Exploring the Beautiful Camellia Forest in Seocheon, Chungnam
Seocheon, Chungnam Travel Course: A stroll through the natural monument painted in red, the Camellia Forest in Marangri.
▲ The stairway leading to Dongbaekjeong
▲ The 500-year-old camellia tree designated as a natural monument
"I thought I was wrong. My mom's photo album is filled with flowers." I used to wonder why adults love nature so much, but now my photo album is filled with flowers too. Ah, what can I do? It's so beautiful. I discovered that there are camellias blooming in spring as well!
"Camellias bloom now?" Usually, when we think of camellias, we picture winter, especially in Jeju. But Seocheon, just a two-hour drive from Seoul, is perfectly timed for a visit right now. Plus, it's the season for baby octopus, so you can enjoy a hearty meal while also admiring the beautiful blooms—it's a two-in-one attraction!
▲ Even if it's a bit late, the camellias are even more special.
▲ Camellia bench photo zone
The Camellia Forest in Marangri is easily accessible, with a well-equipped parking lot just a four-minute drive from the Marang Port, where the baby octopus festival is currently taking place. The entrance fee is 1,000 won for adults. "Even if it's a bit late, it's special—ah, you know it too! That's what makes it special." Meeting camellias during this transition from winter to spring!
▲ Camellias will bloom even more in early April!
▲ Camellia trees with branches as rich as their history
The reason the Marangri Camellia Forest is special is that it is a protected area designated as Natural Monument No. 169. There are about 80 camellia trees over 500 years old forming a colony along the seaside hills. They grow low and spread out due to the strong sea winds.
Because these trees have survived here for so long, strict management is in place! Picking fallen camellia flowers is prohibited, so let’s make sure to enjoy them with our eyes only.
▲ Camellia forest tunnel
▲ The path to you, how exciting!
Although the Marangri Camellia Forest is built on seaside hills and is not fully accessible, the slope is gentle enough for anyone to walk up slowly without difficulty. Once you reach the top, you’ll find Dongbaekjeong, a viewpoint where the sea unfolds more beautifully than expected.
▲ Dongbaekjeong located at the end of the stairs
▲ The vast sea viewed from Dongbaekjeong
For your information, the Seocheon Camellia and Baby Octopus Festival, now in its 24th year, runs from March 21 to April 5. When I visited at the end of March, the camellias were not yet fully bloomed. However, by early April, the cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom as well.
Marangri Camellia Forest
○ Address: 275-48 Marangri, Seomyeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
○ Operating Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Closed every Monday)
○ Entrance Fee: 1,000 won for adults, 700 won for teenagers, 500 won for children
* Date of photography: March 25, 2026
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224234731747
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