience centers for toddlers, anaquatic botanical garden and a rock garden are also popular facilities within the forest.
The 4.2 km long ‘Sootmoru’ forest road that leads to the Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest is popular among visitors, asthey can feel like they’re walking through a primeval forest.
The 4.2 km long ‘Sootmoru’ forest road
A total of 25,239 people visited Halla Eco-Forest last month, which was a 57.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year(16,062 visitors).
The forest was opened in September 2009. It is called a downscaled version of Mt. Halla, and is home to 760 species of plants from 129 families, 60 species of mammals and birds from 36 families, and 430 species of insects from 107 families.
Han Jung-woo, the manager of Halla Eco-Forest, comments on the strong suits of the forest. “The ocean is of course a great summer vacation spot, but at Halla Eco-Forest, visitors can experience a cool green environment which is about five degrees lower than urban areas. Many locals as well as tourists are visiting to seek calm and serenity.”
The aquatic botanical garden located in Hall Eco-Forest
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
