Seogwipo Healing Forest

On the southern slopes of Hallasan, between 320 and 760 m above sea level, Seogwipo Healing Forest is a public forest designed so that walking itself is a form of rest. It contains several stands of Japanese cypress averaging more than 60 years old, among the oldest cypress forests in Korea. Gentle paths and wooden boardwalks make it easy going even for people who would rather not hike.

A forest on Hallasan's southern flank

The healing forest opened in June 2016. Its roughly 174 hectares climb from 320 m to 760 m, so as you walk you pass from subtropical through temperate to cooler-climate vegetation. Dense broadleaf woods alternate with straight ranks of cypress.

True to its name, certified forest therapists run healing programmes that use the forest's phytoncides, sunlight and breeze to support health and immunity. The healing centre at the entrance has indoor therapy rooms and a health measurement room, so you can check how you feel before and after a walk.

What to see

• Gamyeong-omyeong Trail: the main trail from the entrance. Its name is Jeju dialect for "going and coming", and the other themed paths branch off it.
• Themed trails: about 15 km in all, across 12 themed routes. You can do a short loop or keep climbing to higher ground.
• Cypress groves and rest areas: wooden loungers and decks let you lie back among the cypresses, close your eyes and listen to the forest.
• Boardwalks: barrier-free deck sections are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, which makes the forest good for families.

Tripto tips

• Opening hours: entry from 08:00 (April–October) or 09:00 (November–March), with last entry at 16:00. Open all year.
• Admission: adults KRW 1,000, teenagers KRW 600. Jeju residents, children and families with several children enter free with proof.
• Booking: the daily cap of 600 visitors was lifted in September 2025, and individuals can now walk in without booking. Large coach groups and guided or therapy programmes still need advance reservations.
• Footwear and rules: slippers, high heels and dress shoes are not allowed; wear trainers or hiking boots. Eating, drinking alcohol and smoking are banned in the forest.
• Therapy programmes: sessions with a forest therapist cost KRW 20,000 for adults for about 3 hours and KRW 12,000 for about 2 hours (half price for young people and children). There are also guided trail walks, forest hikes and a children's forest experience.
• Payment and information: credit cards are accepted. Information: +82-64-760-3067.
• Parking: the car park (about 66 spaces) is paid: KRW 1,000 for compact cars and KRW 2,000 for small and mid-size cars.
• Time needed: 1–2 hours for an easy loop, 2–3 hours if you join a guided programme.
• Getting there: the address is 2271 Sallongnam-ro, Seogwipo. It lies on Sallongnam-ro, the mid-mountain road south of Hallasan, so a car or taxi is easiest.
• Combine with: down in Seogwipo town, Cheonjiyeon Falls and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market are a short drive away.