Exploring the Healing Forest of Maengdong in Chungcheongbuk-do
Hello! I am Cha Bo-hyun, a social media supporter from Chungcheongbuk-do.
On a beautiful day, while pondering where to go, I received exciting news: the newly opened 'Healing Forest of Maengdong' near the picturesque Maengdong Reservoir.
Feeling the need to escape the mundane routine and seek relaxation for both body and mind, I headed straight to the Healing Forest of Maengdong.
Shall we take a walk together at this emerging healing destination in Eumseong?
As I entered the Healing Forest, I noticed a newly paved path. After parking in the spacious lot, I was immediately greeted by the lush greenery of the forest. The fresh air enveloped me, soothing my chaotic thoughts.
Opened on April 1, 2026, the Healing Forest of Maengdong is a new forest welfare space in Chungbuk that will operate as a pilot project until the end of this year. Eumseong County has invested 5 billion won from 2020 to 2025 to develop this 60-hectare area around the Maengdong Reservoir and the Hamgaksan Mountain.
Before embarking on a full-fledged walk, I recommend visiting the 'Forest Healing Cultural Center' located right in front of the parking lot. This is a key space for various healing programs. Please note that there are no restrooms along the walking trails, so it’s advisable to use the facilities at the center before you start.
Inside the Forest Healing Cultural Center, there are program spaces for meditation, stretching, and thermal healing experiences. The area is equipped with devices for basic health checks, as well as specialized equipment for healing experiences, such as sonic thermal devices and cypress thermal domes.
Forest healing is an activity that enhances immunity and promotes health by utilizing various natural elements such as scents and landscapes. It is important to understand that it is not a medical treatment but rather an activity that aids in maintaining and recovering health.
The healing programs are divided into 'Active Healing' for those seeking activity and 'Relaxation Healing' for those looking for comfort, featuring a variety of options like forest breathing meditation, stretching, and singing bowl sound therapy.
These programs operate twice daily, from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM, and reservations are essential. During the pilot operation period until the end of this year, these programs are free to experience, allowing visitors to participate without any financial burden.
If you arrive without a reservation, there's no need to be disappointed. The Healing Forest offers approximately 2 km of pleasant healing forest paths and about 300 m of barefoot trails that can be used without a reservation.
I chose to walk the route that offers a refreshing view of the reservoir: [Water Gathering Path ➔ Emptying Platform (Observation Deck) ➔ Birdsong Path].
As I walked down the gentle slope of the Water Gathering Path, the colorful wildflowers and landscaped trees basking in the early summer sun delighted my eyes throughout the journey. While the trails are generally easy to navigate, some sections have gravel paths and gentle inclines, so wearing comfortable sneakers is recommended.
After enjoying the cool breeze between the trees, I soon arrived at the Emptying Platform, where the calm scenery of the Maengdong Reservoir and the green mountains merged beautifully. It was a perfect spot to clear my mind of daily worries.
After fully enjoying the open view from the observation deck, I returned to the parking lot, accompanied by the clear sounds of mountain birds along the Birdsong Path. My walk, lasting about 40 minutes, was a wonderful time to slowly appreciate the sounds of the forest and water.
Eumseong County is currently developing additional 'National Ecological Trails' and 'Maengdong Reservoir Circular Paths' around the Healing Forest. Furthermore, according to media reports, there are plans for a large-scale tourism master plan that connects water gardens and wellness spaces, themed as the 'Hidden Secret Garden of Eumseong County.'
If the connections with surrounding resources like the National Ecological Trails and the National Fire Hospital are gradually realized, it is expected that Eumseong County will grow into a representative ecological and recreational hub, as well as a healing destination in the central inland region.
If you are looking for a healing spot to quietly soothe your body and mind, I encourage you to take a light step into the Healing Forest of Maengdong, where the forest and lake welcome you!
[Information about the Healing Forest of Maengdong]
Address: 1136-98 Wonjung-ro, Maengdong-myeon, Eumseong-gun, Chungbuk (near Maengdong Reservoir)
Operating hours: Forest healing programs operate twice a day, excluding Mondays (regular closure on Mondays)
Operating times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Usage fee: Free during the pilot operation period until 2026
Main facilities: Forest Healing Cultural Center, Healing Forest Path (approx. 2 km), Barefoot Forest Path (approx. 300 m), Observation Deck, etc.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224317442388
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