Become One with Nature

Sudosan Mountain is the most renowned mountain in Gimcheon, known for its deep valleys and lush forests. As one of the branches of the Sobaek Mountains, it is considered as a sacred mountain of the region. Located at the heart of the mountain is the National Center for Forest Therapy, Gimcheon, home to a birch forest standing magnificently toward the heavens.

A Slice of a Northern European Birch Forest in Gimcheon

Birch trees, famous for their pale bark, are native to Korea, Siberia, and Northern Europe. It is rather rare in Korea, so they tend to make a bigger impression when they are present. That is also a reason why birch trees are popular sites for photography or advertisement. Birch forests are thought to be at their most beautiful in winter, when they are covered under a blanket of snow, but they are also charming in summer and fall as well, when they put on the colors of brilliant green and gold. The birch forest is the most popular part of the National Center for Forest Therapy, Gimcheon. Although the birch forest is relatively smaller than others, it impresses the visitors with the opportunities to see, touch, and feel the unique dignity of the birch trees. The first trees that would make up the birch forest were planted in 2001, making this forest about 20 years old. Birch trees are sturdy enough to be used as furniture material. While you’re visiting, take the opportunity to take part in the “Healing DoDream” program, a program that invites one to communicate with the forest on a drum. Follow the beaton the drums and wash away the clutter of stress in your heart.

A Relaxing and Quiet Spot for Untact Travel

National Center for Forest Therapy, Gimcheon is located at the 8/10 point of the Sudosan Mountain, near the summit, and thus has the highest average altitude of all forest therapy centers in Korea. Because of its location deep inside the mountain, visitors are isolated from the noise of the world below. All these make the National Center for Forest Therapy in Gimcheon an ideal place for an untact travel, in a place with a great view to match. After parking at the parking lot, one must proceed for about 300m on foot to reach the Healing Center. There are also a variety of programs such as the “Sudosan Healing DoDream” for teenagers, “Sudosan Wellness Therapy” for the general public, and “My Very Own Healing Forest” for visitors with children. Outside of the forest therapy programs, craft programs like the “Sudosan Mountain Drawn by Me”, a program where visitors color a postcard of Sudosan Mountain’s scenery, and “Lotus Seed Bracelet”, which uses lotus seeds and colored beads to make a bracelet, are ideal for both children and adults. “Pressed Postcard” craft program offers a chance to make a unique and personalized souvenir using natural materials.

A Walking Trail in a Nut Pine Forest

The forest path from the Birch Observatory to the Korean Peninsula-shaped wetland has a gentle slope. Because it is not paved, it is bumpy everywhere, which makes you feel like you are walking along a natural mountain path. Around the Korean Peninsula-shaped wetland, all kinds of wildflowers grown in the alpine regions are highly eye-catching. Keep walking along the forest path, and you will find an observatory with a panoramic view of its surroundings. The section going down from here has a primeval forest densely filled with beautiful, large trees including nut pine trees, birches, blunt-lobed spicebushes, maple trees, and fir trees in perfect harmony.

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Things To Do

Jikji Cultural Park

Located at the entrance to Jikjisa Temple, this park is famous for its musical fountain.
∇ 31-1, Unsu-ri, Daehang- myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Jikjisa Temple

This Buddhist temple stands in harmony with lush pine forests, deep valleys, and fall colors near the foot of the Hwangaksan Mountain
∇ 95, Jikjisa-gil, Daehang- myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Baesin Sikdang

This restaurant has served grilled bulgogi with lettuce wraps for more than 60 years.
∇ 46, Baesinae-gil, Gammun- myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Jang Yeong-seon Wonjo Jirye Samgeori Bulgogi

The specialty of this restaurant is spicy marinated pork, grilled on coal briquettes.
∇ 64, Jangteo-gil, Jirye- myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do