A November Escape: Discovering the Serene Beauty of Inje Birch Forest
Hello! :)
I'm Ainte, a travel influencer.
Feeling the fleeting nature of autumn, I sought a place to embrace the November atmosphere. I'd like to introduce you to the Inje Birch Forest in Gangwon-do.
Though the fall foliage has already fallen, the white birch trees fill the void.
In the Inje Birch Forest, a must-visit destination, the saying "Birch Forest before the first snow" truly resonated with me. Seeing it in person, I understood why it's so often talked about.
Inje Birch Forest: Basic Information & Tips
Location: 760, Birch Forest Road, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
Operating Hours: 09:00 - 18:00
Closed: Every Monday and Tuesday
Admission: Free
Parking Fee: ₩5,000 (₩5,000 Inje local gift certificate refunded after payment)
The parking lot right in front of the entrance is spacious, but it fills up quickly on weekends. There's an additional parking lot a little further down.
I had a meal at a restaurant right in front and used their parking space for convenience.
Please note that it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and you must descend by 6 PM.
It takes about 50 minutes one way to reach the observatory course.
A 50-Minute Forest Walk: Starting the Course
The trails of the Inje Birch Forest are relatively gentle, giving the feeling that 'anyone can walk this trail'.
However, the entire course takes about 50 minutes to ascend one way, so it's a good idea to bring water and a handkerchief.
The Inje Birch Forest is an artificial forest created since 1974, with approximately 690,000 birch trees planted over an area of about 139 hectares.
Entering the forest, the endless trees are overwhelming in scale just by walking through them.
Arriving at the Observatory: The Forest's Charm Explodes
As you get closer to the observatory, the birch trees form a colony, filling your view.
It's rare to find a place where you can see birch trees on this scale in Korea, so I understood why it's always on people's bucket lists.
I heard that the trees were severely damaged by heavy snow a few years ago, and seeing the trees growing bent in places, I could feel the time and traces of nature.
Looking up at the sky from the observation deck, hundreds of thousands of white, straight trees surround you like a folding screen, and the light seeping through is very dreamy. It's a picturesque scene even without taking pictures.
Whispering Forest Path: The Tranquil Charm of Late Autumn
Around the observatory of the Inje Birch Forest, there is a section called the 'Whispering Forest'.
You'll naturally understand why it's named that as you walk.
When the wind passes, the birch leaves and branches make a very small sound, which is as soft as a whisper.
There was also a forest classroom for children in the forest, and it was very popular with families because there was a separate educational program.
In the section coming down along the valley, the sound of flowing water is heard gently, reminding you of the 'quiet time of nature' that you had forgotten in the city.
It took about 3 hours to complete the entire course, and it was easy to walk thanks to the well-maintained deck road.
Birch Forest Before Winter
The Birch Forest in November is the perfect expression of "the boundary between autumn and winter."
The fallen leaves are swept away by the wind, and the cold, shining atmosphere of the white birch pillars quietly tells you that one season has ended.
In particular, I heard that after it snows, it's another highlight. When snow sits on the white trees, a completely different world unfolds like a scene from a movie.
The Inje Birch Forest has become a place I definitely want to visit again someday.
Overall Review: Why It's Perfect as a November Gangwon-do Travel Destination
Autumn was unusually short this year, but thanks to that, the charm of the Birch Forest came to me more clearly.
Even in late autumn when the autumn leaves are all gone, the Birch Forest satisfies travelers with its unique colors and atmosphere.
It's a place where you can find quiet and deep scenery, so I highly recommend it to those who need healing.
On the way back, I kept thinking, "Why did I only come to this place now?"
If you are planning a trip to Gangwon-do in November, be sure to add the Inje Birch Forest to your list.
Whispering Birch Forest
Address: 760, Birch Forest Road, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea (Birch Forest Information Center)
Whispering Birch Forest Parking Lot 1
Address: 770, Birch Forest Road, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
Whispering Birch Forest Parking Lot 2
Address: 760, Birch Forest Road, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea (Birch Forest Information Center)
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gogw1234/224082201011
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