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Location3768, Byeonsan-ro Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
- CategoryTour/ Park
- Korean국립 변산 자연 휴양림
- Chinese國立邊山自然休養林
- FieldGeography / Human Geography
- Contents TypePlace Name / Facility
- Established Location3768, Byeonsan-ro Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
- Current Location3768, Byeonsan-ro Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
- Definition
- The natural recreation forest located on the coast of Docheong-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, North Jeolla province.
- Summary
- Among Korean national recreation forests, Byeonsan National Recreational Forest is Korea’s first marine ecological forest that features both a natural forest and marine park. Visitors can experience the pine forest, which is connected to Byeonsan Peninsula National Park, and view the ocean from various facilities with convenience.
- Background of Construction
- Byeonsan National Recreational Forest was opened in 2015 with the purpose to utilize the beautiful landscape and the ecological environment of Byeonsan Peninsula, provide a healthy recreational space to visitors and a natural educational site for the youth, and contribute to the development of the region.
- Development
- The National Byeonsan Natural Recreation Forest was designated a natural recreation forest in 2009 and facilities construction near the forest started in 2011. The forest was opened to the public in February, 2015 and is operated by the National Natural Recreation Forest Management Office. Starting with Mt. Yumyeong, Daegwallyeong, and Mt. Sinbul Waterfall Natural Forests in the late 1980s, the National Natural Recreation Forest Management Office has established and operated 42 natural recreation forests as of 2019.
- Composition
- The National Byeonsan Natural Recreation Forest is largely divided into the ‘Visitor’s Center’, ‘Forest Culture and Recreation Hall’ and ‘Wetland Ecology Observatory’. Toward inland there are the ‘Visitor’s Center’ and lodging facilities, and toward the ocean is the Wetland Ecology Observatory. Lodging facilities in the forest consist of 5 townhouse buildings (10 guest rooms), 10 cabins (10 guestrooms) and 2 ‘Forest Culture Recreation Halls’ (23 guest rooms). One townhouse comprises of two guest rooms. The location of each room varies but all rooms offer ocean views. ‘The Tree House’ in the forest is a private house with a parking lot in front. A pleasant ocean view from the veranda of the house makes this the most popular lodging option in the forest. ‘The Forest Culture Recreation Halls’ consist of two 2-storied buildings, A and B, right near the ocean. There are also a swimming pool in front and a sandlot playground. Under the ocean viewpoint in front of the hall is the Wetland Ecology Observatory.
- Current Status
- The National Byeonsan Natural Recreation Forest features a dense pine forest and a steep rocky coast created by the mountain range of Mt. Gapnam (413.3 meters), adjacent to Gomso Bay. The administrative address of the forest makes it part of Docheong-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, North Jeolla province, which is close to Jiseo-myeon to its east. The forest is also close to the coastal expressway that passes No. 30 and is easily accessible, taking only 20 minutes by car from Julpo and Naneulmok on the Seohaean Expressway. Close to tourist attractions in Byeonsan Peninsula, such as Mohang Beach, Gyeokpo Beach, Byeonsan Beach and Mt. Naebyeon, the forest is ideal for tourists to enjoy sightseeing and recreation. Inside the forest are paved roads, lodging and convenience facilities, and visitors can learn about marine ecology at the Wetland Observatory. The National Byeonsan Natural Recreation Forest operates docent-guided tours and various experiential programs. The theme of the docent-guided tour is titled “Experience with Your Five Senses” highlighted by trail hiking, which is 3 ㎞ long, immersed in fragrant pine scents. There are experiential programs called “Making friends in the forest using pine cones” and “Making healthy three-colored salt using sea salt.” To the left of the beach inside the forest, visitors can find Byeonsan Masil-gil 6 courses, where they can enjoy trekking and taking in views of Byeonsan-bando National Park.