A Must-Visit for Forest-Loving Girls: 3 Unique Local Forests in Jeju Island

Text and photos / Excerpted from "A Once-in-a-Lifetime Heartfelt Private Trip – Heart-Pounding Jeju: Seven Themed Experiences, Discovering the Wonders of Jeju Through All Five Senses!" by Kim Tae-yeon, published by Orange Tree Culture

Gotjawal (Forest-Stone Forest) Inspiration from Jeju Heart-Pounding Jeju 04

Jeju Island is home to distinctive forests you won’t find anywhere else, mainly located in four areas. These are the only forests in the world where plants from both northern and southern boundaries coexist. The term “Gotjawal,” a combination of the Jeju dialect words “?got” (forest) and “?迫jawal” (stone), refers to woodlands formed when lava from volcanic eruptions solidified into rocky terrain, with trees taking root in the crevices between the rocks. Over time, these trees have broken through the stones to grow. Witnessing their tenacious vitality often inspires deep respect.

A European-style Train Journey in an Eco Park

Ecoland is a sightseeing area where you can ride a classic steam train while enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes of Jeju Island. The train stops at four stations along the way, where you’ll see grasslands with lakes and windmills, a children’s playground, an ecological boulevard, and a European-style herb garden. When the train passes by windmills and lakes, you’ll feel as if you’re in Europe—but traveling through the Gotjawal (forest-stone forest), filled with “ferns,” brings you back to Jeju’s pristine nature.

On the Gotjawal walking trail in the ecological boulevard, guides offer 20–30 minute explanations, conducted only three times a day. It’s recommended to take the short 10-minute route and experience walking barefoot on the path paved with volcanic ash and red volcanic mud—a unique way to connect with Jeju. Rather than untouched nature, this Gotjawal feels more like a developed trail for tourism.

Location: 1278-169, Heungun-ro, Jeju-si
Operating Hours: Summer 08:30–18:00 / Winter 08:40–17:00
Experience Time: Gotjawal Guided Tour at 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 (except Fridays), and 15:00
Admission: Adults 12,000 KRW, Teens 10,000 KRW, Children 8,000 KRW
Phone: 064-802-8020
Website: http://theme.ecolandjeju.co.kr

Nearby Attractions: Jeju Folklore & Natural History Museum, Hallim Park, Jeju Stone Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Oedolgae Rock, Manjanggul Cave, Jeongbang Waterfall, Saryeoni Forest Trail, Geumneung Beach, Hamdeok Beach, Yongduam Rock, and more

Nearby Restaurants: Doguri Seulro Food (soybean paste, doenjang), Changwon Samgyetang, SPANISH3MONKEYS (Spanish cuisine), Ark Restaurant (mukimchi mandu, cold naengmyeon with soy milk), Forest Rest Stop (lettuce wraps, spicy ramen), Bridge Noodle Shop, Garden of Smiles (chicken hot pot), Roadside Passerby (vegetable bibimbap set), Garden Aroma (vegetable bibimbap set)

Nearby Cafés: From J, Orange Flower, La Foret SaRyeoni, Cloud Mountain, Tea Stone Cave Café

A Firefly-Watching Journey at Seongsan Gotjawal (Chirping Forest-Stone Forest)

At Seongsan Gotjawal, you can see fireflies twinkling like stars in the night sky. Although you might spot one or two fireflies occasionally in Jeju’s urban areas, the nights at Seongsan Gotjawal are truly a show. The star of this show is the “Seomun Mountain Firefly,” first discovered in 1931 on Mount Unmun in Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Seongsan Gotjawal is the largest habitat for these fireflies, where countless fireflies flutter from mid-June to July. On firefly-viewing nights, wear dark clothing if the weather is clear, minimize lighting, and keep noise to a minimum.

Location: Seongsan-ri, Hannyeong-myeon, Jeju-si
Operating Hours: After 20:30 (recommended to visit after dark)
Admission: Free
Phone: 064-773-1949, 064-773-1949, 064-773-1494

Nearby Attractions: Osulloc Tea Stone, Innisfree Jeju House, The Ma Park, Suiseongeum Meditation Garden, Jeju Glass Castle

A Miniature Forest-Stone Forest: Fantasy Forest

Fantasy Forest offers a short 1 km route where you can stroll leisurely with a guide every hour. Hear the owner’s experiences and stories about self-healing in Fantasy Forest. The explanations are easy to understand, making it perfect for first-time visitors to Jeju. The round-trip takes less than an hour and is an easy walk. Recommended for those visiting Jeju for the first time.

Location: 594-1, Nokcha Pothong-gil, Hannyeong-myeon, Jeju-si
Operating Hours: Winter 09:00–17:00 / Summer 09:00–19:00 / Closed Sundays in the morning
Admission: Adults 5,000 KRW, Children 4,000 KRW (1,000 KRW discount for cyclists and walkers)
Phone: 064-772-2488
URL：http://www.jejupark.co.kr

Nearby Attractions: Osulloc Tea Stone, Innisfree Jeju House, The Ma Park, Paju Sculpture Park, Bomunsa Temple, and Glass Castle in Gyeonggi Province