Suwon Gwanggyosan Solhyanggi Forest Selected as One of Korea's Top 100 Premium Forests

Suwon Gwanggyosan Solhyanggi Forest

The Solhyanggi Forest on Gwanggyosan Mountain in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, has been selected as one of the ‘Top 100 Premium Forests in Korea’ by the Korea Forest Service.

Among the premium forests selected this time, Gwanggyosan Solhyanggi Forest received high marks in the forest recreation category. Gwanggyosan (area 847ha, elevation 582m) is the main mountain of Suwon City and is easily accessible from other regions. There are many hiking trails suitable for walking, mineral springs, rest areas, and recreational facilities, allowing people of all ages to easily enjoy the forest.

The mountain ridge is gentle and densely forested, and its winter snow scenery is outstanding, known as ‘Gwanggyojeokseol (光敎積雪),’ and it is considered one of the eight scenic views of Suwon.

It is the source of Suwoncheon Stream and plays a major role in Suwon’s forest green belt. The mountain is also culturally and historically significant, being the site related to King Taejo Wang Geon of the Goryeo Dynasty, General Kim Jun-ryong, a militia leader during the 1637 Byeongjahoran invasion, Munam Choi Chi-won from the Silla period, Lee Go from the Goryeo period, and the Korean War battle sites.

An official from Suwon City stated, "At Gwanggyosan, forest experience programs such as the Forest Experience Center for young children, forest healing programs, and the Suwon Pal Saekgil Happy Experience Walking Tour are regularly operated," adding, "The selection as one of the Top 100 Premium Forests is even more meaningful as it was based on votes from the public nationwide."

Earlier, the Korea Forest Service announced the ‘Top 100 Premium Forests in Korea’ this year, marking the 50th anniversary since 1973 when tree planting began on devastated mountains and fields.

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