South Korea Travel Tips From a Local
Seohuri Forest is a privately managed woodland garden in the mountains of Yangpyeong. Its birch grove, metasequoia path, maple trees and natural walking trails offer a quieter alternative to the busier attractions around Dumulmeori.
The forest is also known as a BTS filming location: photographs for the group's 2019 Season's Greetings were taken here. Fans can look for familiar viewpoints along the trail, while other visitors can simply enjoy a compact forest walk within day-trip distance of Seoul.
Seohuri Forest is worth visiting for a quiet birch walk, autumn foliage or a BTS-related stop. Published visitor information lists 09:00–18:00 hours and a regular Wednesday closure, except on public holidays. The forest closes seasonally in winter, so confirm that it is open before traveling. Allow about 1–2 hours inside.
π Where Is Seohuri Forest?
Seohuri Forest is in Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do. It lies deeper in the countryside than Semiwon and Dumulmeori, which explains both its calm atmosphere and its limited public transportation.
200 Geobukbawi 1-gil, Seojong-myeon,
Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Korean address:
κ²½κΈ°λ μνκ΅° μμ’ λ©΄ κ±°λΆλ°μ1κΈΈ 200
π️ Seohuri Forest Hours and Admission
Hours: 09:00–18:00
Last admission: 17:00
Regular closure: Wednesday, except public holidays
Winter: Seasonal closure applies; check the annual notice
Adult: ₩8,000
Student, senior, disabled visitor or veteran: ₩7,000
Preschool child or eligible local resident: ₩5,000
Discount categories and winter closure dates can change. Bring identification when requesting a reduced ticket and confirm the current schedule through Seohuri Forest before making the trip.
The forest normally closes for part of winter, but the exact closing and reopening dates are announced separately. Do not travel in December, January or February without checking the latest notice or calling first.
π BTS Season's Greetings Photo Location
BTS photographed material for their 2019 Season's Greetings at Seohuri Forest. Displays along the route help visitors recognize some of the original compositions, making the site easier to explore without searching for unofficial coordinates.
Use the marked viewpoints and remain on the trail. Avoid blocking the path for long photo sessions or entering planted areas to recreate an exact angle.
The BTS connection adds interest, but it does not overwhelm the forest. Visitors who are not K-pop fans can follow the same route without feeling as though they have entered a themed attraction.
π³ Birch Forest
The birch grove is Seohuri Forest's most recognizable landscape. White trunks stand close together on the slope, creating strong vertical lines and a brighter atmosphere than the surrounding mixed woodland.
Late spring and early summer bring the strongest contrast between the pale bark and fresh green leaves. For photographs, a vertical frame suits the height of the trees, while a person farther along the path provides a useful sense of scale.
π² Metasequoia Path
The scenery shifts noticeably in the metasequoia section. Tall, straight trunks form a darker corridor, and filtered sunlight gives the path a different mood from the birch grove. Moving between distinct tree communities is what makes the short walk feel varied.
Pause before photographing and watch how the light changes. Midday sun can create harsh patches, while morning or late-afternoon light produces softer layers between the trunks.
π Maple and Ginkgo Trees
Autumn changes the forest from green to bands of red, orange and yellow. Maples supply the deeper colors, while ginkgo leaves brighten the darker woodland. Foliage often becomes attractive from late October into early November, but weather can move the peak by several days.
Check recent photographs or contact the forest before making a foliage-focused trip. A weekday morning gives you the best chance of enjoying the paths without large groups.
πΆ Walking Courses and Trail Difficulty
Seohuri Forest is designed for casual woodland walking rather than strenuous hiking. A short route takes roughly 30 minutes, while the longer course takes about an hour before photography and rest stops.
Short course: About 30 minutes for visitors with limited time
Long course: About 60 minutes for the main tree sections and BTS viewpoints
Relaxed visit: 1.5–2 hours with photographs and a cafΓ© break
The paths retain natural soil, slopes, roots and uneven sections. They may become muddy or slippery after rain, so sneakers or walking shoes are a better choice than sandals or formal footwear.
Long pants are useful during the warmer months because insects and vegetation are part of the natural environment. Families with small children should consider the uneven terrain before bringing a stroller.
π Driving and Parking
Driving is the simplest way to reach Seohuri Forest, and parking is available near the entrance. The final approach passes through a rural area where sections of road can be narrow. Drive slowly and be prepared to yield when vehicles approach from the opposite direction.
Enter μνλ¦¬μ² in Naver Map or KakaoMap rather than depending only on an English road-name search. Navigation conditions and parking instructions may change during busy periods.
π Getting There Without a Car
Public transportation is possible but inconvenient because the forest is far from the main rail corridor. Yangsu Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line is a practical rail base, but the remaining distance requires a rural bus or taxi.
Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Yangsu Station
Check the current rural bus connection in Naver Map or KakaoMap, or take a taxi for the final section
Arrange your return before entering the forest because taxis may not wait nearby
Rural bus numbers and timetables can change and services may be infrequent. A taxi is usually the least confusing option for international visitors, especially when two or more people can share the fare.
☕ CafΓ©, Food and Visitor Rules
A small cafΓ© near the entrance provides a place to rest before or after the walk. The surrounding area has fewer restaurants and convenience stores than central Yangpyeong, so eat beforehand or plan your next meal before arriving.
Published visitor guidance restricts food other than water inside the forest and does not allow pets. Do not pick plants, leave the marked trail or disturb wildlife. For current rules concerning assistance dogs or other accessibility needs, contact the forest directly before visiting.
πΈ Best Season to Visit
- Spring: fresh leaves and comfortable walking conditions, especially in May
- Summer: dense green shade, together with higher humidity and more insects
- Autumn: the strongest color from maple and ginkgo trees
- Winter: seasonal closure normally applies, so do not assume entry is possible
Late spring works well for bright birch photographs, while autumn offers the widest range of color. If quiet is more important than peak foliage, choose a weekday outside holiday periods.
π What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Long pants and insect repellent in summer
- Water and a portable phone battery
- A light jacket in spring and autumn
- Naver Map or KakaoMap for rural navigation
- Identification when requesting reduced admission
❓ Three Common Questions
Was BTS photographed at Seohuri Forest?
Yes. The forest was used for photographs connected with BTS's 2019 Season's Greetings. Displays on the walking route help visitors identify related locations.
How long does the Seohuri Forest walk take?
The short course takes about 30 minutes and the longer route about an hour. Allow 1.5–2 hours if you want to stop for photographs and rest at the cafΓ©.
Can I visit Seohuri Forest from Seoul without a car?
Yes, but the final connection is difficult. Take the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Yangsu Station, then check a live rural bus schedule or use a taxi. Plan the return trip in advance.
πΏ Final Advice
Visit Seohuri Forest for its quiet paths rather than expecting a highly developed tourist complex. The BTS locations are a welcome extra, but the changing character of the birch, metasequoia and mixed woodland sections is what makes the walk memorable. Confirm seasonal opening, wear suitable shoes and leave enough time for the rural journey back.
Seohuri Forest official website and notices
Yangpyeong tourism information for Seohuri Forest
Telephone: +82-31-774-2387
Hours, admission categories and winter closure dates can change. Check the latest notice or call before visiting.
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