Travel
Tongyeong City, Korea restores Yeonhwa-do Forest Trails to create a renewed eco-scenic island
haps Magazine Korea
December 1, 2025
Yeonhwa Island Forest Trail (Photo courtesy of Tongyeong City)
Tongyeong City has completed major improvements to the forest environment and trails of Yeonhwa-do by linking two projects: the 2025 Island Forest Landscape Restoration Project (Yokji–Yeonhwa District) and the Yeonhwa Ecological Trail Development Project.
The effort aims to transform the island into a more sustainable, ecology-focused tourism destination.
Yeonhwa-do, known nationwide as a hydrangea hotspot, attracts many visitors each year. However, long-term forest damage caused by sea winds, abnormal temperatures, and wildlife feeding had led to deteriorating scenery and complaints about trail conditions.
To address this, the city carried out the national forest restoration project together with the island development program.
The restoration initiative invested 757 million won to repair eight hectares of damaged forest by removing vines, stabilizing soil, installing wind-protection structures, and planting 17,680 native trees and shrubs such as camellia, magnolia, pittosporum, fatsia, and mountain hydrangea. The goal was to help the forest regain its natural structure.
The ecological trail project added 380 million won for landscape maintenance across 22 hectares, a new deck observatory, repaired steps and paths, and anti-slip mats.
Hydrangeas and cherry trees were newly planted along key viewpoints to enhance seasonal beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy both the restored forest and colorful scenery as they walk.