Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is one of the easiest places to trade Daejeon's city streets for tall trees and quiet walking paths. The metasequoia grove and ground-level routes remain the main reasons to visit. The Forest Adventure Skyway and Sky Tower are currently closed for repairs, with reopening expected in 2027.
You do not need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the forest. A first visit can combine the main metasequoia grove, ground-level forest paths and ecological pond in about two hours. Longer routes and the suspension bridge can extend the visit, subject to current access notices.
Is Jangtaesan Recreational Forest worth visiting?
Yes. The metasequoia forest and ground-level walking routes remain open and are worthwhile without a difficult mountain hike.
Location: Seo-gu, Daejeon
Main highlights: Metasequoia forest, walking paths and ecological pond
Current closure: Skyway and Sky Tower closed for repairs; reopening expected in 2027
Admission: Free
Parking: Available and free
Regular holiday: None listed; open year-round
Recommended time: About 1.5–3 hours
Best for: Forest walks, families, couples and autumn scenery
Korean search name: 장태산자연휴양림
Where Is Jangtaesan Recreational Forest?
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is in the southwestern part of Daejeon, in a wooded valley away from the city's busiest neighborhoods. Although it remains within Daejeon, the setting feels more like a countryside retreat than an urban park.
461 Jangan-ro,
Seo-gu, Daejeon,
South Korea
Korean address
대전광역시 서구 장안로 461
Navigation search
장태산자연휴양림
For the last part of the journey, Naver Map or KakaoMap usually gives clearer Korean road and bus information than Google Maps. Search for 장태산자연휴양림 before leaving central Daejeon.
Walking Through the Metasequoia Forest
The metasequoia grove is the heart of Jangtaesan. Tall, evenly spaced trunks create strong vertical lines, and the view changes noticeably with the season. Fresh green leaves soften the forest in spring, the canopy becomes deep and shaded in summer, and autumn turns the trees bronze and orange.
Begin at ground level instead of heading straight to the tower. Looking upward from the base of the trees gives you a better sense of their height, while the quieter side paths let you enjoy the forest without staying in the busiest photo area.
Stand a little away from the busiest path and include a person near the base of the trees for scale. A low camera angle shows their height better than a tightly cropped row of trunks.
Forest Adventure Skyway: Currently Closed
The Forest Adventure Skyway is an elevated walkway about 196 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and roughly 10–16 meters above the ground. It normally runs among the middle branches of the metasequoia trees, but the official operator has closed it for repair and reinforcement work.
The route is designed as a forest experience rather than an extreme attraction, but people uncomfortable with heights may still prefer the lower paths. Walk steadily, leave space for visitors taking photos and follow any one-way or capacity instructions posted at the entrance.
Current access: Closed for repairs
Expected reopening: 2027, subject to completion of the work
Length: About 196 m
Height: About 10–16 m above the ground
Before visiting: Check the latest Foresttrip notice for any schedule change
The 27-Meter Sky Tower: Currently Closed
The connected Sky Tower is about 27 meters high and has a spiral ramp around the structure. It is closed together with the Skyway while repair and reinforcement work is underway. Do not plan a visit around access to the tower until the operator posts a reopening notice.
Ground-level forest paths still provide close views of the metasequoia grove. Visitors who prefer lower, easier routes can focus on the main woodland, rest areas and ecological pond while the elevated facilities remain unavailable.
The Skyway and Sky Tower are closed for repair and reinforcement work, with reopening expected in 2027. Rain, snow, strong wind, ice, maintenance or inspections can also affect the suspension bridge and other facilities even when the wider recreation forest remains open.
Suspension Bridge and Ground-Level Paths
Jangtaesan also has a suspension bridge measuring about 140 meters. It offers another elevated forest experience, although its location and approach may add more walking than the main Skyway route. Treat it as an optional extension rather than something every visitor must complete.
At ground level, walking paths connect forest rest areas, botanical spaces, exercise facilities, barefoot sections and an ecological pond. These quieter areas are useful when the Skyway is crowded or when someone in your group prefers not to use high structures.
Admission, Opening Information and Parking
Current official tourism information lists general admission and parking as free. It also lists no regular holiday and describes Jangtaesan Recreational Forest as open year-round. These details apply to general forest access; they do not mean that every elevated facility, visitor service or accommodation operates at all hours.
The Daejeon Park Management Office lists six parking areas with space for about 554 vehicles, including standard and large-vehicle spaces. Capacity is substantial, but autumn foliage weekends can still become busy. Arriving earlier in the day makes parking and photography easier.
General admission: Free
Parking fee: Free
Regular holiday: None listed; open year-round
Parking: Six areas, about 554 vehicles in total
Best arrival: Daylight hours, preferably earlier on autumn weekends
Because temporary closures can be announced for inspections, storms or repairs, review the latest Foresttrip notice before a long journey. On-site instructions always take priority over a general tourism listing.
Best Time to Visit
Spring
New foliage brings a light green color to the tall canopy, and walking temperatures are usually comfortable. The forest can stay damp after rain, so shoes with reliable grip help.
