A Summer Day's Record Found in the Deep Forest of Inje, Gangwon-do: National Yongdae Recreational Forest

The Coldest Comfort Offered by the Forest, National Yongdae Recreational Forest

It was a day when the air that brushed against my cheeks was cool and clear, rather than the humid city air that rushes in as soon as you open the window. I headed to the National Yongdae Recreational Forest (Yongdae Jayeon Hyuyangnim), hidden near the top of Jinburyeong (Pass) in Inje, Gangwon-do. Located at an altitude of 600m in the northernmost region, the density of the air was different from the moment I entered the forest entrance. As soon as I got out of the car, the bitter scent of earth stinging the tip of my nose and the refreshing phytoncides exhaled by the oak and pine trees pierced deep into my lungs.

The biggest charm of this place is, without a doubt, the valley. The stream flowing between Maebongsan (Mountain) and Chiljeolbong (Peak) is so cold that even in the middle of summer, it's hard to last 10 minutes after dipping your feet in. The splashing sound of water was like a musical piece the forest was performing for me. Upon hearing that the lenok (yeolmogeo), a natural monument, lives here, I lowered my head and peered into the water for a long time. Watching the landscape where transparent pebbles and unnamed wildflowers mingled, I felt as if all the noise of the world had faded away. Perhaps due to the ‘Yeonhwa Bunsuhyeong’ topography, which is shaped like a lotus flower floating on water, my heart felt strangely calm while staying in the recreational forest.

Inje, Where the Four Seasons Stay: In Search of Seasonal Flavors

National Yongdae Recreational Forest is an exhibition of nature that changes its clothes every season. It shows a feast of light green as sprouts emerge in spring, deep greenery that makes you forget the heat in summer, crimson maple leaves that seem to be burning in autumn, and quiet snowy landscapes in winter. You will not be disappointed no matter which season you visit. In particular, Inje is also a city of festivals. From the Icefish Festival (Bingeo Chukje) in January to the birch sap (gorosoe) in March, dried pollack (hwangtae) in May, and the leisure sports festival in July, it is as full of things to enjoy as the scenery of Inje.

While static rest in the forest is good, how about planning a trip in connection with festivals in nearby villages? Just by imagining walking along forest paths during the day and sitting on the recreational forest deck where stars pour down at night, tasting dried pollack (hwangtae) dishes produced in Inje, I already feel like half the trip is complete. Even the drive to 7, Yeonhwadong-gil, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun—the address to type into your navigation—is on the way to Seoraksan (Mountain), so it's a feast for the eyes throughout the drive.

A Slow Trip with the Forest: Enjoying the Surroundings

If you feel it's a shame to stay only in the recreational forest, take a look around. Since Seoraksan National Park (Seoraksan Gungnip Gongwon) is nearby, you can easily visit famous attractions such as Baekdamsa (Temple), Sibiseonnyetang (Valley), Jangsudae (Pavilion), and Daeseung Falls (Daeseung Pokpo). However, there is no need to move too busily. The forest teaches us to 'pause for a moment.' Even if you don't go far, just walking slowly along the artificial deciduous forest and oak forest paths inside the recreational forest is enough.

This place is also close to National Route 46, which leads to the East Sea. After emptying your body and mind for a few days at the recreational forest, a course of driving to the east coast and facing the blue sea is also very attractive. It is a stay-type resort where you can enjoy both the deep silence of the forest and the wide sound of the waves of the sea, truly feeling nature to the fullest. If I visit Inje again, I want to take a little more time and meet the four seasons of the forest one by one, slowly.