On a deep autumn day, the mysterious royal tomb forest trail opens for the first time in 4 years.
Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, announced that the 17th Gwangneung Forest Festival will be held for two days from the 8th to the 9th.
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Gwangneung Forest, which is called 'the lungs of the metropolitan area', is open to the public only two days a year, during festivals, although it is normally closed to the public due to its high ecological and environmental value.
Visitors can enjoy the well-preserved natural scenery on the 4 km round trip.
However, as the African Swine Fever (ASF) in 2019 and the spread of Corona 19 in 2020-2021 continued, the festival could not be held for three consecutive years.
This year's festival includes a variety of programs including walking in the forest, small busking performances, forest experience activities, flea markets, and photo exhibitions.
However, pets are not allowed for walking in the forest.
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Gwangneung Forest is the largest forest treasury in Korea with 2,238 hectares spanning Namyangju, Pocheon, and Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province.
The oldest hardwood tree is 200-year-old Japanese oak, with a diameter of 113 cm. Among conifers, fir is the largest with a diameter of 120 cm and a height of 41 m.
Gwangneung Forest was designated as the tomb of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty and has been protected and managed for about 560 years. In 2010, it was also designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Kim Gil-won, director of the Culture and Education Bureau, said, "This year's Gwangneung Forest Festival, which will be held for the first time in four years, is more meaningful. We will prepare well so that people can enjoy the mountain. In addition, we will prepare thoroughly for safety accidents while hiking in the fall.”