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Jeju is famous for beaches, volcanic cliffs and dramatic ocean views.
But some of the island's most memorable scenery is hidden beneath the trees.
In eastern Jeju, Bijarim Forest offers a completely different kind of experience.
Instead of crowds gathering around a viewpoint, you walk slowly beneath hundreds of ancient bija trees, along reddish volcanic paths surrounded by moss, ferns and deep green forest.
Some of the trees here are estimated to be 500 to 800 years old, making Bijarim one of Jeju's most distinctive natural attractions.
If you want an easy nature walk that feels peaceful even in summer, this is one of the places I recommend adding to an eastern Jeju itinerary.
π Where Is Bijarim Forest?
Bijarim Forest is located in Gujwa-eup in eastern Jeju City.
It is inland rather than directly on the coast, so the scenery feels very different from Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji or Gwangchigi Beach.
π Bijarim Forest
55 Bijasup-gil,
Gujwa-eup,
Jeju-si,
Jeju-do, South Korea
55 Bijasup-gil,
Gujwa-eup,
Jeju-si,
Jeju-do, South Korea
πΊ️ Bijarim Forest Map
The map below shows the exact location of Bijarim Forest. If you are already in Jeju, use the button inside the map area to open directions from your current location.
π± Using Your Current Location
Tap Directions from My Location. If Google Maps asks for location permission, choose Allow. Your current position can then be used as the starting point for directions to Bijarim Forest.
π© Bijarim Forest at a Glance
π² Location: Eastern Jeju
π Opening hours: 09:00–18:00
π️ Last admission: 17:00
π° Adult admission: KRW 3,000
π§ Teenagers & children: KRW 1,500
π Parking: Available
π Easy route: Course A
π Course A: About 2.2 km
⏱️ Walking time: About 40–60 minutes
π Pets: Not permitted
π₯€ Food: Bottled water only
π² Why Is Bijarim Forest Special?
The word Bijarim refers to a forest of bija trees, known scientifically as Torreya nucifera.
This is not simply a landscaped park filled with recently planted trees.
Bijarim is protected as a natural monument and contains around 2,800 bija trees, many estimated to be between 500 and 800 years old.
The forest covers more than 448,000 square meters.
As you walk deeper inside, the twisted trunks and wide branches create a natural canopy above the path.
The atmosphere can feel especially quiet compared with Jeju's more exposed coastal attractions.
Ancient Trees + Volcanic Soil + Deep Shade + Easy Forest Walking
πΆ Course A or Course B?
One of the most useful things to know before entering Bijarim Forest is that the walking route divides into Course A and Course B.
For most first-time visitors, I recommend Course A.
π¦ Course A
About 2.2 km
Usually takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour
Relatively level
Recommended for families, pregnant travelers, strollers and wheelchair users
Some assistance may still be needed on sloped or uneven sections.
π§ Course B
Course B includes rougher and rockier sections, so it is better suited to visitors who want a slightly more natural walking route and are comfortable on uneven ground.
You do not need serious hiking equipment for the standard route.
Comfortable walking shoes are usually enough.
π³ Look for the Millennium Bija Tree
The forest is not just about walking from the entrance to the exit.
Take time to look at the individual trees.
One of the best-known landmarks inside the forest is the large old bija tree often referred to as the Millennium Bija Tree.
You can also see unusual intertwined trees and old trunks marked by centuries of wind, rain and storms.
These details are what make Bijarim more interesting when you walk slowly.
π³ Don't Rush
Bijarim is not a place where you need to reach a dramatic summit. The experience is the forest itself, so slow down and look around rather than treating the trail like a race.
☀️ Is Bijarim Good in Summer?
Yes — and this is one of the reasons I especially like it.
Jeju's beaches and oreums can feel extremely hot in July and August because many of them have little shade.
Bijarim is different.
The dense tree canopy provides deep shade across much of the walking route.
Visit Jeju included Bijarim in its official 2026 summer forest healing recommendations for eastern Jeju.
☀️ Summer Tip
Visit earlier in the morning if possible.
Bring water.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Even though the forest is shaded, Jeju can still be humid in summer.
π§️ What About a Light Rainy Day?
Bijarim can actually be very atmospheric when the weather is cloudy or lightly rainy.
The forest becomes darker, the green colors become richer and the volcanic soil takes on a deeper red-brown color.
But wet paths can also become slippery.
If heavy rain, strong wind or severe weather is forecast, check the latest local conditions before going.