Summer
Summer produces the deepest green scenery and useful shade. Humidity can still be high, so carry water and visit earlier on hot days.
Autumn
Autumn is the most popular season for Jangtaesan metasequoia foliage. The bronze and orange trees are especially photogenic from the forest floor, but clear weekends attract the largest crowds.
Winter
After the leaves fall, the straight trunks create a stark pattern that suits quiet photography. Snow and ice can close elevated structures or make shaded paths slippery, so check conditions before setting out.
Choose a dry spring or autumn morning. You will have comfortable walking weather, better access to elevated facilities and more time to explore before the busiest part of the day.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Main metasequoia forest and a short ground-level walk
First visit — About 1.5–2 hours
Forest paths, rest areas and ecological pond
Relaxed half-day — About 2.5–3 hours
Add longer paths and the suspension bridge if access is open
Two hours is a practical target for most first-time visitors. Add extra time during peak foliage season because narrow photo areas and elevated walkways can move slowly.
Easy First-Time Walking Route
Start below the trees and take the widest forest views first.
2. Ground-level forest path
Follow the woodland route while the Skyway and Sky Tower are closed.
3. Rest areas and botanical spaces
Use the quieter areas for a slower walk or family break.
4. Ecological pond
Finish with a calm walk before returning to the parking area.
Optional extension
Add the suspension bridge only when current access, weather, time and mobility allow.
Families and Accessibility
Jangtaesan works well for families because the visit can be shortened without losing the main experience. Children can enjoy the tall trees and elevated walkways, while adults can choose between a simple forest stroll and a longer route.
Some central paths and visitor areas are easier than the hillside trails, but the complete attraction should not be treated as fully step-free. Slopes, changing surfaces, the Skyway, tower and suspension bridge may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Use the easiest available section and ask staff about current access conditions when needed.
Keep younger children close on elevated structures, avoid running and do not stop in the middle of narrow walkways for long photo sessions. Skip high facilities when surfaces are wet or a child is uncomfortable with the height.
How to Get There
By car
Driving is the easiest option, particularly for families or visitors combining the forest with other places around Daejeon. Enter the Korean name or street address in your navigation app rather than relying only on an English search result.
Without a car
Public transportation is possible, but travel takes longer than reaching central Daejeon attractions and service may be infrequent. Check Naver Map or KakaoMap on the day of travel for the current bus connection. A taxi can simplify the final section, but plan your return before entering the forest.
장태산자연휴양림 — Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
장태산 스카이웨이 — Jangtaesan Skyway
장태산 스카이타워 — Jangtaesan Sky Tower
장태산 출렁다리 — Jangtaesan suspension bridge
Overnight Accommodation
Cabins and other accommodation are operated separately from the free day-use forest. Reservations, room availability, prices and check-in rules should be checked through the official Foresttrip booking page. Do not use the free admission information for the walking area as a guide to lodging costs.
Temporary repairs or facility notices can affect individual rooms, camping areas or amenities without closing the entire forest. Review the notice board before booking and again shortly before arrival.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Water in warm weather
Sun protection
A light rain or wind layer
Warm clothing in winter
Naver Map or KakaoMap
Enough battery for navigation and photos
Wooden decks, ramps and shaded forest surfaces can remain slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and be ready to use only the ground-level areas if elevated facilities are restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jangtaesan Recreational Forest free?
Yes. Current official tourism information lists general admission and parking as free. Accommodation requires a separate paid reservation.
Are the Jangtaesan Skyway and Sky Tower open?
No. The official operator says both facilities are closed for repair and reinforcement work, with reopening expected in 2027. Check the latest notice because the construction schedule can change.
Is Jangtaesan open all year?
Official tourism information lists no regular holiday and describes the recreation forest as open year-round. Individual facilities can still close because of weather, inspection, maintenance or safety concerns.
When is the best time for autumn foliage?
Color timing changes each year with temperature and weather. Check recent Daejeon foliage reports rather than relying on a fixed annual date, and visit on a weekday morning when possible.
How long should I stay?
Allow about two hours for the main forest paths, rest areas and pond. Plan up to three hours if you want a slower walk or the suspension bridge extension and that route is open.
Final Advice
Jangtaesan remains useful as a metasequoia forest walk even while its two best-known elevated facilities are closed. Start beneath the trees, use the ground-level paths and check the official notice before planning any visit around the Skyway or Sky Tower.
Do not let a closed elevated facility ruin the visit. The ground paths, pond and shaded forest remain worthwhile on their own. Arrive during daylight, check the latest safety notice and keep the route flexible—especially in autumn or after bad weather.
Official Information
Address: 461 Jangan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon
General admission: Free
Parking: Available and free
Regular holiday: None listed; open year-round
Tourist information: 042-270-7885
Foresttrip facility contact: 042-583-0094
Daejeon Park Management Office
Jangtaesan facility information
Official Foresttrip page
Accommodation, notices and reservations
VISITKOREA
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest visitor information
Facility access, accommodation conditions and temporary closures can change because of weather, inspections or maintenance. Check the official Foresttrip notice board before traveling.
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