Travel
Korea Destinations: 10 cool forest retreats to beat the summer heat
haps Magazine Korea
August 3, 2025
(Korea Forest Service)
The Korea Forest Service has selected 10 natural recreation forests ideal for escaping the summer heat, offering refreshing valleys, water play, and family-friendly activities across the country.
Ganghwa Natural Recreation Forest in Incheon features zip lines, go-karts, and forest adventures, and is easily paired with nearby beach destinations.
Yumyeongsan Forest in Gapyeong is known for its cold valley waters and peaceful walking trails.
Chuncheon’s Jibdarigol Forest sits along the Jiam Valley, offering chilly mountain waters even in midsummer.
In Wonju, Pinocchio Forest combines a forest playground, water park, and even a reptile café.
Jangnyeongsan Forest in Okcheon is nestled along Geumcheon Valley with forest trails and a popular water play area.
Geumsan’s Nami Forest provides family-friendly facilities such as an ecological learning center and sky slide.
Unjangsan Forest in Jinan boasts waterfalls and valley views at over 1,100 meters above sea level.
Jeamsan Forest in Boseong offers both a water park and unique attractions like bear sledding.
Unjusan Forest in Yeongcheon blends forest experiences with horseback riding, while Geumwonsan Forest in Geochang features Korea’s highest ecological arboretum and the massive Moon Rock, along with waterfalls and streamside recreation.