Exploring Cheongju's Midongsan Arboretum: A Free Nature Retreat
Many people tend to escape to the mountains or the sea during the summer, but you can enjoy a refreshing break in a lush green forest without going far.
This place is the Midongsan Arboretum located in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do.
With its dense forest paths, ponds, fountains, botanical gardens, and wood culture experience center, it is a perfect summer outing spot.
Upon entering, you'll first notice the spacious parking lot and visitor center, which is convenient with ample parking space.
There are designated parking spots for people with disabilities and charging facilities for electric vehicles, making it easy to visit.
At the visitor center, you can check the operating hours and event information, and the interior is spacious and comfortable.
During my visit, there was a plant sharing event and a wildflower exhibition, providing even more to see.
The walking paths at Midongsan Arboretum are well-maintained, making it pleasant to stroll slowly.
Many visitors enjoyed walking barefoot along the forest paths, appreciating the feel of the earth beneath their feet.
The sensation of walking on the warm soil and the shade from the trees made it comfortable even in summer.
The wooden deck and the metasequoia forest path provide plenty of shade, allowing for a cool walk, while the sounds of birds in the forest added to the tranquility.
As you walk, you can also encounter the hydrangea garden, which showcases different seasonal views, making it a great spot for photos.
The MIDONGSAN photo zones scattered throughout are perfect for capturing memories.
There are also diverse indoor attractions.
In the subtropical plant garden, you can see rare subtropical plants, while the butterfly ecology exhibition allows you to view flowers and plants that butterflies love up close.
After passing through the metasequoia forest path, you'll reach the Midongsan Wood Culture Experience Center, which features a warm wooden structure that blends well with the forest.
Inside, there are exhibits showcasing various types of wood and how they can be utilized.
You can see wooden household items, instruments, and woodworking crafts, making it a great space for children to learn naturally.
There are also displays of wooden dressers, shelves, storage boxes, and decorations to enjoy.
A little further along, you'll encounter the iconic pond and fountain of Midongsan Arboretum.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the fountain adds to the beauty of the scene.
The area around the pond is well-designed with wooden decks and observation decks, making it easy to take beautiful photos from any angle.
From the high observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of the pond and fountain, making it a nice spot to take a break.
During my walk, I even encountered a toad on the deck, a sight not easily seen in the city, reinforcing the idea that this arboretum is a thriving natural habitat.
There is also a rock garden where natural stones and various plants harmonize.
Though small, it blends well with the forest and is a peaceful place to rest.
Lastly, I visited the succulent plant garden.
It features a variety of succulents, carnivorous plants, and insect-catching plants, making it an engaging space for children.
Being indoors, it is also great for viewing regardless of the weather.
Additionally, I explored the Forest Science Museum.
The museum is an indoor exhibition space, allowing for comfortable viewing even on hot summer days or rainy days.
Inside, you can learn about the benefits forests provide, the state of Korea's forests, and historical tools related to forestry.
There is also an interactive space that children would love, featuring an AR experience zone to learn about the animals living in the forest.
This allows for an engaging learning experience rather than just a passive exhibition.
In the special exhibition hall, there was an embroidery exhibition titled 'Wildflowers Encountered by Fingertips,' showcasing works and items depicting wildflowers through embroidery.
Midongsan Arboretum is not just a place for walks; it offers a variety of experiences including exhibitions, botanical gardens, ecological experiences, and wood culture experiences.
It’s a great spot for family outings, walks with parents, or nature experiences with children.
If you're looking for a cool place to walk in the summer near Cheongju, I highly recommend it.
Visitor Information
▶ Location ◀
51, Sumokwon-gil, Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do
▶ Operating Hours ◀
● Summer (March to October) 09:00 - 18:00 / Last Entry 17:00
● Winter (November to February) 09:00 - 17:00 / Last Entry 16:00
▶ Closed Days ◀
Every Monday, January 1st, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok Day
(If Monday is a holiday, it will be closed the following day)
▶ Admission Fee ◀
Free
▶ Parking ◀
Free
▶ Main Facilities ◀
Arboretum, Forest Science Museum, Wood Culture Experience Center, Succulent Plant Garden, Subtropical Plant Garden, Gene Preservation Center, Pond, Fountain Square, Forest Observation Deck, Rock Garden, Metasequoia Path, Photo Zones, Forest Busking Stage
▶ Forest Interpretation Program ◀
10 AM, 2 PM (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours)
▶ Visitor Guidelines ◀
No pets allowed, no cooking or camping, no smoking or drinking, no bicycles, scooters, or electric boards, no plant picking, take your trash with you, use only designated paths.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224352997413
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