In this post, AREX team is going to introduce the pine trees healing forest located in Namsan Mountain, Seoul.
As we may already know, Namsan Tower and Namsan park are hot spots for both Koreans and foreigners. However, the pine trees healing forest in Namsan seems to be less popular and not so well known among the foreigners. This is a place where you can enjoy atmosphere around pine trees in downtown Seoul.
To get here, take Namsan Circular Bus at Dongguk University Station or Chungmuro Station and get off at the entrance stop of Namsan North Sunhwanro Entrance and walk about 5 minutes to the entrance of pine tree healing forest.
*Note: Due to forest protection, only those who applied in advance through the experience program can enter this place, so prior reservation is mandatory.
Reservation for pine tree healing forest program can be made on the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Public Service Reservation website.
There are two types of programs:
1. Two-hour basic forest healing program
2. One-hour experience program
Please take note that you have to book 4 days before the scheduled visit, and limit to 20 people per session (first-come, first-served), so it is recommended that you make reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Reservation website: http://yeyak.seoul.go.kr/search/totalSearchView.web
*Currently it is not available, it will be open again later in Autumn.
After getting off the bus, you can easily find your way to the entrance of the pine tree healing forest, as it is well guided by signboard. Also, if you have made reservation, you will receive a reservation text message that asks you can come to street light no. 139, so it is not difficult to find the way. It takes about 5 minutes by bus from Dongguk University Station and 5 minutes from bus stop to the entrance. We recommend participants to arrive earlier to have some extra time before the program starts.
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| ▲ Main entrance of Namsan Pine Trees Healing Forest (in front of street light No. 139) |
Namsan Pine Trees Healing Forest was not open for public in order to prevent damage to Namsan Mountain. Since 2017, you can join the experience program to enter Namsan Pine Trees Healing Forest via prior reservation.
When the program starts, you can enter from this entrance with the program leader.
The forest healing program that starts at 10:30 am, consists of slow walking experience, self-care exercise, and explanation of plant fragrance. When the weather is nice, many people would participate in the pine trees forest healing program even on weekdays.
Being in the midst of pine trees forest, which usually is hard to be seen in the city center, allows your to breathe in clean air and phytoncide. The pine needle and the pine cones on the floor also makes your mood good.
After light exercise, the leader will guide you through the pine trees forest trail. The slope is not steep so you can walk slowly. Isn't this a good way to enjoy forest?
As you walk, you will hear many interesting stories about pine trees and explanations about various plants that you may not know about. What's make this more interesting is that you can see them with your own eyes!
Most importantly, when you walk along the pine trees healing forest trail, you can take a closer look at Namsan Tower. Namsan mountain, Namsan Tower, and the blue sky filled with green trees, make a perfect picture and this scenery definitely makes you feel relaxed and offers you a healing time.
After the walk, you will spray oil that has the scent of pine trees. When you apply the oil and do a hand massage, you will feel healthy thanks to the strong scent of pine needles.
Although just for a short time, when you take a slow walk in the nature full of phytoncide, you can feel more relaxed and it can take away your stress. If you want to take a walk in the forest trail, you can apply for the forest healing program, take a short nap at the shelter, and enjoy tea time with fragrant health tea.
The next time you visit Korea, why don't you take some time to relax in Namsan Mountain?
[Information about Namsan Pine Trees Healing Forest]
1. Getting Here : AREX Seoul Station - Transfer to Subway Line 4 - Get off at Chungmuro Station Exit 2 - Take Namsan circulation bus (No. 2 or 5) - Get off at Namsan North Sunhwanro Entrance, Walk about 5 mins
2. Address : San 14-21, Jangchungdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
3. Operating Time :
· Basic Forest Healing Program : Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 14:00 - 16:00
· Forest Healing Experience Program : Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat - 10:30 - 11:30, Sun 15:00 - 16:00 (Check the program time on the website)
4. Contact : +82-02-3783-5995
5. Website : https://yeyak.seoul.go.kr
*Please wear a mask and practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Stay safe!
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