[Yonhap Imagine] Healing Destination Journey through Lush Pine Tree Forest: 'Hadong Pine Tree Natural Recreation Forest'

Situated in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do, the Hadong Pine Tree Natural Recreation Forest is a paradise nestled in nature where weary bodies and minds can find solace.

Established in 2020 by the local government, the Hadong Pine Tree Natural Recreation Forest spans 30,000 square meters of pine forest located at 279-1 Witaeri Mountain in Okjong-myeon. It was once privately owned by the late Kim Yong-ji, a native of Hadong who returned after running a business in Osaka, Japan, where he began planting pine trees in the Witaeri area in 1976. Starting with 30,000 pine seedlings brought from Japan annually for three years, the number grew to 200,000, transforming into an 800,000-square-meter pine forest today.

Healing Time in the Pine Forest Walking Trail

Situated along the Jirisan Circuit, the Hadong Pine Tree Natural Recreation Forest comprises 200,000 pine trees. The forest paths and walking trails consist of three courses: Course 1, the "Path of Imagination" (2.7km), Course 2, the "Path of Inner Peace" (1.5km), and Course 3, the "Healing Path" (1.7km), totaling 5.9km. While strolling through the forest, visitors can encounter not only pine trees but also observation decks, pine chip paths, small waterfalls and reservoirs, stone towers, and more. Amidst tall trees, one can enjoy the sunlight filtering through, the blue sky, and the air filled with phytoncides, relishing in the sounds and scents of nature. Rest areas such as benches, octagonal pavilions, platforms, and shelters are scattered along the trails, providing an optimal environment for meditation away from the noisy city.

Switch from 'Fireplace' to 'Forest Peace,' 'Forest Vacation'

Upon entering the recreation forest, visitors can find 13 forest houses and 3 glamping sites along the forest path. Surrounded by pine trees, the glamping sites offer the opportunity to fully experience the breeze blowing through the pine trees during the day and to marvel at the stars pouring down from the night sky at night. The usage fees (peak season rates) are 110,000 won for forest houses and 100,000 won for glamping sites. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the website from 9 a.m. every Wednesday to the fourth Tuesday.

Healing Plus: Forest Therapy Experience

The Hadong Pine Tree Natural Recreation Forest aims to open a healing center by March of next year. Currently, it is operating on a trial basis until the official opening of the healing center, offering various healing activities such as forest walking, sensory meditation in the forest, forest yoga, aroma foot massages, forest welcoming exercises, and more. The trial experience during this period is free of charge, and reservations can be made via phone or in-person. After the opening of the healing center, online reservations will also be available.

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