⚠️ Weather Safety
Do not assume that a forest attraction will always remain accessible during severe weather. Jeju conditions can change quickly, especially during typhoon season.
πΆ Can You Visit with Children or a Stroller?
Yes.
This is one of the easier major nature attractions in Jeju for families.
The official Jeju tourism information specifically recommends Course A for visitors with strollers and for wheelchair users.
Most of the route is relatively level and surfaced with volcanic scoria.
However, this is still a natural forest trail rather than a perfectly flat indoor walkway.
There may be slopes or uneven sections where assistance is useful.
π Can I Bring a Dog?
No.
Pets are currently not permitted inside Bijarim Forest.
If you are traveling around Jeju with a pet, plan another activity for this part of the day.
π₯ͺ Can You Bring Food Inside?
This is another rule worth knowing before you arrive.
Food and drinks are restricted inside the forest.
Bottled water is permitted.
If you want coffee, snacks or a full meal, have them before entering or after finishing the walk.
This helps protect the natural environment and keeps the trail clean.
π° Admission Fee in 2026
Adult: KRW 3,000
Teenager / Child: KRW 1,500
Group rates and exemption rules may differ, so check the latest official information if they apply to you.
For a major natural attraction in Jeju, the entrance fee is relatively inexpensive.
π Opening Hours in 2026
Opening: 09:00
Closing: 18:00
Last admission: 17:00
Regular holiday: None — open all year
Operating conditions can still change because of weather, maintenance or special circumstances.
If the weather is poor, check the official Visit Jeju listing before leaving.
⏱️ How Long Should You Spend Here?
For most travelers:
About 1 hour — Standard Course A walk
1–1.5 hours — Slow walk, photographs and time around the major trees
Longer — If you join an interpretation program or walk more slowly
You do not need to reserve half a day unless you particularly enjoy forests and nature photography.
π§ Forest Interpretation Programs
Bijarim may offer guided interpretation programs that explain the trees, plants and stories of the forest.
These can make the visit more interesting if you want to understand what you are looking at instead of simply walking through.
However, schedules and availability can change.
Check the latest information at the visitor center or official website on the day of your visit.
π· Photography Tips
Bijarim is very different from Jeju's coastline.
You are working with filtered light, tree trunks, moss and narrow paths rather than huge open landscapes.
Try photographing:
π³ The curved shapes of old tree trunks
π€ The reddish volcanic-soil path
πΏ Moss and ferns close to the ground
☀️ Sunlight filtering through the canopy
πΆ A person walking farther down the trail for a sense of scale
π· Local Photo Tip
Don't photograph only the biggest trees. Some of the best forest images come from using the winding path as a leading line through the frame.
π¨ Who Should Visit Bijarim Forest?
πΏ Nature lovers
This is one of Jeju's most distinctive old-growth forest experiences.
π¨π©π§ Families
Course A is relatively easy and does not require a difficult climb.
π· Photographers
Ancient trees, volcanic paths and filtered light create a completely different look from Jeju's beaches.
☀️ Summer travelers
The deep shade makes it a useful break from exposed coastal attractions.
πΆ Travelers who dislike steep hikes
You can enjoy Jeju nature without climbing an oreum or mountain.
π₯ Who Might Skip It?
You may want to skip Bijarim if:
❌ You have no interest in forests or walking
❌ You are looking only for dramatic ocean scenery
❌ You are traveling with a pet and cannot leave it elsewhere
❌ Your schedule allows only one or two major Jeju attractions
Bijarim is beautiful, but it is intentionally quiet.
If you want rides, shops and constant entertainment, this is not that kind of attraction.
❓ BEST 3 QUESTIONS
1. How long does Bijarim Forest take?
Course A is around 2.2 km and usually takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Is Bijarim Forest difficult?
Course A is relatively easy and mostly level. Course B includes rougher and rockier sections.
3. Is Bijarim Forest worth visiting in summer?
Yes. The dense canopy provides much more shade than many coastal attractions and oreums, making Bijarim particularly pleasant for a summer nature walk.
⭐ A Local's Final Advice
Don't visit Bijarim expecting a dramatic viewpoint at the end.
There isn't one.
The attraction is the walk itself.
The old trees.
The smell of the forest.
The red volcanic path.
The quiet that becomes more noticeable as you move farther from the entrance.
If your Jeju itinerary already contains several beaches and coastal viewpoints, Bijarim is a good way to change the pace.
Jeju isn't only an island of ocean views. Sometimes its quietest landscapes are found beneath the trees.
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