INJE, Apr. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – The beloved birch forest in the village of Wondae-ri, which draws over 450,000 visitors annually, is set to welcome a new wood culture experience center, providing an immersive destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
According to Inje County officials on April 22, the county secured 4.4 billion won in provincial funding after being selected for the Korea Forest Service’s local government project in 2022. With a total budget of 9.6 billion won allocated until 2025, the wood culture experience center will be constructed.
Having completed preliminary procedures such as land acquisition, small-scale disaster impact assessment, and local fiscal investment review last year, the county has now embarked on full-scale construction this month.
Spanning an area of 1,300 square meters, the wood culture experience center will feature a woodcraft workshop, a children’s playground made of wood, and a studio cafe, among other facilities.
Additionally, the county plans to secure extra funding to develop walking trails, an observation deck, and a themed garden within the birch forest surrounding the center.
Simultaneously, Inje County is accelerating the development of infrastructure such as parking lots, access roads, and forest experience facilities through the Administration and Safety Ministry’s special situation area development project, which the county was selected for last year.
The birch forest in Wondae-ri has been designated as one of the “100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization for five consecutive terms, cementing its status as a beloved forest tourism destination.
Last year, it was also recognized as one of the “30 Best Hiking Trails” by the Korea Forest Service, showcasing its exceptional quality.
The county aims to establish a comprehensive forest leisure infrastructure, transforming the birch forest area into a premier woodland destination.
Restoration efforts are underway for a reed colony using natural recovery methods, with plans for public access in 2025. Additionally, the county is proceeding with the theme garden development project funded by the Korea Forest Service, aligning it with the construction schedule of the wood culture experience center.
“We will nurture the birch forest into a year-round forest healing destination, injecting new vitality into local tourism,” said Choi Sang-ki, the county governor.
Image credit: Inje County, Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
