Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Yeonginsan Natural Forest


Located about 30 minutes from Pyeongtaek is a gorgeous forest and mountain hiking area that isn't overrun by people every moment of the year (but I'm sure it happens). The name is Yeonginsan Natural Forest and it's one of the best places South of Seoul to go and get away from it all because it's NOT on a subway stop.

This gorgeous park can be a hard day of hiking (if you park at the lower free parking lot) or an easy day out with the kids on smooth paths perfect for strollers (if you park at the top in the paid parking area & entrance fee. Worth it. Maybe 3,000 per person). If you are a family with mixed levels of activity, it's the answer you have been looking for. You can drop your avid hikers off at the bottom of the mountain, then drive to the top to lounge about in the forest parks and rec areas while they huff it up to meet you.

In addition to hiking, there is a swimming pool (open only during "swim" season starting in July), a nice zipline, obstacle course, play area, rental cabins, museum, cactus arboretum, water features, basketball court, badminton court, etc. You get the picture, plenty of stuff to do and a peaceful place to do it in.

This is another place we have driven past for 5 years and never stopped until now, we regret it. This is the nicest place for hiking near Pyeongtaek by far. Incredibly well maintained and refreshing, great views at the top.