Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

On the slopes of Jangtaesan in western Daejeon, some 6,700 dawn redwoods (metasequoias) stand in tall, straight rows. The forest was planted by one man over a lifetime, then taken over by the city of Daejeon and opened to everyone free of charge. Its signature feature is a walkway in the air that climbs to the height of the treetops, and in autumn the whole forest turns a rusty red, making it one of Daejeon's best places for autumn colour.

A forest planted by one man

The forest is the work of Im Chang-bong (1922–2002). In 1973 he wound up his construction business and put everything he had into planting trees. Over more than 20 years he planted around 200,000 of them on about 815,855 m² of land. In 1991 it became Korea's first privately run recreational forest. Daejeon took it over in 2002, and after renovation it reopened in 2006. Jangtaesan itself, which gives the forest its name, is a modest hill of 374 m.

What to look out for

• Metasequoia avenues: the straight trunks start around the ecological pond. The paths here are almost flat, so they work for prams and wheelchairs.
• Forest Adventure skyway: a raised deck running 10–16 m above the ground. At its end, the 27 m Sky Tower reaches roughly the height of the treetops, so you can look down on the canopy.
• Suspension bridge: a swaying bridge across the valley, with the metasequoia forest spread out below. It is a favourite photo spot in autumn.
• Viewpoint: about 570 m uphill from the ecological pond, a lookout takes in the forest and the surrounding hills.

Suggested walk

Start from the car park with the metasequoia avenues around the ecological pond, then follow the Forest Adventure deck up into the canopy. Look down on the trees from the Sky Tower at the end of the deck (when it is open), come back down and cross the suspension bridge, and you will have seen the forest both from below and from above. If you still have energy, walk the hill path from the pond to the viewpoint; it climbs steadily, so wear proper shoes. The forest also has cabins and a campsite, bookable through Korea's public recreational forest booking site, if you want to stay the night.

Tripto tips

• When to go: the trees turn red from mid-October to early November. Car parks fill early on autumn weekends, so arrive in the morning. Early summer, with the forest at its greenest, is also lovely.
• Fees: entry and parking are free. Only cabins and camping need booking and payment.
• Time needed: allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours for the forest paths, the skyway and the bridge.
• Opening: the forest is open all year, but the skyway and suspension bridge close earlier in some seasons and may shut in rain or snow. The Sky Tower was closed for inspection and repairs in spring 2026, so check with the forest office (+82-42-270-7883) before you go.
• Getting there: driving from central Daejeon is easiest. City bus 22 runs via Gasuwon crossroads towards Jangan-dong, but services are infrequent.