Gochang 'Munsusan Cypress Forest' Selected as This Month's National Forest Premium Forest

Sunlight is filtering through the cypress forest of Munsusan Mountain in Gochang, adding to the charm. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Munsu Mountain cypress forest in Gochang has been selected as the national forest premium forest for this month (October).

According to the Korea Forest Service on the 20th, Munsu Mountain is a branch of the Noryeong Mountain Range, forming the boundary between Gosu-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, and Seosam-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Centered around the mountain peak, the mountain is called Munsu Mountain in Gochang-gun and sometimes called Chukryeong Mountain in Jangseong-gun.

Munsu Mountain is said to be named after the millennium-old temple Munsusa (文殊寺) located on the northern foothills.

Also, Chukryeong Mountain is known for having the largest cypress tree forest in Korea, making it famous as a place for forest bathing and forest healing.

Wide shot of the cypress forest on Munsusan Mountain, Gochang. Provided by the Korea Forest Service.

The Korea Forest Service is currently promoting a project to recreate the Munsu Mountain and Chukryeong Mountain area as a cypress forest space.

Started in 2018, this project focuses on developing 110 hectares around Munsu Mountain and 388 hectares around Chukryeong Mountain into forest healing and forest experience spaces. The project is scheduled to be completed next year.

Through this project, two healing centers utilizing the cypress forest, forest healing facilities, and a sky walkway will be established around Munsu Mountain, while Chukryeong Mountain will have a sky forest trail, observatory, and forest rest areas where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the cypress forest.

In addition to cypress trees, Munsu Mountain has dense forests of maple trees designated as Natural Monument No. 463, as well as gorosoe trees, bijasu trees, joltam oak, and seonamu trees, creating a spectacular autumn foliage scene.

Especially around the forest path leading to Munsusa Temple, about 500 maple trees estimated to be 200 to 400 years old gather closely, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere, the Korea Forest Service introduced.

Joo Yong-won, Director of National Forest Management at the Korea Forest Service, said, “According to this year’s autumn foliage forecast map by the Korea Forest Service, Naejangsan is expected to reach peak foliage between the 17th and 29th of this month,” and added, “In the late autumn season, we recommend taking a leisurely socially distanced rest in the quiet forest while enjoying the autumn leaves.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.