VISIT JEJU

‘Secret Forest’ is a woodland trail so scenic it looks like something straight out of a movie. Located near Andol Oreum in Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, 50 minutes by car from the airport, Secret Forest is the perfect place to relax and recharge, featuring a long stretch of dense cedar trees. The forest is open to exploration daily from 9:00 to 18:30, with any closures announced via Instagram.

The trail does not have a dedicated parking lot, so cars can be parked along the road. At the entrance are found a mint-colored jeep and trailer selling entry tickets, as well as simple drinks such as coffee, Hallabong juice, and water; snacks such as dalgona and cotton candy; and umbrellas and raincoats in case of rain. Payment may also be made here for the animal feeding programs, where visitors can feed carrots to goats and horses. The bright mint color makes these vehicles a popular photo spot, so don’t forget to snap some great shots. 

We recommend stopping at the restroom before embarking on the unpaved trail, as there are no toilets inside Secret Forest proper. While the entire trail can be finished in about 30 minutes at a brisk pace, keep in mind that stopping and taking pictures can greatly extend this time. As the trail is a shared public space, smoking and drinking are prohibited. Visitors are welcome to bring pets, as long as they are leashed and any waste is bagged. Once all preparations are complete, it’s time to set out on a leisurely stroll through the forest.

There are eight popular photo zones inside Secret Forest: the entrance, the cabin, the lone tree, the oreum photo zone, the meadow, the cypress grove, the path between stone walls, and the palm tree swing. The most popular of these is the ‘lone tree,’ a solitary tree standing in a wide field that looks quite majestic when photographed. The path connecting these photo zones is also scattered with smaller photo spots, such as wooden benches and cabins, making the entire trail a perfect choice for those looking to capture some gorgeous pictures imbued with the unique sensibilities of Jeju Island. Beautiful from any angle, it’s also a great setting for family or wedding photos.

Besides being a great spot for photos, it is also an excellent walking trail. Although the path is made of dirt, it is flat and well-maintained, making it easy for even children and elderly visitors to walk on. The dense forest of cedars surrounding the path gives it a mystical, otherworldly feel, and breathing in the pristine air invigorates and restores lost energy. Midway through the course is a cypress grove filled with phytoncides, making it the ideal spot to experience the true healing power of nature.

We highly recommend a visit to Secret Forest with family, friends, and lovers, to take some once-in-a-lifetime photos and breathe in the pure air of Jeju.